In Between The Alphas

By Didi Adeyemi

[ This is the war of love IN between the alphas]

Charlotte has always been the spare one. The second daughter, the invaluable one. She hasn't minded even though it hurts. It gives her the kind of freedom that her sister can only dream about. The freedom that has to be taken away when she is promised to the notorious Alpha Hunter.

She won't do that; not when she realizes she has a mate out there so she runs away. And where does she run? Straight into the arms of her mate?

Logan has never really put that much thought into having a mate. Now that he does he will do anything to keep her safe even if battling a crazed and much older Alpha who wants to keep his mate for himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Dec 29, 2022

Book preview

Chapter 1

CHARLOTTE'S P.O.V

Father, Liana said and he briefly glanced at her, There was an argument in town today and I was able to calmly resolve it and there were no casualties at all.

Liana is everyone’s definition of perfect with her high cheekbones and thin lips, perfectly slim body and of average height at 5’4 compared to my towering 5’9. Her slicked jet black hair stopped right above her shoulders and her eyes were a vile shade of green; almost like poison.

At least you won’t be a totally useless Luna in future. He said with a glance at Carmen and I saw her face fall.

I felt my heart clench in pity for Liana. She has tried so hard to get my father’s attention but he completely disregards her and as if she read my mind her eyes snapped up to mine and narrowed.

Father did you know that Charlie is a bit fond of paint? she asked with a snarl and my eyes widened.

For the last time you will not call her by that ridiculous boy name, he growled, It is Charlotte.

Yes father. Liana said softly.

Now what were you saying about paint?

Liana has taken a little liking to blue paint, she began and I begged her with my eyes not to spill, She even has some in her room.

I am so upset that Liana would even think about telling father about the innocent paint splatter that’s on my wall. Well then, two can play at that game.

I saw dad open his mouth to ask so I spoke before he could, How’s Frederick Lia? her mouth tightened into a flat line, Did you talk to him today?

Frederick is Liana’s secret boyfriend. Father would flip if he knew she had a boyfriend; much less if he knew that Frederick is human.

Who the hell is Frederick? you could practically see the steam coming out of father’s ears as he whirled on Liana but she stayed quiet. I asked you a question.

He slammed his hand on the table so hard that his wine spilled all over Carmen making her jump.

Who is Frederick Liana? he asked and I saw her swallow deeply. I went too far; I have to fix this.

Frederick is just her imaginary boyfriend father, I said and I saw him turn to me, She likes to imagine what her future would be like and she just used the name Frederick.

He sat back in his chair and Carmen handed him another glass of wine.

Dreaming about men, he spat, That shows how unfit you are to be Alpha.

Liana shot me a hard look but I rolled my eyes at her. She should be thankful that I just saved her from a week’s worth of whipping.

The rest of dinner went by quietly, no one dared to even breathe too loud. As soon as we finished Liana and I jumped to our feet and started clearing the table.

After you’re done with the dishes I want everyone in my office, father said, I have something important to discuss.

Yes father, we said in unison and proceeded to clear the dishes.

When we got into the kitchen Liana grabbed my arm, Never do something like that again.

Do what save your ass? I asked and she rolled her eyes.

My ass wouldn’t need saving if it wasn’t for you.

You were the one who brought up the paint issue, I scoffed, Now you’re blaming me? You caused this Lia, not me.

You were over there looking so smug while father spoke to me like an imbecile.

How was I looking smug?

You know all your life that you have been destined to die in the shadows. She spat, I was destined for greatness and it’s all being taken away from me and you couldn’t be happier.

You know what? Fuck you Lia, I spat as I rinsed off the last of the dishes, I will not sit here and let you blame me for something that was obviously your fault. You started it and all I did was finish it.

I made to leave but she grabbed my arm, Even if I started it, couldn’t you be a good sister and just take it?

Excuse me?

Couldn’t you just take the fall for the paint? she asked.

You mean the one that you did deliberately? I asked and she just huffed.

Why can’t you ever just act like my sister?

You like to remind me that you’re older, I said jerking my hand out of her grip, So start acting like it then I’ll start acting like your sister.

