Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate

Hayley's POV

As the first female Alpha of the Shadow Pack, I knew my marriage path would not follow the typical romantic tale. No waiting Moon Goddess' signs at eighteen for me.

The moment I took on the Alpha mantle, my priorities shifted toward preserving the pack's legacy, even if it meant sacrificing personal happiness for strategic alliances.

Yet, I refused to simply acquiesce as my parents had, sacrificing their happiness for duty with little to show for it.

Instead, one restless evening, I shifted into my wolf form and dashed through the forest, seeking solace in its familiar embrace.

Caught during my restless run, my assistant approached. "Alpha, your grandfather wishes to discuss an urgent matter."

Acknowledging with a swift nod, I phased back to human form and sped across the plains, returning to our grand estate in a blink.

Upon entering his study, Grandpa laid out his plans. "To strengthen our bond with the Midnight Pack, you are to consider marrying one of the Southwells, who lead them."

He then insisted on a prompt engagement.

Leaning back, I mulled over his words. After that, I met his gaze with a defiant smirk. "Fine, but on my terms.

"First, the Midnight Pack mustn't learn of my Alpha status.

"Secondly, if no genuine feelings develop within a year, and they show no interest in me, I walk away. I'll handle my future engagements on my terms, possibly with the Moon Goddess's guidance as any other werewolf."

"And should that happen, I'll negotiate alternate terms for our packs' alliance."

Grandpa pondered deeply but eventually nodded in agreement. Since losing my parents, he has always shown me great affection.

To avoid being prematurely bound by any potential mate's recognition, I masked my scent before departure.

...

Days later, disguised as a nondescript Omega, I forsook luxury travel for a budget flight to the Midnight Pack.

Upon arrival, I spotted four striking men waiting for me at the terminal.

Cold, aloof, cheerful—these men represented a range of personas. They captured the attention of everyone around. If not for the bodyguards present, numerous onlookers would have approached them to get their contact details.

"On such a hot day, Grandpa insisted we four come to pick up this girl. Does he think we have nothing better to do?" I overheard the rebellious-looking one among them complaining. I later learned he was Henry Southwell, the youngest of the five brothers.

"Since she came on a budget airline, she's probably not even a direct descendant of the Phantom Pack ruling family. I heard she's just an Omega," added another, who wore a mask and hat. I soon recognized him as Christopher Southwell, the fourth brother and star of a popular Netflix drama.

"We five brothers are the Alpha heirs of the Midnight Pack. How can we let an Omega from Phoenix City choose one of us as a fiancé? I thought Grandpa was joking when he mentioned this yesterday!" said Tanner Southwell, the third brother, whose face I recognized instantly as I approached them.

"I envy Ben for being the first Alpha heir. He doesn't have to attend these sorts of meetings."

The quiet one beside Tanner had to be Irving Southwell, the second in line.

Pleased with myself, I checked my deliberately shabby outfit and rough makeup, grinning as I approached them.

"Hello, are you the Southwell brothers? I'm Hayley Carson."

Their expressions froze, especially Christopher's, who incredulously asked, "You're Hayley Carson?"

I nodded, playing up my admiration. "Grandpa wasn't lying, you guys are so handsome."

Henry looked at me, unimpressed, "Even if you're an Omega with no taste, you shouldn't be so crass."

"Ms. Carson, perhaps you should head back?"

"What?" I feigned confusion and blinked.

Finally, it was Irving, the deputy CEO of Southwell Group, who broke the silence. "Let's just head to the car and go home."

In the car, I sat in the middle row next to Irving.

I caught a glimpse of his watch and deliberately exclaimed, "Wow! This watch is so nice! It must be about 50 dollars, right?"

"50? This watch of the Irving's is worth 4.5 million!" Henry scoffed from the back seat.

Given my appearance, I guessed none of them wanted me to choose them as a mate, inching me closer to my goal.

Delighted inside, I reveled in their disinterest.

As we reached the Southwells' villa, I exclaimed, "Wow, your house is huge!"

Though internally, I scoffed, thinking the villa was nothing compared to my family's estate. Just then, Henry next to me suddenly roared in annoyance.

"Enough! You ugly and uncultured Omega, stop acting so naive! I can't stand it anymore." Henry snapped, clearly fed up.

