True Love or Just a bet

Alaina’s POV

This whole trip has been amazing. I've had a wonderful time getting to know Ashton. I learned a lot of things about him that one would expect to learn on a flight/first time meeting someone. For example, I learned that he loves chicken, and his hobbies are painting and singing.

Of course I told him about myself and when we realized we both like painting, that started a whole new conversation. It turns out he likes water colors and I prefer acrylic paint.

We talked about deeper, more personal stuff too. Mainly our parents and home life. He told me that he's an only child and that his parents died when he was a baby, leaving him to be raised by his uncle. I told him about my sisters and how my parents used to be great up until this past year.

"Sorry, I don't know why I told you that," I said when I had finished.

I ended up ranting way more than I had expected. That's unusual for me. I mean, knowing about how much he loves chicken doesn't cancel the fact that he's a stranger.

"No it's ok!" He says with a smile. "I-I'm glad you told me. It means you trust me...right?"

Does it?

The corner of my mouth turns up in a smile. "Yeah...I guess it does."

He smiles widely. "Good. Because I trust you too."

That conversation happened about an hour ago but I'm still grinning about it.

I can't explain why I'm drawn to him. He must be a full blooded wolf. That's the only explanation that makes sense. If it's not that, I don't know what it could be.

I've been trying to look out the window, but I keep getting distracted by Ashton. The view of the sky is amazing, but just not as amazing as Ashton.

Every time I look over at him he smiles. And then I look away, but I can't help looking back, just because I want to see him smile again.

His smile is so addicting.

"Like the view, sweet heart?"

And his voice. God it's so soothing.

Oh wait is he talking to me? Whoops! I really can't help it, he's so hot it makes me lose focus. Not to mention he's sitting next to me....like really close next to me!

This birthday is definitely looking up for me.

The only odd thing is, that for the past hour or so I've been smelling the mating smell.

It's definitely not coming from Ashton (I would've picked up on that sooner, trust me).

I finally realize that I still haven't responded to Ashton.

"It depends on what view you're talking about," I say, for some reason deciding to act a little sassy and playful towards him.

It can't hurt right?

I blame his good looks.

"Oh!" He smirks. "So that's how you want to play it.”

I can tell that even though he knew I was just teasing him, he didn't like being messed with very much.

I'm trying to get to know him better and the only way I know how is by trying out different things on him. For example, teasing him and watching his reaction.

I'm pretty good at teasing, not to brag or anything. When you're the youngest of three girls, you learn all sorts of ways to get attention.

I'm having a great time with Ashton-slowly figuring him out-but that darned smell keeps ruining my mood. It's really strong and I don't like that.

I notice Ashton looking around every so often; he's probably looking for the source of the smell too.

I've already decided that Ashton can't be human. And if he's looking for the source of the smell, that obviously means he can smell it, which means he's most definitely not a human.

And that's one more thing I've figured out about him.

"Play what? Oh, you thought I was kidding."

I sound so flirty oh my gosh! I'm normally not like this.

Ashton brings out a whole other side of me I didn't even know existed. I feel so unbelievably comfortable around him and I'm serious when I say that never happens.

There's something pulling us together and-I don't want to admit this but-I think this could be fate.

Maybe my mother was right about fate being funny and stepping in.

I'm not sure, but whatever or whoever decided to step in here...thank you.

"Well you have been staring at me for quite a while, Alaina. I can you weren't looking out the window," he smiles and his eyes twinkle.

I smile shyly back, knowing I've been caught, but not caring because he's making me shiver and I can feel swarms of butterflies in my stomach.

I've never been able to really carry on a legitimate conversation with a guy before, but Ashton makes it so easy. He's so sweet and gentle and caring. I've honestly never met anyone like him before. 

"Well...um, yes, I, uh, have been looking o-out the window."

Oh stop your stuttering Alaina! 

What is he doing to me?! I've never felt like this before, despite my lack of experience talking to guys.

"You are so cute when you blush and stutter!" He cries, laughing.

It's such a genuine laugh, not like he's laughing at me or anything. It's more like one of those laughs when something's just so cute you don't know what else to do but giggle/laugh?

Not going to lie, I'm glad I'm the reason he's laughing.

