Alpha Malik (Published)✔️

Chapter Two

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Word Count: 1902

~Aria

I anxiously tap the tips of my fingers together, leaning forward on the couch.

"Take it," Alexa insists, nudging the glass at my face. Rolling my eyes, I dismiss her, not wanting any of the Chardonnay she was nearly drunk with. My eyes are glued to the television, anticipating what is to come next.

My best friend flops down beside me, balancing the stem of the glass between her fingers.

Here we are, waiting for the live announcement of every name that has been pulled for from the ballot. The names of the people who will be competing in Alpha Malik's competition for love. I had a slight glimmer of hope that maybe, maybe I wouldn't be selected. That everything those rogues had told me was a lie.

It has been a month and a half since I saw them last. The main rogue, who I was requested to call Grey visited me once, reminding me of my ties to the organisation I didn't know a anything about. All I know is that they want me to retrieve a family heirloom that is currently in Malik's possession.

And that's the reason I'm going to be chosen to compete, despite the fair selection process.

"This is the most focused I've seen you about something that isn't reading," Alexa observes, kicking my shin gently with the edge of my slipper. It was mine because she takes it upon herself to wear anything that belongs to me.

I shrug, trying to loosen up a little. "I don't know...I just want to get this over with."

Alexa couldn't know what had happened-Grey made the clear. She was to remain innocent to the situation, and when my name is announced, she would be left to think it was purely the luck of the draw. She may still have the chance to be chosen to compete next to me, but I doubt such things could happen.

I will be going into this blind, and alone.

"So, no one knows what those who are chosen look like?" Alexa asked, more to herself than me. I hadn't sent in any picture, and I can't imagine anyone else doing so either. I wouldn't rule out Alexa using her impeccable good looks to sway some of the people behind the selection process.

Just her eyes could make a man change the rules for her.

"Obviously we aren't going to get picked," Alexa reminded me, making me take a deep breath, trying to lean back to calm myself a little. "Remember, literally a one in a million chance."

"Still a chance," I mumble under my breath.

The broadcast began exactly on time, with a man and a woman, dressed immaculately, tucked behind a desk scattered with paper. They made slight jokes toward the beginning, trying to lull people into a sense of security before they broke it to those who didn't make it in. Every now and again, the camera would cut to a shot of Malik's estate, where the girl chosen would be living.

"Imagine...Imagine being able to live a life that isn't so mediocre," Alexa murmurs dreamily, resting her head in her hands. Luckily she decided to put her wine down and pay attention to what's about to happen on the screen.

I couldn't imagine because I have never come close to it. And I have never wanted to.

"To all those chosen for this auspicious experience, competing to be the Love Pack's Luna, good luck," the male presenter says warmly. A sickly sweet smile painted across his face. I wonder what he thinks about this. Does he agree with it?