The disdain was palpable in the silence of his other brothers.

I had to bite my inner cheek to keep from laughing outright at their disgusted expressions. Masking my amusement, I portrayed a wounded facade as I followed them into the villa.

A servant showed me to my room, overly decorated in what they must have thought was every girl's dream—pastel blues and overflowing with brand-name fashion items.

I feigned awe at the designer labels, only increasing their revulsion.

As we descended the stairs later, I caught snippets of Henry venting to his brothers, "Thank goodness she's not triggering any mate bonds. Imagine being tied to such a tasteless Omega for life!"

I smirked inwardly, pleased with my decision to mask my scent beforehand. These brothers were definitely not what I was looking for, and thankfully, the feeling was mutual.

...

Before arriving, I had my people dig into the Southwells' background. Their elders enjoyed traveling, and Benjamin Southwell, the Alpha heir, was rarely home due to his duties.

Despite having their own places, their Alpha grandfather had summoned all of them back because of me.

I joined them at the dining table, served by the staff. Tanner, sitting opposite me, appeared to have reached his limit and addressed me.

"As a globally acclaimed fashion designer, Ms. Carson, there are numerous outfits I've coordinated upstairs. I recommend you try one on."

I glanced down at my simple dress and responded nonchalantly, "My grandmother made it. I think it's quite nice."

Tanner sighed and dropped the subject.

Henry then cut to the chase, "Look, Ms. Carson, let's be clear: none of us are interested in marrying you, and Ben will never like you. It's best you leave on your own."

I feigned a hurt look, biting my lip, "But how would I explain that to Grandpa?"

"I suspect you're just after our wealth," Henry accused, his face flushing with anger. "Stay, and you'll only invite trouble."

I adopted a meek Omega pose, silently continuing with my meal, giving no ground to his bluster.

Maybe my act was too convincing because the four of them barely touched their dinner before leaving.

Alone at last, I relished my meal, enjoying the flavours that the Southwells' kitchen had perfected.

Mission accomplished: No one in the Southwells took a liking to me, and I could leave the Midnight Pack within a year.

After eating, I returned to my room and received a message from my assistant.

Alpha, have you made it to Astoria? How are things? Is anyone from the Midnight Pack giving you trouble?'

I smirked as I typed my response, 'Those Southwells think they can push me around? Even disguised as an Omega, my cunning won't let them.'

He cautioned me, 'Alpha, you're amazing! And don't underestimate the Alpha heirs of the Midnight Pack, especially the first Alpha heir, Benjamin Southwell. He's sharp. Be cautious around him!'

I muttered 'Benjamin Southwell' under my breath with a dismissive scoff.

He might be the primary Alpha heir of the Midnight Pack, but I have already assumed the Alpha leadership of the Shadow Pack.

Hierarchy-wise, he was still beneath me.

After setting my phone aside, I settled in for the night.

I woke up around four a.m., thirsty.

Having scrubbed off the harsh makeup, I figured it was safe to head downstairs for water since it was so late.

I did not bother with the lights. Strangely, the bed seemed more comfortable as I drifted back to sleep.

However, after some time, the bedroom door creaked open, and I felt the blanket lift. Half-asleep, I stirred, alert.

Before I could fully grasp the situation, a deep, intriguing voice broke the silence, "Who's there?"

Caught off guard, I could not believe someone from the Southwells had the audacity to enter my room in the dead of night.

"Who are you? It's quite impolite to barge into someone's room so late?" I challenged, straining in the darkness to see who dared intrude.

In the darkness, his face remained unseen, but I heard a cold chuckle from him. "You're Hayley, aren't you?"

I hesitated, a sense of realization sinking in; this must be Benjamin, the eldest son and Alpha heir of the Midnight Pack. Before I could gather my thoughts, his icy challenge cut through the quiet, "Do you know whose room this is?"

The moonlight barely illuminated the space, revealing that I was not in my own room.

No wonder everything felt off when I woke up.

Had I walked into the wrong room by mistake?

Embarrassment surged through me as I quickly rose from the bed, apologizing, "I'm terribly sorry, I must have walked into the wrong room by mistake."

"Leave now," he commanded, ushering me toward the door with a firm, cold tone that radiated his Alpha presence.

