A HARD NUT TO CRACK

His reflection in the glass stared back at him, and he

barely recognized the man he saw. The strong, confident Alpha who had once led

his pack with pride and purpose was gone, replaced by someone who felt lost and

defeated. The weight of the impending wedding bore down on him, and the

knowledge that he was about to bind himself to a woman he didn't love made the

pain even worse.

Antonio turned away from the window, his gaze falling on the

framed photos lining the dresser. Pictures of him with Rachel smiling,

laughing, living a life that now seemed like a distant dream. He detached the

photo of them from a summer festival from the wall, their faces glowing with

happiness as they stood arm in arm. Rachel's smile was bright, her eyes full of

life and love, and Antonio felt a sharp pang of longing in his chest.

He had always known that life as an Alpha would require

sacrifices, but he had never imagined it would cost him his happiness. The

elders had insisted that marrying Olivia was the only way to secure the pack's

future, but Antonio couldn't shake the feeling that they were wrong. How could

a marriage built on duty and obligation ever bring strength and unity to the

pack?

The knock on his door was soft, but it jolted Antonio from

his thoughts. He quickly placed the photo back on the dresser, trying to

compose himself.

"Come in," he called, his voice steady despite the turmoil

inside.

The door creaked open, and Jerome stepped inside, his

expression one of concern. He could sense the weight Antonio was carrying, even

without words being exchanged.

"Alpha," Jerome said quietly, "is everything alright?"

Antonio sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "No,

Jerome, it's not. I feel like I'm about to make the biggest mistake of my

life."

Jerome approached cautiously, his loyalty to Antonio clear

in every step. "You don't have to go through with this if it's not what you

want," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "We can find another way."

Antonio shook his head, his gaze distant. "I've tried to

find another way, but Rachel is still missing, and the pressure from the pack

and the elders is relentless. I don't know what to do anymore."

Jerome placed a reassuring hand on Antonio's shoulder.

"You've always done what's best for the pack, Alpha. But don't forget that your

happiness matters too. The pack needs a strong leader, but it also needs one

who is true to himself."

Antonio nodded, appreciating Jerome's words but feeling the

weight of responsibility pressing down on him even more. "I know, but I can't

see a way out. The wedding is in a few days, and I have to go through with it,

for the pack's sake."

Jerome hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. "If you do

go through with it, just know that you'll have our support. But if you decide

to change your mind, we'll stand by you as well."

Antonio offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Jerome.

That means a lot."

Jerome nodded and left the room, leaving Antonio alone with

his thoughts once more. As the door closed behind him, Antonio felt the weight

of his decision settle even more heavily on his shoulders.

**

The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows

across the room. The golden light that had bathed the room earlier was now

fading, leaving behind a dull, muted glow. Antonio knew that he had to prepare

for the dinner with Olivia, but he couldn't bring himself to move just yet.

He walked over to the bed and sat down heavily, his thoughts

still on Rachel. The love they had shared, the dreams they had for the future all

of it seemed so far away now. He wanted to believe that Rachel was out there,

somewhere, thinking of him as he was thinking of her. But with each passing

day, that hope grew dimmer.

Finally, Antonio rose from the bed and made his way to the

closet, pulling out the formal clothes he would wear for dinner. The black

suit, tailored to perfection, felt like a uniform, a costume he was putting on

for a role he didn't want to play. As he dressed, his movements were slow and

deliberate, as if he were preparing for battle rather than a meal.

When he was finally ready, he took one last look in the

mirror. The man staring back at him was dressed as an Alpha, but inside, he

felt like anything but. Antonio squared his shoulders, trying to summon the

strength he knew he would need to get through the evening. Then, with a deep

breath, he headed downstairs to face Olivia and the future that awaited him.

As Antonio descended the grand staircase, each step echoed

in the silent hall. The chandeliers above cast a warm, golden glow, but to Antonio,

the light felt harsh, like a spotlight highlighting his inner turmoil. The

mansion, once a place of comfort and security, now felt cold and unwelcoming,

as if it too sensed the impending union that was more about duty than love.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, Antonio paused for a

moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself before heading toward the dining

room. He could hear the faint clatter of silverware and the murmur of voices,

no doubt the staff preparing for the evening meal. The scent of roasted meat

and herbs wafted through the air, but instead of making him hungry, it only

added to the tightness in his chest.

Pushing open the heavy double doors to the dining room,

Antonio was met with a scene that seemed almost surreal. The long, polished

table was set with fine china and crystal goblets, each place setting

meticulously arranged. Candles flickered softly in the center, casting delicate

shadows across the white tablecloth. The room was a perfect picture of elegance

and tradition, yet it only deepened the sense of dread in Antonio's heart.

What is going on?