He has such a nice laugh...stop it Alaina!

Suddenly I feel something brush against my cheek. It's Ashton's fingers as he moves a strand of hair off my face.

It's such a natural action. It surprises me, but I'm not repulsed by it; it doesn't seem like a weird or creepy action in the slightest. To be honest, it's sweet and endearing.

How is someone like him still single?

"Why don't you rest," Ashton suggests. "We still have a few more hours before we land and you will need your strength before tackling France!"

He smiles at me. I know he's just as excited for my first time in France as I am. We spent hours talking about, him giving me a list of places I just had to go see.

I nod and lean back, wiggling further into my seat to try to get more comfortable so I can sleep.

I'd be lying if I said Ashton's shoulder-which was nearly touching my own-looked so inviting.

I honestly wanted nothing more than to lay my head on his shoulder and feel his big muscular arms wrap around me and just hold me. 

Oh my goodness! Snap out of it, Alaina! You've known him for a few hours you can't be crushing on him!

If this is how it's going to be with every French guy I talk too, I'm going to have a real problem, I think to myself as I close my eyes. 

But deep down I know that any old French guy couldn't do this to me. It was only Ashton.

Nicholas' POV

This is it.

I'm sitting a few feet from Alaina in the plane. I have been releasing my mating smell for hours. 

Everything's going according to plan.

Except for the fact that she hasn't noticed me.

Really? How? Why hasn't she turned to find it? It's not like she can't smell it! 

I take a deep breath.

It'll be fine, I just have to listen to her father.

*Flashback 13 hours earlier*

I was sitting in the office of her father, discussing the engagement between myself and Alaina.

And it wasn't going very well.

"Sir, as I was saying," I began again, after being interrupted for probably the third time.

"I have no intention in marrying your daughter. It's nothing personal! I just have no intention in marrying ever. So I would appreciate you not forcing me in this matter."

Yes. I just lied to the alpha male.

I was in love with another woman, but I'm not about to tell him that.

Lying seemed like the best option at the time.

"WHAT?" Her dad roared.

I quickly realized that lying was about the worst thing I could've done.

"This marriage has been planned since your infancy and it will happen!"

The alpha slammed his fist down on the nearby table. I flinch a little, I'm not gonna lie.

Seriously though, how do you tell the alpha of your pack, that you love the daughter of the alpha of your enemies pack?

There's no way to tell him that and have it go over well.

I can't double cross Alaina's father but I don't want to marry Alaina AT ALL.

Don't get me wrong, she's really nice and obviously super pretty but...she's just not for me.

"Forgive me, sir, but I'm not going to marry when I am not worthy of it."

This is all I could come up with at the moment, but I don't think it sounds too bad. At the very least, I was polite.

Surprisingly, he seems to settle down.

"Well then . Why don't we quiet the subject for the time being and have a drink." 

A drink?

I literally just ruined a plan that has been in place for 18 years and he wants to have a drink with me?!

Shocked at this statement, I had a sinking feeling he was up to something. But I couldn't tell. All I could see was his back turn and the sound of a drink being poured. 

"I do not wish to argue any more on the matter. Let us drink in peace."

"O-okay..." I said, not really sure what the heck was going on.

I have got to be missing something.

I mean, he's smiling at me right now-legit, smiling-and I've been around him enough to know that the alpha never smiles unless he gets his way.

I take the drink from his outstretched hand and a strong odor hits.

And it's not of alcohol.

My stomach drops and I know I'm in for it now.

"Are you just going to stare at your beer, or drink it, lad?"

I jump slightly and realize that I've just been staring into my glass this entire time.

I look up at the alpha and he gives me an evil smirk.

I know it smells bad and I know there's something besides beer in this glass. But I can't disappoint him even more, can I? What would happen then?

I clear my throat. "Sorry, sir."

Here it goes.

I take a deep breath in a hold it, before quickly chugging the entire thing. 

Not my preferred way of drinking beer, but then again I don't prefer it with some hidden substance either.

I watch his smile turn into a large smirk. 

Oh no. What if he's trying to kill me?!

"That's enough drinking I think," he says slowly. 

I nod.

Suddenly my breath hitches and I grip the armrests of the chair I'm sitting in.