I left her in the kitchen and made my way over to father’s study. I could hear her footsteps behind me but she made no move to bridge the gap or speak so I ignored her. I stopped at the door and knocked on it softly. When I heard father’s gruff voice I made my way inside.

Lia shut the door behind us and we sat on the couch next to Carmen who was keeping a perfectly stoic expression on her face but when she looked at me I saw the anger and hostility. What did I do?

Now I’m sure you’re all aware that we have a small party that we are hosting for a few Alphas, he began.

I’m sure we’re all thinking the same thing; we don’t know about any party because he doesn’t tell us about work but no one dared to say it out loud.

A few Alphas are coming in; Alpha Logan is among them and so is Alpha Hunter.

I gasped in my head as he said Alpha Logan. It is so hard to get to him because his pack is so far away and he generally keeps to himself. He has the largest pack in the world and is rumored to be a psychopath. Some people say that his face is as disfigured as his mind.

The party will also serve another purpose, father said bringing my attention back to him, We managed to secure an alliance with Alpha Hunter. He said, He will give us the piece of his land by the stream for a meager token.

That is amazing love, Carmen said but he frowned at her.

I didn’t say you could speak, she went quiet, But since you already started you may as well finish. She remained quiet, Does anyone have anything to say?

What did you give him? I heard Liana ask in a small voice, In exchange for the land?

I’m glad you asked Liana, he said and I saw that greedy smile take over his face. The same smile I’ve seen a million times over and I have come to associate with bad news.

I muttered a silent prayer for Liana under my breath. She will hate whatever news father has for her.

At first I wanted to give him you, he began, You are my first child and it is my duty to make sure that you become successful and powerful. I saw Lia gulp, But he didn’t want you.

I saw relief flash across her face and if I did then so did father. Before I could blink a huge book hit the side of her head and the metallic scent of blood filled my nose.

Don’t look relieved, he spat, If you don’t mate well then you will remain nothing, just like you are now.

She gulped but held her hand to the side of her head that was bleeding and said nothing.

As I was saying, he continued as if nothing happened, I wanted to give him you but he refused and opted for something different.

Father turned to me and I knew what he was going to say before he even said it but I couldn’t help myself. I prayed I was imagining it.

He wants to marry Charlotte instead.

Chapter 2

I’m sorry, what did you say?

I looked around for the source of the voice and when I saw Carmen and Liana staring at me in shock and disbelief I knew it came from me.

Are you suddenly hard of hearing now Charlotte? father asked, I said that you will marry Alpha Hunter, it has been arranged and decided. The party will be used to announce your engagement.

But father why didn’t Alpha Hunter want me? Liana asked.

Because you’re a useless, ugly fool who talks way too much, he spat and she whimpered slightly, How am I supposed to know why he wants Charlotte? I don’t care why he wants her but he can have her as long as I get what I want in return.

He won’t have me. I said shocking myself and everyone else. He won’t have me because I am not going to marry him.

What did you just say to me Charlotte? father asked and the room went deathly quiet, For a second there it sounded like you refused me and said no but that can’t be possible.

I did say no, I said and he raised his brows, He is older than you; he is fifty four years old and I will not marry an old man.

He is my friend and partner and you will do as I say, he said, I’m surprised you know his age; you don’t seem to know much else. He continued and I saw him stand, Let me make something very clear to you for the very last time Charlotte.

He moved over to stand in front of me. While standing he is a bit taller than me at exactly 6 feet but while sitting he completely towers over me.

I used to think you were a lot smarter than this, he began, Liana has a bit of worth as my oldest daughter; she is the heir and everyone wants her. You are just the spare He said but I was done listening, I have arranged this marriage and it will go through.

No. I said, I won’t do it. I said, I can’t marry someone who is almost three times my age. I begged, I’m nineteen.

I barely had five seconds to enjoy the fact that I had spoken back to my father when I felt his hand whip across my cheek and I tasted blood inside my mouth.

You will stop this childish nonsense and do as I say, he began, Or I will make you.

I won’t marry him, I said, That is my final decision.

That’s where you’re mistaken Charlotte, he said, MY word is final and this is the last time we will speak of this. He continued, I have tolerated your disrespect long enough.

