Chapter 5 - Swapped?

Alina's Pov:

I didn’t know what I was doing… or saying. 

I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted but my duty was to my pack and I would do anything to make sure it remained safe.

Alpha Kain was a dangerous man. Making him come all the way here and leave without a bride would be a death sentence for all, innocent and guilty. A bride he came for and a bride he must leave with. It doesn’t matter who. 

“Are…” Claire's father looked at his family before turning to me. “Are you sure this is what you want?” 

“Oh, please, like you actually care.” I scoffed. “Someone has to be the bigger person, right?” 

“That’s right.” Agatha smiled, coming close to me. This must be a huge relief on her shoulders. 

“I’m glad you’ve come to your senses. You are truly noble, just like your late mother.”

'Never in your entire life should you ever refer to my mother, Lady Agatha. I give you your respect. It goes both ways.'  I wanted to warn her. I was done trying to be the nice girl. But the words surprisingly couldn't leave my mouth. 

“Who will then take over the pack? Surely, Claire—” 

“The elders will rule the pack in my absence until they find a suitable ruler.” I cut the man short. “Hopefully, they can find someone who would put the pack first instead of themselves.” 

I tried to appear calm but deep down, I was shaken. 

What was I doing? What if the Alpha found out his bride had been swapped? He might rain hell on Silver Moon. 

“I have a condition,” I stated. 

“Sure. Anything.” Claire's father immediately responded. 

“This stays a secret. Nobody outside the four of us should know, not even Darius.” It was the only way to avert the wrath of the Alpha for a while. I could beg him while in his pack. And Darius… I was sure he would be happy when he learned his bride will be Claire. 

“Alright. No—” 

I turned my back and left immediately before I was forced to take back my words. Since I was tired, I didn’t waste time falling asleep. 

***

Stepping out of my room in the morning, I hoped to appease the Alpha. I needed to reassure him that he would get what he wanted. Which meant, I had to see him in person. 

I was at the top of the staircase when I saw Claire scribbling something on a photo. 

My mother's photo. 

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?!” I ran as fast as I could but halfway through the stairs, she took the photo out of the glass case and tore it in two. On the case was written, “whore”. 

“Have you gone mad?!” I clenched my fists, looking at the ripped picture of my mother on the floor. It was the only enlarged picture I had of her. 

The smile on Claire's face was sinister. How did she go from being a pitiful lamb to a preying wolf? 

“Mad? Pfft! Elated, you mean. It took you days to finally decide your rightful place. A whore, just like that mother of yours. You both slept your way to power. Death is what you both deserve.” 

I was shaken with anger, my eyes glistening with tears. All the nerves in my body wanted to pounce on her and I was closer to ripping that big mouth of hers. 

“I’m going to teach you today that Claire is never to be messed with.” As she raised her right hand, I saw fangs. My eyes opened in shock. 

“You said you had no wolf!” 

“Did I?” She smiled darkly and shrugged. “My bad.” 

She lunged at me but I evaded the attack. Once I had an opening, I grabbed her neck, while resisting her claws. 

I pressed hard. Though I was an omega, I had an aggressive wolf who wanted to snap her neck at that moment. But I was still held back. I couldn't do it. I had never taken a life before. 

Instead of begging for her life, Claire smiled. I was irritated by it. All those angelic postures had been an act to deceive everyone. Behind all the bright smiles was an evil entity. How was I only seeing it now? 

"Let's see who he really loves," She said in a hasty breath. She pulled me forward and because my feet weren't grounded, we both went over the stair rails. 

"Claire!" 

Darius?

I landed on the floor, the side of my body hitting the ground. For a moment, I couldn't breathe. It was as though my life was flashing before my eyes. 

When I finally came to, I saw Claire in Darius' arms. 

I managed to stand up, holding my hurting arm. 

"You would save her, but not me?" I asked in a broken whisper. 

"You pushed me!" Claire exclaimed. "I was on my own and you pushed me." 

"Is that true? You pushed her? She has no wolf, Alina, and yet you continue to prey on her." 

"Is your brain fogged or something?" I was in awe. A normal person would question everything she had just said. 

"Why would I push her and get hurt in the process?" 

"That's because I dragged her along. I didn't want to go down alone. Good thing you came, Darius. I don't know what would have become of me." 

"You're a liar! How long will you continue to deceive—" 

I wasn’t able to finish my statement because she winced. It turned out she also got injured. Darius looked at the wound and then glared at me. He looked at me with disdain. 

Before I slept last night, I thought the conflict between us would be resolved. Somehow. But today, I got to see who he truly cared about. It wasn't me. It was never me. 

"You've gone too far, Alina. Not anymore," He growled. Before I could blink, he swept Claire off her feet, carrying her in bridal style. 

"I won't you let you continue having your way." 

He left. Just like that. With her. Not me. 

....

THE DAY OF THE WEDDING.... 

Claire and I stood close, our backs facing each other. 

A maid, with all smiles, came forward and gave me my white wedding gown with the veil. I smiled back, beating back the nervous ache in my stomach. 

Who wouldn't get anxious if they were getting married to the Rogue Alpha King Kain? 

I believe Claire also got her gown. I was hoping it would be the same color so that nobody could differentiate us.  

"Happy married life." The maids wished us and left the room. 

Claire and I turned to each other. 

"That gown belongs to me," She nonchalantly snatched the gown from me and gave me her black gown. 

So much for wanting the same color. What was I thinking? Black represented doom. It fit the occasion too well. 

"Happy married life. You'll need the wishes, trust me." She snickered and walked off. I put on my gown and went to the waiting room for the Alpha's bride. 

I sat calmly, a red envelope in my hand. It was for Darius. I expected him to show up, since he didn't know of the 'arrangement'. Of course, he would want to say goodbye to her. He already made his choice and he made sure I knew. 

The space on the couch beside me pressed inside. Darius still made me nervous, given that we hadn't severed our bond. My wolf still craved him, even though he tried to kill us a few hours back. 

"I'm sorry, Claire. I couldn't protect you like I promised." He tried to take my hand but I resisted. He understood and didn't push further. "If he ever lays a hand on you, send a word and I will come get you out. That I promise." 

I didn't care about his empty promises. I extended the letter to him. 

"Don't open it until after the wedding." I stood up and left the room. 

He must be wondering why I didn't cling unto him like Claire used to. 

I walked down the aisle alone while my father walked Claire. He knew about the switch and he was very happy about it but he didn't want to draw any attention, so he kept a neutral look. His wife did the same thing. 

They were all such good performers. 

After conducting the wedding oath, Alpha Kain took my hand. He was in a haste to go back to his pack after being away for three days. I thought he was going to drag me down the hall but surprisingly, he was gentle. 

"Wait," I heard Darius' voice halfway to the exit. 

I turned. 

He hadn't unveiled his bride yet, thinking it was Claire leaving. 

"Don't hurt her, okay? Please..." He begged. "She means a lot...to us." 

To you. 

Alpha Kain turned, a faint smile on his lips. 

"No one tells me what to do with my bride. Why don't you focus on yours and stop looking at mine?" 

He held me firmly, pulling me closer to him.

He wasn't as gentle as the first time. He literally dragged me along. We walked to the exit. As soon as his carriage appeared in sight, I took a deep breath. 

What fate awaited me?