My head starts spinning and my thoughts all seem blurred. My hands are shaking, but is that just because of how tight I'm gripping the chair? I don't know, but now Steven is laughing and I'm coughing.

What is going on?

I let out a gasp for air and close my eyes. I try desperately to clear my thoughts.

Suddenly the thought of him killing me doesn't seem totally out of the realm of possibility. 

"Yes," Steven says with another evil laugh. "You will be under my complete control now."

No. No, that can't happen. I have to hold onto to my senses! I have to fight this! I can't lose control!

"You will now do my every bidding."

The alpha's voice seems like it's coming from miles away. It sounds muffled and my mind starts feeling even more blurred.

"Which of course, means you will be marrying Alaina. But first I need you to find her."

Suddenly, his voice is so loud it's as if it's actually inside my head.

Oh no.

He's inside my head! 

I gotta get control, I tell myself. You have to keep control of yourself! You have to keep control, have to keep control....have to...keep...control...

Then I black out, the sound of the alphas laughter inside my head the last thing I hear.

Coming to, I'm sitting in my car, with absolutely no clue how I got here. The memory of the potion in my beer comes flooding back and I can't help but groan.

How did this even happen?

I lick my lips, trying to get some moisture back into my mouth (because for some reason it's all gone). I'm pretty sure I can talk, walk and move perfectly fine.

But I can tell something is off, obviously because of the poison.

"Dude, why did you listen to the alpha?!"

I look over and there are my friends, all sitting in my car with me. I can't help but let out a yell.

"Why're you yelling?!" One of my friends asks.

"What are you guys doing here?!" I cry.

"That poison must've really messed you up..."

"Of course it did! Wait, you know?!"

"Um, yeah...?"

They all give me a concerned look which only gets me heart rate to increase even more. 

I don't know why I listened to the alpha but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't regretting it at least a little.

Here I was, doing things I would never do, with barely any control over myself left.

But now all my friends are staring at me, waiting for me to tell them what to do.

Meanwhile, I don't know what to do.

"Um, look...we have to find Alaina. And uh take her we'll go from there, I guess."

My friends all nod.

My whole body aches. From stress, from the potion who knows? But it doesn't seem like it's going away which is just fantastic. Because why not add one more thing to deal with?

I look over at my hand and see a tattoo.

Strange.

I don't remember getting one. 

I look closer and realize it's a brand from the alpha. 

Huh. Only slaves get...

I let out another yell.

"What?!" My friends all say in unison. 

"HOLY CRAP I'M A SLAVE TO THE ALPHA!"

Before any of them can say anything in reply, I hear the alphas voice . I turn on instinct, trying to locate it but then I remember he's in my head. 

"Find Alaina and rape her."

His voice grows louder, becoming completely defeating. I can't even form any of my own thoughts any more.

"Find her and force her into mating....force her into mating!"

I can't shake it...must...obey...alpha...

I gasp when the voice finally stops. 

I turn to look at my friends.

"We need to find her and I know where to look." 

I don't wait for them to answer, because whether they agree or not, this is what's happening. I start my car and pull out of the parking space and speed off.

I can feel myself losing all control. But not just of my mind, but of my entire free will. I can feel myself no longer wanting to do my own things. I crave to serve the alpha and nothing else.

But why? Why am I feeling like this? 

I feel my brain cloud over again and my sense of who I truly am almost slips away completely. I grip the steering wheel tighter, as if holding the wheel tighter will hold my consciousness in. The feeling passes almost as soon as it began but it has me freaked out. 

What just happened?

"What is going on with you?"

Suitor 2 says. He's sitting next to me in the car. Even though his head is facing forward, I can see him glance at me out of the corner of his eye.

"You always are going on about how you hate the alpha and this and that and now all of the sudden you're listening to him."

"Things changed,"

I told him, in a voice that didn't entirely sound like my own.

"Yeah, okay. But what about the fact that you suddenly what to marry into this family? You always said you didn't."

He hesitated for a few seconds before he continued.

"It doesn't sound like 'things' have changed, Nick. It sounds like you have." 

"I haven't changed!" I yell at him.

"Really? Because the Nicolas we know wouldn't just explode on me like that."

"I'm just under a lot of pressure right now!"