I won’t do it, no matter how many times you tell me to.

He smiled and turned around. I thought he was about to leave but I should have known better; he will never let me have the final word. I didn’t see it in time or I would have braced myself.

He grabbed the book he threw at Liana and smacked the side of my head with it. Black spots danced across my vision and my ears started ringing. I cradled my head in my hands and sank to the ground.

Get her out of my sight, he spat and I felt someone grab my arm, Lock her in her room; maybe tomorrow she will be more complaint with the offer she was so graciously given.

I felt myself getting dragged out but I couldn’t focus on who was taking me because my head was still ringing.

I saw the familiar doors that led to my room and after I was led inside I expected the person to leave but my door was shut and Liana turned me to face her.

Are you this stupid? she asked and I narrowed my brows as much as possible, Why didn’t you just agree to it? You were given the offer of a lifetime.

I won’t marry a man three times my age Liana; I’m barely legal.

You are so self-righteous, she spat, You are getting mated to an Alpha.

I don’t care if he is a stupid Alpha, I forced out, I don’t care if he’s the king of the world or the leader of the werewolf council; I will not marry him and nothing you say is going to change that.

You are such a selfish and entitled bitch did you know that?

Look if you are so interested in the plan and since it seems like you want him more than I do then why don’t you just take him? I asked

I would have because he was supposed to be mine! She yelled and I went quiet, Didn’t you hear what father said? He was supposed to be mine but then he requested you. You took him from me.

I don’t want him any more than you want me to have him. I said, You would have to be blind to miss that.

But that’s the problem isn’t it, she said with a harsh laugh, You never want anything but you always seem to take everything from everyone.

What are you even talking about? I asked, I didn’t take him; I don’t want him. How many times do I need to say it?

You took my mother, she said and I froze at the unfiltered hate in her eyes.

She was my mother too.

No she was mine and you killed her. she said in a low voice,

I didn’t ask to be born Liana, I said, That was her and father’s decision. Her death is not on me.

Yes it is! she growled, How I wish it was you who died instead of her.

If wishes were horses. I said in a bland tone and I rose from the ground and made my way to my bed but she wasn’t done talking.

As if that wasn’t enough for you, now you took my one chance to claim my birthright.

Are you naturally this stupid or is this a special effort? I asked and she opened her mouth to retort but I cut her off, Do you really think that if you mated with him then you would get to rule this pack? Don’t be delusional.

Of course I would rule; that was father’s condition.

You dumb bimbo, I said as I rubbed my forehead in frustration, Alpha Hunter would have taken you to his pack and this pack would have gone to James.

She stayed quiet for a minute before speaking, I don’t believe you. She said and I scoffed, Father wouldn’t lie to me.

This girl is really grating on my nerves right now, Just get out of my room.

You’re a liar Charlie, she said, And if you thought I hated you before then watch how I make your life a living hell for stealing my only ticket to being Alpha.

I didn’t steal anything and you would have been Luna not Alpha, I spat, Now get out.

She gave me one last scathing look before leaving the room and I just crawled to my bed and buried my head into my pillow.

Please moon goddess I muttered, Just fix everything.

Chapter 3

I woke up with a splitting headache and I groaned into my pillow. My head literally feels like someone is doing construction work inside it. There is a lot of pulsing and pounding that I don’t even know how I am going to get through the day.

I forced myself out of bed and into the bathroom and I saw a huge bruise at the side of my head where father hit me with the pillow.

I quickly took a bath and put on a simple pair of sweats and a hoodie and tied my hair into a high ponytail knowing it would annoy father to have my bruise out in the open.

I tried to open my door but remembered that father ordered for it to be locked so I sat cross legged on my bed while I waited for someone to open it for breakfast.

About five minutes later my door opened and I saw Liana. She narrowed her eyes at my bruise and I saw a similar but smaller one hidden by her hair.

Father wants you down for breakfast, she said and she walked away.

I took a deep breath before following her down the stairs. Father was already seated by the table and he was already eating. I ignored him and everyone else and took my place but then I saw that food had already been piled on my plate; bread, cheese and a few fruits. I reached out to put some chicken on my plate when I was stopped.

