The Alpha's Mark

The ceremony hall was full of people from my pack. Their eyes were on me, whispering to each other. I felt my heart beating so fast I could barely breathe. My father, Alpha Victor, stood at the front, looking serious. I knew something bad was about to happen. "What are you doing, dad," I asked, trying to sound brave even though I was scared. I looked up at my father, Alpha Victor, who towered over me like a dark shadow as I was surrounded by a circle of guards. They had dragged me here at midnight on my father’s orders. He raised his hand, and the room became silent. "Today," he announced, his voice loud and clear, "we will make our pack stronger. We will join forces with Alpha Rowan's pack. And for that I will allow Rowan to mark my daughter, Liana."I gasped. The name Rowan made my stomach twist. I had heard stories about him. He was a ruthless Alpha who hurt people for fun. I couldn’t believe my father wanted to join forces with him. I stepped forward, feeling a lump in my throat.

Liana POVI woke up slowly, my head feeling heavy and my body aching all over. I blinked, trying to clear my blurry vision. It took me a moment to realize I wasn’t lying on the cold ground of the forest anymore. Instead, I was on a soft bed, the scent of fresh linen surrounding me. I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar room.The space was cozy but simple, with wooden walls and a large window letting in the early morning light. My gaze shifted to the figure sitting by the door. Kaden. He was slouched in a chair, his dark hair falling into his eyes, and he looked like he hadn’t slept at all.I pushed myself up into a sitting position, wincing as pain shot through my neck where Rowan had marked me. Kaden’s eyes snapped open at the sound, and he straightened up, watching me closely.“Liana! You’re awake,” he exclaimed.I nodded, rubbing my sore neck. “Where am I?”“You’re in my house,” Kaden replied, his eyes filled with concern. “Sorry, I saw your message in the morning. What happen

Darius POVThe room felt colder as Liana left. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the spot where she had stood just moments ago. Her courage surprised me; not many had the guts to look me in the eye, let alone make a deal. But it wasn’t just her bravery that intrigued me — it was the opportunity she presented, and something I couldn’t put my finger on. My mind drifted back to Rowan and Victor, names that made my blood boil. Rowan had been a thorn in my side for years, always trying to expand his territory and muscle into my affairs. Victor, her father, was no different. He had betrayed our alliance years ago, joining forces with Rowan to strengthen their hold. Their combined power had made them formidable enemies, but having Victor’s own daughter as my mate? That was a delicious twist of fate.This could be the leverage I needed to turn the tables. Having Liana by my side would infuriate both of them, showing the world that their prized alliance wasn’t as strong as it seemed. But t

Liana POVI had heard that Alpha Darius rarely ate in the main hall, preferring his private quarters. An invitation to join him was special – and slightly terrifying."Of course, Alpha Darius," I managed, quickly checking my reflection. My eyes were slightly red.His private dining room felt warm and intimate. The table could seat four, though he usually ate alone. My heart melted a little when he pulled out my chair – not as a formal gesture, but something natural and protective."I heard about what happened in the hall today," he said after we'd started eating.I focused very intently on cutting my steak. "It was nothing important.""Liana." His voice was gentle but firm, and something in me unraveled at the sound of my name on his lips. "The mate bond might be new, but I can feel your distress. You don't have to pretend with me."I set down my utensils, still avoiding his eyes. "It's silly. I shouldn't let her get to me.""It's not silly if it hurts you." His large hand covered min

Liana POV Darius clenched his teeth as he listened to my plan as his shoulders tensed. I continued, “My father, he—” I didn’t know how to start on how vicious my father was, but I guess this was a good time. “Father hasn’t been very good with his pack members. They are afraid of him and are scared to go against him. Some, who are very close to him have formed such a closed group that they don’t let others speak with him. He has been very cruel all this life. Many of our pack members have disappeared overnight and no one is brave enough to ask about them. He feels that the she-wolves should only be breeders. Their position in society is lower than that of a pet dog.” “I’ve tried many times to reach him in the hope that he would at least listen to me or my ideas about the pack's progress, but he is so rigid that he dismisses me every time. It’s like I am not worthy enough to be his daughter, when I am the alpha heir. Just because I am his daughter, he feels I’m a burden whose only purp