I shoot back. The fact that my voice doesn't sound completely right has me worried.

"Everyone's counting on me and I don't want to let them down."

"You mean you don't want to let the alpha down."

"Same thing," I mutter harshly.

"See? That's exactly what I'm talking about! I know we all agreed to help the alpha but with you it seems different. We're here to help find Alaina but you..."

"But i what?" I demand. 

"But you're...different."

"Look, I know what I'm doing okay?! Why can't you just shut up and trust me like you always do?!" 

"Whatever," suitor 2 mumbles.

I can't help but growl. I feel so conflicted. Part of me knows exactly what my friends talking about. I am different. Something's definitely off. And the fact that I can't figure out what's causing it is driving me crazy.

But at the same time, none of it matters. All I care about is doing what the alpha says.

After all, what else is there in life? 

Suddenly I catch a scent that's familiar. 

"Alaina," I say.

Everyone in the car looks at me, but I'm looking out the window to my left.

The airport.

I make a quick, sharp left hand turn and soon I'm parking my car in the airport parking lot.

It's time to finish this. 

*back to the plane*

"This is it boys,"

I whisper. We're all spread out between three rows of seats, but they all gather around close to hear what I have to say.

"As soon as this plane lands we grab her and get out of here."

"Then what?" One of them asks.

"We find the nearest hotel."

"Hotel? Why do we-?"

"She'll be bred tonight."

I give a smirk that the alpha himself would be proud of and can't help a dark chuckle. 

I'm about to do the alphas biding.

And I'm really enjoying this.

All I want to do is obey him. 

There were days not long ago (literally, like yesterday) where I could've cared less about the alpha and what he wanted.

But now, it brought me great pleasure to know that he would be happy soon.

And to know that I would be the one to bring it to him was even better. 

The pilot came over the speaker and told us to fasten our seat belts for our descent into France.

"Alright, here's the plan," I say to my friends after my seatbelt is secured.

"Three of you go in front of her and the rest of us will get behind her. Make sure you let her see me and then grab her. Do not mess this part up! It's very important, got it?"

"Got it."

They all nod. 

"Once you have her, don't let her release any scent. I've got a weird feeling we aren't the only wolves on this plane."

All my friends look away from me and slowly scan the plane, looking for this other wolf I thought I had sensed.

When they turned back I looked them each in the eye, holding my gaze, until they nodded back. 

The plane lands with a little bump and we get ourselves ready to go. 

We sit and wait until we see Alaina get up to get her bags.

I nod my head at three of my guys and they quickly get into position in front of her. She doesn't notice though, head bent down as she checks her phone. 

The rest of the guys and I quickly make our way behind her; I stand directly behind her, while the others crowd around behind me.

The line is moving slow, painfully slow. But the guy right in front of her stops short-whether on purpose or on accident I have no idea-and since she's looking down, she bumps right into him. 

He turns around to look at her and she quickly raises her head.

"Oh I'm so sorry, I wasn't look-"

She gasps as her sentence is cut off by my guy whirling around. Now she's face to face with me and her jaw drops and eyes widen. 

"N-Nick-?"

I smirk, cutting her off. "You won't win today, princess."

Before she can say another word, my men have grabbed her and our pushing their way through the crowd as we all exit the plane.

With luck, no ones noticed. 

"Keep her still!" I warn the guys who are holding her. "She can't be releasing a distress scent!" 

Alaina’s POV

I bump into someone's back while waiting in line to get off the plane and too my baggage. I quickly look up to apologize. 

"Oh I'm so sorry, I wasn't look-"

Suddenly the guy's gripping my shoulders and spinning me around; I can't help but gasp and my heart rate picks up.

Just what was he doing?!

Suddenly I'm face to face with someone I never expected to see on this plane. 

"N-Nick-?" I stutter.

He's here? On a flight to France?! 

Nick smirks at me. He's never done that before...

We've always been friendly, bonding over the fact that neither of us wanted to marry the other.

But right now he wasn't looking too friendly.

"You won't win today, princess," he says.

Win what? I wasn't trying to win anything, I just want to get my baggage and get off the plane. 

I'm about to tell him just this when the guy who spun me around claps a hand over my mouth and along with another guy, carries me off.