There will be no meat for you in the days leading up to your wedding, father said, You’re already a disgrace so you might as well lose a few pounds to make yourself attractive.

I am not getting married so I do not need to lose any weight. I said defiantly as I picked up a piece of chicken. If he thinks I am going to give into this marriage so easily then he is very mistaken. I saw father’s jaw tighten and he dropped his fork onto his plate calmly.

You will stop this childish tantrum now, he warned, I will not have you disgracing this family, I leaned back into my chair and refused to meet his eyes, You will do as I say and you will agree to the marriage with Alpha Hunter.

No. I said simply and I went back to eating my food.

I knew he was going to retaliate but I did not expect him to throw an actual glass plate at my head. Same with yesterday I didn’t notice it in time and it smashed against the side of my face.

I heard Carmen gasp as it shattered and the metallic scent of blood filled my nose. I put my hand to the side of my face and it came back bloody. I held it there and rose from my seat but father grabbed my hand and pushed me to the ground and a few shards of glass embedded themselves into my hands and thighs.

Listen to me and listen to me clearly little girl, he spat, I have been overly lenient with you so far because I thought that you would come back to your senses and agree to it, he let out a little chuckle before continuing, I don’t need you to agree; it will happen whether you like it or not.

I will fight it every step of the way. I muttered and he landed a sharp kick to my mouth and I tasted blood.

You are going to get up and make yourself look presentable, he said as he made his way back to the table and sat down, You, Carmen and Liana are going shopping for your engagement party.

No.

I think you misunderstood me Charlotte, he said locking eyes with me, It was not a question.

I know I can’t win this battle so I forced myself up to my feet. I could already see blood staining my sweats and I limped away."

And Charlotte I want you to burn those clothes; we don’t want the help seeing them all bloody, he said but I didn’t even turn back to acknowledge him, Liana go clean up that blood it’s disgusting to look at.

I briefly heard Liana shuffling around but that wasn’t my concern right now. I should have known better than to oppose father directly. He will always win and if he can’t he will just beat me until I surrender.

I took out the little glass shards in my hand and legs and grabbed my first aid box. The cuts weren’t that deep so they didn’t need stitches but I grabbed my first aid box that I always keep for emergency purposes and disinfected the wounds.

I don’t know how father wants me to look presentable after this. They are literally angry red gashes all over my skin and I can cover the ones on my arm and legs but not on my face. I just cleaned it up and placed those skin colored plasters over it and changed into another pair of sweats and a hoodie and I left my hair down.

I made my way down and saw Carmen and Liana by the door. They were both shooting me scathing looks but I ignored them and walked out of the house and towards the car.

You know that you are such a huge bitch, Liana said, You don’t think about anyone else when you do stuff do you?

I’m not in the mood for this right now Liana. I said and I opened the door of the back seat but she slammed it back shut.

I am not joking either Charlotte, she said and I turned to face her while crossing my arms over my chest, ‘Have you never considered that we have to pay the price for father’s shitty moods after you antagonize him?"

Just let her be Liana, Carmen said as she got into the driver’s seat, She will never listen; it’s in her nature to be like this.

Just like it’s in your nature to be a fake, lying wench? I asked and she grit her teeth for a second before taking a calming breath and stepping into the car.

Just stop acting like it’s the end of the world and marry the damned guy Liana said, It’s not like you would have gotten a better match.

I will never agree to this marriage, I said, ‘And if I rile father up so much then stay away from him. I didn’t ask you to clean up my messes; I am more than capable of cleaning them up myself."

I opened the car door and sat inside making sure to slam the door behind me. After a few seconds she got into the passenger seat and shot me a scathing look which I returned with a saccharine smile.

Try not to spend hours picking a dress Charlotte; you won’t look pretty anyways. Carmen said and I gave her a smile in response.

Don’t worry Carmen I’m not like you who needs to use hours to find a dress that’ll fit my Botox filled body, I said with a shrug, And even if I don’t look pretty; I am still going to be a whole lot prettier than you.

