Arranged To The Beast Alpha
Happy Wedding

LEAH

TWO DAYS LATER

Finally, the day was here. My wedding day. Somehow, that thought both excited and terrified me.

Why it excited me was because it was a practice ladies my age looked forward to. Even in the circumstances of this union, I was glad I got such a grand wedding.

I imagined the worst-case scenarios of Damien forcefully marking me and locking me up in his room to live in bondage forever. But it was a car from it all. Instead, I went on dress fittings like I was a bride, a bride preparing to have a short wedding and not an arranged one.

Every moment felt charged, like I was standing at the edge of a cliff, feeling the thrill of the view but knowing there was no way back once I stepped forward.

Right now, I was tucked away in the guest room, surrounded by people who were all busy making sure everything was as perfect as possible.

Cleo was right there, orchestrating everything like a general on a mission; her usual cool and happy-go self was now masked in a commanding vibe; I like that she had such a part of her. It still baffled that she was a witch, though her mother had a werewolf mate; Cleo is a full-blooded witch, not having a shift when she turned 18.

At least she had a good reason; what did I have, just an unlucky wolf that's apparently fully human?

I watched Cleo as she directed the maids around me, making sure they didn't miss a single detail as they fussed over my dress, makeup, and hair.

She had this natural authority, a way of making everyone listen without ever really raising her voice. I admire that about her. And to be honest, it was comforting having her here, taking charge when my nerves were everywhere but in check.

I hadn't seen Andy in the past couple of days. She was a whirlwind of energy in the kitchen, handling all the last-minute chaos to make sure there was enough food for every guest who would be attending. There and then did I truly believe she was the head chef; there was not even a sight of her.

Like every meal had to be a masterpiece, and I knew how much work it was. I wanted to sneak in and see her, just to say something, but every time I got close, she had already vanished, off managing another part of this big, crazy day. And then there was Damien. Or rather, the lack of him. I hadn't seen him at all, which left me confused and somewhat worried; after that night of the incident, I had not seen even a glimpse of him; I kept trying to push down the worry clawing in my chest, but to no avail. Did he see my attack as strange? What if he told the council and they made me cursed? Will that affect my chances of being the inside woman for my father?

Only Kai had been around, doing his job of guarding me, watching over everything. Always there but never quite there.

The whole morning passed in a blur. Makeup brushes dusting over my cheeks, hairpins tightening in my scalp, the rustle of the dress as they adjusted it on me. I could see myself transforming in the mirror, but it all felt a little surreal like I was watching someone else.

Then, the artists and stylists finally packed up and left. I could breathe for a second. Cleo stood back, appraising me with this proud smile. "You look, oh Goddess... So....you look perfect, Leah," she said, her eyes gleaming. "There's something else, though. I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" I asked, eyebrow raised, half-curious, half-terrified of what she had in mind. Cleo just winked and stepped out of the room, leaving me to wonder what on earth could be left to surprise me on today of all days. When she walked back in, though, my heart practically stopped. Standing next to her was my sister, Sarah.

"Sarah!" I gasped, a huge smile breaking out over my face. I launched myself toward her, wrapping her in a tight hug. She looked up at me, her eyes shining with that quiet happiness only she could communicate without saying a word. S He started signing, hands moving quickly and gracefully. You look beautiful, she told me, her smile so wide it almost made me tear up.

"I'm so glad you're here," I said, signing back, not even caring if my movements were sloppy in my excitement. "I missed you."

For a moment, everything felt perfect. My sister is here with me. It was almost enough to make me forget where I was and what was coming next.

But then I heard it. That voice I knew all too well, the one that sent chills down my spine. "Leah."

I turned slowly, forcing a smile as my father, Alpha Charles, strode into the room. He reached out, pulling me into a hug that felt more like a performance than a real embrace. It was all for show, because Cleo was still watching, and he was good at keeping up appearances when he needed to.

"I need to speak with you, alone," he said, his voice low, with an edge I couldn't quite read.

Cleo, completely unaware of the tension, simply nodded, smiling as she took Sarah by the hand. "We'll be right outside," she said, shooting me a reassuring glance before she guided Sarah out, leaving me alone with him. The room felt colder, quieter, somehow harsher without them. I stood there, watching him...

"How is it going?" He asked, his eyes narrowing, ears outstretched.

I pursed my lips, taking a deep breath."I am doing my best." I replied and his brow creased.

He grabbed my arm, his fingers digging into my arm. "Your best is not enough Leah, do you hear me? I have deals, deals I need to close, and I need to prove to those people who are worthy. Your best is not going to get me that. All you have here is fancy living you do not deserve."

I winced as his hand dug deeper; I gritted my teeth, glaring at him. "I am wearing a white dress, father; if you hurt me, my husband will sniff it out," I said in a low voice, warning him to rethink his action.

"Bitch." He groaned and let go of me; I grabbed my arm, caressing the place that ached from his grip.

"We will talk later, my sweet daughter." He said, passing me an ugly smug smile. Then he exited, leaving me in a state of sheer panic.

Oh Goddess.