Chapter 1
Alicia stands triumphant, winning the Intercollege Science Quiz, but her moment of glory is short-lived as she’s met with disappointment when her father fails to show up to celebrate her achievement. She tries to hide her emotions, but Avery, the school’s mean girl, senses her vulnerability and begins to taunt her. As Alicia tries to escape Avery’s bullying, she trips and falls, and Avery’s gang laughs and teases her, making her feel pathetic and alone.
Professor Shane intervenes, but Alicia chooses not to speak up, knowing it’s not worth the trouble, especially since she’s set to leave for Imperial College in the adjacent town soon. She quickly gathers her things and makes a hasty exit, determined to escape Avery’s torment and get back to her safe haven.
Alicia’s thoughts are consumed by her desire to flee her unhappy reality, where her father’s absence and her boyfriend’s betrayal have left her feeling unloved and unappreciated. As she holds her trophy tight, she’s determined to leave her past behind and start anew, but the question lingers: will she be able to find the love and validation she so desperately craves?
Chapter 2
Alicia stands firm against her father’s demand to marry Alpha Frederick, refusing to be tossed away to a man she’s never met. As she tries to reason with him, her father’s anger escalates, and Martha attempts to intervene, highlighting Alicia’s recent achievement in winning the Intercollege Science Quiz. However, Alicia’s father remain unimpressed, belittling her achievement and implying it’s worthless in the face of their pack’s financial struggles.
As the confrontation intensifies, Alicia finds the courage to raise her voice against her father, questioning why he’s always been so cold to her. Her defiance is met with a stinging slap, and her father’s venomous words cut deep, revealing a harsh truth: he’s been aware of her relationship with a beta and has taken measures to ensure she marries a suitable alpha. Alicia’s desperation grows as she begs her father to reconsider, but he remains resolute, leaving her shattered on the floor.
As Alicia’s world crumbles around her, she’s forced to confront the reality of her father’s disdain for her and her own powerlessness in the face of his authority. With her future hanging in the balance, Alicia must find a way to escape the suffocating grip of her father’s control and forge a new path for herself.
Chapter 3
Alicia’s desperation grows as she waits for Matt to find a way to appease her father and call off the arranged marriage to Alpha Frederick. She clings to the hope that Matt will come through, but her father’s disapproval of their relationship weighs heavily on her mind. As she tries to calm down, Martha’s gentle voice and Violet’s enthusiastic arrival provide a brief respite from her despair.
Violet’s sudden appearance and determination to get Alicia out of the house and into the neighboring town’s vibrant nightlife sparks a glimmer of excitement amidst the darkness. The possibility of temporarily escaping her father’s suffocating grip and finding a moment’s freedom in the anonymity of ‘The Hive’ bar tantalizes Alicia, even as she remains hesitant to let her guard down.
As Alicia’s friends try to distract her from her troubles, the underlying tension and fear of her father’s wrath continue to simmer, threatening to boil over at any moment. Will Alicia find the courage to take control of her life, or will she remain trapped in her father’s web of control?
Chapter 4
Alicia’s attempt to escape her arranged marriage woes by venturing into “The Hive” bar with Violet is short-lived as Caleb, her childhood bully and soon-to-be alpha, strides in, capturing everyone’s attention with his chiseled physique. Alicia can’t help but notice the change in him, but her animosity towards him remains strong, especially as she recalls the hurtful remarks he’d make in the past. Caleb’s commanding presence is on full display as he breaks up a fight, sends a warning to the partygoers, and effortlessly commands the bouncers’ respect.
As Caleb’s eyes lock onto Alicia, she feels a shiver run down her spine, sensing a predatory glint in his gaze. He begins to study her, taking in every detail, making her skin prickle with unease. Alicia tries to keep her cool, snapping at him when he addresses her, but Caleb’s response sends a chill down her spine, leaving her wondering what he’s truly after.
Violet, still dazed by Caleb’s charm, is dragged away by Alicia, who’s desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere. With Caleb’s parting words, “A bit,” lingering ominously, Alicia can’t shake off the feeling that their encounter is far from over.
Chapter 5
Alicia’s confrontation with Caleb reaches a boiling point as she slaps him in public, defending her relationship with Matt against his condescending remarks. Caleb’s enigmatic responses, including a cryptic warning, leave Alicia seething and confused. As she tries to make a quick exit, Caleb blocks her path, suggesting he wants to send a gift to her upcoming wedding, further unsettling her.
The tension between them is palpable, with Caleb’s intense gaze and Alicia’s instinctual fear of him still evident. Violet, caught in the crossfire, tries to apologize for dragging Alicia to the bar, but Alicia’s mind is preoccupied with the encounter, replaying Caleb’s words and wondering if he’s driven by jealousy towards Matt.
As Alicia and Violet leave the bar, the aftermath of their confrontation lingers, with Alicia’s anger slowly giving way to a deeper unease. The dynamics between Alicia, Caleb, and Matt are becoming increasingly complex, leaving the reader questioning Caleb’s true intentions and the fate of Alicia’s arranged marriage.
