Chapter 4 - Lena

Feeling sick or not, my eyes could not leave the Alpha. He was watching my sister and I intently. He evidently wanted something from us, or else why had he brought us here? But he was yet to give much away about wat it was that he needed from us, and it was that which bothered me that most. Well that and the warm smile, which was almost unnerving. This man rarely smiled...

“As you know girls, rank is of great importance within packs. And in one area particularly it is something that can hold some serious leverage, and that is arranged marriages…”

Alpha Alberto’s words made my heart pound and my stomach twist all at the same time. We were not of any rank as such. We were not the children of a man in rank. So why did he need to discuss this with us? The nauseous feeling that was lingering seemed only to be increasing as the Alpha spoke. I did not like where this conversation appeared to be going, but the Alpha appeared clueless and simply continued calmly like he was not worried one bit about the things he said.

“As you know, myself, your Uncle and our pack Gamma all only have sons. Which, while that is wonderful from an heir point of view, but when it comes to this...” His voice hesitated a little, causing me to swallow heavily at those words. There was an Alpha somewhere seeking a wife. This was not unusual. Fated mates were becoming harder to find, almost impossible in fact, so arranged marriages and chosen mates were the way forward now. But that did not mean I wished to be a part of an arranged marriage…

I heard a sharp intake of breath from my sister, Cora, I could only assume she had come to the same conclusion as me. My gaze drifted to her and I could see her chewing her lower lip, looking more than a little anxious over what had been said. I did not know if she was trying to stop herself crying or stop herself saying something she should not to our pack Alpha.

“Now, while you are not direct heirs to a Beta, you do carry Beta blood as you grandchildren to a former Beta therefore you would be deemed of Beta blood and that would be considered highly desirable for an arranged bride. And you are beautiful girls, so again many ranked wolves would consider themselves lucky to have you.” Alpha Alberto explained, once more his words turning my stomach. “We had been approached by a neighbouring pack, and they have two brothers one an upcoming Alpha, and the other his younger brother who seek wives. They will be vetting women for potential brides for these men. They wish to gain mates for them and of course provide heirs to continue their family line.”

My stomach tightenend at the very idea. Vetting women. I hated that description. Making us sound like we were an entity. Only worth something if they deemed us so. But, at the same time, I knew this was not unusual, this was a common practice with higher ranked wolves. Being mated to someone of high rank was deemed to be vital. Maintain a quality bloodline as it were. I looked across at my father who appeared to be avoiding my gaze. Was he okay with this? All but selling his daughters off...

“Well, when the pack approached us, we were aware that they will have approached many others too, but Silver Shadows could bring many potential business prospects if we could join with them, so we did not want to miss out on this connection. So we wracked out brains for a potential offer for them, and it was then that your Uncle suggested you girls. Because, evidently, none of our sons would be possible suitors. We spoke to your parents, explaining the importance of this for our pack, and while they were reluctant they agreed we could discuss it with you. Both of you are of an age where you can decide, and of course you would do what is right for your pack, wouldn’t you?” I felt the pressuring gaze of the Alpha upon me before he turned his heavy gaze to my sister. Did he expect an answer now?!

Another sharp intake of breath came from Cora, but this time she did not stay quiet. “You want us to marry a man we do not know?” She whispered, her fists clenched by her sides. “What happened to the right of choice?”

My Uncle’s eyes narrowed as he looked over at her. “Cora, while that is offered to most, when you are of a ranked bloodline you must always put your pack first. Has this pack ever done you wrong? This pack has provided you and your family with a wonderful life, and now it is time to return that good gesture. This decision could affect the future of your pack. Of course, it may be you meet with the men and they decide you are not suitable, and if so then you would return home as before.”

Cora nodded, her eyes filled with tears, but I knew she was holding back, because once more she was chewing her lower lip. We were not allowed to speak disrespectfully to the Alpha, and that look alone from our Uncle had been a warning one. He did not want us to mess up this potential business deal he had suggested to the Alpha. He was banking on us being in agreement. My Uncle’s gaze looked to me, as did that of the Alpha and my Father. Were they awaiting a response from me now? What did I want? I truly did not know. Did I want to marry a man I did not know? Or stay in a pack I knew and loved so greatly?

I sighed heavily. A pack I owed a lot to. One that they were saying was depending upon me with this… I simply nodded, knowing that in doing so I could well be altering my entire future, but I had to do what I needed to do to benefit my pack… perhaps this could be the chance at a new and wonderful future for me?