ORTEGA: THE ALPHA’S HUMAN MATE

Lord Frederick’s chamber had transformed into an unexpected battleground, a stage for a dramatic clash of wills that would resonate through the annals of history. The palpable tension gripped the room, wrapping around the occupants like an oppressive shroud. Derrick, his countenance an icy mask of defiance, and Felicia, struggling to maintain an unconvincing smile, sat side by side, an incongruous pair thrown together by the capricious hand of fate.

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as if the very air had thickened in response to the brewing storm between father and son. Felicia, draped in an elegant gown that now felt like a straitjacket, shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of her role as an unwitting pawn in this high-stakes confrontation.

Lord Frederick, his eyes locked unwaveringly on his son, leaned forward, his voice dripping with authority. “Derrick, I implore you to consider your next words carefully. The very mantle of alpha king hangs in the balance.”

Derrick’s jaw clenched, his fists balling at his sides in defiance. His mind raced, a whirlwind of anger and frustration. He had imagined this moment countless times, but facing it was an entirely different beast. “Do you truly believe, Father, that I would yield to your will so easily? Your estimation of me is flawed.”

In response, Lord Frederick’s voice grew colder, an unyielding wall against Derrick’s resistance. “We’ve discussed this ad nauseam, Derrick. It’s imperative for the greater good.”

Derrick’s voice dripped with frustration as he shot back, “You cannot force my hand in this matter. Threats of titles and power hold no sway over matters of the heart.”

Lord Frederick leaned in closer, his unwavering gaze a force of nature in itself. “Derrick, this transcends personal desires. It concerns the very survival and prosperity of our kingdom, a kingdom we are both sworn to protect.”

Derrick’s scoff was a testament to his unyielding spirit. “Am I but a pawn in your political gambit, then?”

Lord Frederick chose silence as his response, casting his son a glare that could wither even the most steadfast of souls. Yet, Derrick remained resolute.

“You cannot decide my destiny without my consent, Father!” Derrick’s voice echoed with exasperation. “I bear the weight of an alpha king’s responsibilities, but I also hold the right to choose my life partner.”

Lord Frederick’s resolve remained unshaken. “Derrick, leaders often make sacrifices for the greater good. This alliance secures our kingdom’s prosperity and ensures its survival.”

Derrick’s frustration was a palpable force in the room, his clenched fists and furrowed brow evidence of his internal turmoil. “Prosperity should not come at the cost of my own happiness, Father. I, too, deserve the chance to find true love.”

Amid this tumultuous exchange, Felicia sought to bridge the chasm between them. “Alpha Derrick, I understand the suddenness of this situation. Our families have arranged this engagement to unite our packs for the greater good. It’s a symbolic bond, a testament to the unity our people need.”

Derrick’s gaze turned to Felicia, a spark of empathy softening his harsh demeanor ever so slightly. “Felicia, this isn’t about you. You’re a remarkable person, but I cannot compel my heart to love.”

Lady Aurora, the voice of reason, chimed in, her tone soothing but persuasive. “Derrick, love can blossom over time. For the sake of our kingdom’s stability, we must embrace this unity. Think on it, dear.”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

In the midst of this impassioned debate, an elderly maid, a silent observer with the wisdom of decades in the royal household, watched with knowing eyes. She had witnessed countless struggles and triumphs within these walls.

Derrick, feeling the weight of the world upon his shoulders, rubbed his temples. His thoughts swirled with anger, frustration, and a haunting sense of powerlessness. His father had backed him into a corner, and even his own mother had aligned herself with Lord Frederick.

Sighing in frustration, Derrick grappled with a whirlwind of emotions. He understood the responsibility of being an alpha king, but he couldn’t relinquish the hope of finding his true mate.

Felicia, sensing the mounting hostility, attempted to diffuse the situation. “Alpha, I understand your concerns, but perhaps we can make this work. We can learn to respect and care for each other.”

Derrick turned to her, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Felicia, it’s not about you. You deserve someone who loves you wholeheartedly, and I cannot be that person.”

Felicia, seated beside Derrick, tried to intercede, her voice quivering. “Please, Alpha, let us find a way to make this work. I promise to stand by your side, Derrick.”

Derrick turned to Felicia, his expression a maelstrom of frustration and empathy. “Felicia, it’s not about you. You deserve someone who loves you wholeheartedly, and I cannot be that person.”

Lady Aurora, the peacemaker, sought to mediate. “Derrick, love can flourish over time. Felicia hails from a noble family, and she is willing to stand by your side.”

Felicia’s maid, her hands trembling, stepped forward, holding a ring box containing the symbol of their engagement. Lord Frederick signaled for her to proceed.

As the ring box opened, revealing the undeniable reality of their impending union, Derrick couldn’t escape the feeling of entrapment. His future had slipped from his grasp, and he had mere moments to make a fateful decision.

“Do it, Derrick,” Lord Frederick urged, his tone unwavering.

Derrick hesitated for one last, agonizing moment, his gaze locked with Felicia’s, mirroring her inner turmoil. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he extended his hand, allowing Felicia to slide the engagement ring onto his finger.

As the ring settled in place, a profound sense of finality washed over Derrick. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and he understood the gravity of defying his father’s will. He had ceded control of his destiny, and there was no turning back.

Felicia’s smile, though tinged with unease, was unmistakable as she leaned over to plant a chaste kiss on Derrick’s cheek. “Thank you, Alpha Derrick,” she whispered, a mixture of relief and trepidation in her voice.

Lord Frederick nodded in approval, his stern countenance softening ever so slightly. “This is for the best, Derrick. You shall see.”

Derrick’s mother, Lady Aurora, chimed in with warmth in her voice, her eyes reflecting a mother’s hope. “Felicia is not just vibrant and beautiful, but she also loves you deeply, Derrick. I have no doubt she’ll make an exceptional wife when you two are wed.” Her gaze shifted to Felicia, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she asked, “Isn’t that right, Felicia?”

Felicia’s response was radiant, her eyes meeting Lady Aurora’s with sincerity. “Yes, Lady Aurora,” she affirmed, her smile bright as the morning sun. “I promise to be a devoted wife to Alpha Derrick, treating him with the utmost respect and care.”

Lord Frederick, ever the strategist, interjected with a sly grin, his eyes locking onto Derrick’s. “You see, Derrick, everything we are doing is not just for the kingdom’s benefit but for yours as well. Felicia’s love and devotion will be an invaluable asset to you in the end.”

Derrick, however, remained silent, his cold expression a testament to the tempestuous thoughts and emotions raging within. In that moment, if looks could indeed be lethal, Lord Frederick might have found himself six feet beneath the ground, for the intensity of Derrick’s glare was nothing short of deadly.

As the room filled with the hollow echoes of congratulatory words from Derrick’s mother and a facade of celebration, Derrick couldn’t shake the haunting feeling that he had embarked upon a path he never desired to tread. His destiny as the alpha king of the Whitestone kingdom now dangled precariously in the balance, and he found himself yearning for a way to escape the inexorable grip of this unwanted engagement.