Chapter 1

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. To most people, it would have been a beautiful way to wake up, but for me, it was not. My head was pounding from the night. I snuck out again with my friends and went to a party. My family never let me do anything. They always say that princesses should be seen outside of their role I had to act perfect all the time, and I hated it. I knew that if they had found out that I had been out all night with my friends Lillie and Elena, they would be even made. Our friendship was forbidden. Our kinds were not allowed to mix unless it was for something that benefited us.  

I rolled over, looking at the time, letting out a loud, angry growl as I did because I knew my parents would be so upset that I had missed breakfast with them. They made it clear yesterday that I had to be there because they had important news to tell me. 

As I quickly got dressed and tried to piece together the events of the night before, my mind was filled with worry. What if someone had seen me out with Lillie and Elena? What if my parents found out about the party? The consequences would be severe. I knew that much.

I hurried downstairs to find my parents waiting for me at the dining table, their expressions stern and disapproving. My mother's eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down, taking in my dishevelled appearance.

"It's so nice of you to join us, Winter", her voice filled with sarcasm.

"Sorry, I was up all night studying", I lied as I took my seat at the table across from my older brother, who raised his eyebrows at me, telling me he knew I was lying. I shot him a look that said don't you dare say a word.

My father cleared his throat before speaking, his tone serious. "Winter, we have some important news to share with you. Your mother and I have arranged a marriage for you with Alpha ryker of the neighboring pack. It is a great opportunity for our family and will strengthen our alliance."

I felt my heart drop at the news. Marriage? To someone I didn't even know? I couldn't believe they were just deciding my future like this without even consulting me first.

"But Father, I don't even know Alpha ryker! How can you expect me to marry someone I've never met?" I protested, feeling anger bubbling up inside me.

My parents exchanged a glance before my mother spoke up. "Winter, this is not up for discussion. It has already been decided. You will marry Alpha Ryker, and that is final."

I clenched my fists under the table, feeling trapped and suffocated by their expectations of me. My brother gave me a sympathetic look, knowing how much I hated being controlled like this.

As the weight of their decision settled in my chest, I felt a surge of rebellion rises within me. How could they just expect me to marry someone I didn't know or love? They knew that I wanted the chance to find my true love and mate, not be forced into something with someone that I knew nothing about. I felt stupid for believing that they would give me that chance. They have never asked a lot of me because I was of no use to them. My older brother Sarge was the one who was set to take over our pack. They had been training him for that since the day he was born. With me, it was different because I was a girl and also a runt. They never expected much of me, but I guess this was their plan all along.

I knew I had to find a way out of this arranged marriage, no matter what it took. Alpha Ryker may have been a powerful alpha, but I wasn't going to be forced into anything with him. I would fight for my own happiness, even if it meant going against everything my family stood for.

After breakfast, I excused myself from the table and quickly made my way to meet with Lillie and Elena in our secret meeting spot in the forest. As soon as they saw the determined look on my face, they knew something was up.

"Winter, what's wrong?" Lillie asked, concern evident in her voice.

"My parents have arranged a marriage for me with Alpha Ryker," I said through gritted teeth. "I can't let this happen. I won't marry someone I don't love."

"They can't ask that of you," Elena said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "They both know how important it is to you to find the one you truly love."

"I'll burn their house down while they sleep," Lillie muttered loud enough that Elena and I heard it and stared at her with wide eyes. "I'm clearly joking," Lillies laughed. 

"Sure you are, Lillie," Elena said with raised eyebrows.

I shook my head, trying to push away the thoughts of burning down my family's house. As much as I wanted to rebel against their decision, violence was not the answer. "We need to come up with a plan," I said, looking at Lillie and Elena. "I can't let them control my future like this."

Lillie nodded in agreement. "We'll help you, Winter. We'll figure something out together."

Elena chimed in, her eyes filled with determination. "We could try talking to Alpha Ryker himself. Maybe he would understand, and we could work something out."

