Arielle felt a chill run down her spine. "An alliance? What kind of alliance are we talking about?" Her father hesitated for a moment, then met her gaze. "An arranged marriage with Alpha Eric Dutch of the Gold Crest Pack."The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Arielle's heart skipped a beat as she processed what he was saying. "You want me to marry a stranger? Just like that?"Richard nodded, his expression pained. "Eric is not just any Alpha. He's powerful, respected, and his pack is strong. This union could save us." "But, Dad, what about me? What about my life, my choices?" Her voice rose, tinged with desperation. "I know it's not what you envisioned for yourself, but sometimes we must sacrifice for the greater good," he said gently, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "Sacrifice my happiness?" Arielle whispered, pulling away. "Arielle, I wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way. Please, just consider it," he implored. Arielle sighed "He will be meeting you today, please be of your best character" her father added. Arielle, after her father left her room went out to catch a fresh breath and meet Eric, she walked through the dense woods, each step bringing her closer to the man she was expected to marry. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of rebellion, of running away and leaving it all behind, but she knew her responsibilities outweighed her personal desires
Chapter 1 The arrangement
The late afternoon sun filtered through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Arielle stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the distant treetops, feeling the warmth of the sun but none of its comfort. Her father, Alpha Richard Studs, cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence that had settled between them.
"Arielle, we need to talk," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of what was to come.She turned to face him, a flicker of worry in her eyes.
"What's going on, Dad? You look... troubled."He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
"It's about the future of our pack. We're in a vulnerable position, and the threats from rogue wolves are increasing. We need an alliance."
Arielle felt a chill run down her spine. "An alliance? What kind of alliance are we talking about?"
Her father hesitated for a moment, then met her gaze. "An arranged marriage with Alpha Eric Dutch of the Gold Crest Pack."The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Arielle's heart skipped a beat as she processed what he was saying.
"You want me to marry a stranger? Just like that?"Richard nodded, his expression pained.
"Eric is not just any Alpha. He's powerful, respected, and his pack is strong. This union could save us."
"But, Dad, what about me? What about my life, my choices?" Her voice rose, tinged with desperation.
"I know it's not what you envisioned for yourself, but sometimes we must sacrifice for the greater good," he said gently, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.
"Sacrifice my happiness?" Arielle whispered, pulling away.
"Arielle, I wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way. Please, just consider it," he implored.
Arielle sighed "He will be meeting you today, please be of your best character" her father added.
Arielle, after her father left her room went out to catch a fresh breath and meet Eric, she walked through the dense woods, each step bringing her closer to the man she was expected to marry. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of rebellion, of running away and leaving it all behind, but she knew her responsibilities outweighed her personal desires.She arrived at a small clearing, the designated meeting point.
There, she saw him-Eric Dutch, standing tall and imposing, his presence commanding the space around him. His dark hair caught the sunlight, and his sharp blue eyes locked onto hers as she approached.
"Arielle Studs, I presume?" he said, his voice smooth and steady.
"And you must be the infamous Eric Dutch. I hear you're quite the force to be reckoned with," Arielle replied, her tone edged with sarcasm.He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth.
"I've heard much about you as well. Strong-willed, independent."Arielle folded her arms, defiance etched into her posture.
"Yet here I am, expected to marry you.""This isn't about us as individuals, Arielle. It's about our packs, our people," Eric stated matter-of-factly.
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one being handed over like a bargaining chip," she snapped.Eric stepped closer, his gaze unwavering.
"Believe me, I'm not thrilled about this either. But we both have responsibilities." he said
"And what if I refuse?" Arielle challenged, her chin lifted defiantly.
"Then we face the possibility of war. Neither of us wants that," he said, his voice calm but firm.Arielle's resolve wavered as she considered the implications of his words. The weight of her decision pressed heavily on her shoulders.
"I never imagined my life turning out like this."
"Nor did I," Eric admitted. "But we have a chance to make the best of it. To be partners."
"Partners in name only, I suppose," Arielle muttered, turning away.
"For now. But who knows what the future holds?" Eric said, a hint of something softer in his tone.
That evening, Arielle sat in her room, the shadows growing long as the sun dipped below the horizon. Her best friend Jenna slipped into the room, concern etched on her face.
"Hey, I heard about the arrangement. How are you holding up?" Jenna asked, sitting beside her on the bed.
"Confused, angry, trapped. Take your pick," Arielle replied, rubbing her temples.Jenna offered a sympathetic smile.
"I get it, Ari. But maybe this Eric guy isn't so bad?"Arielle sighed, frustration boiling just beneath the surface.
"He might not be, but it's the principle of it all. No choice, no freedom."
"I know, but what if this alliance is what saves our pack? Keeps us safe?" Jenna suggested gently.Arielle leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "I know, I know. It's just... hard to accept."
"Maybe try getting to know him. See if there's more to him than just the Alpha persona," Jenna encouraged.
"It's worth a shot, I guess. Not like I have much choice," Arielle conceded, her voice laced with resignation.
*****
The next morning, Arielle stood in front of her father, determination in her eyes.
"I've decided, Dad. I'll do it. I'll marry Eric."Her father looked at her with a mix of relief and gratitude.
"Thank you, Arielle. You're doing what's best for us all."
"But I'm not doing this blindly. I want to understand who he is, what he stands for," she insisted.
"Of course. Take the time you need. This is a new beginning for both of you," Richard assured her.Arielle nodded, accepting the path laid before her, yet vowing to make it her own.
"A new beginning. Let's hope it's not as daunting as it seems."As she prepared to embark on this unexpected journey, Arielle carried a mix of apprehension and hope, knowing that her life would never be the same.
Chapter 1 The arrangement
05/09/2024
Chapter 2 Engagement
05/09/2024
Chapter 3 Fitting in
05/09/2024
Chapter 4 Tension
05/09/2024
Chapter 5 Connection
05/09/2024
Chapter 6 On high alert
05/09/2024
Chapter 7 On high alert 2
06/09/2024
Chapter 8 Entwined
06/09/2024
Chapter 9 A new feeling
06/09/2024
Chapter 10 Pack victory.
06/09/2024