MARKED BY ALPHA

Alana's POV

I paced back and forth near the cabin. The leaves rustled softly in the evening breeze, but their calming whispers did little to soothe me. My father's words echoed in my mind.

You must find a suitor before the next sixth moon. It wasn't a request; it was an order.

I clenched my fists, trying to shake off the silly thoughts but it wasn't going away. I needed an escape, something to make me forget about all of this even if it's just for a short while.

With a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Pack was sitting near the small fire, sharpening a blade he had found in the woods. He glanced up at me, with a curious expression.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," he remarked, setting the blade aside.

I let out a bitter laugh. "I think I might prefer a ghost to what I'm dealing with."

He arched a brow. "That is bad?"

I dropped onto the wooden stool opposite him, resting my elbows on my knees. "My father has given me an ultimatum. I have six moons to find a mate suitor, or he'll choose one for me."

Pack tilted his head. "Isn't that normal for a princess?"

I shot him a glare. "Normal? Maybe for someone who wants this life. But I don't. I don't want to be forced into a bond with someone I don't love."

He was silent for a moment, watching me carefully. Then, he leaned forward. "So don't."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He smirked slightly. "Run away."

I blinked. "What?"

"You said you have six moons, right? That's two a bit far from now. Leave the pack now, go somewhere else, live freely for a while. Then, the night before your nineteenth birthday, come back. They'll think you've made your decision, and maybe you'll have found an alternative to this arranged marriage nonsense."

I stared at him, my mind racing. Running away? It was reckless, dangerous... but also tempting.

"You think my father wouldn't hunt me down?" I muttered.

"He wouldn't expect it," Pack said with a shrug. "And if you plan it well, you can avoid being caught. You'd have a taste of freedom, even if just for a short while."

I exhaled sharply, leaning back against the rough wooden wall. The idea was wild. Irresponsible. But also... freeing.

"I don't know," I admitted. "I have responsibilities. My mother... she would be worried sick."

Pack nodded. "Then think about it. You don't have to decide right now."

But I could already feel the idea settling in my mind, taking root like a seed of rebellion.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Back at the castle, I found myself lost in thought. The grand halls, the soft candlelight flickering against the walls, it all felt like a cage right now. My father's command weighed on me, but now, there was a door I hadn't considered before.

I wandered into my chambers, only to find my mother waiting for me. She sat on the edge of my bed, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders. Her sharp eyes softened when she saw me.

"You're troubled," she said gently.

I forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mother."

She studied me for a long moment before shaking her head. "Are you kidding me Alana, or did you forget I know you better than anyone. This is about the suitors, isn't it?"

I swallowed. "It's something I can handle mother."

Her expression remained compassionate, but the worry in her eyes deepened. "You've always beeb rebellious Alana. But I fear that one day that rebelliousness will lead you to a path you cannot return from."

I hesitated. Did she somehow know? Could she see the conflict raging inside me?

"Mother, I promise... I'll be fine," I said softly.

She reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I hope so, my love."

But as she left the room, I knew she didn't believe me.

**

Luna Moon's POV (Alana's mother)

I hummed softly as I strolled through the garden.

It was the perfect time to find my favorite flower before the warriors stomped through the fields like wild boars.

I crouched down near a patch of silver lilies, my fingers brushing over the delicate petals. Perfect. I reached out to pluck one when I heard a whisper and a rustle, then giggling

The sound came from the trees just beyond the garden. I straightened, narrowing my eyes toward the source. Who would be giggling at this hour in this place?

Curiously, I stepped closer, careful to remain silent. As I moved past the tall ferns, my heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

There she was, standing with a boy…

A strange boy was with my daughter, Alana.

I froze.

She froze.

The boy, a tall, rugged-looking young man with dark hair and grey eyes..