Returning to my usual routine felt like slipping into an old, uncomfortable pair of shoes. The ceremony and engagement news might have added a layer of tension to my life, but the daily grind was still as mundane and irritating as ever. 

My days started with a forced smile and a deep breath as I entered the pack school. The esteemed Emberclaw College, where tradition met predictability and conservative views reigned supreme. 

Walking through the halls, I was greeted by the usual chorus of "Good morning, Eli" and "How are you, Eli?" Everyone’s eyes followed me, the Alpha's omega son, with a mix of admiration and thinly veiled judgment. My reputation was impeccable—courtesy of my father’s endless lectures on maintaining our family’s honor.

First class: History of the Packs. I slid into my seat next to my beta best friend, Nate, who greeted me with a grin.

"Morning, future groom," he whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.

"Please, Nate," I muttered, trying to ignore the amused glances from our classmates.

Nate was one of the few people who knew how much I despised this whole arranged marriage business. Unlike most of our conservative peers, he actually supported me, which made him a rare gem in this sea of traditionalists.

The class droned on, the teacher's monotone voice doing little to keep anyone awake. I found my mind wandering, thinking about simpler times when my biggest worry was passing a math test. Now, I had to worry about maintaining peace between packs and navigating a marriage I didn’t want.

After class, a group of my "friends" cornered me in the hallway. 

"Eli, you must be so excited about the engagement!" One of them gushed, her eyes shining with what she thought was genuine happiness for me.

"Yeah, thrilled," I replied, plastering on my best fake smile. "Can't wait to spend my life with someone I barely know."

They laughed, clearly thinking I was joking. Their conservative views meant they genuinely believed this was the best thing for me. It was exhausting.

Nate rolled his eyes as we walked away. "They have no idea, do they?"

"Nope," I said, letting out a sigh. "But it’s not like they’d understand even if I told them."

Lunch was another ordeal. The cafeteria buzzed with gossip, most of it about me and my upcoming union. I tried to ignore it, focusing instead on my food and Nate’s endless stream of commentary.

"Did you hear?" Nate said, leaning in conspiratorially. "Apparently, Devin is considered a 'catch.' Lucky you."

I snorted. "Yeah, lucky me. Maybe I'll get a medal for 'Best Sacrificial Lamb.'"

We shared a laugh, but the reality of my situation was never far from my mind. Every class, every interaction was tinged with the knowledge that my life was no longer my own.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of lectures and polite conversations. I had mastered the art of being the perfect omega son: respectful, obedient, and utterly miserable.

Finally, it was time to go home. The familiar walk through the woods surrounding our packhouse was usually a calming ritual, but today it felt like a walk to the gallows.

As I entered the house, I was greeted by the warm, comforting scent of dinner cooking. My mother, Luna Mara, was in the kitchen, her expression softening when she saw me.

"How was school?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"Same as always," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Everyone’s excited about the engagement, apparently."

She gave me a sympathetic smile. "It’ll get easier, Eli. Just give it time."

I nodded, not really believing it but not wanting to argue. As I headed to my room, my father’s voice called out from his office.

"Eli, can you come here for a moment?"

Great. Just what I needed. Another lecture. I reluctantly made my way to his office, bracing myself for whatever news he had.

Alpha Lucan sat behind his massive desk, looking every bit the powerful leader he was. He gestured for me to sit, and I did, trying to hide my irritation.

"I have some news," he said, his tone serious. "It seems there’s been some unrest in the northern territories. We might need to visit there soon to ensure everything is under control."

I frowned. "Unrest? What kind of unrest?"

He sighed. "Just some rogue activity. Nothing we can’t handle, but it’s important to show a united front. You’ll be coming with me."

"Of course," I said, my tone flat. Because what else could I say? 

My father nodded, clearly expecting no less. "Good. We’ll leave in a few days. Make sure you’re prepared."

I left his office feeling more weighed down than ever. As if my life wasn’t complicated enough, now I had to deal with rogue threats and pack politics.

Back in my room, I flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. My daily life had never been simple, but now it felt like a never-ending series of obligations and expectations. And through it all, the one thing I couldn’t forget was that I had to marry someone I didn’t love, all in the name of peace.

If this was paradise, I’d take purgatory any day.