Page 4 of Bully Alpha's Pregnant Mate

Be part of the pack. Like that was ever the problem. The funny thing is, I came back tobepart of it, to put myself out there and show them I wasn’t the same awkward girl who used to hide behind books and avoided every pack gathering. But it doesn’t take long to remember why I kept to myself back then.Being the quiet one just made me an easy target for people like Alec and his friends.

I give Lianne a look, but she shrugs, glancing away. “I mean it,” she insists. “You’re back now. And this could be good. If anyone can handle a situation like this, it’s you, Izzy.”

“Glad you have such faith in me,” I mutter. “So, does the alpha have a name? Or am I just going to be paraded out and married to a faceless stranger?”

My parents exchange a glance, and I get the sinking feeling that they’ve planned exactly that: an arranged wedding with zero details.

“We… don’t know exactly,” my mother admits. “The alpha is new. Not from East Hills originally, but apparently, he’s here to strengthen the alliances. All we know is that he’s… reputable. Comes from a good family.”

My jaw clenches. “A good family,” I repeat. “Well, that’s a relief. And when exactly am I expected to go through with this… arrangement?”

“Soon,” my father says, a note of finality in his voice. “The elders want it done quickly. They’re eager to, uh, solidify things.”

Solidify things. Great. Just what every girl dreams of.

My mother reaches out with a pleading look in her eyes. “Please, Izzy. I know this is a lot to ask, but—”

I shake my head. “No, don’t ask. You’ve already made the decision.” I let out a slow breath, crossing my arms. “Fine. I’ll go through with it. If this is what it takes to keep our family safe, then that’s what I’ll do. But just know…” I lower my voice, making sure they hear every word, “you better hope this alpha’s as good as you think he is.”

My mother looks relieved, and my father’s shoulders slump as if a weight’s been lifted. My siblings glance at me, sympathy mingling with something else I can’t quite read. It doesn’t matter. I’ve already made up my mind, too.

As much as it irritates me, as much as it feels like I’m sacrificing my future to bail out my father’s mistakes, I can’t walk away. My family needs me, and like always, that’s enough to keep me rooted here.

My mother’s voice is soft as she says, “Thank you, Izzy. I know this isn’t easy. But you’ll see. It might turn out well.”

I snort. “I’m not holding my breath.”

“Well,” my father cuts in, sounding more hopeful than he has all evening, “The alpha’s a strong leader, they say. Dedicated. Loyal. He’ll take care of you.” He gives me an awkward smile. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll surprise each other.”

I don’t bother replying because I don’t believe that for a second. I know what I’m getting into. The life of an alpha’s mate isn’t about romance or love; it’s about duty. And I’ve already spent a lifetime swallowing down my own wants for the sake of others.

But if this is what it takes to keep my family safe, I’ll do it. I’ve faced worse things in life than a marriage to a stranger.

“Guess I’ll be getting a crash course in pack loyalty,” I say dryly, and head toward the stairs.

I can hear my mother call after me, her voice anxious but relieved. “Isadora… thank you.”

I don’t look back, just lift a hand in a half-hearted wave. I know they’re grateful, but that doesn’t make this any easier to swallow.

***

I should’ve known the new alpha would live in a house so grand, it looks like it’s been ripped straight from some Gothic fairytale.

“Are you kidding me?” I grumble as we pull up the drive. I take a moment to look over the sprawling estate, complete with stone walls, manicured hedges, and a fountain in front that’s entirely too dramatic. Lanterns line the gravel path, and with the armed shifters patrolling the grounds, the whole place radiates this kind of…untouchable authority.

My mother fidgets beside me once she climbs out of the car, smoothing down her coat as if that’ll somehow make all of this more reasonable. “Izzy, I know this is a lot,” she says. “But please… try to make a good impression.”

I give her a sidelong look. “Make a good impression? That’s what you’re worried about?”

She bites her lip, glancing away. So, yeah, she’s definitely worried about more than impressions.

A towering guy opens the front door, nodding us inside. The entryway gleams with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. I’d bet my entire savings that the rugs lining the floor cost more than our house. As we’re led down a hallway filled with dark wood paneling and old, expensive artwork, I can practically feel the place pressing in on me. For the first time in a long time, I feel small.

But I square my shoulders and keep my expression blank. I’m not about to let some over-the-top mansion intimidate me.

After what feels like a mile of polished floors, we stop in front of a set of tall double doors. My heart pounds as the doorspush open, and there, standing in the center of the room, is the alpha himself.

And he’s the last person I ever expected to see.

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