I opened up the file and in it were brochures and leaflets and paperwork from several businesses, some of which I had heard of and some I hadn’t. I looked up at the Alpha, a little confused. I wasn’t really sure why he was showing me all this.
"I want you to use your business talents for the businesses within our pack." the Alpha said. “I feel that would be a more fitting purpose for you than…” he glanced up at Liam, “Cleaning toilets.” Liam frowned at the comment and I felt my own lips tug up into a half smile. I also noticed that Beta Gregg chuckled too. Still his offer surprised me, considering I had been in the pack for a week, and it wasn’t the smoothest of transitions. But I couldn't deny the allure of putting my skills to good use. I always like the idea of working more on my design stuff, but I felt the requirement of helping out with money more.. My curiosity piqued, I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Really? And what's in it for me?" I asked, unable to keep the scepticism out of my voice.
"Should you accept this new role," Alpha Declan continued, ignoring my tone, "you'll be upgraded to a mid-family rank, and of course, would receive a generous salary."
“Hmm,” For Alpha Declan to know that I was involved in any sort of business, no matter how small, made me cautious. Did he want me in the pack for something other than mating with his son? It would explain why he so readily agreed to my request to not be forced to complete the mate bond.
“This would afford you some more privileges within the pack that an Omega rank doesn’t have.”
“What’s the catch?” I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. He smirked, and I knew I wouldn’t like the next part.
“As a mid family rank who is unmated, you will live in one of the unmated pack houses up here. I am expecting you to make a concentrated effort to spend time with pack members of your own age.” I frowned, the thought of mingling with these wolves leaving a sour taste in my mouth.
"No offence, Alpha, but I'm not exactly the social butterfly type." He chuckled, a low rumble that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
"I understand that, Erica. But you might find some of the activities beneficial. For example, warrior training."
"Warrior training?" My interest was piqued, despite myself. Learning to protect myself had always been something I craved, especially considering my inability to shift into my wolf form. Maybe this could be my chance to finally gain some power. My heart raced at the prospect, a flicker of excitement igniting within me. I hated feeling weak, vulnerable. Warrior training would give me the tools I so desperately needed. But something didn’t feel right. It seemed like everything was a little too easily given.
"If I accept this new role and become a mid-family rank... would I be able to leave the pack grounds?" His dark eyes narrowed as he considered my question. The silence between us was heavy, a tangible weight pressing down upon my shoulders.
"Normally, yes," he finally answered, his tone guarded. "Mid-family members have more freedom than Omegas do. However, in your case, you will still be restricted to the pack grounds." I gritted my teeth, trying to suppress the anger bubbling up inside me. Of course, there were strings attached, conditions to be met.
“Is that really necessary?” I snapped, unable to contain my frustration any longer. “Why can't I have the same freedoms as everyone else?”
"Erica, it's for your protection," he insisted, his voice firm yet not unkind. "You are valuable to the pack, and we cannot risk losing you."
"Protection?" I laughed bitterly, the sound hollow even to my own ears. "That's a nice way of saying you're keeping me trapped here like a caged animal."
"Please understand," Alpha Declan implored, his expression softening. "I know it feels that way, but believe me when I say it's for your own good." I scoffed, my arms crossing defensively over my chest. For my own good. How many times had I heard those words before? They were nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to control me, to keep me in line.
“So let me get this straight,” I said slowly while trying to fight the rage that was building up in me again. “You expect me to move away from my family and use my talents to line your pockets?” I was so angry that I couldn’t see straight. “And you still want to hold me prisoner in this godforsaken place?” I was standing and shouting by the end of that. I threw the file with the brochures onto the desk, only they slipped everywhere and went flying.
“Thank you for the offer, but I respectfully decline,” I spat.
The tension in the room was palpable. Liam stood frozen in place, eyes wide with fear. I could feel the rage radiating from the Alpha's body as he seethed, muscles tense and veins bulging. His eyes seemed to have turned a liquid gold hue, and he exuded a power that made both of us tremble. Suddenly, with a flurry of motion, the Alpha lunged forward and grabbed me, throwing me across the room with a force that knocked the breath out of me. I crashed against the wall with a thud, and before I could react, the Alpha was on top of me, his face mere inches from mine. His hot breath blasted against my skin as he snarled and growled with anger, and I felt my body quaking with fear.
The Beta edged towards us slowly, not wanting to cross the Alpha's path or anger. There was something about the Alpha's anger that seemed primal and almost supernatural, and it made us both afraid. I closed my eyes tightly, hoping this nightmare would end quickly.
“You have been repeatedly disobedient, and I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour from someone who is not much older than a pup.” He dropped me to the floor, towering over me.
“You might have got away with this kind of shit in your old life and that sorry excuse for a pack you were in, but you are in my pack now and you will follow my rules, or I will really show you what it is like to spend your life as a prisoner when I throw you into the dungeons. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?” My blood ran cold, and I started shaking, but I nodded my head, quickly sending a fresh wave of pain slammed into me from the movement and I winced.
The Beta had come up behind the Alpha and placed his hand on his shoulder. The Alpha looked at it and took a breath before turning back around and walking to the desk.
“Get back in the chair,” he snapped, sitting back down in his own chair. Liam offered me a hand to help me up off the floor. I took it and winced as I lifted myself up. Thank the goddess that I still had werewolf healing, but I was still gonna hurt. I limped back to the chair and sat down tentatively, biting my lip to stop myself from crying yet again today. Liam followed me and sat in the chair next to me. I could tell that he wanted to lean over and offer some sort of comfort, but at that point, I was glad that he didn’t. Instead, he sat there and glared at his father.
Once I was seated, the Alpha started speaking again with a menacing calm. His hands were spread out before him as he leaned forward intensely with a pointed look in his eye.
“You have two options, Miss Hallows.” His voice seemed to linger and hang in the air before coming down like thunder over me. “Option number one, you accept my generous offer with my terms and enjoy most of the benefits of the new rank. I aim to coax out your wolf with the help of the wolves in the pack.” He glanced at Liam with an icy stare.
“I believe the best bet is for you to connect with your fated mate, because their wolf will have the strongest chance of connection. So I suggest spending some time with my son... even in a platonic setting.” His gaze pierced into mine as he challenged me to refuse him.
“Option number two, you indeed reject my offer and keep your omega rank, and you will still be commanded to work on the businesses at no pay. Only you will have full Omega restrictions, including having your quota of omega duties on top of the business work.” My eyes widened in disbelief.
He looked slightly to his side, and I glanced at the Beta, whose eyes were glazed for an instant. The Alpha smirked.