Chapter 4

Our guards drove in a car behind us. Father doesn’t trust that we will misbehave with our guards and ordered them to keep at least six feet between us at all times except it is a life and death situation.

I don’t want to be in this mall and I am making it very obvious that I would rather be anywhere but here. I also want to waste Carmen and Liana’s time so I have been adamantly refusing all the dresses that have come my way so far.

Pick something, Liana whispered harshly in my ear, Pick a garbage bag for all I care but pick something so we can be out of here.

But I have to pick something pretty, I pouted and she scowled, We haven’t even visited half of the stores here; I wouldn’t want to pick something here and then find out that there was something prettier elsewhere.

"You are the most infuriating person I have ever met,’ she growled.

And that is the exact reason why you love me, I said with a smile, Now when is this ball again; my supposed engagement party?

I forgot that you were removed from father’s study yesterday, she said with a sick smirk and I rolled my eyes.

Are you going to tell me or not?

Your engagement party is tomorrow and your wedding is being set for next week. She said and I froze mid-step.

Please tell me that you’re joking, I said and she shook her head no, How can it be that soon?

Well father didn’t want you to know, she said, He actually wanted to spring it up on you as a surprise just to watch your little rebellious act break.

Then why did you tell me all this? I asked and she let out a smile.

Because I know you better than father does, she said, ‘And I know it’ll break you more if your wedding approaches and you realize that there is absolutely nothing that you can do about it. It will hurt you so badly and your resolve; your spirit will shatter into a million little pieces; that is what I want."

I felt bile at the back of my throat and my stomach dropped. The sales woman came over with a shimmering black dress in her hands but I didn’t even have the patience to look at it. There was a bit of fear on her face and I knew she was scared that I would reject his dress too.

Just pack it up for me; I’ll take it. I saw relief flash across her face and she released a relieved sigh that almost made me smile.

But you haven’t even tried it on, she said but I just shrugged.

Just pack it up; I don’t really feel like trying on any dresses today. She scurried away so I wouldn’t change my mind and Liana was sporting a full grin.

Are you done already? she asked but I ignored her and made my way over to the counter and picked up my dress. It was being charged to father’s account.

I made my way over to where Carmen was, I’m done, I said not stopping to look at her, Let’s go.

She looked stunned for a second but I didn’t give her the chance to ask me questions. I just made my way into the car and slammed the door behind me. I saw Carmen talking to Liana and soon a smile grew on her face. I’m sure Lia saw fit to inform her why I’m upset.

Don’t be so sad Charlotte, Carmen said as she got into the car, You’ll be out of the house soon. I think it’s actually a thing of joy. I ignored her and she started the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot.

When we got home I ignored everyone and made my way to my room. I didn’t even look at the stupid dress I just threw it into my closet. If they think for a second that I am going to take this lying down then they have another thig coming for them. I will fight this marriage even if it kills me. I was deep in thought when my door opened and both Carmen and Liana walked into my room.

You were right Lia, Carmen began, The paint is horrible; I wonder how your father will react?

I’m not in the mood for this so will you just say why you’re actually here? I muttered from my bed and their faces lit up like Christmas trees.

We have some good news, Liana said, Well good news for us but good news anyways, she said, Your husband; my bad fiancée is coming to the house today. My face blanched, Apparently he wanted to surprise you so father sent us to get you ready.

I’m not going to sit here for you to play dress up on me for some old guy. I said defiantly and they frowned.

We were given permission to use any method necessary to get you looking pretty, Carmen said, If you look anything short of beautiful then we are in trouble and I would be damned if I let you get me into trouble, she growled, So you can either sit still or I will tie you up and drug you, do what I want to do and leave.

I knew Carmen wasn’t lying about getting into trouble so I got off my bed and stood but made sure to keep the defiance on my face.

‘Good; now that you’re co-operating, she began, Get into the bathroom and take a long bath while we set up here."

I went into the bathroom and took a long warm shower. I will admit that I cried a bit during the shower and I came out only when I didn’t have any tears left to cry.

I don’t know why you’re acting as if this is a death sentence, Carmen muttered as she led me to the chair in front of my vanity, You’re getting married, not killed.

