Meeting the Alpha

Naya’s POV

My body is still hurting, but my mother asked me to get into the shower and take a bath.

Afterwards, she sits me down in front of the dresser and starts to apply makeup on my face. She takes her red lipstick– which she hasn't used in years – and she applies it on my already pink lips.

“Mum, mum, you said that this wasn't okay.” I stammer.

I don't understand why she has just suddenly agreed to the deal with Mrs Bloodton. I thought that she said that this is not a good idea?

“The deal she is offering is not bad anymore.” She smiles thinly at me.

“But, you said that it's not a good idea.”

She holds her chin up and dabs some more powder under my eyes. “Naya, you are young, you are not going to understand. One day you will see that this is all good.”

She puts my green dress on the bed and adds my good sandals to them. I don't have any accessories, so my mother takes off her earrings and drops them into my palms.

At this point, I start to cry and shake my head. My throat is heavy, I want to speak but the words won't come out.

This is too much for me, this is too much responsibility. She holds my cheek with both of her hands and I see the tears in her eyes.

“Make sure you smile, okay? Guys like it when girls smile a lot.” She sniffles.

“Mum, I can't do this. Please, I can't do this.” I beg. “Please don't make me do this. I just want to go to school and come back home to you. I don't want to be mated to Erus Bloodton. Please, don't make me do this!”

My mother is now fully crying too. It's hard to comprehend that she is just as hurt and pushed against the wall as I am. I'm just a scared child, so this is a very normal reaction.

She kisses my hands and tells me that I am going to be fine. After she has helped me put on the finishing touches to my dressing, she walks me back to the sitting room.

Mrs Bloodton is sitting in our living room with her legs crossed. Our living room looks so small, so poor for someone as rich as us. I hate that.

She gives me a very critical look from my head to my toes.

“Forgive us if Naya doesn't look very much presentable. I'm sure the Alpha will understand that this is the best we can do.” My mother puts her hand around my arm.

“Argh, I should have sent someone to get her some clothes a few minutes ago. It's already too late, get her in the car to meet the Alpha.”

We all walk out of the house to see the black cars that are waiting. I'm led to one of the cars and just before I walk in, my mother presses my phone into my hand.

I am trembling as the car drives away. I see my mother running her arms over her shoulders, as if to comfort herself.

I wipe my tears as the car goes farther and farther away from the house.

It's just me and the driver. He keeps his head straight and keeps driving, he doesn't even acknowledge me.

Finally, after driving for like twenty minutes, he brings me to stop in front of the prestigious Red Flame restaurant.

My mum and I have passed this restaurant many times, but we never have the money to dine here. It would cost us our three months earnings to eat a plate here.

The driver opens the door for her. I walk through the door and see that the place is very empty. I wouldn't be surprised if I hear that the Alpha and his mother rented this place for the night. Maybe he is ashamed of me and doesn't want to be seen with me….

A lady, a waitress in a suit, comes up to me and bows with a beautiful smile. I almost now back to her, I am not used to people showing me this kind of respect.

“Please, this way. The Alpha will join you shortly.” she walks away.

Now I'm confused. I'm standing in the middle of the restaurant with hundreds of tables. I decide to make my way to the farthest and sit down.

I don't know what else to do, so I text Sherry to let her know what has happened and that I'm about to meet the Alpha.

She is excited, she even starts to give me tips on how to seduce him! Crazy girl!

I set the phone face down and start the long wait for the Alpha. I wait for a long time and when I glance at the phone again, two hours has passed.

I sigh and almost lose hope, but then I hear the front door open from a distance. When I look up, I see him briskly walking towards me and the air immediately leaves my nostrils.

The closer he gets, the more my body starts to shake and my throat goes dry. I stand up as soon as he gets close enough and I bow to him.

“Miss Woods, good evening to you.” He says as he sits down.

I am confused at first, but I sit down too.

“Naya, is it?”

“Yes.” I nod.

“How old are you?” He questions, heaving as he picks up his phone.

“Um, sixteen. I'm going to be seventeen really soon.” I rub my hands together.

He isn't listening. He is working on his phone.

“Pretty young.” He glances at me. “And your wolf?”

I frown at his question. It's like I'm a piece of clothing that he wants to purchase, he doesn't care for me like a living being.

“You tried to kill me.” I blink.

“Pardon?” He stop and look up.

“You tried to kill me.” I breathe in. “You placed a bounty on my head and tried to get me killed. I was hurt in school today because of you.”

He stare into my soul, I can't tell if he hates me for my guts or not.

“It's a good thing that you didn't actually get killed then,” he smirks.

He places a small jewelry box on the table. “Take it.”

I reach out and open it. I drop the small jewelry box back on the table. It's a diamond ring. I can't understand why he is giving me a diamond ring.

“That's your engagement ring.” He says. “Go back home. In a few days, you will be contacted for the wedding.”