~MARIA~
It was past 10 in the morning, and I was lying lazily on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My list of assignments for the day was long, but being Saturday, I chose to do nothing.
The day was still fresh, and I figured I had enough time to complete everything later before college on Monday.
I was about to drift into a nap when a knock came at my door.
"Come in, the door's unlocked!" I called out, sitting upright. I didn't need to ask who it was—it had to be either my mom or dad.
Click.
The door opened, and both my parents walked in. My guess was right, but I was surprised to see them together. It seemed they had something important to discuss.
"Good morning, my baby," Mom greeted warmly, sitting beside me on the bed. Dad stood in front of us, staring at me with affection.
"Morning, Mom," I replied, my confusion evident. I gave her a questioning look, but she remained silent.
Dad cleared his throat and looked at me with more intensity, making the atmosphere feel awkward.
How could the Alpha of the strongest Blue Moon pack in the city hesitate to speak to his daughter? I'd often told him he was too calm to lead a pack.
When their silence became unbearable, I turned to my mom. "What's going on?" I asked, my voice firm.
"Get dressed later this evening. We'll be meeting the Gilbert family for your engagement," Dad said, his words hitting me like a thunderbolt.
I stared at him in shock, trying to process what he'd just said. Engagement? Out of nowhere? The word echoed in my head as I gaped at him.
"Did you hear your father?" Mom asked, tapping my shoulder gently.
"What engagement are you talking about?" I questioned, turning to Dad. "I haven't shifted yet, and I haven't chosen my mate."
In our pack, she-wolves choose their mates the day after their first shift. Why was my case different? Was it because I was the Alpha's daughter?
"You're already nineteen and need a mate before you turn twenty," Mom said, worry evident in her tone.
"But I have to choose my mate myself!" I protested.
I knew the pack's tradition—any wolf without a mate by twenty would be forcefully paired with someone from another pack. I'd turned nineteen two months ago but hadn't shifted yet.
I was supposed to shift at seventeen and find my mate, but luck hadn't been on my side.
After countless failed attempts to bring out my wolf, I'd decided to focus on my studies and wait for her to emerge when she was ready.
"Listen, Maria, this is for your future. No one in the pack can know you haven't found your mate yet. It would be a disgrace to your mother and me," Dad said firmly.
"Give me more time, Dad! I'm sure I'll shift before my twentieth birthday," I pleaded, desperation in my voice.
I had a strong feeling my wolf would come soon, but I hadn't shared this with my parents, wanting to surprise them. Now, I had no choice but to reveal it.
"Mom, Dad, I've been getting strange signs from my wolf these past three weeks. I believe she's almost ready to come out."
They exchanged glances, their expressions stoic.
"Still, Maria, I won't change my decision. This is for the pack's future," Dad said, his brows furrowed.
"Dad, you're the Alpha! You can make the rules. No one would question you if you explained the situation. Please, don't force me into this," I begged.
"I've made myself clear. Your engagement to Bernard will be sealed tonight," he said coldly before walking out of the room.
I turned to Mom, hoping for her support, but she stood up too. As the Luna, she couldn't oppose the Alpha.
"This is the best decision, believe me," she said softly, stroking my hair before leaving.
Left alone, I replayed their words in my head, refusing to accept the situation.
Bernard had been my childhood friend, but I'd never felt any romantic connection to him. He was more like an older brother who had always protected me.
What puzzled me most was why Bernard, who'd found his mate at eighteen, would agree to this. He'd never revealed her identity to me, but I was sure it wasn't me.
I needed to find out what he was hiding and expose it tonight...
Evening came, and I was exhausted from searching for an outfit. I wanted to wear something that would make Bernard's family reconsider the engagement entirely.
"If only I'd shifted, none of this would be happening!" I muttered angrily, flopping onto the bed.
"Maria?" Mom's voice interrupted my thoughts as she entered the room.
"What is it, Mom?" I asked, not looking at her as I fiddled with the dresses.
"This will suit you," she said, picking a peach dress from the pile. "Try it on."
Anger surged through me. I grabbed the dress from her and threw it back on the bed. "I don't want to! Leave me alone!"
"I know you're upset, but we're doing this for you," she said gently.
"You're not, Mom! You and Dad are forcing me into something I don't want!"
"Bernard is your childhood friend. You know him better than anyone."
"Good! He's just a friend! I don't love him!" I shouted, regretting it almost immediately when I saw her sad expression.
"I'm sorry for yelling," I apologized, sitting back down.
"It's okay, dear. I understand how you feel, but something is happening in the pack. It involves your dad, and you're not aware of it."
My eyes widened in concern. "What do you mean?"
She hesitated. "We'll explain everything after the engagement. Your father's fate depends on this union."
With that, she left, leaving me stunned.
So, my dad's position as Alpha was at stake? Despite my anger, I couldn't let anything happen to him.
"I'll wear this," I decided, picking up the peach dress and heading to the bathroom to prepare for the night...