Ch 2

Alessia’s POV

“Alessia, Alpha Alex was looking for you” one of the pack members informed me the moment I stepped inside.

Giving him a nod, I walked towards the office “I will meet you later babe” Emma left as I had to have this talk with dad privately.

Knocking the office door, I wait for him to bid me entry.

“Come in” I stepped inside and found him sitting on the sofa present in the office. Mom was sitting right beside him.

“We heard that you rejected Oliver” dad started.

When it comes to mates and taking over the position of the Alpha, I have always disappointed my dad. There is nothing I could do about it. After all destiny is not in my hands.

“Well, he asked for it” I stated. I did not bother in giving any explanation.

“I see” dad did not look too pleased. Even though he does not show his love openly, I know he cares for me.

“What are you going to do next?” mom inquired as she sipped her morning tea.

“I will find another mate who is way more smart and charming than Oliver ever could be” I smirked.

Dad narrowed his eyes in my direction “Another mate?” his voice was low.

“Do you think anyone will have you given your past history and fate?” he was straight forward and did not see to it if his words hurt me.

“Alex” mom chided him in a hard tone.

“Honey, she won’t be settled this way. I have no other choice but to do this” dad said to mom.

I frowned in confusion “I would be glad if you inform me what is it that you are planning as I am the subject of the conversation”

“I had seen this coming” dad stated. I was confused. What is he talking about?

“Your dad had predicted that Oliver is only using you. Even though he was your mate, he was selfish. He would never sacrifice himself for you” mom filled in for me.

“Then why did you let me see him?” I asked.

“Because we wanted to see if perhaps, we could be wrong. But unfortunately, we were right all along” mom informed me.

“Good riddance” Dad muttered.

“I am sure you have rejected him” he looked my way.

“What do you think?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

He looked pleased “Good. Now that Oliver is out of question, it is time for you to take over ad merge pack with one of the strongest”

“I don’t know where you are going this with” I murmured with an unsure look.

“As you have said that you will find a better looking and smarter mate than Oliver, we have covered it for you” mom smiled at me.

“I don’t understand. Please be specific”

I had a feeling that I wont like where this conversation is going. I had to hear it as they are my parents and I cannot disrespect them.

“Let’s listen to it then” I let out a resigned sigh.

“I have arranged Alpha Cedric’s son to be your chosen mate. We are the first strongest pack and they are the second strongest pack. Alpha Cedric will be arriving with their son Ezekiel to our pack for evening dinner” dad dropped a bomb on me out of nowhere.

“Dad” I stood up.

“You cannot do that to me” I lost my calm.

“Don’t tell me you are still stuck in the past where Ezekiel use to bully you” mom commented.

I gritted my teeth “Anyone else but him dad” I looked at my parents.

“We are no match. Ezekiel… no way” I shook my head vehemently.

“Don’t be a cry baby. You are an Alpha’s daughter. You have to take everything in stride” dad chided me softly.

“That’s what I have been doing all this time, dad” my voice clouded with raw emotions.

“Three mates died mysteriously. Fourth one did not want the same fate and treated me like a trash. What do you expect me to do?”

Mom looked closed to tears as I choked back a sob “This time I had thought that perhaps I will find someone who will genuinely stay with me despite my cursed fate”

Shaking my head, I chuckled. A dark and hollow chuckle “I was wrong. Looks like I am bound to be alone and lonely”

“Not until I am here. You will have a chosen mate” dad stated.

“But dad, why Ezekiel” I was not happy with it.

“Why not Ezekiel?” dad countered back at me.

“Dad, you know why” I muttered.

“You both are grown ups now. I am sure he has changed sweetie” mom said to me.

I scoffed “Mom, we know Ezekiel hates my guts. And I don’t like him. He is my arch enemy”

“You guys have not met since past four years. Also, there is no enmity between you guys. It is all on your side. Ezekiel never treated you like his enemy” mom pointed out.

“Seriously mom” I raised my eyebrows at her.

“Maybe, he bullied you little bit” she clarified.

“Yeah right” I muttered.

“That’s all in the past now Alessia. I want you to be on your best behaviour when you meet him” dad warned me.

“Do they know about my fate?” I had to be sure.

“They are aware about it” dad informed me.

“And Alpha Cedric agreed to let his son be my chosen mate?” I was perplexed.