Chapter 6
Alicia’s phone call with Matt is a welcome respite from the tension with Caleb, but their conversation is cut short due to Matt’s busy schedule with the pack’s treaties. Alicia’s worry about their future together is palpable as she tries to shake off the feeling of sadness. As she drifts off to sleep, her phone beeps with a mysterious text message from an unknown number, claiming to have a surprise waiting for her.
Alicia is initially frustrated, thinking Violet is behind the prank, but the persistent messages eventually pique her curiosity. Despite her initial annoyance, she decides to investigate, dialing Violet’s number to no avail. The final message reveals the location of the surprise: Hotel Central Park, Room 1001.
With a mix of excitement and frustration, Alicia rushes out of her house, hoping to find Matt waiting for her with a romantic gesture. Her heart races as she arrives at the hotel, wondering what Violet has planned for her. The surprise could be the perfect distraction from the looming arranged marriage and Caleb’s unsettling behavior, but what does it entail?
Chapter 7
Alicia’s surprise at Hotel Central Park, Room 1001, takes an unexpected turn as Caleb appears, wearing his signature blue t-shirt and black jeans. She’s still reeling from their previous encounter, and his presence only adds to her frustration. As she tries to compose herself, a loud thrust and a girl’s shriek echo through the hallway, followed by Matt’s panting – the sound of her boyfriend cheating on her.
Caleb, always ready to rub salt in her wounds, comments on the situation, but Alicia refuses to give him the satisfaction of getting a rise out of her. She demands he step aside, but he blocks her path, prompting her to unleash her pent-up emotions. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Alicia breaks down in front of Caleb, tears streaming down her face as she confronts the reality of Matt’s infidelity.
As Alicia’s world crashes down around her, Caleb’s unreadable eyes seem to bore into her soul. His motives unclear, he presses her for answers, seeking to understand why she’s still tied to Matt. But Alicia’s too hurt, too angry, and too tearful to care about Caleb’s curiosity right now. With her heart shattered, she can only think of escape, desperate to flee the scene and the pain that comes with it.
Chapter 8
Alicia’s anger reaches a boiling point as she confronts Matt about his infidelity, slapping him hard across the face. Matt, unfazed, reveals his true nature, carelessly flaunting his affair with Avery and boasting about his manipulation of Alpha Ben and Alicia’s father. He threatens to expose Alicia’s indecisiveness to the pack, which would lead to her father’s downfall, unless she agrees to marry him and maintain the façade of a perfect union.
As Alicia’s world crumbles, Caleb reappears, silently observing the drama unfold. Alicia’s tears and anger are met with Matt’s cold, calculating words, stripped of any remorse or apology. The mask of her charming boyfriend has fallen, revealing a ruthless individual willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
Caleb’s sudden intervention halts Matt’s advances, sparking tension as Matt demands to know what Caleb is doing there. With Alicia’s heart in shambles, she’s left to wonder what her next move will be, trapped between her father’s desperation and Matt’s cunning manipulation. The stakes are higher than ever, and Alicia’s fate hangs precariously in the balance.
Chapter 9
Alicia awakens in the hospital, feeling heavy and disoriented, with Violet by her side. The nurse attributes her condition to pre-wedding jitters, but Alicia’s memories of Matt’s infidelity and manipulation come flooding back, filling her with anger and despair. Violet’s presence provides some comfort, and Alicia confides in her about the truth behind Matt’s proposal and his affair with Avery.
As Alicia recounts her ordeal, Violet listens in stunned silence, eventually offering words of comfort and outrage. The revelation sparks a new sense of determination in Alicia, who realizes she must find a way to escape her impending marriage to Matt and protect her pack from his influence. Meanwhile, questions arise about how Alicia ended up in the hospital, with hints suggesting Caleb’s involvement.
The mystery deepens as Violet reveals she received a call from Martha about Alicia’s hospitalization, and Alicia recalls a cryptic message from an unknown number the night before. As the clock ticks closer to the wedding ceremony, Alicia knows she must act fast to change her fate and that of those she cares about.
Chapter 10
Alicia’s fate takes a tumultuous turn as Violet whisks her away from the hospital, away from the impending doom of her wedding to Matt. Violet’s mysterious plan unfolds at the Hive, a lavish nightclub where Alicia is led to a private booth, expecting the worst. Instead, she’s face-to-face with Caleb, the enigmatic and arrogant stranger who seems to know more than he’s letting on.
The tension between them is palpable as Caleb taunts Alicia, making her feel vulnerable and exposed. His cryptic words hint at a deeper connection to her past and her family’s secrets. Alicia’s attempts to defy him are met with condescending remarks, but she’s wary of pushing him further, aware that he might hold the key to her escape from Matt’s clutches.
As the clock ticks closer to the wedding, Alicia finds herself ensnared in a web of intrigue, with Violet’s motives unclear and Caleb’s true intentions shrouded in mystery. Will Alicia find a way to break free from her predicament, or will the secrets and lies surrounding her continue to entrap her?
