Chapter 2

TESSA

I dragged myself into a sitting position, my body protesting with every creak of my joints. Three days I'd been in this damp, suffocating dungeon. No food or water has been given since Alpha Frederick threw me here.

Now every movement felt like torture, my muscles screaming in agony after two sleepless nights on the unforgiving floor.

A foot paused in front of the cell, and for a moment, I thought it was just another guard making their rounds. But then I saw the slender ankles and the delicate shoes.

My gaze drifted upward and Bridget’s sky blue irises stared back at me,

"B-Bridget," I grab onto the cell as I push myself up to my feet. 

I felt both surprised and happy.

I never thought she would visit; I thought I’d never see her again after the guards put me in this dungeon. But here she is now coming to see me, I suppose there's still hope for me. My heart raced because I knew that she had to be here with news from Alpha Frederick.

"I'm here to convey a message to you," Bridget spoke, her tone cold and curt.

I nodded. "I-is it f-from A-Alpha Frederick?"

I let myself hope she would say Alpha Frederick commanded my release. But then, Bridget's next words made my heart drop.

"No. It's from Dad." She paused to take in my expression.

I took a deep breath. It seems like the news of my pregnancy has reached my family's ears. And I knew there was only one way Mom and Dad would feel upon hearing this news—they despised me even more.

"Dad severed his relationship with you and he didn’t want to see you in our house again. That means you’re no longer considered his daughter and from this day you're no longer our family, Tessa." Bridget went on. 

In a heartbeat, it felt like all the air had been taken from my lungs. My legs felt weak and shaky and my already broken world felt even more shattered when I heard what my sister said.

"B-but h-how could h-he do t-that?" A tear slipped from my eyes.

I know that out of his three children, I'm the one my Dad feels the least proud of. I know my parents have always shown less affection towards me compared to what they showed to Bridget and Atlas. I just never imagined Dad would have the heart to do this to me.

"Dad was furious and disappointed in you. You not only got yourself pregnant but also dared to say that the baby belonged to Alpha Frederick. You're bringing shame to Dad’s name and our family's reputation!” Bridget lost her temper.

My vision became more and more hazy with tears. I was simply trying to do what I believed was best; I didn't want my child to grow up without a father. But everyone believed I was just making it up.

"You think Alpha is going to believe your scheme? After the kindness he shows to useless things like you and you trap him-"

"No!" I cut Bridget off quickly "I-i w-wasnt l-lying at a-all!"

"Oh, do you think we didn't notice how obsessed you've been with him since you were a kid?" Bridget crossed her arms over her chest. "We just didn't expect you to go that far and ruin his relationship with my friend Odette.”

I never have any intention to ruin his relationship with the woman he loves, even if it means slowly killing myself in the process.

Bridget glanced at my tear-stained face, her expression one of disdain. With an indiferent tone, she said, "Dry those tears because Alpha Frederick wants to see you in his room right now."

*****

At least they allowed me to take a shower and change into clean clothes before I was taken to Alpha Frederick's study.

Two guards stood on each of my sides watching closely to ensure I wouldn't try to escape, making it clear of my current status. I’m nothing but a prisoner.

I lifted my eyes that had been fixed on the ground when we entered his study. Alpha Frederick rose from his chair and signaled for the guards to leave. In the room with him were Odette, Atlas, Bridget, and someone I recall was Gamma, his subordinate, though I can't remember his name.

"Do you know why I summon you here?" Alpha Frederick asked as we stood facing each other.

I shook my head. "N-no A-alpha."

He reached out his hand, and Odette approached, handing him a piece of paper. I noticed Odette's wicked grin right before she turned and walked away. Then Alpha Frederick pushed the paper that Odette handed him in my direction.

"Read this thoroughly then sign it."

I took the paper and looked over the contents before taking my time to read each sentence carefully. My heart skipped a beat when I saw my name and the contracts laid out on the paper. With my Dad's signature already on it.

"A-a c-contract between t-two f-families?" I stared at him, frowning.

"This is the final decision made by your father and me. You're going to marry Collins Smith, my gamma." Alpha Frederick responded, "Your father didn't want the baby being born fatherless as it would only bring more shame to his family reputation. So he arranged your marriage with Collis and it’s happening tomorrow."

My mouth fell open as I heard his explanation.

Marriage? Tomorrow? Without my consent?

"Once this marriage happens, you'll be Collins' wife and your child will have a father. So sign it right now, Tessa.”  Alpha Frederick's voice was laced with impatience.

Odette strolled over and passed me a pen.  But I felt completely frozen, my thoughts spiraling over the decision they made on my behalf, without any consent from me.

Dad promised to send me to the academy this year, he said I could continue my education that was interrupted due to my shortcomings. If he's planning to marry me off, then what about my dreams to become a pack's doctor?

"I-i can't d-do this. I-i didn't w-want to b-be m-married off-"

I couldn't finish my sentence because, in an instant, Alpha Frederick's hand clasped my cheek, causing my lips to pucker.

"You're not going to sign it? So you dare to go against us after lying to all of us?" He growled.

I just shook my head. As his grip relaxed slightly, I seized the opportunity to say something. "I-I’m not l-lying. T-this b-baby is y-yours."

It wasn't the best idea to say that. Just a moment later, Alpha Frederick pushed my body away. I stumbled backward and then landed on the hard floor. Odette let out a gasp of shock.

Despite the ache I felt in my heart and body, I mustered the strength to rise slowly to my feet. I locked eyes with him, feeling the heat of his anger and frustration. His harsh treatment hurt our bond, and I could feel the intense pain deep within me.

Without another word, I stormed out of the room.