My Alpha Mate

Webs of Truth

*Edited: March 1st, 2022

Chapter 16: Webs of Truth.

{Valerie}

"The year was 1995, I was five years old. I remember that afternoon I was in the Nursery watching Toy Story; it had just come out. That day there was news, that the Perez family was trying for a child." Darren starts and I sit faced towards him completely absorbed in the story that's just begun.

"Me?" I press while Darren glances at me then turns away. We were now outside, having aimlessly walked outside to not be so suffocated in the small cafe. I needed room to run if I had to escape this psycho on a whim.

"No. Your parents attempt at their first child was a miscarriage." Darren says casually making my heart twist. How does this man know of a miscarriage that I never knew? And it happened to my own mother, in my family.

"You mom was devastated at the news, fearful they wouldn't ever had a child with their history of miscarriages." He casts another sideways glance to ensure I'm still paying attention then continues as we continue to walk.

"Then you came. The year 1998, May 2nd. Our families had quite a complicated relationship. To put it simply, you were a price that settled a certain debt your parents owed. The price was you were, and still are, to be my bride." Darren says turning left onto a little dirt road and an uneasy feeling settles in my stomach.

This entire arrangement didn't make sense. Why would my parents ever use my life as a debt payer? They always told me I was their first true love, that they would do anything to see me free and at peace. Yet here I am, with this man all alone, claiming me as his. What if he's crazy?!

Darren seems to catch onto my sudden distress and he smiles while placing his hand over mine in a comforting manner. I yank my hand away.

"I wouldn't dream of hurting you, don't worry." Darren says looking into my eyes with seriousness and I just find myself nodding.

What the hell am I supposed to say to that? Oh yeah I know? Well I don't know, I don't trust this man at all. I wanted to go back to the pack house, I wanted to be honest with Greyson about everything Darren's said. I didn't want an arranged marriage.

"Like I was saying, I never anticipated that another man could ever take you away from me." Darren's voice turned icy and my heart skipped a few beats, my mind telling me to run but my feet refusing to move. I didn't like the way he seemed to be directing his loathing tone towards Greyson, anger beginning to bubble in my chest.

That other man is your mate. A little voice in my head says making me feel a little less bad.

"I was elated when my parents said they found me a friend I'd cherish forever, one that would always be there for me. You could imagine my confusion the day I saw you, when all I could talk about before then was how excited I was to play fight with my new best friend. I was disappointed to say the least, I didn't understand why you had to be a girl so I asked if I could just trade you in for some new toys. Clearly it didn't go too well." Darren chuckles softly then looks to me intently and I clear my throat, planning to play along to get everything I wanted to hear out of him.

"Always a pleasure to disappoint." I laugh and Darren looks at me with a smile shaking his head.

"You can't disappoint." He says and I decide to look out the window. It's weird having someone I barely know talk so highly about me.

"After a couple of years went by and I turned thirteen, my parents told me what you are to me. They told me how you're my bride and that you're my responsibility to take care of. They allowed me to visit you every now and then but it was hard to occupy you as a rowdy seven year old. For the most part I left you alone and let you grow up without me smothering you, as per your parents wishes. They wanted you to live a little without feeling like you were already married." He almost sounded apologetic as he looked at me before turning away.

"I'm sorry for this. For this arranged marriage. I know this probably doesn't seem fair to you and will probably be hard to swallow. It's easier for me since I've been preparing for you since I was thirteen. I'm terribly sorry Valerie. About everything. I really am but I promise that I will do my absolute best to keep you happy at all costs." Darren finishes and I sit there shocked.

He's sorry? A soft laugh escapes my lips and he looks at me from the side quizzically, his kind facade wearing thin.

"You're so sorry, yet you can't call it off? This was an arrangement made against my will, and I'm positive you must have some say in breaking it. It seems like you simply don't want to." I glare while crossing my arms to face him, just as his brows furrow and his sneer conveys agitation clear as day.

Greyson and I are just barely sorting through whatever our relationship is. I'd be damned if someone robs me of my freedom as if I don't have a choice. If Darren wouldn't free me, I'd find a way to free myself.

Knowing I needed more information to save myself from this situation, I knew there was only so much more I could ask before I went back to Greyson.

"Darren what's your rank?" I ask fearing the answer and Darren answers almost the second the question leaves my mouth.

"I'm the Vampire Prince." Yeah, that's going to be some trouble.

***

Okay and that's a wrap! Tell me what you guys think and go read my other story 'The Alpha's Daughter'!

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