Chapter 4 The Unexpected Alpha

• Maddie's POV
• The following day came sooner than I could have expected. I had hoped that everything would change overnight in some way. That my aunt's words had only been a nightmare when I woke up.
• But I became aware that this was real and it wasn't a joke, when I opened my eyes that morning and I realized that my life was going to change in ways I didn't expect.
• As I stood in front of the mirror I took deep breaths and tried to regain my balance but all I saw was a jumble of fear and tiredness in my reflection.
• I was filled with so much fear and my stomach was a continual reminder of the new life developing inside of me.
• I didn't know what I was getting into but I knew I was supposed to marry an Alpha today.
• There was no way out of this as my aunt had made it clear yesterday.
• She had planned everything without bringing me into it all and I felt sick to my stomach at the idea of being forced to marry someone I didn't even know.
• That morning, Sarah, my best friend and I hadn't talked much. She had made multiple attempts to contact me but I had not answered any calls or messages.
• I couldn't bring myself to inform her of what was happening. She wasn't entitled to know about the mess I had created for myself. Even so I knew she would want to say goodbye in order to ease my burden if that was even possible.
• As the day went on, my anxiety only got worse. While my aunt busied herself making last-minute preparations for the meeting I made an effort to ignore the tension in the air and the weight of her presence.
• I had already received instructions from my aunt to prepare. I didn't know what to expect when the Alpha arrived.
• Of course I had heard rumors. However, those rumors just increased my level of anxiety. I thought of an older man, maybe one who was serious and experienced. Someone I could respect at the very least. But nothing could have foreseen what came next.
• My heart skipped a beat when the doorbell rang violently and abruptly. My aunt smiled icily and gestured for me to follow her.
• "It's time, little bride." She said, clapping her hands excitedly.
• I paused for a second looking around the room one last time. Sarah was meant to drop by to say goodbye but I wasn't sure if she would arrive in time.
• The weight of the choice that had already been made for me was too much for me to bear. I had no influence over any of this.
• We made our way to the front door down the hallway. I prepared myself for whatever was going to happen when my aunt opened the door.
• The man on the other side was something I wasn't even expecting. I didn't think he would be like that.
• The Alpha I was expecting to see wasn't an elderly man. He was actually younger than I had assumed—possibly even my age. He exuded power in every way and his presence was commanding. His dark intense eyes and sharp jawline appeared to be studying me uninterestedly.
• And for a brief moment I thought I saw something like recognition flashed across his eyes.
• I was probably thinking up things.
• I kept staring at this devastatingly handsome stranger — my mate to be, his confident, posture and broad shoulders made me feel insignificant. I had to look away quickly.
• Despite his good looks, he exuded a sense of conceit that made me feel quite scared.
• "You must be Maddie." he said in a velvety deep voice, but it lacked warmth. It was cold and aloof and something struck me like I had heard that voice before but where?
• "I dont have the entire day. Let's finish this quickly."
• His words were painful. He was acting like he was rushing me even though I wasn't in a hurry. I was so embarrassed that I was unable to control my life.
• "This is Alpha Ethan. Maddie." my aunt said in a tone that was scary and respectful.
• Although the name sounded strong it only increased my anxiety.
• Although I had vaguely heard of Alphas hit, this man was completely different from what I had anticipated.
• He was not even smiling. He didn't make any small talk. He regarded me as if I were nothing more than a bother.
• He looked from me to my aunt and asked impatiently.
• "Is there a problem? We had a deal, you remembered?"
• With haste my aunt said.
• "No problem at all. Go ahead and make a proper introduction Maddie." She nudged me painfully at my sides.
• With my legs trembling under me I stepped forward.
• "Hello." I said, barely raising my voice above a whisper. I wanted to say more, something that would make him think of me as more than a prize but my words were stuck in my throat.
• Alpha Ethan remained silent. He didn't spare me a glance. He turned to my aunt instead.
• "I think we are leaving now, Playing games with her is not my best option."
• I felt my stomach turn to knots. I didn't think things would turn out this way. I didn't expect to feel this way. As my aunt rushed to guide us outside, I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I was just a piece in a game that I didn't understand.
• My voice was tremulous as I blurted out.
• "I. . . I have to talk to my friend first. Give me a moment please."
• Alpha Ethan did not even look at my side. Evidently disinterested he muttered under his breath.
• "We don't have time for this. We're heading out now."
• With desperation I turned to my aunt. "Just a moment please. I have to tell her goodbye, because she has been my only friend."
• Aunt Helen Gave me a look that was impossible to read. She had no intention of changing her plans for me. "Later on you will have more time. Let's head out now."
• "But—."
• "Maddie." my aunt said firmly. "Don't keep the Alpha waiting, it's so rude."
• A feeling of powerlessness overcame me. I didn't make this choice. I Didn't like it but this was already happening.
• I inhaled deeply and took a step back feeling my heart sag in my chest.
• The reality of my circumstances and my aunt's control over me were more pressing than I could handle.
• Sarah who had always supported me was the one person I couldn't even say goodbye to.
• In the distance I heard a faint knock as we made our way to the door. It was Sarah.
• As I had hoped she had come to see me. But it was too late. Alpha Ethan turned before I could get to the door walking impatiently toward the waiting car.
• With a final thud the door closed leaving me motionless in the hallway.
• "Come on Maddie. "Aunt Helen Said with a chilly finality.
• "You had better not disgrace me."
• Sarah calling my name in a muffled voice was the last sound I heard as the engine started and began to drive away.