6. Departure

Alicia’s POV

My grip tightens on the railings as I stand on the balcony. I come here to get a breath of fresh air, but the idea of getting married to someone I don’t even like spoils my entire day.

"Who wants to get married to that tyrant?" I grumble in frustration, thinking of a way to get rid of this marriage agreement.

"He's my mate? That's ridiculous! Even if it's true, why do I always end up with a useless mate? First, Elliot, and now a tyrant Alpha. Great!"

I grind my teeth to suppress my anger. How long do I have to follow everything that my father wants me to do? When he granted the Beta position to Elliot, he also told me to accept it without complaining, and it left me feeling inferior.

"I rather remain unmarried than with anyone," I mumble, gazing at the dark sky of the night.

"Do you hate the idea of marrying me that much?"

I turn my head to the side and sigh when I see Alpha Alistair. He’s leaning against the railing on the balcony of his room, which happens to be next to mine.

"That’s why I suggest a trial marriage," he adds, shrugging. "Won’t you give it a try, at least?"

"Do I have a choice?" I roll my eyes and turn my back on him. "Don’t talk to me. I don’t even want to see you right now."

"That’s cold," he comments, sounding hurt and all, when the truth is he’s enjoying seeing me miserable.

"You’re mean," I say, pursing my lips. "You won’t propose marriage to someone you barely know if you’re not."

Alpha Alistair chuckles. "What if I tell you that I kind of know you somehow?" His voice penetrates my ears like a musical piece until I comprehend his words.

"No, you don’t. Nobody knows me that well," I reply, shifting my weight to the other foot as I change my posture. "Nobody, not even those whom I thought did."

"Do you like him?" Alpha Alistair whispers.

I shiver at the sudden contact. "What the?" I look behind him and gasp. "You jumped over?"

"It’s nothing special. Everyone can do that, no?" He smirks, lifting my chin up while staring at my eyes. "You look lovely," he compliments.

"I know," I say, giving him a piece of my sassiness. "Now, go back to where you should be and stop talking to me."

"You haven’t answered my question yet," Alpha Alistair shrugs. "So, how do you feel about him? I mean, that guy who follows your dad around like a lost puppy."

For real? Did he see Elliot like that? It’s funny to hear someone like him leave a comment about that guy.

"Like? I don’t think so," I say, contemplating whether to tell him that I was dating Elliot until he showed his true colors. "But he has debts to pay me, so I can’t help keeping an eye on him."

He clicks his tongue as he flips his fingers. "Oh, debt. Interesting. Do you need my help? I can collect it for you."

"Nah-uh. I don’t need anyone’s help on this," I say. "Besides, I don’t want people to think we’re close." I raise my hands and fix the collar of his shirt.

"You’re mine, Alicia." His voice adds a chill to the air. "You’re marrying me no matter what."

"You don’t need to slap it on my face," I reply. "I know my responsibilities, and I’m not turning my back on them."

I have no choice. If I want to prove myself capable, I will not back down just because I’m ordered to marry this man. Father must have something to gain from this arrangement; if not, he wouldn’t allow this marriage. Besides, coming to The Nightreapers doesn't mean I’m going to marry him right away. If Alpha Alistair realizes I’m not the one he wants to be with, he will cancel the engagement.

I just need to swallow my pride and go along with this arrangement.

I pat his chest and raise my head to look at his face. "It’s late. You should go back to your room, dear guest."

His lips curl into a smile before he leans in to kiss me on the forehead. "Goodbye, princess."

I remain standing, dumbfounded, as I watch him jump over the balcony to his room. He even has time to wave his hand before walking in.

What was that?

He sounds just like him.

Shaking my head, I wipe my forehead and walk to my bed. I already have too much to think about to add him to the list.

Oh, wait. All the other things that bother me are related to him!

"Darn that Alpha," I mumble, pulling the sheets over my body as I curl up in the bed.

The ways I can keep the tyrant away from me are the last thing I have in mind before drifting to sleep.

—--------------

"We’re leaving?" I ask, looking at Elliot in disbelief. "What do you mean? I haven’t started packing my things up."

Elliot sighs and points at the suitcases standing next to my bed. "I’ve already guessed this will happen, so I asked the maids to prepare your luggage for you."

I can’t believe this. They all want to send me away!

"Are you okay with this, Elliot? I mean, you're my mate, and yet you—Ah! Never mind."

Elliot just looks at me for a second before urging me to get ready. "The Alpha of The Nightreapers is waiting for you downstairs. Please don’t make him wait any longer," he says, pushing me to the bathroom.

"Hey, Elliot! You don’t really care about me now, do you?"

I purse my lips when he ignores my words.

"Your change of clothes will be ready in a bit. Please don’t take your time in the shower," is all that he says, nonchalant about my situation.

"Damn it." I kick the wall in frustration. "Damn it!"

Tears fall down my face as I turn on the shower. I feel abandoned. My presence becomes insignificant in this pack.

"They no longer need me. Nobody needs me," I sob, letting the water wash away my sadness.

I stay in the shower for half an hour, delaying my departure as much as I can. I could have taken a bath for a couple of hours, but Elliot started pounding on the bathroom door, reminding me of the time.

After dressing up, I walk downstairs, where the others are waiting.

My father’s face is priceless as he watches me walk toward them.

"I wish you all the best, Alicia." He hugs me, patting my back. "Be careful not to tarnish our Pack’s name, do you understand?" He whispers.

I should have known what kind of man he really is.

"Don’t blame me for every shit that will happen, Dad." I kiss him on the cheeks and smile at him. "I wish you well," I add, turning around to face Alpha Alistair.

"Let’s go?"

If going with this man means I will be his future Luna, there’s no need to hesitate.

This way, I can prove myself.

Alpha Alistair offers his hand, which I accept. His blinding smile almost felt like a dream. "Let’s go," he says, walking me out of the pack house.

This is a silly thought, but I never imagined I would leave this place. Now that I’m taking a step out of this huge house filled with memories of my younger self, I realize it’s not that bad to let go of the past.

"Please get inside," Alpha Alistair says, opening the door to the backseat.

I look at him and then behind me, where everyone in the Lightcrest Pack is standing. None of them look sad about me leaving the pack. I guess they all thought it was better not to have me around.

Do they not expect me to come back? Is it really better if I’m not part of this Pack anymore?

"Herrick..." I sigh when I spot my brother glaring at me from the side. He must be mad that he’ll have no one to tease anymore.

Ah. That’s right. My brother doesn’t care about me either. After all, he only knows how to piss me off.

"Goodbye, everyone," I whisper, getting in the car and settling down in my seat.

I close my eyes as the car's engine starts.

This is it. I’m leaving for real.