“I’m sorry; Father!”
Dad continues sobbing, “Look what you made me do to you. … How could you go and betray my trust in you; Helena?”
“I’m so sorry, Father; I never wanted to betray your trust like this.”
“Why … how could you? You were this family’s pride and joy … so, how could you do such a thing?”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen, Father; I swear. … It just happened … I couldn’t control myself?”
Dad tries to regain some composure; as he forces himself to hold back his tears, while wiping his face dry. He takes in a couple of deep breaths, before going on…
“What do mean ‘it just happened’ … that you weren’t able to control yourself?”
Helena takes a moment now to try and regain some of her composure, as well. She struggles to hold back her tears, and wipes her face dry; while, fighting back her sobs. She softly confesses…
“I love him; Father. I’ve always loved Walter. … I’m sure he’s the one … my true mate.”
He snaps out…
“Your ‘true mate’?! … This is the second time I’m hearing that ‘mate’ word being spewed out from you impudent girls’ mouths! Enough of this foolishness … I don’t want to hear any more talk of this mate crap!! Your mate will be whoever your mother and I decide you’ll marry … and, no one else!”
Sadly enough, our father was right; being able to wait for … and, end up marrying … our true mates is not luxury that the daughters of Alphas, Betas, and Gammas are allowed to have. We are all required to remain unattached and chaste … kept in reserve, if you will … set aside until we’re able to be placed into arranged marriages that will prove to be beneficial for the pack as a whole.
Frankly speaking; we are essentially the saved up dowry for a pack’s prospective alliance. When you think about it; it’s not much different than the way standards are sometimes set among those humans coming from royalty and high society.
Fact of the matter is; unlike back in the olden days … when pack supremacy was determined by engaging in bloody battles with other packs; fighting over territory, and subjugating its edict over defeated packs … nowadays, a pack’s status and dominance is most commonly settled in the board room; fiscally fought out, and determined by the economical wealth of the pack.
Corporate raiding and hostile business takeovers are today’s methods of fighting among the packs. … Although, truth be told; there are still occasionally rare, bloody skirmishes within the werewolf community. However, even then; they’re more likely to occur between the rogues and established packs … as opposed to being cases of packs going up against packs.
“Helena; you were chosen by Alpha Gordon himself to be wed to Alan, as soon as he reached the age where he’d be eligible to assume the position of becoming the Rainier Pack’s next Alpha. … Perhaps Alpha Gordon may not step down, right away; but one day, he’ll eventually hand that title over to Alan.
And, when that day comes; you’ll become our pack’s next Luna. … How could you have ever even considered risking throwing away the opportunity to receive such a prestigious honor over some childhood crush?”
Bellona sarcastically quips, “Yeah, Helena; why choose to be with your childhood crush, when you can have yourself a child-husband?”
Raina and Rhiana start to titter uncontrollably … but, Dad isn’t amused; and, scowls at them right before snapping out at Bellona…
“That’ll be enough out of you!! I’m getting real tired of hearing that smart-mouth of yours; Bellona! … I swear, these past few weeks; it’s been doing nothing but spewing out non-stop nonsense.”
Helena meekly interjects, “But, Father; what Bellona just said … it is kind of true. Alan will only be eighteen on his next birthday; and, I’m already twenty eight.”
Dad sharply looks to Helena, and intensely glares at her; while demonstratively furrowing his eyebrows … causing her to instantly cower; and, automatically place her hand over her recently slapped face … which is swelling up a bit; and, marked with a large, bright-red, hand print on it.
“So?”
Helena sheepishly replies, “So … he’s ten years younger than me.”
“And, what? Pomona’s arranged husband is ten years older than she is. You think that makes any difference one way, or the other? Well; it doesn’t. … You girls will marry whoever I tell you to marry; understand?”
Helena subserviently lowers her head … just like I often find myself having to do … and, meekly replies; in a soft, defeated tone…
“Yes; Father.”
“Good. Now; I don’t want to hear another word from you about this matter. You’re going to put an end to this ridiculous affair nonsense; and, refrain from going anywhere near Walter Burns. … And, in four months from now; you will be marrying Alpha Gordon’s son … regardless of his age.”
Dad looks over my way; and, delivers a sneer depicting the true detestation he harbors for me…
“And, next week, you insufferable, little wretch; you’ll be sent off to meet your future husband … and, I’ll finally be able to rid myself for good from the embarrassment of having you for a daughter. … Honestly; you should be thanking the gods that an individual as prominent as Alpha Casper would even consider accepting you for this arranged marriage.”
Once again … Bellona shoots her arm up, and menacingly poises her hand over her head; with her claws jutting out from her fingers. She ominously reminds him; while growling through her tightly gritted teeth…
“Didn’t I tell you to watch what you say about Pomona? You must really want me to rip out your tongue, today.”
Worried that Bellona might lose it at any moment … Dad’s had her pretty wound up and agitated this morning … I immediately run up behind her; and, wrap my arms around her waist. I deliver a quick, gentle lick to the nape of her neck; then, affectionately nuzzle my nose in its crook. As I do this; I softly whisper in her ear…