The Alpha's Touch

"Wakey, wakey Melanie." Ophelia pokes my cheek in my state of sleep. I open my groggy eyes, a pair of sunshine locks and ocean eyes smiling down at me. "It's time for the first meal of the day."

I put the blanket over my head and groaned in response. I lay wide awake beneath my cozy blanket, my body heavy with fatigue and a deep longing for escape. The world outside beckons, but I can't find the strength to rise from my bed. All I want to do is surrender to the warmth of the covers, to drift off into a dreamless sleep and shut out the demands of the day.

My mind drifts back to a different time, a place I once called home. The memories flood my thoughts, painting vivid scenes of tranquility and familiarity. I can almost hear the sound of horses trotting in the distance, their hooves crunching on the winter snow that blankets the ground. The air carries the scent of fresh pine, a comforting aroma that fills the house and infuses every corner with a sense of peace.

Just beyond the back door, the forest stands tall and inviting, its towering trees creating a protective barrier against the outside world. It is a sanctuary, a place of solace where I could lose myself among the whispering pines and the gentle rustle of leaves. The forest was my playground, my escape from the confines of everyday life.

In the background, I can hear my sister's laughter, a joyful melody that brings a smile to my face. We were partners in mischief, bound by an unbreakable bond that no distance or time could ever sever. Her laughter echoed through the hallways of our home, a constant reminder of the love and happiness that once filled our lives.

But as the memories fade, the weight of the present settles upon me once again. The longing for home, for those familiar sights and sounds, intensifies, making it harder to face the reality of the day ahead. The desire to retreat into a deep slumber, to cocoon myself in the warmth of my bed, grows stronger with each passing moment.

Yet, I know that sleep won't bring me the solace I seek. It won't transport me back to the place I yearn for. Instead, it is the memories, the essence of home, that I carry within me. They are the fragments of comfort I can summon in times of need—

Ophelia rips the blanket off my head. "You have to get dressed."

"For what?" I let out a groan once she opened the curtains, letting in more sunlight onto the room. My eyes sting from the extra ray of light entering my bedroom. I rub them until they stop tearing up. I don't know why I get like this during the weather. I'm always the first one awake in my own house to make breakfast for my father and sister, then off to the forest to find some meat or heading to that dreaded bar for work.

Ophelia stands in front of me with her hands clasped as always. I notice the extra space beside her.

"Where is Solaria?"

"She has to help the cooks. I'm sure she'll be here soon. Now let's get you dressed up. Alpha has some things planned for you."

"Does those plans include harassing me?"

Ophelia beams. Not the type of reaction I'd expect of her. "The Alpha has a very unique way of showing how much he loves you. Now hurry. We do not want to keep him waiting."

"I'm not hungry."

"It doesn't matter if you are not having any appetite, you need to get dressed for today. The Alpha is waiting for you."

I stop her hand. "I can help myself."

"Right." She steps back.

I change into the new pair of dresses in the closet. A pink and white dress with an obnoxious amount of cleavage shown. Just like the other dresses with either see through laces, cleavages or the amount of flower designs that a fairy must have barfed all over it.

"Don't you all have some pants around here?"

"No at all. The Alpha loves dresses."

"Geez, I wonder why." I step out the door. Opheila blocks, waving the air of brush in her hands.

Normally I would complain, but I let Ophelia comb my hair for me. She seems happy about it too. I felt my eyes close on me. The brush going through my strand feels a warm base in my gut. A time where I didn't have to worry about anything in life.

"Mel?"

I open my eyes. I notice Ophelia blinking at me with her lips pursed. "Yes. Sorry, I was falling asleep."

I stand before the mirror, my reflection staring back at me. The soft glow of the lights illuminates the room, casting a warm aura around me. I take a moment to observe the image before me, the transformation that has taken place.

My hair is carefully combed back, sleek and elegant, allowing the dress I wear to take center stage. Its vibrant hues pop against my skin, accentuating my features and exuding a sense of confidence. Ophelia, my dear friend and confidante, approaches me, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

With a delicate touch, Ophelia places a cute, matching pin on the side of my hair, perfectly complementing the overall look. Her skilled hands work effortlessly, shaping me into a vision of grace and charm. In that moment, I feel like a princess from a whimsical cottage, ready to embark on an enchanting adventure.

I can't help but admire the reflection staring back at me. The woman in the mirror embodies a strength and beauty that I often overlook in the busyness of everyday life. The sparkle in my eyes reflects a glimmer of excitement, a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

As I stand there, enveloped in the ethereal ambiance of the room, a surge of self-assurance courses through me. The external transformation is merely a symbol of the internal growth I have undergone, the journey of self-discovery that has led me to this very moment.

Ophelia steps back, her eyes shining with pride."What do you think of the style? I kept it simple for you."

"I look like every other pretty spoiled rich girl in my hometown."

"I knew you would like it."

