MARKED BY ALPHA

Alana

For my father to call me to the main hall, I knew it was about those leadership and wolves stuff. But this time it was somehow different, because the moment I stepped into the main hall, something seems off. My father sat at the head of the long wooden table, with a straight face, while my mother stood beside him, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. They only ever looked like this when they had something important, something really unpleasant to o discuss.

"Alana," my father's voice echoed real loud, the kind that left no room for argument. "Sit."

I swallowed and obeyed, my heartbeat picking up. My father, Alpha moon, was not a man to waste words. If he had summoned me, it meant he had already made a decision.

My mother gave me a small, reassuring smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"You're of age now," my father continued, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. "Eighteen. Soon to be nineteen."

I nodded slowly, not liking where this was going.

"You know the laws of our pack," he said, his fingers tapping against the table. "A princess must find her mate before her nineteenth year. Your time is running out."

I clenched my fists in my lap. I had known this moment would come, but I had hoped for more time.

"You need to choose a suitor, someone you can mate with" my mother added gently. "Someone strong, capable. Someone who can help lead this pack with you when the time comes."

I looked between them, feeling the walls close in around me. "And if I don't?"

My father's jaw tightened. "Then we will choose for you."

My heart pounded. "That's not fair!"

"It is the way things have always been," he said, his voice leaving no room for debate. "You are the future of this pack. Your duty comes before your desires."

I turned to my mother, silently pleading for her help. She sighed, reaching out to take my hand. "We want you to be happy, Alana. But tradition is tradition."

I pulled my hand away, already frustrated with this whole silly talks, I didn't want to be forced into a marriage, into a life I hadn't chosen.

But in our world, choice was a luxury I might not have.

"You have until the next sixth moon," my father said. "Find someone. Or we will find someone for you."

And with that, the conversation was over, you can leave now, he commanded.

I stormed out of the hall, my mind racing.

How was I supposed to choose a husband when my heart belonged to my freedom? My father's words was still ringing in my ears. Find someone. Or we will find someone for you.

It felt like a command, an ultimatum that stripped me of my freedom. I had always known this day would come, royal daughters didn't get the luxury of choosing their fate but I had hoped for more time. The next sixth moon, that's already too close enough.

I needed air. My feet carried me to the training grounds, where I knew my friend would be. Maybe they'd be on my side. Maybe they'd understand how unfair this was.

The afternoon air did little to cool my rising temper as I approached them. Amaya, Eve, and Elsa were gathered under the shade of an old oak tree, talking in hushed tones. They looked up as I approached, and Amaya immediately grinned.

"There you are!" she called, waving me over. "We were just talking about you."

I crossed my arms, still fuming. "I suppose you've heard, then."

Amaya gave me a sheepish look, confirming my suspicions. "Your father made an official announcement to the pack elders this morning," Eve added, her voice very careful. "It's not just a private family decision anymore, Alana. The entire pack expects you to mate soon."

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "This is ridiculous! I don't want to marry some stranger just because tradition demands it."

Elsa let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, come on, Alana. It's not like they're asking you to marry an old man. You'll get a powerful mate, someone who will make sure our pack remains strong."

I gaped at her. "Are you serious? You're taking their side?"

Amaya rolled her eyes and patted the spot next to her. "Sit down before you explode. Let's talk about this rationally."

I hesitated before sinking onto the soft grass. My friends had always been my safe space, my escape from responsibilities. I had expected them to support me, to agree that my parents were being unreasonable.

Instead, Amaya gave me a knowing look. "Alana, you know this isn't just about you. The Blood Moon Pack is one of the strongest in the region, but without an heir, we're vulnerable. Your father is thinking about the future, not just about your happiness."

Eve reached for my hand, her aqua-colored eyes kind. "I know it feels unfair, but you're the princess. This was always going to be your duty."

I withdraw my hands from hers, "So you're all in agreement that I should just throw myself into the arms of the first suitor who asks?"

Elsa smirked. "Not just any suitor. He has to be strong, handsome, and, of course, worthy of you." She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder and leaned closer. "You might even enjoy it, you know. Mating bonds are intense, and the right match could be..." She waggled her brows suggestively.

I scowled. "This is my future, not some love story you're fantasizing about."

Amaya sighed. "Look, Alana, we're not saying you should just pick anyone. But at least consider the options before your parents do it for you. Wouldn't you rather have control over who you end up with?"

I swallowed hard, they weren't wrong. If I refused to choose, my parents would make the decision for me. And knowing my father, he would prioritize strength and alliances over love.

Eve squeezed my hand. "We'll help you. You don't have to do this alone."

I exhaled slowly, my shoulders sagging. "I don't even know where to start."

Amaya grinned. "Don't worry. That's what we're here for."

Despite my frustration, I felt a little gratitude, at least I wasn't entirely alone in this.