Piece Of Deception

Lyra's POV

"Father, I implore you, I cannot imagine marrying him," I pleaded earnestly, facing my father who remained resolute in the garden.

"Lyra, you will marry him," he replied calmly, yet an underlying severity marked his tone.

"He is not my destined mate. I'll recognize my mate when our eyes meet," I retorted with conviction.

"Do you believe someone else would be more suitable? Maximus is among the most wealthy and powerful Alphas, not to mention he is handsome".

"I am bestowing upon you a considerable favour," he added, his anger palpable.

"A favour? Father, as the Alpha's daughter, I possess beauty, courage, and distinction," I disputed, my voice almost trembling with emotion.

"You are to heed my every command unquestioningly!" he declared emphatically.

Feeling tears welling up, I turned away, walking back to the house.

At twenty years old, my father sought to trade me to this imperious Alpha, and the weight of his decision pressed heavily upon me.

"What's troubling you, darling?" My mother inquired as soon as I entered the house, embracing me tightly upon recognizing my distress.

"Come, darling," she led me to my room, and we settled on the couch near my bed.

"I understand this is challenging, but it's for the best," she comforted me, delicately tucking away a strand of loose hair from my face.

"Mother, I don't have any admiration for him. I know he's not the one meant for me," I confessed with teary eyes.

"As you live your married life, feelings will grow, and love may blossom," she reassured, gently patting my face.

"The goddess has a mate for everyone. Why compel me into a relationship that isn't ordained?" I questioned, almost in a whisper.

"Honey, your father is ageing, and we face numerous oppositions. We need powerful allies, and who better than Maximus?" she posed rhetorically.

"Are you trading your only daughter for alliances?" I asked, wiping away my tears.

"You know what? I'll leave you to calm down and think carefully," my mother said before exiting the room.

The weight of sadness intensifies as I reflect on Maximus, a beast I've encountered before.

After he eliminated his formidable uncle, the former Alpha of the Fable pack. Everyone yearns for his favour and the support of his formidable werewolf army.

I won't succumb to my father's selfish motives, forcing me into a union with a man I find repulsive. Despite being 20, I am steadfast in my belief that my true mate awaits me somewhere.

Declining the invitation to join the family for dinner, I remained in my room, lost in contemplation throughout the day.

Nightfall brought no sleep. I tossed and turned, unable to find solace until the early hours when exhaustion finally claimed me.

Awakening to a pounding migraine, likely a consequence of both hunger and the relentless barrage of thoughts, I knew I needed relief. I decided I'd shift into my wolf form and embark on a run, a restorative remedy for us werewolves.

"You need food, not a run," my wolf's voice resonated in my head.