As the ball finally came to an end, the guests gradually dispersed, leaving the grand hall empty and quiet. In their quarters, Duncan decided it was time to confront his mother about the sudden marriage ceremony being imposed on him. “Mother,” Duncan began, his voice tense, “we need to talk about this marriage.”Lady Grace sighed, looking weary. “Duncan, it’s for the best. I mean just imagine it as removing a bandage. It is better to do it fast.”Duncan was angered, and this was evidenced by his clenched fists. I really did not plan to get married soon. I’m still having a hard time with the concept of a forced or unwanted betrothal. Now I have to marry her immediately?”Lady Grace’s expression softened, but she remained firm. “I understand it’s difficult, Duncan. But this alliance is crucial and waiting is of no use.”Duncan shook his head, his eyes narrowing in exasperation. “I need more time to process this. It’s all happening too fast.”Lady Grace rubbed her temples, clearly exhau
“This weekend?” Both Duncan and Hailey shouted at the same time, their voices overlapping in shock. Alpha Alexander shot Hailey a stern look, one that clearly suggested she should behave. He then turned to Duncan, his expression more diplomatic. “It would be better to save you all from staying longer than necessary,” he explained calmly. Hailey felt a surge of panic. She couldn’t process how her father expected her to leave Silver Spring, get married, and move to Blood Moon within a few days. She started to speak but to her surprise, her mother tightened her grip on her hand under the table, indicating that she should not say anything. It brought a sudden fear into Hailey’s eyes and she felt like she had no control over her own life.Alpha Duncan clenched his fists, biting his lip in an effort not to show how irritated and annoyed he was getting. “I need more time to get to know Hailey. This is too sudden. I’m not prepared for this”Alpha Alexander nodded, though his expression rema
When Hailey was walking with her mother towards the stylist they met Jane who was walking to them from the opposite direction. Her face transitioned from intrigued to worried when she saw the apprehensive look on Hailey’s face.“Hailey, is everything alright?” Jane asked, her voice filled with worry. “You sounded so unlike you when you called me.”Hailey inhaled deeply, In a bit to maintain composure. “Jane, everything is happening so fast. My wedding is set for this weekend.”Jane’s eyes widened in shock. “This weekend? I leave you alone for a couple of hours, and suddenly your wedding date is fixed? What happened?”Hailey’s mother, Anna, placed a calming hand on Jane’s arm. “It was decided at breakfast. We’re heading to the stylist now to take measurements and prepare for the wedding.”Jane shook her head in disbelief. “This is unbelievable. How are you holding up, Hailey?”Hailey pressed her lips together, barely containing her broken sob. “I’m just trying to think coherently, I do
After tasting the samples of the cakes available, it was decision-making time. The group gathered around the table and began to debate on cake choices. "I vote for the vanilla and lemon curd," Hailey's mother said decisively, taking a bite of the sample. "It's light and refreshing."Jane shook her head. "I prefer the chocolate cake filled with raspberry. It's rich and decadent." There was a heated debate that lasted some time, each side trying to convince the other on why their choice was better. Hailey stood shocked as the moment got charged and confusing then she saw Luna Grace entering “What is going on here?"“Just a little conflict on which cake to go for,” Hailey said, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.“Oh, I love cakes. Can I try some?” Luna Grace asked, her eyes lighting up with genuine enthusiasm.Hailey chuckled, feeling a bit of the tension melt away. “Sure,” she replied, The baker got her a few slices and she began to devour. “So what do you think?” Jane asked im
As soon as Hailey left the bathroom, Jane followed her and entered it intending to wash up in a hurry. Hailey began blow-drying her hair as the mist from the hot water rose through the air. There was a knock on the door right at that moment. "Come in," Hailey said, dragging a towel across her body.The door opened, and the glam squad entered, carrying bags and equipment. They greeted Hailey cheerfully, their professional demeanor a mix of energy and efficiency. “Good morning! We are here to help you prepare for this momentous day. Where should we set up? One of them inquired.Jane, stepping out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her hair, pointed to a spacious corner of the room. “You can set up over there.”The glam squad nodded and immediately started setting up their stations, transforming the corner into a mini salon. Brushes, makeup palettes, hair tools, and mirrors appeared as they worked at a surprisingly fast tempo. Hailey took a big breath, feeling both excited and
At the Blood Moon throne room, Alpha Duncan was fuming with anger and pacing from one end of the room to another. The Luna his mother, sat calmly watching him react to the news she just broke. She knew how upset he was but it was time for him to know the truth. As Duncan's pacing slowed, she spoke softly, "I understand this is difficult, but we must consider the welfare of our pack.""The welfare of our pack? Did you just say... I am the one getting into some loveless marriage, not the entire pack?" Duncan's voice was filled with incredulity and frustration as he halted his pacing to confront his mother."And I understand, but considering who she is, the union would help you politically. Your union might not even be as bad as you fear," his mother replied calmly, her tone trying to reassure him despite the tense atmosphere in the room. Duncan clenched his fists, his frustration evident in the furrow of his brows. “Politics shouldn’t dictate matters of the heart,” he retorted, his voi
Hailey’s heart skipped a beat, her mind struggling to process her father’s words. Leave with her husband? The thought sent a jolt of confusion and anxiety through her. She had always imagined choosing her mate to be a moment of connection and understanding, not something decided for her by others.“Dad, I... “I don’t understand,” she said, her hands trembling at her sides. Her dad looked serious, not changing his expression as he told her something that destroyed her hopes quickly.“It’s for our pack’s good, Hailey,” he said firmly. “This marriage will make our bond with the Blood Moon pack stronger and help us succeed for a long time.”Hailey felt like everything had fallen apart. Her special ceremony, which used to make her excited, now felt like punishment. She felt really sad, realizing that her dreams for the future were gone because of her duty.Looking at the moonlit forest around her home, the familiar trees felt strange. Their shadows seemed to tell her ancient secrets and wa
“I don’t know, but I must do something,” Hailey exclaimed, her frustration evident in the furrow of her brows.“Hailey, whatever plan you have, you need to be careful. You know the kind of man your father is,” Jane cautioned, her tone filled with concern.“How about I run away?” Hailey suggested a glimmer of desperation in her eyes.“Hailey! Is that the best you can come up with?” Jane exclaimed, her disbelief evident in her tone.“Come on, what else would you rather have me do?” Hailey countered, her voice tinged with frustration.It is dangerous,” Jane argued, her voice reflecting the worry she felt. “If you’re caught, the penalty could be severe. And even if you do manage to escape, you’re gonna have to live as a fugitive for who knows how long.”Hailey nibbled on her lip and looked worried, her forehead creased with worry. “You’re right,” she said with a sigh accepting his idea. “But at least it is still better than doing nothing at all”Jane put her hand on Hailey’s shoulder tryi