Chapter 2: Talks of Marriage

“With every rule you placed over me, I feel like my life was never mine!” She declared as her frustration and anger rose quickly.

 The words hung in the air, leaving a cloud of tension to fill them.

 Isabella shifted from one foot to the other, unable to control her rapidly changing emotions. 

She tried keeping them at bay, but to no avail; it didn't work. Before she could do something she’d regret, her wolf interrupted her. 

“Come on, Isabella. Mother should not see you acting this way. You must calm down so we can hear what she says.” Her wolf said urgently.

Isabella huffed, annoyance filling her mind. She never thought that her wolf would do this. Isabella knew from the beginning that she was on her side. But never really trusted her feelings to take place. 

“Fine, I’ll agree with what you told me to do. I hope she changes her mind, though.” She replied.

 Despite the unease she felt, her mother maintained an air of disdain with crossed arms.

Why does Isabella have to act like she’s better than everyone else in the pack? Doesn’t she understand the implications of her actions? I wish she would accept the responsibility instead of focusing on herself. Her mother pondered with a frown. 

Isabella sighed as her eyes scanned her mother’s face, and tears started forming behind her eyes. 

I hate this f*cking life! Why must my mom constantly dictate everything I do? The more she did it, my resolve worsened each time. I wish she could understand the way I’m feeling with every restriction she places on me, does nothing but stop me from doing what I want. She whined, her heart breaking with each passing moment.  

“I don't know how much more of this I can take, Mom," she muttered angrily.

For a brief moment, the air stiffened around them, causing goosebumps to form on her body. 

Then, out of nowhere, the sound of clinking boots echoed on the wooden floor. 

Afraid of whoever it was, Isabella reeled back in shock, and her heart rate increased rapidly. 

Who could be listening to our conversation? Is it someone in our family? Or someone else entirely? Isabella wondered while looking from the door to her mother. 

 Finally, she spoke, her voice filled with worry, “Who’s there?” 

But there was no answer, it was as though you could hear a pin drop. After waiting for an answer, Isabella sighed. 

She returned to the conversation, leaving what was to happen up to fate.

Her mother sighed a breath of relief as she observed Isabella’s facial expression. 

She wore a small smile, but it wasn’t there. Then, her mother spoke, her voice just above a whisper. 

“Listen, child. As the Princess of the pack, you must marry the Alpha King!” She declared disdainfully. 

Since the very beginning, she always forced her to do what was right for the pack. Yet, she never truly listened to Isabella and her needs. 

Isabella crossed her arms over her chest, anger and disappointment filling her mind. 

My mother has never allowed me to voice my reasons, and yet, I want to tell her exactly how I feel. I just wish she would listen to me. She pondered, her heart rate slowing just enough to let her talk. 

She looked her mother straight in the eye, determination growing as the moments passed. 

“Look, mom. I know that is what you want me to do. But I can’t force myself to.” Isabella stated, her voice void of any emotions. 

She wasn’t ready to get into a screaming match, especially because that was her mother. And didn’t want to cause any more problems than she already was in. 

But all Isabella wanted was her support on everything she had ever done. Yet, as the Princess, she knew her role was to always think about the success and needs of her packmates. 

As time ran on, her mother frowned at her words. Hurt and sadness formed in her heart as she continued listening to her words. 

But then, she had an epiphany; something dawned on her mind. A way she could change their lives, yet she didn’t know how Isabella would respond to it. 

She will never get the chance to do what she wants. I have her best interests for her. Either way, Isabella will marry him tomorrow. Her mother thought while inching closer towards Isabella. 

With each step she made, her heart grew weary at the thought of her daughter not listening to her. But she knew she had to figure out a way to get her to choose the best option. 

Her mother stood in front of her and grabbed her by the hand. 

She’s my child, and I’ll do anything I can to ensure the success of our pack and her safety. She wondered while she started running small circles over it. 

Then, after a few seconds, she brought it up to her heart, hoping to calm Isabella’s fear and anger. 

I hope this works. Maybe she’ll see that I am doing this for her. She wondered while trying to give her daughter the confidence she desperately needed. 

What the f*ck does she think she’s doing? I mean, come on, we haven’t had the best relationship. So, I don’t understand why she has to act so lovingly toward me. Isabella pondered while gingerly removing her hand from her mother’s grip. 

“Isabella, you are going to marry him!” She stated with a smile on her face. 

A frown formed on Isabella’s face. The thought of why her mother would be forcing her hand caused her heart rate to increase again. At one point, she believed her mother saw a way to listen. And now, her life is a mess once again. 

Ugh! Why would she do this to me? I could never get my f*cking way, and it’s frustrating. She wondered and crossed her arms over her chest. 

Isabella peered at her mother, her eyes widening with each moment that passed. 

“You know what, fine! I’ll do it. But I’m not at all happy about it.”