Well I don’t want to get married to an old man. I mumbled and she scoffed, ‘You wouldn’t understand."

That seemed to annoy her because she abruptly turned me to face her, You think I wanted to marry your father? she spat, Of course I didn’t but I unlike you know how to pick my battles. I know when I can’t win and I know when I need to give up.

I won’t ever give up.

Then you will die trying,’ she spat as she raised her shirt and showed me the bruises on her stomach, The more you fight, the more you entice them. They’re animals and they love the hunt."

She turned me back to face the mirror and I thought she was done speaking but then she spoke again in an even quieter voice this time.

You have yet to learn something Charlotte; sometimes it is better to be with a monster and rule alongside him than to have the monster ruling over you. She said, Don’t fight this marriage it won’t do you any good. You are in this until death.

I went quiet and she placed a hand on my shoulder, He is old and you are to be his wife; if he dies after you are married no one would be the wiser.

Are you suggesting that I poison him after we get married? I asked and she just shrugged in response and didn’t speak again.

Chapter 5

I didn’t speak throughout the entire time I was getting ready, being silent is my form of defiance. Liana painted my fingers and toes a simple nude color while Carmen did my make-up and hair. I felt like a prized cattle being taken off to an auction except the auction was already complete and I have been sold to the highest bidder and while a cattle knows its death would be swift, mine would be a slow and painful breaking of my spirit and soul.

Carmen went through my closet and brought out a white dress that I didn’t even know I had. I rose from the chair and she helped me put it on then led me to the full length mirror. I looked beautiful I won’t deny that but the reason why I looked this beautiful brought bile to the back of my throat.

My make-up was completely natural and it made me look like a young, pure innocent little girl. My hair was in simple curls that hung to my waist and it was pinned behind my ears so only a few strands framed my face.

It was an A-line dress with a huge slit that reached up to my upper thigh. There were no bra cups attached to the dress so if I get cold then my nips would be on full display. The spaghetti straps also did nothing to hide my skin. I felt so disgusting.

Thank you, I forced out and Liana left but Carmen stood with me. It all looks really beautiful.

You are not going to cry and ruin my masterpiece, she warned and I nodded, It really isn’t as bad as you make it out to be.

Being sold off like an animal isn’t as bad as I make it out to be or is it the fact that I’m going to get raped by my supposed mate if I refuse him. I asked and she rolled her eyes. Or maybe it’s the fact that he might hit me if I do as much as disobey him.

It’s no different from when your father does it to you, she said, This is what life gave you so you might as well just suck it up and make the best of it instead of whining like a spoilt brat. I didn’t respond so she sighed, You should come down; I assume your father would want to talk to you before Alpha Hunter arrives; tell you your dos and dont’s.

She left the room and after an hour I finally left as well. I was giving Liana and Carmen enough time to get ready as well so I wouldn’t be left alone with my father. Sure enough when I got downstairs they were already there. They always carry full faces of make-up so they didn’t have to spend as much time getting ready as I did.

Father looked me up and down and he let out a grunt of approval, I guess you look presentable enough, let’s hope that Alpha Hunter agrees.

Liar I look beautiful. I wasn’t in the mood to pick a fight with him so I just gave him a simple smile.

Alpha Hunter wouldn’t care if I was wearing a sack; he just wants his child bride. I muttered.

"What was that?’ he asked and I shook my head.

Nothing, I said quickly but I know he didn’t believe me but apparently he had more important things to say rather than handle my little outburst.

I have a few rules before Hunter gets here. He should be here in a few minutes, he said, It is your job to make sure that he is well received.

Is that your way of saying you want me to fuck him because I won’t. I deadpanned and his jaw tightened.

You’re lucky that Hunter is on his way,’ he said, Don’t ever think that you will get away with saying something like that to me again am I clear?"

Crystal. I said just as the doorbell rang and dad smiled and ushered me towards the door.

Carmen was the one who opened the door for him and I could hear the fake warmth in her voice as she welcomed him in. He pulled her into a hug and she stiffened for a second but hugged him back awkwardly.