"Great, because you look absolutely stunning," she declares, her voice filled with genuine admiration. Her words echo in my ears, a validation of the effort and care put into preparing for this occasion. I take Ophelia's hand, the warmth of her touch grounding me as we make our way to where my outfit awaits. Anticipation builds within me, my heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

My dress hangs delicately, like a work of art awaiting its moment to shine. My eyes widen as I take in the sight before me. It's a vision of elegance and simplicity, a dress that embodies the essence of a simple English bride.I run my fingers along the fabric, feeling its softness and marveling at the intricate details. Delicate lace adorns the bodice, accentuating my figure with grace and femininity. The skirt flows down in gentle waves, cascading around me like a cloud of pure white. It's a dress that embraces tradition while adding a touch of modern flair, capturing the essence of who I am.

With Ophelia's help, I slip into the dress, feeling its embrace as it molds to my body. I catch my reflection in the mirror, and a gasp escapes my lips. The transformation is breathtaking. The dress enhances my features, highlighting the joy that radiates from within. As I turn, I catch Ophelia's gaze, and her eyes shimmer with pride and admiration.

"You look absolutely radiant," she whispers, her voice filled with genuine affection. Her words fill my heart, affirming the choice I made for this special day.

At this moment, I am not just a woman in a beautiful dress; I am a symbol of love, commitment, and the promise of a future filled with happiness. The dress serves as a reminder of the dreams I hold dear, of the journey I have embarked upon with my beloved partner.

As I stand there, hand in hand with Ophelia, I feel a surge of confidence and tranquility wash over me. The simple English bride within me emerges, ready to embark on this new chapter of my life. I am ready to walk down the aisle, to exchange vows and promises with the one who holds my heart.

Once getting dressed, Ophelia escorts me out to the dinning hall. There are a few maids running around the dining room. Setting up the table with food. I wonder how many people are coming to eat. I count the number of possible people: me, the Alpha Rhys, Madame Fara, maybe some of the Alpha's pack.

"There she is. The beauty of the hour."

"What are you planning with me today?"

"Slow down. Breakfast is just served. We'll discuss the rest once you are filled up."

I take my seat next to him.

"How was your sleep?"

"I slept like a baby," I say, sounding sarcastic.

"Then I'm sure you loved the dinner last night. Your father told me all your favorite dishes so I got the cooks to–"

"Your cooks didn't make it the way my mother did."

The Alpha purses his lips. "It seems like I will need to cull some of those cooks then. Perhaps get now ones to make the dishes up to your standard." I glance at him with concern written all over my face. The Alpha laughs. "I'm kidding. My people are precious to me."

"I find that hard to believe." People here seem to fear him. I highly doubt the Alpha would care for anyone other than himself.

He leans close to me. Hands on my arms. "But I will do anything for you."

I shift away from him. I look at the food in my view. Lots of pancakes, desserts, bacon and everything sweet. I'd expect the wolf people to eat raw meat of all types, but they seem to eat what humans want.

"Why is your face like that? You don't like the food?"

"No, I'm shocked that you eat this."

The Alpha scoffs. "Do you possibly think that my people are savage animals?"

"Yes, actually. You're not human."

The Alpha just stares at me. He knows I insulted him, "You claim we are savages, but I've seen you humans. Kill without remorse. Watch our people suffer and serve in the streets. And I've seen one of your countrymen eat raw meat off an animal. So what makes us different?"

"We don't turn into dogs."

"Your father warned me about you. Having some spunk but I wasn't expecting this much mouth for you."

"Are you those men who prefer their wives to remain silent and out of sight?"

"Goodness, why would I want that? Then I won't be able to hear all the delightful noises she'll be making when I'm with her."

The Alpha slides his hands on my knee. I immediately freeze up. His hands are warm to the touch. Too warm. His eyes are trained on me, unashamed of his hands completely snaking up my thigh.

"I need to go." The chair sounds as I rise from the seat. A force pulls me back. The Alpha pins my body to the edge of the table. His body warmth beats all throughout my body. I refuse to look him in the eyes.

"Open your mouth."

"Why–"

"Don't ask questions. Just listen to what I'm going to say."

I shake my head. "I don't trust you."

"Fine by me." Alpha Rhy's snakes his hands on my thigh once more. He rubs a part of my inner thigh. I hold in the whimper that threatens to leave my lips.

"Alpha Rhys…"

"Shush, you talk too much."

"I thought you said you liked women that talked a lot."

He buries his mouth to my ear. "Talking and noises are two different things, my love."

"Alpha Rhys!"

He stops. I can see my own reflection in his dark blue eyes peering into me. This is the first time I've ever said his name (out loud in this case) but it wasn't me. I never said his name. Not once or twice. He glanced behind his shoulder. A man wearing the same slim leather fitting armor stares back at us. His lips are thin and his arms next to his side.

"What do you want, you rat!"

"Uh." Oscar closes his mouth in a gape. "The council wants to see you."

The Alpha sighs. "What now?"

"It's for something important."

Rhys looks at me, finger now tracing the skin of my skin. "It seems like you have been spared this time."

"Alpha Rhy's."

"I said give me a moment!" He whips his head to Oscar.