Page 6 of Valentine's with the Cartel

"You really look perfect, Anan," she said, circling around me with a critical eye. "Just like a proper omega should on his wedding day."

I gritted my teeth at the word 'proper', hating how it made me feel small and inadequate. But I knew better than to argue with her.

"What about my alpha?" I asked instead, trying to keep my voice steady. The words 'my alpha' felt bitter on my tongue. "Have you told him anything about me? About what I like or dislike?"

Aunt Mara paused in her circling, raising one eyebrow at me. "Why would I do that? It's not my place to interfere in your marriage."

I felt a flash of anger at her words, but I pushed it down, knowing that showing emotion would only earn me a reprimand.

"But this is my life we're talking about," I persisted, hating how desperate I sounded. "Surely he should know something about me before we're wed."

He probably did, I thought. He most likely knew everything about me.

Aunt Mara's expression hardened, and she stepped closer, looming over me in a way that made me feel small and insignificant.

"Anan, you will marry this alpha because it is what is best for our family," she said, narrowing her eyes. "He is a powerful man with connections that could benefit us greatly. You would do well to remember that."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words pressing down on me like a physical burden. I knew she was right, that this marriage was about more than just my personal happiness or comfort. But then again, the only thing I really carried about was my happiness.

At the same time, the thought of being tied to a stranger for the rest of my life filled me with a deep sense of dread. What if he was cruel? What if he didn't care about me at all?

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Aunt Mara's expression softened slightly, and she reached out to touch my arm in what I assumed was meant to be a comforting gesture.

"Don't worry, Anan," she murmured. "I've heard good things about this alpha. He's said to be a fair leader with a strong sense of duty. You could do much worse. Plus, I've met him, and I think he’s a good person deep down."

Could I really do much worse in terms of marriage? I wondered bitterly. But then again, maybe it was for the best that I didn't know anything about him. It would be easier to face this unknown future if I simply accepted it as my fate.

"Thanks, I guess," I said quietly, not trusting myself to say more. Aunt Mara nodded, seeming satisfied with my acquiescence.

And really, she should have been pleased. I was agreeing with her, wasn't I? I was playing along with the plan, like a good little omega should, even though I lied.

She stepped back then, surveying me once more before giving a final nod of approval. "You're ready," she declared. "It's time to go downstairs."

Chapter 4

Rafael

The moment I stepped into the room, Mara whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise at my sudden appearance. She hadn't expected me to show up quite so soon, I was sure of it. I had something important to do here.

I didn't care about her shock or her expectations. My gaze immediately zeroed in on Anan, taking in every detail of his appearance as he stood there in the center of the room, surrounded by a flurry of activity from the various staff members. It seemed they were just about done, though.

Anan looked stunning—there was no other word for it. The white suit hugged his slender frame like it had been tailored just for him (and really, it had been), and his hair had been styled into soft waves that framed his face perfectly. But most striking of all were those grey eyes that met mine in the mirror's reflection, wide and full of an emotion I couldn't quite name. It was a similar expression he had when he saw me in the distance before.

Mara quickly recovered from her surprise, stepping forward with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "AlphaNightshade," she said smoothly, inclining her head in a gesture of respect. "We weren't expecting you so soon."

I barely glanced at her, my attention still fixed on Anan. "I decided I wanted to see my omega before the ceremony," I replied, not bothering with pleasantries. "After all, this is a momentous occasion for both of us."

Mara nodded, stepping back and folding her hands demurely in front of her. She knew better than to argue with me, especially on matters related to the marriage. I'd made sure of that not too long ago.

I took a step closer to Anan, my eyes roving over him once more as I drank in the sight of him. He was even more beautiful up close, his skin luminous and his lips soft and inviting. There was a vulnerability about him that called to something deep inside me, a protective instinct that I hadn't known I possessed. This was far from the first time I was feeling that way.

"You must be Anan," I said softly, finally tearing my gaze away from his face to meet his eyes in the mirror's reflection. "You look lovely."

He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he met my stare head-on. There was a challenge in those grey depths, a defiance that I found strangely appealing. And if he wanted a challenge, I'd give it to him.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're very kind."

I sensed he didn't really mean those words, but didn't say anything about it.

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