Whenever I imagined Alpha Hunter I never actually had a picture in my head but what I’m seeing is definitely not it. His mid-section was beginning to droop and even from where I was standing I could smell the faint scent of cigarettes and beer on him. His hair was salt and peppered but his most deceiving feature would be his eyes; they’re a beautiful shade of brown.

He greeted Liana with a smile and a kiss on her cheek which made her beam then walked over to father. They embraced each other with an air of fondness and I couldn’t stop the disgusted look that grew on my face.

When they finished their greetings father led him over to me. He isn’t tall by any means; he just has a few inches on me. I gave him a forced smile but made sure to keep my hands and body parts close to my side but personal space doesn’t seem to be a known concept to him.

He grabbed my hand harshly and pulled it to press a kiss to the top of my palm. The kiss lasted a lot longer than it was supposed to and the more I tried to tug my hand away the tighter he held it. After an antagonizing few seconds he let go of my hand and I pulled it to my chest while rubbing the red and bruised skin.

You look very beautiful Charlotte, he said but I kept my face perfectly neutral and ignored his words.

Alpha Hunter is talking to you, father said and a sarcastic retort was at the tip of my tongue but I bit it down.

Relax Marcus, Charlotte is probably just a bit shy, Alpha Hunter said to him then turned to me, Right Charlotte?

Right but thank you for the compliment, I forced out still refusing to meet anyone’s gaze.

May I borrow the girls? I heard Carmen ask, We have to get the table ready.

Father just waved us off and I hurried after Carmen but I still couldn’t shake off the feeling of Alpha Hunter’s eyes on me, not even after I got into the kitchen.

Thank you, I whispered to her but she shot me a scathing look.

I didn’t do it for you, she said then lowered her voice, And you would do well to the irritation off your face; it only excites them more when they know you don’t want them.

I nodded and picked up a dish, Liana left without even looking at me and just as I was about to leave Carmen held onto the crook of my elbow and leaned into my ear.

Another important fact Charlotte, she began, Watch what you say and where you say it; they’re alpha’s and their hearing is better than any of us can dream.

She didn’t wait for me to reply, she just walked out of the kitchen leaving me to ponder over her words.

Chapter 6

I hated dinner before it even began and I loathed every single second of it after. Father made me sit next to Alpha Hunter and it took every single inch of my control to keep forcing food down my throat with his disgusting scent filling up my nose.

‘So Liana, Alpha Hunter began, Do you have any special skills?"

I always thought that people got to know each other before delivering marriage proposals or did I get it wrong? I asked and I saw dad’s jaw clench but Alpha Hunter just laughed it off.

Of course you didn’t but that is why I am trying to get to know you now. He said with a smile that revealed his yellowing teeth, So tell me Charlotte; what do you do?

Nothing, I replied with a shrug, I stay home all day and do nothing.

He looked shocked but father spoke before he could react, Charlotte likes to joke around a bit too much sometimes, he shot me a warning look, She plays the piano, harp and violin, she is an amazing cook and she did a bit of ballet and gymnastics growing up.

You consider all that nothing? Alpha Hunter asked and I shrugged, ‘Overly modest I see; play something for us."

I choked on my water as he spoke, not just because of his words but because he placed his large, sweaty palms against my upper thighs. I tried to shrug it off but he moved his hand higher and gripped my thigh tightly.

I haven’t played in a while, I managed to say

I know you still have your violin upstairs so why don’t you go bring it Charlotte, dad said but from his tone I knew it was an order.

I started to rise but Alpha Hunter pulled me back into my seat, I’m afraid I’m not quite ready to let go of Charlotte yet; I’m sure Liana would be more than happy to help Charlotte get it.

She won’t know where I kept it, I rushed out but Alpha Hunter sent me a feral smile.

Well then she will just have to check the entire room; however long it takes.

Father nodded towards Liana and she rose from the chair. I sent her a pleading look but she kept her face carefully neutral and I prayed that she would find it in her ice, frigid heart to actually hurry up.

Father and Alpha Hunter continued their conversation and I felt him begin to slide my dress higher so I grabbed his hand to halt him. He turned to me and raised a brow and I pried his fingers off my thigh carefully.

