The Alpha's Proposal

Hi, I'm Claire, a 22-year-old she-wolf. Life was going great for me until six years ago.

Six years ago, an incident occurred that changed the trajectory of my life forever.

Fast forward to now—my days are spent locked away in my room, only venturing out when necessary.

While everyone my age has found their mate and is living happily, I struggle to move on.

*Flashback to six years ago*

“Ella, stop!” I exclaimed at my best friend, who kept taunting me.

We were outdoors in the woods, enjoying a campout.

“Oh, come on, we used to play chase all the time,” she retorted.

“Yes, but not right now. Let's go roast some marshmallows or head inside the tent,” I suggested.

Brushing me off, she darted away.

“Catch me if you can.”

I could sense my wolf emerging as she continued to provoke me. My 16th birthday had been a month prior; I had shifted for the first time, and ever since, I'd struggled to control my wolf.

*End of flashback*

A sudden knock at my door jolted me out of the painful memory I relived daily.

“Claire, open up. We need to talk.”

It was my mother.

Using the little strength I had, I unlatched the door, granting her access.

“Your father is home. He's already at the dining table,” she revealed.

“I'm not hungry,” I lied, feigning disinterest in the prospect of a family dinner.

“Let's have dinner as a family for once. Besides, there's something we need to discuss with you,” she insisted, coaxing me to follow her to the kitchen.

I gave up and followed her down the staircase, my attention captivated by the rhythmic sway of her wavy black hair cascading down her back.

Mom and I were so much alike—we shared icy blue eyes, facial structure, figure, and even certain mannerisms, like avoiding eye contact when lying or the reflexive toss of our hair when upset.

Entering the dining room, my senses were immediately on high alert. Seated at the table was Max—my childhood nemesis—along with his family.

Luna and Alpha Stiner sat beside his younger siblings.

Max’s presence was magnetic, radiating confidence with a strong aura.

I glared at him, but he only smirked and shrugged, flexing his shoulders to showcase his well-built physique and sexy dimples.

Ugh, what a showoff.

I hated him, and yet, despite all the hatred I felt, I couldn't help but acknowledge his undeniable charm.

“Sweetheart, I'm sorry. And please be nice,” Mom whispered in my ear before taking a seat beside Dad. I sat next to her.

The tension in the air was palpable. I could tell this wasn’t a regular family gathering.

“Good evening, everyone,” I greeted, forcing a smile.

Our parents exchanged knowing glances, the atmosphere crackling with unspoken expectations.

“Given that both you and my son are currently without mates—” Alpha Stiner began, and sudden realization washed over me.

So that’s what this is all about?

“Not a chance,” I exclaimed, my voice cutting through the tension at the table.

Max looked at me as if he'd expected a different answer.

“Sit down, Claire. The kids are right over there,” Dad ordered. I momentarily forgot that Luna’s toddlers, aged two and three, were playing across the room with Nia, the helper.

I reluctantly obeyed, easing back into my seat.

“My son needs a mate, and you’re both mateless, so I don’t see why this is an issue,” Alpha Stiner shrugged, entirely oblivious to the brewing conflict.

Their son tormented me for years and made my life a living hell.

Why would I want to be with someone like him?

“Leave her be. Any woman would be fortunate to have me,” Max scoffed, rising abruptly.

“Besides, she-wolves without a wolf aren’t my type.”

“And jerks aren’t my type,” I retorted.

He stormed out of the dining room, our parents remaining unfazed.

“Are we done here?” I asked, locking eyes with my mother, fuming with anger. She held her head in a guilty expression.

She was well aware of the deep-seated animosity between Max and me, and how I felt about not having a mate.

Lying just to get me to attend this dinner was not it.

As I rushed up the stairs to my safe space, the door opened, and suddenly, I found myself slammed against the wall.

“Max!” I tried to scream, but he swiftly placed a finger over my lips.

“Keep quiet, wolf-less mutt.”

“I’m not wolf-less,” I hissed.

He smirked mischievously, leaning closer.

“Then why don’t I smell your wolf?”

A question I couldn't answer. The truth behind it was a secret I planned to take to the grave.

Max’s eyes loomed over me, watching my every movement.

I tried to focus on anything but how handsome he was up close.

His presence commanded attention, and I despised that, after all he had put me through, I still found him alluring.

His facial structure rivaled that of a movie star, his eyes mirrored a stormy night, and his plump pink lips looked almost too inviting.

He leaned in even closer, as if we weren’t close enough already.

The proximity was suffocating, his aura wrapping around me like a glove.

“Why are you breathless?” he asked knowingly.

“You’re such a jerk.”

I pushed him away, but he gently pushed me back, his lips mere inches from mine.

The inner conflict intensified as I fought against the inexplicable pull he seemed to have on me.

Embarrassingly, I closed my eyes and awaited a kiss.

Seconds passed. Nothing happened.

I opened my eyes.

Max erupted into laughter.

“You think I would ever kiss an ungrateful mutt like you?”

Now do you see why I can't fathom being with my childhood enemy?

The idea of a romantic connection with Max was repulsive, and I couldn't picture myself being his mate.

I’d rather face the possibility of a mate-less future than succumb to the irony of being entangled with the one person I had spent my life avoiding.