The Alpha's Contract bride

Aria

"Could you move that a little to the right please?" A frown made its way to my face almost immediately. They'd done what I just asked them to do but it wasn't looking how I'd pictured it to be in my head. "No, take it back a bit, and a little to the left too."

I stifled a groan the moment they were done. It still wasn't right. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the perfect position to keep the huge decoration.

"That's fine." I sighed, finally giving up. "Just leave it as it is, and make sure everything else is perfect. Nothing has to go wrong tonight. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am." The maids nodded in unison before dispersing to get everything else done.

"You." I pointed to another maid. " Make sure these glasses are sparkling before I get back." I ran my thumb over the rim of a glass nestled on the buffet table. From where I stood it looked clean enough, but I wanted everything in here to shine, to sparkle .

Nothing could go wrong.

I took in a deep breath as I allowed my eyes to roam the hall. It was coming together pretty nicely and I couldn't help but feel proud of myself. String lights circled the huge chandelier, lighting up the entire place. The lights were dim, giving the neon lights the opportunity to bathe the hall in a colorful ambience. It wasn't a lot though, just a few flashes from time to time.

To the right was the buffet table, with every variety of meals you could think of and that wasn't all. Imported wine and more were still expected to drop by in the middle of the party. It was a lot, but only the best would do to celebrate the Beta's son, who also happened to be my boyfriend.

My boyfriend. I giggled at the thought of that. Callum and I had been dating since forever and it had been his dream to succeed his father as the Beta of Blue Moon pack. Today would mark the beginning of that dream and I would do anything to make sure it came to pass.

"Ma'am." A gentle tap on my shoulder pulled me out of my monologue. I whirred around, just to come face to face with another maid. " Beta Callum would like to see you."

"In his room?" A wide grin appeared on my face immediately. " Okay, I'll be there right..."

"No, no ma'am." She cut in abruptly. " He said to tell you that he's waiting for you at the balcony."

"Oh." My smile faltered immediately. I had no idea why but that didn't really sit right with me. " Okay. No problem. You may go now."

Immediately the maid disappeared to continue with her work, I headed in the opposite direction. Anxiety gnawed at my sides as I tried to find Callum, but I shook it off.

It was probably nothing and I was just overreacting.

I hoped.

"Callum." His name rolled of my tongue the moment I found him. It wasn't a hard task as he stood out in the vast enclosure. His broad back was all I could see and as he stared down at the garden below, a thought popped into my head.

"Callum." I rushed at him gleefully, before wrapping my arms around him. A content smile formed on my lips as I took in his scent, before burying my head closer. " I missed..."

"You're here." His voice was curt, cold. My smile disappeared as he pried my hands away from his body.

"Callum?" I called out, confusion laced in my voice. " What's- are you okay?"

"Yes." No. From his entire demeanor I could tell something was wrong and I didn't like it one bit. " I need to talk to you."

"Okay." I pushed back the dread that coiled around in my stomach. " Is anything the matter? The party's already started and guests will start trooping in...."

"I can't continue this with you, Aria." Callum let out, his gaze as hard as steel. My blood ran cold as the weight of his words pressed down on me.

"What?" I let out breathlessly. " Callum, what are you saying?"

"I reject you, Aria Delaney." This couldn't be happening. It just wasn't possible. " You are weak and have no right to be by my side..."

"If this is a joke, stop it." I cut him off. Beads of sweat lined my forehead as my heart thundered in my chest. It had to be a prank. Callum had a reputation for always pranking people so this was one of them right? It just had to be. There was no way....

"It's not." Callum took a step back. " You're a weak and puny omega who has no right to be by my side. You're worthless and can never amount to anything, so I reject you."

I sank to my knees immediately. The world around me blurred as tears streamed down my cheeks. My ears buzzed as his words rang over and over in my head.

No, no. It just wasn't possible.

Whatever doubts I had flew out with the wind as Callum's receding footsteps reached my ears. My heart split into a million pieces, and an intense jolt of pain spread through my chest. It gnawed at my sides as I let out a gruesome shriek.

How could he do this to me? Just how? I loved Callum and he loved me too, so why? Why did he have to do this to me?

My chest hurt as I pressed my palm against it. If I was being honest, I had no idea which hurt more, the fact that Callum had just smashed my heart, or his rejection. Even in a million years, I definitely didn't see this coming.

Tears streamed down my face and sobs wracked my body. My knees weakened, and I sprawled to the floor.

The low din of music reached my ears after a couple of minutes. I had no idea how much time had passed, but I was way past caring at this point. With a sniffle, I pulled myself on my feet. I had no particular destination in mind, but I trudged on, allowing my feet lead the way. Ultimately, I found myself heading in the direction of the hall. The party was in full swing now and it made me sick to my bones.

I swiped a bottle from the tray of the first waiter that crossed my path. Without any caution, I downed its content in as many gulps as it took. I didn't do too well with alcohol, but to hell with that.

Another waiter passed and I grabbed one more bottle. It went on like that, till I was on my fourth bottle. And drunk. Very drunk.

I staggered deeper into the party. My knees buckled and I chuckled hysterically. A couple of quizzical glances were thrown at me, but I didn't care. I didn't want to care about anything or anyone. Not even about Callum.

"Aria." I spun around to the sound of my name. All it took was a blink, and a man appeared in front of me. "Are you okay?"

"I'm f-f-fine," I slurred. The drinks had messed with my senses, and my vision blurred. Something about his voice was familiar, but I couldn't place it now. I didn't want to. I just wanted to drink. "But-but-but you see Callum? He's not. He's not fine.. He's an asshole, and he will rot in hell."

"Aria, you're drunk."

"Duh." I cackled. "But you can't prove it."

Going closer to the man, I sniffed him. His fragrance was... nice. So nice I inhaled again. It made me heady, and when I reached out to steady myself, he grabbed me. His arms were firm, and I found myself leaning into him with a grin.

His scent enveloped me in a comforting way. I touched my hands to his face and sighed. His lips were too soft, even his hair. I liked this man. "Do you want to fuck me?"

"What? Wh- wh-" he stuttered, clearly taken aback by my brazen request. "Aria, you need to rest or...."

Before he could get any more words out, I pressed my lips hard against his.