Don’t touch me, I muttered under my breath and I saw surprise flash across his features.

Is everything okay over there? father asked and I nodded. You look constipated Charlotte.

It’s nothing, probably just some parasite under the table.

Father didn’t have the chance to respond because Liana walked in with my violin and placed it on the sofa and I couldn’t have been more relieved. I started to get up but Alpha Hunter grabbed my wrist in a tight grip.

What are you waiting for Charlotte? father asked, Play us something.

I would but my hand, I said gesturing to my hand and Alpha Hunter let go.

Forgive me, I was just enjoying your company way too much. He said.

The skin around my wrist was already bruising and it hurt to move but I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he hurt me so I smiled and made my way over to the sofa and placed the violin under my chin and played.

I played a song about sadness and despair because that is what my life is right now. The notes were low and drawn out and you could feel the despair radiating from every pore in my body and every note. When I was done I placed the violin back in the case but no one spoke.

Well that was a bit depressing don’t you think? father joked.

Actually, Alpha Hunter said, I think it was exquisite.

For the rest of dinner Alpha Hunter kept his hands to himself but I had already lost my appetite so I didn’t really eat much. The moment father finished eating I flew to my feet and started clearing the tables, anything to get me as far away from there as possible.

Father and Alpha Hunter went to the study to talk while we females did all the clean-up.

You must feel so proud of yourself right now Charlie, Liana began and I shot her a confused look, I’m sorry, I forgot that you go by Charlotte now.

What has gotten into you Liana?

Now every one of us must bow to your whims, she said, How does it feel to be able to hold that power over us?

What are you even talking about? What do you mean bow down to my whims?

You couldn’t even get up to go get your own violin, she said with a short laugh, You sat there like a queen, while I your humble servant went through your mess of a room to look for it.

You think I didn’t want to get my own violin? You think I wanted you in my room? I asked incredulously, You know what? I’m not having this conversation for you.

Of course, when her highness says it’s done then it is done. She spat, Just because you’re going to be whoring yourself out to an alpha does not mean that you are in any way better than me.

I never said I was better than you.

Then stop acting like a spoilt stuck up, she began but Carmen walked in.

Enough! Both of you, she said and after she made sure we were quiet she turned to me, Your father wants you in his study Charlotte.

Of course he does, Liana spat and Carmen shot her a hard look.

I gave her one last look and made my way to father’s study. I knocked on the door and let myself in but was surprised to see that father was nowhere to be found. It was Alpha Hunter instead.

I’m sorry, I thought my father wanted to see me, I said, I’ll be going now.

I’m the one who wanted to see you, he said and I stopped, Please Charlotte sit down.

No, it’s okay, I would rather stand. I said but then I noticed he was standing in front of me. He grabbed my elbow hard and pushed me into a chair.

I said sit, he said in that same calm tone and all I could do was swallow down my fear, It would seem like you aren’t pleased with this alliance am I right? I didn’t give him the satisfaction of answering and he gripped my elbow tighter, I asked you a question.

No I’m not, I finally said.

Well that is sad because I want you and I will get what I want whether you like it or not, he said, I think it would be a lot better for you if you at least tried to hide your irritation better, it irks me. Am I understood?

Yes, I said and he smiled then pulled me to my feet and to the door. Just as I opened it I saw father standing there. His eyes fell to the forming bruise on my upper arm but he looked away as if he didn’t notice it.

We were just finishing up here, isn’t that right Charlotte? Alpha Hunter asked and I nodded, Now go up to your room.

I didn’t need to be told twice. I ran upstairs without looking back and slammed the door and made sure to lock it. I can’t believe I’m getting married to

Reviews for In Between The Alphas

[sammarmurlag · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a good story, couple of mistakes, had to a reread a couple of paragraphs to make sense.

[Perry Thompson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story was good. Very little about wearwolves. Trigger warnings. Abuse, sexual violence. Language. My biggest complaint was the numerous typos and grammar errors. I had to reread a lot to understand some passages and I am by no means one of the grammar police. I got Ds in English so if I notice it, someone who who is bothered by those things may not want to read it.