The dream

Destiny was running swiftly, she raced through the forest, the night was warm but pleasant. She felt happy and free, something she had not felt in a long time. The starry sky and full moon lit the way, showing the path that would take her to her favourite place…the lake.

As she approached it, a new scent reached her, drawing her wolf's attention. She decreased her pace to a gentle trot. She was trying to understand what was so enticing about this scent that caught her wolf's attention. 

“What…” She moaned as her body reacted, “is that scent?”

Nearby, a twig snapped and Destiny swung around. Moving out of the woods was the biggest wolf she had ever seen. His silky coat was coal-black. The scent of pine and maple floated towards Destiny, the wolf inside her howled with desire. He was magnificent; everything about him shouted power and authority. Bright gold eyes followed her as her hand crept to her throat.

“Oh dear god,” she whispered, fear and desire swirled through her. He had all the traits of an Alpha.  Desire took a back seat as fear flooded Destiny. An Alpha? How could her mate be an Alpha? Alphas only mated with Alpha females. She was a beta.

“I won't hurt you,” the wolf was talking to her. His deep voice resonated in her mind.

“So beautiful,” he whispered, stepping closer, drawn by the scent of the woman in front of him. “So perfect.”

“Who-who are you?” Destiny asked, frozen to the spot.

“You know who I am,” he said. “Ask your wolf. She knows exactly who I am.”

One lone word pounded in her mind… mate, mate, mate! Find him.

She suddenly woke up with a start. The lake! She looked around in the darkroom.

“Oh god! Was it a vision ?” Destiny sighed, replaying the whole thing in her head. “Could he be the one, my mate? My wolf seems to think so.”

The dream has been quite vivid, and her response to her dream lover had been… well, overwhelming. Who was he? Did he even exist? The dream had rattled her. She had never been too much into finding her mate. She did want to mate with the one, maybe after a few years. But before that, she wanted to experience life first. She had barely been outside the pack campus. Hardly interacted with humans or the outside world. She wanted to walk down the dazzling streets of New York, Paris, LA. See the world then settle down. But her dreams had been shattered by her father's decision. Sighing, she drifted off to sleep again.

***********

 “Where had you been?” Her dad's gruff voice greeted Destiny as she entered her home, the next morning.

“I went swimming in the lake,” she said, refusing to make eye contact. 

“Have you packed your belonging like you were told?”

“Not yet.”

“Tomorrow is your union. When will you pack up your things?”

“I know you can't wait to get rid of me, I will take care of my things. You don't have to worry.” She said curtly.

Her dad's nostrils flared in anger. 

“Since you refuse to accept your place, you will not be allowed to leave your room until you have packed.” 

“Are you kidding me? All this because I haven't packed yet?” Destiny asked, horrified. “This isn't the Middle Ages! You can't do this!”

“I am the head of the family, girl. I can do anything I want and no one can or will stop me,” her father said, in an icy tone. 

Just like the previous day, Destiny was carried screaming and kicking into her room. She banged the door and screamed in anger but to no avail. Knowing that her fate was sealed and that her father would force her into a match no matter what, Destiny decided to run. She had no idea where she would go, but she would figure out something. So, she spent the day locked in her small room, making plans.

********

Jake was lying down on the bed while the healer took his blood pressure.

“Everything is normal, since when have you been feeling unsettled ?” Dr Connery asked.

“Since yesterday, I don't know. I just feel like something is missing. I need to be somewhere. My wolf has been antsy. I have barely slept.” Jake replied while running a hand through his hair.

Dr Connery smiled. Dr Connery was an Alpha, but he preferred being a doctor to ruling a pack. He had been a good friend of Jake's father and remained with the pack after he was orphaned.

“Any chance you met your mate?” 

“What? No! If I did, I am pretty sure I would know it.” Jake replied frowning.

“Well, sometimes our wolves can sense our mates before meeting them. Especially when they are in a dire situation, but I have never seen it happen.” 

“You mean? My wolf has sensed his mate?” Jake said, raising an eyebrow.

“That is a possibility, I will prescribe some sleeping pills. Hopefully, that would help you sleep better.” Dr Connery replied.

Jake nodded. He couldn't be, he didn't have a mate.

**********

Finally, the D day dawned clear and crisp. Destiny had packed a few necessities and was ready to run before the sun peeped over the horizon. She cautiously stepped down the staircase. 

“Well, aren't we too early for the ceremony?” Her father's voice rang through the living room and Destiny froze with terror.

Panicking, Destiny dropped her bag and ran back hoping she'd be able to jump through the window and escape. She never made it, she was by her brother at the top of the stairs and dragged her to her room.

“No! Let go of me!” she yelled, fighting every step of the way. “Get your hands off me!”

David stepped up to her and slapped her hard across the face. 

“You are an embarrassment. ? I should have thrown your worthless ass long ago. Tie her to the bed until I return,” he said. 

“Please, dad, don't do this,” Destiny begged quietly as she was held down. “Don't make me do this. Doesn't my happiness mean anything to you?”

“Your happiness?” David sneered, then leaned in and spoke softly. “I don't give a damn about your happiness, girl. Hell, I'm not even sure you're my child. Your mother cheated on me. She ran away from me. Took me months to find her. Then she was suddenly pregnant. You will mate with Johan.  Even if I have to drag you to him tied and gagged. He'd probably like that.”

Destiny watch in dismay as her father glared at her, and then left the room, leaving her alone with these new revelations. Shock overwhelmed her by her father's words. Her mother had never even hinted that she, ran from her father. But that explained so much… Her father's careless disregard for her feelings, lack of affection, and his disapproval. She lay tied to the bed, eyes closed, as she listened to everyone moving around downstairs. All her plans were slowly dissolving before her eyes, and she was trapped; trapped by the one person who was supposed to love her. The only thing that person cared about was his reputation and gaining power. Determined not to cry, she focused her mind, trying to figure a way out of this mess. Desperately praying for someone, anyone to save her.