The Alpha's Proposal

Locked away in the confines of my room, I found myself curled into a ball, drowning in a sea of self-pity that threatened to consume me.

At 22, my life was nothing short of chaos, and the missing piece of the puzzle was my elusive mate.

While everyone around my age had already found theirs, I lingered in the shadows of my room, venturing out only when necessary.

My wolf, feeble, cast doubt upon my identity. Born to Beta parents, the question of being an omega loomed, though it seemed unlikely.

Only my wolf and I knew the real reason behind our fragile state.

It all began six years ago, an incident that would change the trajectory of my life forever.

The pervasive melancholy wrapped both me and my wolf in a shroud of guilt and despair.

Flashback

***

Six years ago "Ella, stop!" I exclaimed at my best friend, who kept taunting me.

We were outdoors in the woods, enjoying a camp-out.

“Oh, come on, we used to play chase all the time,”

she said.

"Yes, but not right now. Let's go roast some marshmallows or head inside the tent,"

I suggested. Brushing me off, she darted away.

"Catch me if you can."

I could sense my wolf emerging as she continued to provoke me.

My 16th birthday was a month prior; I had shifted for the first time, and ever since, I've struggled to control my wolf.

end of flashback ***

A gentle knock on the door signaled my mother's entrance.

"Claire, open up; we need to talk."

Summoning the strength to rise, I unlatched the door, granting her access.

"Your father is home. He's already at the dining table," she revealed.

"I'm not hungry," I lied, feigning disinterest in the prospect of a family dinner.

"Let's have dinner as a family for once. Besides, there's something we need to discuss with you,"

she insisted, coaxing me to follow her to the kitchen.

As we descended the staircase, the rhythmic sway of her wavy black hair captivated my attention cascading down her back.

A familiar echo resonated between us, the ice-cold light blue eyes and shared mannerisms, such as avoiding eye contact when lying and the reflexive toss of our hair when upset.

I immediately noticed something when I entered the dining room.

Seated at the table were Max, my childhood nemesis, along with his family, Luna and Alpha Stiner and his younger siblings.

His presence was magnetic, radiating confidence with a powerful aura.

I glared at him, and he smirked back and shrugged, flexing his shoulders to showcase his well-built physique and sexy dimples.

Yet, despite my annoyance and hatred, I couldn't help but acknowledge his undeniable charm. Mom whispered,

"Sorry, and be nice" in my ear and then sits beside Dad; I sat next to her "Good evening everyone"

I faked smiled, the tension in the air palpable. Clearly, this wasn't our regular family gathering.

The atmosphere crackled with unspoken expectations as both our parents exchanged knowing glances.

"Given that both you and my son are currently without mates," Alpha began, and a sudden realization washed over me.

"Not a chance," I exclaimed, my voice cutting through the tension at the table.

"Sit down, Claire. The kids are right over there."

Dad ordered, and I momentarily forgot that Luna's children, aged 2 and 3, were playing across the room with Nia, the helper I reluctantly obeyed, easing back into my seat.

"My son needs a mate, and you're both mate-less, so I don't see why this is an issue,"

he shrugged, entirely oblivious to the brewing conflict.

Their son had tormented me for years, turning my life into a living hell. Why would I want to be with someone like him?

"Leave her be. Any woman would be fortunate to have me,"

Max scoffed, rising abruptly.

"Besides, she-wolves without a wolf aren't my type."

"And jerks aren't my type"

I retorted, and he stormed out of the dining room, our parents unfazed.

"Are we done here?" I asked, my gaze locked on my mom, on the verge of tears.

She held her head with a guilty expression.

She was well aware of the deep-seated animosity between Max and me, as well as my insecurities about not having a wolf as strong as the daughter of a beta should.

Despite that, she still lied just to get me to attend this dinner.

As I rushed up the stairs to my safe space, the door opened, and suddenly, I found myself slammed against the wall.

"Max!" I tried to scream, but he swiftly placed a finger over my lips.

"Keep quiet omega"

"I'm not an omega"

I hissed, and he smirked mischievously, leaning closer

"Then why don't I smell your wolf?"

It was a question I couldn't answer; the horror of why my wolf isn't present is a secret I plan to take to my grave.

Max's eyes loomed over me, watching my every movement.

I tried to focus on anything else but how handsome he was up close.

I despised the way his presence commanded attention, and my heart rebelled against the realization that, against my will, I found his eyes mesmerizing and his lips alluring.

The facial structure of a movie star, eyes like the sky on a stormy night, and these luscious plump pink lips.

He leans in even closer as if we aren't close enough. The proximity too suffocating, his aura wrapped around me like gloves.

"Why are you breathless?”

He asks knowingly

"You're such a jerk"

I push him away, but he nuzzles me back, his lips merely inches away from mine.

The inner conflict intensified as I fought against the inexplicable pull he seemed to have on me.

Embarrassingly, I closed my eyes and awaited a kiss. Seconds went by and nothing happened, so I opened them. Max erupted in a fit of laughter.

“You think I would ever kiss you, mutt?”

Now do you see why I can't fathom being with my childhood enemy?.

The idea of a romantic connection with Max was abhorrent, and I couldn't picture myself being his mate.

I'd rather face the possibility of a mate-less future than succumb to the irony of being entangled with the one person I'd spent my life avoiding.