It was sometime in the early hours of the morning and I had been tossing and turning all night trying to fall asleep. I rolled over in my bed to peek at the alarm clock: 5.04am. I'm going to have some serious eye bags at the event tomorrow… not tomorrow… today. Dammit. And to think I actually got ready for bed early so I could have a good night's sleep before the big day. 

I looked around my room as the early sun started glowing through my bedroom curtains. My clothes for the day were laid out neatly on the corner chair. The rest of my good clothes were all stuffed into the suitcase by my bedroom door. I thought about going on the airplane later this morning and my stomach did a somersault. It's not that I'm scared of flying; I'm just not big on the idea of plummeting to my death thousands of feet in the air. 

Shaking away that thought, I decided to just give up trying to sleep and start the day. Maybe if I take enough sleeping pills I'll get knocked out for the entire flight and catch some sleep that way. I smiled to myself feeling better now that I had a plan. I just potentially fixed two problems in one go. Today was going to be a breeze. 

I crawled out of bed and took a shower to wash away some of the tiredness. Feeling much more refreshed I put on the comfy white summer dress and sandals I laid out the night before. This dress was the perfect pick for today's activities; comfortable enough to sleep on a hot plane, and pretty enough to arrive at the Alpha Conference in style. After all, I was representing my pack. 

I am the Alpha's daughter of the Blue Moon Pack and this would be the first conference I was attending with my father. My older brother, Nico, usually went with my dad to these things but since he was away at college the duty now falls with me. The Alpha Conference is an annual gathering of all the Alpha‘s across the Country. It's where alliances are formed between packs and valuable updates on the movements of Hunters and rogues are shared. It's a very high profile event and usually takes place in a fancy hotel. This year the conference is taking place in sunny California and you can bet I've got my bikini and sunglasses packed. 

I've been working out all summer for this event and I must admit, I'm starting to see the results. I examined myself in the mirror as I applied light makeup. Long, wavy chestnut hair cascaded down my shoulders almost reaching my waist. I applied mascara to accentuate my jade green eyes and some lip balm to my pale pink lips. I smiled at myself in the mirror admiring my makeup skills. In the past I have had some body confidence issues but now I'm nineteen years old, I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with myself. 

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I checked the time again, it was now 6.30am, an acceptable time to grab some breakfast. I bounced downstairs, the excitement for the day ahead was building and putting me in a great mood. As I turned into the kitchen I was greeted by my dad sitting at the table with a few of the pack's warriors. 

"Hey, Belle, I'm glad you're up. We need to go through some details about the conference. Grab some breakfast and take a seat." My dad greeted me with a tired smile. 

I picked an orange from the fruit bowl and sat down, eager to hear anything about the upcoming events. 

"As you know the Blue Moon Pack has a small territory with fewer members than the average pack. This conference is extremely important for us to gain allies from the bigger packs in order to become stronger." My dad paused to take a breath.  I nodded without replying, knowing he was leading up to something. 

"Your mother is against this idea, however, as Alpha, I need to make tough decisions based on the overall prosperity of the pack." Dad continued looking very serious. My smile started to waver as nerves settled in my stomach. 

"Your mum and I have come to a compromise about this and have left the choice entirely in your hands. All I ask of you is to consider the benefits this arrangement would bring to our pack."

"What is it, Dad? What are you talking about?" Now I was really getting nervous. I should have stayed in bed. 

"At the conference I have set up some meetings between you and eligible Alpha bachelors from the surrounding packs. If you decide you like one, you will marry him and strengthen our pack through that alliance." Dad finished talking and put his hands together like he always does when negotiating business deals.

I know he was waiting for a response. My mouth opened a couple of times and then closed when no words came out. It took me a minute to find my voice. 

" You want me to marry someone who is not my mate?" My voice sounded weaker than I would have liked it to, but at least I spoke. 

"I just want you to consider it. That is all. Just attend the meetings I have set up and if none of them win you over, then I'll respect your decision." Dad concluded the conversation with a hint of the Alpha Command in his voice before leaving towards his office. I knew then that there would be no getting out of meeting these potential suitors. A bitter taste had formed in my mouth. Oh God, it was like the plot of a bad TV show; Blind Date: Alpha Edition. Groaning internally, I sunk further into my chair.