“Why do you look so baffled by the news?” Mom raised her eyebrows at me.

“Cedric is dear friend of your dad’s and mine. He knows that we would not put his son’s life in danger”

“But mom did you tell him everything?” I asked hoping to find a way out of this situation.

“They know enough. Cedric trusts our decision. No harm will come to Ezekiel” dad spoke with conviction.

“But dad…” I started.

“Stop trying to find a way out” he snapped at me.

“This is our final decision. You are meeting him today. Remember, to be on your best behaviour” with that said, he walked out of the room leaving me with mom.

Frustrated, I got up started pacing the length of the office.

“Sweetie…” mom called out to me.

Turning to her, I went back and sat beside her “Mom, I want to live up to my own choices. I don’t like being forced upon like this”

“Honey, if you want to show Oliver his place, then Ezekiel is the right choice” mom smirked at me as I realized she was right.

“Omg” I laughed out loud.

“It had totally skipped my mind that Oliver is Ezekiel’s beta and that they are best friends” I muttered with an excited grin.

“Your dad and I had seen this coming six months back when we found out he was your rebound mate. We were searching for someone hundred times better than Oliver. Why better than Ezekiel?” mom grinned at me.

I hugged her “Thank you mom for thinking way ahead” I was relieved.

Moving back, mom palmed my cheek “Today, you have to put your best behaviour. We want what is best for you”

“I know mom. Don’t worry. Alpha Cedric likes me and so does Luna Ashley. I will be on my best behaviour” I assured her.

“I expected as much” mom looked relieved as well.

“Its time to show Oliver his true place” mom looked like a woman on a mission.

“He should not have messed with my daughter” she added as she stared at me lovingly.

“Don’t worry mom. I already showed him his place” I smirked at her.

“That’s my girl” she looked pleased by my response.

“Mom, if you don’t mind me asking” I started.

“Ask away sweetie. You don’t need permission”

“From the start itself, you and dad have been against Oliver. May I know the reason?”

She lets out a sigh “When we found out about Oliver being your mate, we had warned him about your situation and told him not to get involved with you if he is in it to just have a lay with you. We never really trusted him. He is a playboy”

I unclenched mom’s fingers “I am at fault that I got swayed by his tricks. But that wont be the case with Ezekiel”

“You are right. Ezekiel will be your chosen mate. We are sure that you will be in good hands”

“I don’t need a man to look after me mom. I am your strong daughter”

“That you are” mom smiled at me.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I need to be ready for the arrival of our special guest”

“Make sure to be ready by six” she said to me.

“Sure mom” with that said, I left the office. The whole day went by me carrying on my regular duties in the pack. Soon the hours passed by. I was ready for the arrival of our guest thunderstrike coven pack.

I took one look at myself in the mirror. Ezekiel won’t know what hit him when he encounters me. This time I will show him that I am not the same introvert sixteen-year-old.

Reaching downstairs, I found out that the guest have arrived. I stepped in beside mom and dad.

“Oh my god, sweetie, is that you?” Luna Ashley looked happy as she walked towards me.

“Luna Ashley, how have you been?” I shook her hand.

“I am good” she said.

After that I turned to Alpha Cedric “Its good to meet you Alpha Cedric” I greeted him as well.

“How have you been Alessia?” he has always been stoic just like my dad. There was no difference between him and Ezekiel.

“I am good Alpha Cedric”

My eyes moved around trying to find Ezekiel. Alpha Cedric caught my eyes.

“Ezekiel will be here in a few minutes. We will be in the living room. Why don’t you get him” he suggested making me speechless.

I mean I know this meeting has been arranged for us, but no need to put me under the radar. Taking it in stride, I gave Alpha Cedric a nod “Sure”

After that, they walked inside along with my parents. I was lost in my thoughts for a second there when suddenly I stumbled a little as my gown stuck under my heels.

I was about to fall down but was surprised when it did not happen.

“You should not wear a gown if you don’t know how to carry it” was the insulting tone of Ezekiel.

My eyes moved towards him “I see you are still the same”

He did not bother replying “Leave me” I muttered as I was not pleased by his remark on me and the way I carry myself.

Suddenly he did something which made me snap at him angrily. That’s when I realised, our journey will be one hell of a roller coaster ride.