Forced To Marry The Ruthless Alpha novel Chapter 3

"This pink would look great on you."

The fabric is fitted, sequins designed to have eyeson every aspect of my body, exposing my flesh to the hounds. I didn't like the idea, nor do I like the pink. Of course the wolf girl assumes I'm interested in whatever 'costume' I'll have to wear in the morning, like I actually care about this forced marriage.

"Maybe yellow? I think the lemon yellow will suit you perfectly!" Triss gushes, holding yet another shred of fabric against my exposed bra.

I remain a statue, allowing her to measure and work without flinching. Fighting will onlymakethis so much worse, and I've been humiliated enough.

"I'd like to wear white." I finally speak up after a while of silence.

Triss stares at me, briefly before nodding."That's fine, what about this?"

She holds up a piece of her flimsy fabric, like the few centimetres are going to cover all of me. Blankly, I shake my head.

"It's tradition for every bride to dress this way. Every wolf will want you, and every female will want to be you, and yet you will belong to the Alpha. Don't you think it's beautiful?" Triss smiles, almost wistfully.

Is she serious?

"No, I don't." I state bluntly, my voice icy. Call me bitter, who cares?

Triss's shoulders fall as her smile deflates, the best thing I've seen since coming here. Perhaps now she'll feel a fraction of what I do, maybe now she will understand that I don't see sunshine and rainbows in this pack.

"The Alpha chose you for a reason, Katalayha, and if I'm honest I can see why. You're young, beautiful, and untouched by another." Triss says, offering a small gentle smile as if she hears the questions swimming around my head.

"Beautiful?" I whisper, my heart twisting painfully. Is this what beauty is to them? Bruises and scars?

"Yes, very much." She nods firmly, not seeing that I didn't expect nor want an answer.

Part of me felt the urge to refuse her still, to deny her choices of dress. Yet the larger part of me simply didn't care, hanging on a thread of hope that I might still get away, I couldn't think about a stupid dress or sparkly outfit. Starting tomorrow, I'll be trapped forever.

Is it a mistake to even consider running, knowing who I'm running from? Is it even worth it?

Taking my silence as a go ahead to continue preparing the dress, Triss pushes me into wearing the 'traditional' choice of clothing. I didn't bother arguing it, merely because I realise how little I care for this wedding. My dress, or Triss's dress, won't change anything simply because of appearance.

"Is it ok if I go for a walk?" My almost silent voice dares not to raise, knowing well that if she tells her Alpha I'm even asking to go outside, it won't end well.

"I just need you to pick a colour, I suppose a few minutes break won't hurt." Triss smiles at me.

Slight surprise fills me, I hadn't expected her to so quickly agree. Is she not worried I might run?

"Yellow." I say softly, already inching my way to the door across the room.

Triss flashes me a beaming grin, ecstatic that I'm willingly taking part in this whole thing. I suspect that every other she-wolf on the planet would feel like they've won the lottery, if they found themselves in my position. I've heard very few stories of Alpha Hardin, and while I pay no mind to the words of wolves, women have spoken of his wealth, and his beauty. Some would kill to be in my position, like he's some kind of god.