The following morning, still groggy, I descended the stairs to overhear Henry speaking to him, "Ben, that woman is hideous. I heard from the staff she stumbled into your room last night. Were you horrified?"

I grimaced, confirming the man from the night before was indeed Benjamin.

Benjamin stayed quiet, and I could not tell if he had gotten a good look at my actual face last night, which was marked by its refined features and perfectly smooth skin.

Glancing at my reflection in the corridor mirror, I checked the deliberately atrocious makeup I had applied. Satisfied, I proceeded downstairs toward them.

Meeting Benjamin's impassive gaze, I pondered whether he had glimpsed my true face last night.

I openly sized him up, attired in a black suit. His features, refined as if carefully crafted by divine hands, were flawless and impeccable. He radiated a formidable presence, instilling a sense of awe. Clearly, he possessed the qualities necessary to assume the Alpha role.

Seating myself at the breakfast table, I had barely touched my food when he excused himself, "Enjoy your breakfast, I have to head to the company."

After he left, Henry shot me a look and remarked sarcastically, "So, you ignored all four of us brothers yesterday because you were eyeing Ben, huh? Hayley, I didn't realize you were so calculating.

"It seems you're not just after our family's wealth but also aiming to charm Ben. Once he becomes the Alpha, you're hoping to be Luna!"

His accusations left me speechless. Why would I covet the Luna position when I already held the title of Alpha within the Shadow Pack?

If I had not been trying to keep their interest at bay, why would I disguise myself as a lowly Omega to mingle with them?

Choosing not to justify myself further, I simply continued with my breakfast, ignoring his remarks.

Henry stormed over in a fury after he was ignored. "Hayley, just so you know, you're only an Omega. How dare you ignore me when I speak to you!

"And you should forget about Ben ever showing interest in you. His wolf has already found his destined mate—a beautiful, smart Beta. You, being just an ordinary and unattractive Omega, should stop dreaming!"

"Oh."

"Or maybe you're into me? If that's the case, I could arrange for you to stick around longer at here, if it makes you happy."

I gave Henry a dismissive glance, my expression full of scorn.

"You? You come off as a complete nerd, lacking any sort of appeal.

"And just for your information, although I am an Omega, I belong to the ruling family of the Shadow Pack, and I'm a distinguished guest invited by your Midnight Pack's Alpha. I'd appreciate it if you showed me some respect!"

My response infuriated Henry even more.

"How dare you belittle me? Just so you know, I'd rather die than be chosen by you as a mate!"

Hayley's POV

"Did you know? When you're near me, my wolf doesn't react at all. I doubt even the Moon Goddess would match me with someone like you."

I could not help but chuckle at his naive comment. Naturally, his wolf would not react because I had masked my scent. Only wolves of a higher rank than me, like an Alpha, could detect it.

Having assumed the Alpha role at a young age, my senses—smell, sight, hearing—are far superior to those of an average werewolf.

That was when I noticed Irving, who had been quietly dining, picking up his phone to type a message. "Despite being an Omega, she carries herself with elegance and a strong presence. Is it just my imagination?"

I gave a slight smile. Irving seemed more perceptive, certainly more so than the petulant Henry.

Interestingly, Henry and I were the same age. So, the Alpha of the Midnight Pack had already arranged for us to attend the same private school before my arrival.

"Hayley, you better not tell anyone at school that we know each other!" Henry warned as he left the table.

I gave him a disdainful look and stood up to head to school.

Irving offered to drive me, which puzzled me. "Aren't Henry and I at the same school? Why not have the driver take us both?"

"Grandpa wants each of us to spend time with you. So, the five of us take turns driving you to school from Monday to Friday and hanging out with you on weekends. Ben was supposed to drive you this morning, but he had a meeting, so I stepped in."

His tone carried a hint of reluctance.

I rolled my eyes—I was not exactly excited about it either.

After dropping me off at school, Irving departed.

Standing in front of Hawthorne Private School, I looked up at the gleaming gold plaque—it had been a while since I had been in a school environment, and it felt refreshingly good.

After registering, I followed the teacher to my classroom.

The moment I entered, the room erupted into whispers, with students snickering and gossiping.