I'm absolutely frigid with fear, my heart beating faster now.

Nick was kidnapping me.

All I kept thinking was how I wished Ashton had been with me in line. 

Maybe none of this would've happened. 

But he had gone to the bathroom before we got off the plane, saying he probably couldn't hold it until he got off.

"She can't be releasing a distress scent!" I hear nick hiss one of the guys holding me.

Distress scent! That's perfect! I've pretty established that Ashton is a werewolf. If he is, he'll be sure to smell it and all of this may be fixed.

I try to release it, but the guy holds me tighter.

I let out a whimper but that doesn't change his hold one bit. 

I begin to replace my fear with annoyance. 

I bet my father sent them after me. 

Of course.

But that doesn't explain Nicks behavior. What was with that smirk? That's not what his smile looks like...he actually has a very nice smile...

Few hours later*

It's been hours since we left the plane now.

They've beat me and laughed at me, all while nick stood by smirking. Now we were in some sort of hotel room and my mind was whirling. 

What the hell are they doing here?! Why am I being tied down? Where are we...

What is going on?

"Now, for the real fun," nick said, still smirking at me as he walks closer to the bed I'm on.

"Everyone, strip. It's time for the mating." I gasp and my fear comes rushing back.

Nick notices and comes even closer, touching my shirt with his hand.

"Don't worry, this won't hurt...much."

He smirks as he sees me begin shaking.

"You won't be mated to just me, sweetheart. Instead, to this whole group of suitors. All seven of us will be married to you and have a pup with you." 

I'm so unbelievable scared I can't move, as much as I want to with all of them approaching me like this.

Nick even laughs which is so out of his character.

Nothing about him sounds like him.

Something is different about Nick. His voice is darker, his eyes are red...and that tattoo. He has never had a tattoo.

I need to know what is going on.

"Nick, what is wrong with you? Look, we may not be best friends or even know each other that well, but I know enough about you to know that this isn't like you."

He doesn't answer, so I continue. "Was it something I said? Is this because I said I didn't want to marry you? I really thought we were on the same page with that and-"

"You stupid, invalid girl," he interrupted me.

His eyes were narrower now and his mouth was turned up in a snarl, and his hands have formed into fists. Obviously he wasn't happy with my comment, but I really don't care.

"You will be married to me today and to the others. We will all share you, all mate you. You won't be able to argue anymore, you won't be disobedient anymore and whatever we all say-whatever your father says-you will obey! And this is the last time I'm saying it!" 

For crying out loud, why can't he put his clothes back on?! Why can't they all put their clothes back on?! 

"Nick, do you even hear what you're saying?" I ask, just focusing on his face. 

"All I hear is you not obeying like you should be! Like you're supposed to!"

I'm shocked at this comment. 

He's asking me to basically be a robot to all of them and my father, just obediently doing everything they ask me too. 

Well that's not going to happen.

Ever.

For werewolves, if two are mated and bred two minutes before midnight on their 18th birthday, it makes the female the slave of her mate and the alpha. 

I've always thought this was such a stupid law but now that I'm that female, I hate it even more.

And it scares me. I won't ever let this happen, but...what if it does? What if I can't stop Nick and these other guys from doing what they say they're going to do? What then? 

As cliche as it sounds, all I'm thinking right now is how much I wish Ashton was here.

I came to France to get away and start a new life. Ashton was the first person I met in this "new life". Besides being absolutely gorgeous, he was really nice and funny and sweet. 

He was the first person in my life to ever treat me like an actual person, not just something to be used or some piece of property. 

All my emotions rush at me at once, the strongest being anger at that moment, and I find myself screaming at Nick. 

"NEVER, NICHOLAS! I WON'T EVER MARRY YOU OR YOUR FRIENDS! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Nick just smirks at my outburst and completely ignores it.

My angers faded and now fear is the most prominent emotion. "Please," I beg, almost in a whisper.

I feel tears slowly carving their way down my face. I don't want to cry, I want to be strong. I want to beat their sorry butts and show them I can handle myself.

I roughly brush away my tears and hold my head high as Nick continues to smirk and walks over to me.

All of his friends are right behind him, all wearing similar expressions. 

