Falling For My Enemy Alpha

Olive's POV

Father was that kind of man. He was the man who never listened to his only daughter about anything and everything. He was the man who saw his daughter as a tool to becoming more feared and powerful across the five Houses in the realm.

The night he let Alpha Cassian take my maidenhead, he became no father of mine. Perhaps, I was blinded by his title over me as father that I never opened my eyes to see the  cruel fibre he was made of.While I expected much from him, when apparently, he respected none of me.

I peeped out of my bedroom window atop the castle keep, and saw him speaking with Alpha Cassian. They were nose deep into some mischief or the other- that much I knew.

The bailey was alive with music, a stark contrast to the gloom I bore. Stringed musicians, clowns, ribaldry, and lots of food to be devoured. Tonight was the night I would be sold off to Alpha Cassian of the House of Storstrand in the guise of marriage.

Hot tears springing from the depth of my heart ran down my face undisturbed as the sour event of that fateful day replayed itself in my head.

''The House of Storstrand commands the highest resources in gold and men. Mating him will bring me the desired fortune I need to win this protracted war against Vagamor,'' he'd said squarely, looking out the window that winter noon.

''But father, I want none of this.'' I protested in tears. ''I do not want to be wed to Alpha Cassian. Moreover, he's not my fated mate. I'm keeping myself pure for the lucky man whose destiny and mine are intertwined.''

I should have known arguing with my father was pointed

''Daughter," he exhaled a breath, turning slowly to face me. His harrowing black eyes pierced into me sharply as he stroked his long plaited black beard, making my pulse thrum. "What do you think wins a war?'' he asked calmly.

''Urm... Good strategies, good generals, and good soldiers.'' I responded honestly, frightened by his towering height.

''Good! Well said!" He exclaimed, stretching his arms wide. With a pat on my shoulder, he drew me into his side, and led me to the open window, overseeing the vast strip of forestry and cottages in the plains of Mortem. ''Firstly, I happen to be the best strategist in the castle...need I say, in the entire realm. Secondly, the war generals have agreed with me that we need more men to win the war- good soldiers of valor. And thirdly, you, my daughter, can get me the second," he flashed me a sarcastic grin and I felt chills running up my spine, which had nothing to do with the freezing atmosphere.

I gulped down the bile in my throat. "'Do I have to get married to him before he gives you what you want?''

''Yes, daughter. That's the only way.''

''I cannot accept this, father.' I peeled away from him, pouting. ''I'm old enough to make my own decisions.''

"You do not have a say in this matter, child!' he growled. "What is done is done. There's no going back."

I swivelled to look him in the eyes, with tears in my eyes. Not that my opinions ever mattered anyway. Perhaps, I might tamp on his soft spot...if he had one.

''Have you ever asked me what I wanted, father?'' I challenged, my voice brittle. "Mother would never have accepted any of this!''

Last time I checked, mother was his only soft spot, and I knew when to play that card on him.

''You know nothing about her. Your mother would have done anything to bring the House of Mortem to victory. Do not bring the dead into matters of the living.''

He blurted and turned on his heels, locking his hands behind him.

Hanging my head low, I whispered, hoping I could still get him to change his mind. ''I am only nineteen, father. I can barely stand the sight of a man.''

"'And Drustian?''

I stopped breathing for a moment. How did he know about Drustian? I never told anyone I had feelings for his Beta.

''It- it's not what you think, father.' I stuttered weakly. "There's nothing between Drustian and me."

''You think I don't see the way you look at him whenever he trains the soldiers? I may not be here all the time, but I see things, Olive. I hear them too.''

'Cassandra...,' I snarled internally. 'I'll gut that maid the next time I see her.'