Chapter 1 Choosing A Mate
- Hayley's POV
- As the first female Alpha of the Shadow Pack, I knew my marriage path would not follow the typical romantic tale. No waiting Moon Goddess' signs at eighteen for me.
- The moment I took on the Alpha mantle, my priorities shifted toward preserving the pack's legacy, even if it meant sacrificing personal happiness for strategic alliances.
- Yet, I refused to simply acquiesce as my parents had, sacrificing their happiness for duty with little to show for it.
- Instead, one restless evening, I shifted into my wolf form and dashed through the forest, seeking solace in its familiar embrace.
- Caught during my restless run, my assistant approached. "Alpha, your grandfather wishes to discuss an urgent matter."
- Acknowledging with a swift nod, I phased back to human form and sped across the plains, returning to our grand estate in a blink.
- Upon entering his study, Grandpa laid out his plans. "To strengthen our bond with the Midnight Pack, you are to consider marrying one of the Southwells, who lead them."
- He then insisted on a prompt engagement.
- Leaning back, I mulled over his words. After that, I met his gaze with a defiant smirk. "Fine, but on my terms.
- "First, the Midnight Pack mustn't learn of my Alpha status.
- "Secondly, if no genuine feelings develop within a year, and they show no interest in me, I walk away. I'll handle my future engagements on my terms, possibly with the Moon Goddess's guidance as any other werewolf."
- "And should that happen, I'll negotiate alternate terms for our packs' alliance."
- Grandpa pondered deeply but eventually nodded in agreement. Since losing my parents, he has always shown me great affection.
- To avoid being prematurely bound by any potential mate's recognition, I masked my scent before departure.
- ...
- Days later, disguised as a nondescript Omega, I forsook luxury travel for a budget flight to the Midnight Pack.
- Upon arrival, I spotted four striking men waiting for me at the terminal.
- Cold, aloof, cheerful—these men represented a range of personas. They captured the attention of everyone around. If not for the bodyguards present, numerous onlookers would have approached them to get their contact details.
- "On such a hot day, Grandpa insisted we four come to pick up this girl. Does he think we have nothing better to do?" I overheard the rebellious-looking one among them complaining. I later learned he was Henry Southwell, the youngest of the five brothers.
- "Since she came on a budget airline, she's probably not even a direct descendant of the Phantom Pack ruling family. I heard she's just an Omega," added another, who wore a mask and hat. I soon recognized him as Christopher Southwell, the fourth brother and star of a popular Netflix drama.
- "We five brothers are the Alpha heirs of the Midnight Pack. How can we let an Omega from Phoenix City choose one of us as a fiancé? I thought Grandpa was joking when he mentioned this yesterday!" said Tanner Southwell, the third brother, whose face I recognized instantly as I approached them.
- "I envy Ben for being the first Alpha heir. He doesn't have to attend these sorts of meetings."
- The quiet one beside Tanner had to be Irving Southwell, the second in line.
- Pleased with myself, I checked my deliberately shabby outfit and rough makeup, grinning as I approached them.
- "Hello, are you the Southwell brothers? I'm Hayley Carson."
- Their expressions froze, especially Christopher's, who incredulously asked, "You're Hayley Carson?"
- I nodded, playing up my admiration. "Grandpa wasn't lying, you guys are so handsome."
- Henry looked at me, unimpressed, "Even if you're an Omega with no taste, you shouldn't be so crass."
- "Ms. Carson, perhaps you should head back?"
- "What?" I feigned confusion and blinked.
- Finally, it was Irving, the deputy CEO of Southwell Group, who broke the silence. "Let's just head to the car and go home."
- In the car, I sat in the middle row next to Irving.
- I caught a glimpse of his watch and deliberately exclaimed, "Wow! This watch is so nice! It must be about 50 dollars, right?"
- "50? This watch of the Irving's is worth 4.5 million!" Henry scoffed from the back seat.
- Given my appearance, I guessed none of them wanted me to choose them as a mate, inching me closer to my goal.
- Delighted inside, I reveled in their disinterest.
- As we reached the Southwells' villa, I exclaimed, "Wow, your house is huge!"
- Though internally, I scoffed, thinking the villa was nothing compared to my family's estate. Just then, Henry next to me suddenly roared in annoyance.