Nick holds up a pair of scissors as he gets closer and I can't help but whimper a little bit.

Nick suddenly lunges forward. His arms are on either side of me, holding his body mere inches above mine. He leans in closer and I close my eyes on instinct. 

Suddenly his voice is whispering in my ear and I jump.

"Now we're going to have some fun." I squirm and he chuckles. "And there's nothing you can do to stop it."

He pulls back and laughs louder now. 

I open my eyes and curl up tighter now, my body trying anything to protect itself. 

"P-Please, Nick," I whisper, the tears in my eyes making my voice crack.

He doesn't listen and begins to roughly cut my shirt off. 

"L-leave me alone!" I cry out. 

He doesn't listen. Nick proceeds to cut off more clothing piece by piece until it is all off, When he's satisfied, he steps back and he-along with all his friends-survey his work. 

I squeeze my eyes shut, not wanting to see all these men staring at me. 

"Let's see, Alaina."

My eyes open when I hear Nicks voice. He glances at the clock, then looks back to me.

"It is now 11:57. Its time to breed and mate you." 

He laughs evilly. 

"No!" I cry. 

Again Nick comes closer to me. I shudder as he puts a hand on my knee.

"The poor birthday princess isn't liking her gift, boys," Nick says. 

His friends laugh evilly.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I scream, but it only makes them laugh harder. "I BEG YOU!" I plead.

"No!" Nick says back. "I've already told you you have no choice and I'm not repeating myself!"

He looks over at the clock on the bedside table and I can't help but do the same.

11:58. 

Now was the time.

What I spent the entire day-not to mention, entire year-trying to prevent, was about to happen.

Only 1000X worse than I ever could imagine.

And there was nothing I knew I could do to stop it.

I hated that Nick was doing this, more because he had told me he didn't want to marry me than anything else.

Why was he doing this? Why? I just wanted to know.

I hated his friends for doing this too. I hated my father for forcing me into this. I hated myself for letting my guard down.

I just hated my whole damn life at this moment. 

"Now, Alaina. Are you ready to obey?" Nick laughs, but it doesn't sound like his normal

laugh.

It sounds more like my dad's.

His friends come closer and one friend in particular sends up a red flag: he's paler than Nick (Nicks pretty pale) and it's creepy.

It gives him this weird vampire type look.

"NO!" I yell. I

'm just trying to stall at this point, and nothing that comes out of my mouth really makes much sense.

"GO AWAY, NICK! YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS! YOU'RE GOING TO MISS YOUR CHANCE AND THEN IT'S TOO LATE!"

Nick laughs again. It sounds more like my dad this time than it did before.

But why? What's going on?

"How naive." Nick smirks.

I just have to stall a few more minutes and I'll be safe. I won't be a robot to them if I can just stall...right?

Something really seems off about this whole thing.. 

Up until now, I've been focused on Nick and why he would suddenly do something like this.

But now I can't help looking at his friend, the really pale one. 

His eyes are completely black, which under normal circumstances would be creepy. But now, given my current situation, they were absolutely terrifying. His eyes are narrowed too and he's smirking in a more evil way than Nick.

I can't shake this feeling that I'm missing something here.

"Dear Alaina," the friend says. Now I'm not even paying attention to Nick. "I see what you're trying to do, but you can't stall and throw us off our game. This is going to happen." 

Is that...was that my dad's voice I just heard? No, that's impossible. Nicks friend is in front of me, not dad.

What he said is scaring me anyway but hearing a hint of my dad's voice too has me shaking.

Nicks friend comes closer, with nick right behind. That's when I realize that nick isn't in control anymore.

It's all his friend now. 

They both smirk as Nick puts his hand on my shoulder while the friend puts his hand on my legs and pushes down. I gasp at the sudden pain, which only seems to egg them on. 

"It's time you little brat."

I can't believe nick is just standing back and letting him talk to me like that. We may not have wanted to marry each other but we still respected each other.

What changed him? 

I can't let this happen. I can't let them do this! I don't want to be a robot, just some THING they can use whenever they need something. 

I don't know why, but I glance at the friends arm. And I notice he has the same tattoo as nick.

What does that mean? It has to mean something. 

Holy...

It's glowing. 

If I wasn't scared before, I am now.