CHAPTER 2

“Penelope! “ a voice echoed, the sound of her name and the light tapping of her hand had woken her up. She slowly opened her eyes her vision blurry as her eyes adjusted to the bright light. “Where am I?” she said her voice barely above a whisper looking around her trying to see if she could recognize her surroundings. Then it hit her this was her room, covering her body was a familiar pastel fluffy dyed blanket, did she not make it out of her pack? The memories of the previous night suddenly flooded her mind, how her body had given up and lost all strength while she was being chased down the forest by her father's guards, her frail weak body could not withstand the long run how pathetic. “Penelope” a soft voice called breaking her out of her thoughts, it was her mother Lela her eyes full of concern “Are you in any pain my dear?” her mother started again holding up a cup of tea “Here drink this you'll feel so much better”. She continued “Strange, “ Penelope thought she had expected an endless scolding from her mother instead of this act of concern, her mother must have known by now about her failed attempt to run away from home so why was being so nice to her, but she dared not to question her mother’s behavior. she took the cup from her hands and slowly began to sip on the tea instantly starting to soothe her throbbing head. After what seemed to be an eternity her mother spoke “Your father is angry however I’ll take care of that, you, on the other hand, must think about what you did. It is not proper for an omega to go against the words of her father, he only wants what’s best for you. Given your rank, Your life will be better living as the king's wife than any other man in the kingdom. It is a rare honor and because of you fate has finally smiled upon us. Ready yourself the seamstress will be here to take the measurements needed for your new gowns” Her mother's words felt like a knife piercing through her heart, how could she not understand? Did her life only revolve around her being an omega? She truly hated herself for being born as one and in this very moment, all she did was nod in agreement with what her mother said.

After taking a much-needed hot shower, Penelope felt so much better. She gathered up her courage to meet her father and began walking down the stairs. Right at the bottom of the stairs stood her father wearing a blank expression on his face she knew he was angry and disappointed. “How dare you try and bring shame to this family by making a pathetic attempt to run away!” He roared “You are so ungrateful, many women would kill to be in your position, you will have the privilege to give the head alpha an heir and you run!” He continued “ I’m so sorry Father” Penelope said scared “Not another word from you . The elders are almost here I expect you to be on your best behavior, “ he said while clenching his jaw “Yes Father,” Penelope responded. Once her father had left Penelope went back to her room to wait for the nightmare to begin.

It had been a shock when the king himself was in the presence of elders standing outside the home of Alpha Philip. Neighbors had gathered outside hoping to know what exactly was going on “They are in so much debt they were reported to the king himself” Beta Langford and an old nosy woman whispered “ I bet they are in trouble,” Another said, a small crowd had now gathered eagerly waiting to hear what exactly was happening.

Mrs Philip rushed down the stairs after having been informed that the king himself was in the company of the elders in her home. She slowly adjusted her dress to appear more proper. Slowly bowing “Greetings to you head alpha, my elders it’s a pleasure to have you in our home,” she said proceeding to sit beside her husband with her head still bowed as a sign of respect. “We come bearing good news, and I hope it will be accepted by you and your kinsmen” the king spoke with a calm yet dominant voice “ I am looking for a new wife. As you all know our late Luna died without leaving the kingdom and heir and, I have found my heart's desire in this very home, your daughter is an omega and therefore perfect for this role ” Hearing this alpha Philip smiled wildly instantly thinking of how much their lives were about to change for the better ” It would be an honor head alpha,” Alpha Philip said grinning “Good preparations for the mating ceremony to begin immediately. The mating ceremony is to be held in 3 days “Alpha Isaac the king responded with a grin on his face.

After the king left, Penelope’s mother rushed towards her daughter's room almost stumbling as she walked. Penelope pulled my knees up to her chin, hugging them as tightly as possible she held my breath and tears poured out from her eyes. She had heard everything that was said no one cared about her feelings. “The seamstress is here,” her mother said ignoring the tears in her daughter’s eyes “You will learn to love him.” Her mother continued “Don’t be long “ and just like that she was gone.

The news of the king's proposal spread like wildfire, while most were excited to hear he could finally have an heir they were still shocked by his choice of a girl young enough to be his daughter and although this was not unheard of it still shocked many. Most people thought it was Aplha Philips's plot to gain wealth and power even at the cost of his own child.

Caroline on the other hand was caught by surprise, Although she and Penelope were far from close she was a little worried about her, especially after hearing about her attempt to run away. She knew Penelope had no choice in the matter and it broke her heart. She knew the only thing she could do was offer her sister a little comfort even though it went against her normal behavior. She entered Penelope’s room only to find her cry and like an instinct she rushed and embraced her. Penelope on the other hand was shocked at her sister's sudden reaction but she was grateful for the gesture “At least you won’t be around this awful family again” Caroline said laughing softly in an attempt to cheer up her sister. They stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity before heading down to meet the seamstress. Over the next few days, Penelope went from dress fitting to dress fitting from one class to another. She had been assigned a special tutor to teach her how to be the perfect wife and omega to the head alpha.

Everything was so overwhelming for the young bride that she found herself wanting to get away from everything and everyone but she couldn’t, the little freedom she had was slipping away right before her eyes.

The day of the wedding was finally here the people of Crimson Park from far and near came to witness the wedding of their king and head alpha and his newfound wife. In attendance were nobles, kings, and queens from neighboring packs here to witness this beautiful ceremony all of whom were gathered in the chapel beautifully decorated with white and pink flowers running down its pillars and over the seats that were perfectly placed. In the center of the chapel runs a long red carpet with gold and silver embroidered flowers. Soft soothing music played in the background as they all awaited the arrival of the soon-to-be queen and lo and behold she was here dressed in a beautiful white wedding dress and a long lace veil. On her side was her father smiling fondly as he walked his daughter down the aisle. Everyone was now upstanding and could only admire the beauty that was shown even through the veil. Father and daughter slowly moved forward until they reached the altar. “ who gives this bride into holy matrimony” the elder asked “I and my kinsmen do” Alpha Philip said while he handed over his daughter by the arm to her future husband. The king took her into his arms and walked to the alter where they took their vows and he unveiled his new bride. The breath was knocked out of his lungs at how beautiful Penelope looked and he smiled proudly, she was all his now.

And just like that they were married, the ceremony was indeed a happy one with people eating dancing, and drinking the night away Penelope on the other hand could not shake the sadness she had moments during the celebration where she almost broke down in tears but she couldn’t. After what seemed like forever the wedding celebration had finally come to an end and then they took a long ride to a nearby cabin where they were to spend their wedding night.

Upon arrival, they were met with a servant who ushered them to the cabin that was beautifully decorated. Penelope looked up and saw the servants closing the door as they went out. “Why am I so nervous” she asked herself now It was just the two of them after all it was only proper that they spent their first night together alone. The thought alone made her shiver in fear and anxiety, she was about to give up her virginity to a man she had only met. Her eyes glistened with tears as she felt her husband’s hot breath on her neck as he wrapped one arm waist while the other started to eagerly undress her, she could smell his arousal it was so thick it began clouding her vision. “You smell so good my pretty little omega I can't wait to have you” he growled hearing tears fall from Penelope’s eyes.