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
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.
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"