I sat frozen, being in a complete daze as the event unfolded in my mind.

One second Sanders Pack was fighting off rogues, the next I was handed over to the alpha of the Cross Pack for a union by marriage.

My parents comforted me that it was for the best and that I would be safe. But I was confused why it had to be me to be wed to this man.

I mean I have elder sisters who have yet to be mated and would jump at the opportunity. So why me?

I wanted to have a word in the matter. I wanted to voice my opinion. But most importantly, I don’t want to be married to someone that isn’t my mate.

Ever since I was little, I learned that mates are your other half, and they complete you.

Mates are made to fulfill your happiness in so many ways. They make you whole mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

So it just isn’t fair for me to be married off to an alpha just because my father wanted to beg the safety of his pack.

But then again it made sense that my father wanted to send me away since he actually never wanted me. And as he always claimed, I was born to be a mistake.

My father originally wanted 4 children, but when my mother got pregnant with me after becoming Luna of the Sanders Pack, my father had no other choice but to keep me, because his image to the pack was important.

That did not mean that my father didn't try to get rid of me secretly, but his plans usually became in vain, but this time it seems as though his plan would finally work.

When I was lost in my thoughts, I was snapped back to reality when my father's booming laughter jarred my mind as he said, "it was a pleasure settling this treaty with you, Alpha Charles. I'm sure Tara will live up to her position and fulfill your needs as you see necessary." Saying his words, my father's eyes glared my way, sending a secret warning.

"Of course, I hope she does," spoke Alpha Charles in a very overbearing and domineering tone, which caused fearful shiverings to capture my entire being.

"I will pick her up after I've made a few arrangements. Tell her to be ready by tomorrow afternoon. My driver will be here exactly at 4:00 PM." Added the alpha, speaking as if I wasn't in the room.

"Understood. See you, Charles." My father assured.

"Likewise," Charles gave a brief response. Then he turned and headed for the door not even sparing me a glance.

I gazed at the closed doors from which Charles just departed.

I still couldn't buy what just took place. My father just sold me so that he could protect his pathetic pack.

By the sudden goosebumps that rose on my skin, I was able to tell that my father suddenly approached behind me.

He was always too close for my comfort.

I sensed his hand on my shoulder as he murmured toward my ear, "My dear, you are going to make me a lot of money, and you are going to guarantee my security. So you'd better be a good little slut like I know you are. And you'd better be a good girl, understand all the rules, and do everything that Charles tells." After saying so, he turned and left.

I had no idea how to react to his words. I mean they no longer hurt my feelings because I'm used to his humiliating tone towards me. However, what he told me about understanding the rules and doing everything that Charles said did trigger fear deep within me.

Alpha Charles was intimidating. The mere mention of him could cause everyone to be on alert, not to mention his presence.

He had the profile like he was sculpted by the Gods.

He had a dark and smoldering gaze that stated "Don't fuck with me." Yet the girls would still drool over him.

He had a fit and husky build that was defined by the bulging muscles that were revealed through the shirt that he was on today. And his height only added to my despair.

His voice was low, yet there was this tempting tone that resonated in every one of the syllables that escaped his mysterious lips. There was also a slight lingering sound that followed his words. And if you listened to him long enough, you would feel as if he was caressing you without even touching you.

If what I said made sense...

Anyways, what I was trying to say is that I didn't want to get mated to him, because I'd lose my chance at getting my real mate.

I would lose the opportunity of feeling true happiness. I would no longer encounter genuine love. And the personal gift I preserved for the man of my fantasies would be taken away by that cold alpha.

Oh did I omit to mention that Charles ruled one of the biggest wolf Packs in North America? That he fights like a fighter, punishes like a judge, and even kills one like a butcher?

I didn't?

Well, now you know.

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt something wet fall on my chest. So before I started sobbing, I ran.

I rushed out of my parents' mansion and headed straight to Eric's place.

Eric has been my best friend or first love as I kept for my own, ever since I can remember. I even believed he and I would be mates, but not everything went the way we want it to.

When we became 18 two years ago, Eric met his mate, Laila. And they immediately fell in love.

I guess the mating link performs that to you.

Anyways I was happy for him, as much as I felt sorry personally. I mean Eric was kind, sweet, handsome, attractive, and just everything a lady could wish for. But he wasn't mine. And the further I began to learn that Laila takes care of him in ways I probably couldn't.

At the very beginning, she was a bit envious of the connection between Eric and me. But soon 2 years later, when we are all 20 years old, she gets familiar with me. And Eric began growing jealous of our connection.

When I arrived at their house, as if on prompt Laila opened the door. And I collapsed in her arms sobbing my eyes out.

She hugged me for hours, stroking my hair, touching my cheeks, and whispering sweet nonsense until my cries faded and all I had kept were tears.

"H-h-he did it, Lai. He married me to Alpha Charles, and I-I didn't even have a word in it. He signed the documents, and n-now I'm going to be p-p-picked up t-to-t-tom-morrow at 4:00." I faltered out as another stream of tears flooded from my eyes.

"Tomorrow?! Why so fast?" Laila inquired, her eyes swelled up from her own tears.

"I-I don't know." I cried again, feeling another outburst growing up.

"I'm so sorry, honey," cried Laila.

"What's going on?" Eric's voice came from behind us.

"Baby? Why are you crying? Tara? What the fuck happened to you?" Asked Eric as he abruptly became overprotective to both of us.

He never wanted to see us upset, particularly Laila. If he has to get her tons of roses to make her happy he would do it. And if he had to kill someone for me or Laila he would do that too.