"That's the future daughter-in-law of the Southwells? She's so plain, how could she be a match for the five handsome brothers?"

"Seriously, just an Omega? This person could potentially become Luna of Midnight Pack! Unbelievable and unacceptable!"

I had just gotten there, and already they were treating me like an enemy.

Clearly, I did not need to guess who was behind this—Henry's antics were downright childish.

No one in the class wanted to sit next to me. That did not bother me; I chose a quiet corner and settled in.

After class, as I headed to the restroom, a few students blocked my path.

A group of Beta girls transformed into their wolf forms, growling to intimidate me, the "Omega."

Annalise Peterson bared her teeth, her eyes filled with hostility. "You must be Hayley Carson. Just a piece of advice—be smart, leave the Southwells, and get out of the Midnight Pack!"

Inside, Hera stirred, itching to respond to these lower-level werewolves, "Let me handle this. I'll show these Betas how to respect an Alpha!"

"Calm down, Hera," I soothed. "Remember, I'm undercover as an Omega. We can't blow our cover, but even so, I won't let them push me around."

I resisted letting Hera take over; her formidable size and power would instantly give away my true rank. Her aggressive nature could also easily injure the Betas, sparking unnecessary conflict.

As I was internally communicating with Hera, Annalise's sidekick piped up/

"Hey, Ugly, didn't you hear Annalise? Are you deaf?"

I brushed off her comment with a nonchalant, "I heard her. I'm not leaving. I'm staying right here."

"If that's the case, don't blame us if we have to teach you a lesson, Omega!" she hissed and lunged at me.

Henry's POV

William's lectures were very boring during philosophy class, and I had just woken up from dozing off at my desk when I overheard the girl in front of me speaking.

"I heard Annalise from Class F is confronting Hayley. Poor thing, she's probably going to get thrashed."

"She's going to get beat up ... "

I raised my head slightly; the rumor was one I had started. My intention was simply to make Hayley's school life a bit difficult, not to put her in any real danger.

Despite my distaste for Hayley, she was still a guest invited by my grandfather, and technically a member of the Midnight Pack due to the alliance with the Shadow Pack.

Annalise was a Beta, and Hayley was supposedly just an Omega. So, she would be no match for Annalise!

Compelled by a sudden concern, I left the classroom and headed to the restroom.

What I found was chaos: Annalise's three friends were sprawled on the floor, and Annalise herself was pinned against the sink, disheveled.

"I really dislike being threatened, so don't try it again, understand?" Hayley was saying as she admonished them.

"We're sorry! Sorry!"

Watching Hayley assert control, then nonchalantly dust off her hands as she prepared to leave, left me stunned.

"You ... "

For a moment, I was disoriented. Who was the Omega, and who was the Beta here?

It dawned on me that Hayley might not be as easy to bully as I thought, and perhaps she was not just an Omega.

Then, I followed her out of the restroom.

"Why are you even in the women's restroom?" Hayley asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Mind your own business. I like it here," I retorted, masking my concern with indifference.

With that, I hurried back to class.

...

Hayley's perspective

I had just settled into Francette class when my phone buzzed.

Alpha, help me!'

I frowned.

A plea for help was never a trivial matter.

It's about Henry Southwell of the Midnight Pack. We've got a race challenge at Night Wind Racetrack tonight. Can you come?'

I'm not interested.'

I rested my head on the desk, indifferent to the drama.

Come on, Alpha, Henry's been a pain, right? Hasn't he been causing trouble for you?

Help me out this one time, and I'll make it worth your while—750 thousand.'

Henry was indeed a nuisance, and the money was tempting. I sighed.

Fine, I'll be there. Pick me up at Hawthorne after school.'

I quickly messaged Irving to let him know I would not need a ride.

...

At the school gates, I slid into my Beta, Thomas Somer's, Lamborghini.

He looked at me, puzzled, then blurted out, "Who are you? You got into the wrong car."

I flashed a grin, "Don't recognize me?"

Thomas' mouth fell open.

"Holy—Alpha, did you disfigure yourself?"

"If I'm going to go undercover, might as well go all out."

I buckled up and urged him, "Let's move. Find me somewhere to ditch this makeup and grab some food."

"Roger that, Alpha."

With that, Thomas revved the engine and we were off.