Fated to Marry My Alpha

Carlsen’s shock was plain, his face turning a shade paler as he processed the news about my mother. “She… she passed?” he stammered, almost dazed.

I sighed, exhaustion settling over me. My hand went to my temples and massaged them. “Yes, Carlsen, she’s gone. She died on the day we were supposed to get married.” The words hurt even now, hitting harder than I’d expected. I felt the pain my heart went deep, yet I held my head high, I didn't want to show him the depth of my pain.

He took a hesitant step forward, reaching out as if he meant to comfort me. “Katiya… I didn’t know. If I’d known, I would’ve—”

But before he could get any closer, the Alpha stepped in between us, blocking his path with a cold, serious stare. “I believe you’ve lost any right to console her, Carlsen. Your involvement ended the moment you chose that woman.”

Carlsen’s forehead furrowed, shifting from confusion to fury. His gaze darted between the Alpha and me. His lips twisted with a bitterness I’d never seen before. “You think you can just walk in here and—”

But I interrupted him, my tone sharper than it had ever been with him. “Carlsen, you don’t get to act hurt or surprised. Would anyone tell you that my mother died when you were too busy with Liana.” I crossed my arms, standing bravely showing that I’m not afraid of him. “Besides, you have no right to be angry with anyone here. You’re with Liana now. So why are you so concerned with who’s interested in me?”

The look on his face was a strange mix of anger and wounded pride. His hand balled into a fist, and I could almost see the words struggling to form in his mind. He seemed ready to explode but had no direction for his frustration.

A firm but gentle hand settled on mine, and I looked up to see the Alpha. His expression was calm, his gray eyes clear as they met mine, giving me strength. In that moment, it felt like a silent promise that he wouldn’t let anything happen to me, not while he was around. Wordlessly, I took his hand..

“Let’s go,” I said and pulled him out the room.

Behind us, I heard Carlsen’s raised voice, though his words grew faint as we walked further away. My heart was pounding. This was it. I was leaving Carlsen, and it felt so real.

As we walked in silence, the cool evening air settled around us. I led the Alpha out past the entrance of the Main pack house, we stopped near a quiet stretch of woods where the moonlight pierced through the trees, illuminating our path. I turned to him, suddenly self-conscious. “I’m sorry about all that,” I said, my voice soft. “Carlsen… he’s not usually so—”

“There’s no need to apologize, Katiya.” He looked at me with a gentleness that surprised me. “It’s not your responsibility to answer for his actions.”

His voice was smooth and steady.. I felt the tension in my shoulders ease. As the initial adrenaline rush of the moment faded, curiosity replaced it. I realized I didn’t even know his name. “Thank you, but… I don’t believe I know who you are.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I’m Lyndon Hayton,” he replied, giving me a slight nod. “Alpha of the Moon Howler pack.”

The name struck something deep within me, a memory I hadn’t thought about in years. “Wait… Lyndon Hayton?” I echoed, a little disbelieving. “As in… the same Lyndon I used to play with when I was a kid?”

I noticed the sparkle in his eyes after I told him that I remember him and he chuckled, a sound so warm it eased the last remnants of tension within me. “You remember? I didn’t think you’d recognize me. It’s been a long time.”

I laughed softly, surprised by the flood of memories that rushed back. “I heard from Alpha Cain that there is a kid visiting the pack. And you were that kid back then, who’s the only person who played with me when Carlsen didn't want to play with me..”

His expression softened as he looked at me. “Though I’m surprised you remembered that time. You’ve grown up so much since then.” He paused, his gaze unwavering. “And judging by what I saw tonight, you’re far stronger than you realize.”

His words warmed me in a way I hadn’t expected. For so long, I’d been wrapped up in Carlsen’s world, striving to fit into his life, to meet his standards. But here was someone who saw me differently, who respected me.

“I didn’t expect you to defend me so fiercely,” I admitted. “Especially after all these years.”

Lyndon shrugged, though his gaze remained steady. “Why would I not defend you? Well, at first I don’t want to intrude between the two of you since it’s your relationship but….” He glanced back toward the Pack house. “You deserved better than how Carlsen treated you.”

We stood in silence for a moment, just taking in the calmness around us. I felt a deep sense of relief, though I’d finally broken free of the chains that had bound me to Carlsen and the weight of his expectations.

Finally, I turned to Lyndon, feeling a cautious but undeniable sense of hope. “What happens now?” I asked, my voice a little uncertain.

Lyndon’s expression softened, and he reached out, taking my hand once more. “What I said earlier, I’m serious about it. I’m going to steal you away.”

I looked at him in disbelief. “Why? So that you could help me anger Carlsen?” I asked with a teasing voice with a small smile.

Lyndon snorted and shrugged his shoulders. “Well… You could say that. But there is also a reason why I need to steal you away.”

My eyes narrowed. “And what is it?”

Lyndon smiled and held both of my hands. “I need a wife to stand with me,” he answered and added, “Will you please marry me, Katiya?”