Chapter 11
Alicia stands frozen, caught in Caleb’s piercing gaze as he proposes an unexpected offer: marry him instead of Matt. He’s brutally honest, admitting it’s not ideal, but he needs a Luna to convince his father to let him take over. Alicia’s desperate to escape her arranged marriage, but she’s wary of Caleb’s true intentions and hesitant to commit to another unwanted union.
As they engage in a verbal dance, Caleb reveals his understanding of Alicia’s situation, stating he’s not interested in marrying a gold-digger. He believes Alicia, having experienced wealth and comfort, would simply wait for the contract to end and leave him. Alicia’s torn, unsure if she can trust Caleb or if this is just another trap. The air is thick with tension as Caleb’s finger brushes her lips, sending shivers down her spine.
With time ticking away, Caleb holds Alicia’s wrist, his eyes locked on hers as he emphasizes the urgency of her decision. As she glances at her watch, the reality of her curfew and her father’s expectations looms large. Will Alicia take a chance on Caleb, or will she try to find another way to escape her predetermined fate?
Chapter 12
Alicia stands frozen in thought, replaying Caleb’s unexpected proposal in her mind as she gazes at the closed door. The memory of his touch sends shivers down her spine, making her skin prickle. With her curfew looming, she decides to head home, grateful for Violet’s timely arrival and her willingness to drive her back.
As they drive, Alicia confides in Violet about Caleb’s proposal, and Violet reveals she was coerced into helping Caleb, but only after extracting promises that he wouldn’t hurt Alicia. Violet shares her investigation into Caleb’s past, suggesting he might have outgrown his bullying persona. This new information leaves Alicia torn, weighing her options between Caleb and her arranged marriage to Matt.
Back home, Alicia faces her father, who’s surprisingly calm and pleased with Caleb’s offer to pay off his loans and even provide extra money to start a new business. Alicia is appalled, remembering her father’s earlier conviction that Frederick was the best choice for her. Her father’s sudden change of heart only adds to her uncertainty, leaving her to ponder her next move.
Chapter 13
Alicia wakes up to Violet and Martha barging into her room, eager to get her ready for her wedding day. Despite her initial reluctance, Alicia finds herself feeling happy and carefree, thanks to Violet’s enthusiasm and her own secret reasons. As she gets ready, Violet and Martha help her prepare, but Alicia can’t shake off the feeling that something is off.
As they leave the house, Martha tearfully sees Alicia off, and Violet drives her to the supposed wedding venue. However, Violet takes a detour, driving past the church where the wedding was supposed to take place. Alicia’s confusion and excitement grow as she demands to know where they’re headed, and Violet’s cryptic responses only add to the mystery.
With her emotions in turmoil, Alicia is left wondering what’s really going on and what her future holds. Has she made a mistake by agreeing to the arranged marriage, or is something more sinister at play? As she hurtles towards an uncertain destination, Alicia’s world is about to be turned upside down once again.
Chapter 14
Alicia’s confusion grows as she’s whisked away to a luxurious hotel, where she discovers the opulent bridal suite reserved for her. Victor Saltzman, Caleb’s father, owns the hotel, and Alicia’s unease about her arranged marriage escalates. Violet’s carefree demeanor is a contrast to Alicia’s anxiety, as she tries to grasp the extent of the Saltzman family’s wealth and influence.
As they settle into the suite, Olivia, the hospitality manager, attends to their needs, leaving Alicia feeling overwhelmed. Violet’s nonchalant attitude only adds to Alicia’s frustration, especially when she realizes that a makeup team is scheduled to arrive, courtesy of the Saltzmans. Alicia’s questions are met with evasive responses, leaving her wondering what else she doesn’t know about her fiancé’s family.
As Alicia tries to process the grandeur of her surroundings, her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps, signaling the arrival of the makeup team. With Violet by her side, Alicia is propelled towards the unknown, her emotions in turmoil as she struggles to reconcile her doubts with the lavish reality unfolding before her.
Chapter 15
Alicia’s anxiety reaches a boiling point as Caleb Saltzman, her arranged husband, bursts into the luxurious hotel suite, exuding confidence and charm. Violet’s protests are silenced as Caleb insists on discussing the marriage contract with Alicia in private, leaving her bewildered and uneasy. His playful smirk and fitted leather jacket only add to her discomfort, making it difficult for her to maintain her glare.
As Caleb presents the thick contract, Alicia is taken aback by its legal jargon and complexity. She demands time to read it thoroughly, prompting Caleb to intervene, pointing out the important clauses and sections. However, Alicia’s eyes land on a concerning clause: she’s not allowed to see other men or be romantically involved with anyone until the end of the contract. Caleb’s justification only fuels her unease, and she reminds him of her existing mate, Matt.
Caleb’s response sends a chill down Alicia’s spine as he offers to “take care” of Matt, making her wonder what secrets lie beneath his polished facade. As the tension escalates, Alicia dares to question what would happen if she finds her second chance mate during their one-year arrangement, leaving Caleb’s expression to darken, his words dripping with condescension. The air is thick with unresolved questions, and Alicia’s fate hangs precariously in the balance.