"oh my god, Elena, do you know how fucking stupid you sound right now. as if that is going to work, he has clearly already agreed to the marriage, so he's not going to back out now, you idiot", Lillie spat at Elena. 

"Why do you always have to be so mean, Lillie?" 

I tuned out as they bickered between themselves. I didn't have the energy or brain space to deal with them, and they were fighting today. I took a deep breath and interrupted their argument, "Guys, let's focus on finding a solution. Talking to Alpha Ryker may not work, but we need to come up with a plan that will help me avoid this marriage."

Lillie rolled her eyes but nodded in agreement. "Fine, what do you suggest we do then?"

I sat there silently, thinking for a second before it hit me. "I think we should run away," I said decisively. "We can leave families and start fresh somewhere else where my parents can't control me. We would have to worry about them finding out about us being friends. And Elena, you would not have to be embarrassed anymore about being the only fairy ever born without wings and Lillie, you wouldn't have your family on your back anymore about being a bad witch 'cause you can't control your powers."

They both looked hesitant at first, but then she nodded slowly. 

"That might be our best option. We can go find a place far from here or even live among humans if we have to." Lillie was the first one to speak.

"you hate humans, Lillie", Elena added. 

"I hate everyone but you two."

I couldn't help but smile at our plan. It was risky, but it felt like the only way to truly take control of my own life. "Let's do it," I said, feeling a rush of excitement and fear at the same time.

We ran over the details, trying to work out the best way to pull it off. We were pros at sneaking out normally, but this time was different. We would have to get out of this forest and as far away from here as we could before the sun came up, and one slip-up could wreck the whole thing and get us caught, and we knew what would happen to us if we were. as we went over the plan one last time a bubble appeared in front of Elena and the sound of her mother's voice filled the peaceful forest. "Elena, where are you? And why is your bubble off? I've been trying to get a hold of you all morning. You late for.." before the message could finish, Elena popped the bubble with her figure, making it disappear.  

"Well, that's my queue to leave," Elena said as she popped off the log she had been sitting on. "send the bird with a message once you have the plan sorted. I'll see you tonight." 

Lillie and I watched as Elena disappeared into the trees, leaving us alone to finalize our plan. We went over the plane again. I spent most of the time talking Lillie out of killing or hurting anyone who might find us, but once we got past that, I felt like this plan was possible and that it would be one of the best choices that we have ever made with our lives. Sure, it was scary, but it was the right thing to do.

I said my goodbyes to Lillie and made my way home. As I reached the edge of the forest, my brother's voice came from behind me. "And what were you doing in the forest? You know it's not safe for a pipsqueak like you to be out there alone."

I jumped as he startled me and turned around to face him. "I can't take care of myself," I crossed my arms over my chest. 

He raised an eyebrow at me, clearly not buying my excuse. "You're hiding something, Winter. What's going on?" he asked, his tone serious.

"Nothing," I said fast. I hated lying to my brother, but I knew that this was something I couldn't tell him.

"you were hanging out with those weird friends of yours again, weren't you?" he let out a sigh, running his hand through his hair. "you know what Mum and Dad will do if they find out you are still friends with them."

I nodded, knowing the consequences of being caught with Lillie and Elena. "I promise I wasn't with them today," I lied, hoping he would believe me.

He studied me for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, just be careful, Winter. You know how much is at stake. And promise me you won't do anything stupid. I know you don't want to marry Ryker, but it's for the family."

I nodded my head, feeling guilty that I wasn't going, to be honest with my brother, but I knew that I couldn't because if I told him, he would do everything he could to stop me. I have always been close with Sarge, telling him things that I would never dare tell anyone else in my pack. This was something I had to keep from him.

He gave me a smile before heading off back towards our house. I stood there for a second, watching him, feeling a wave of emotions rush over me. What if this was the last time I ever saw or spoke to my brother again? I felt tears welling in my eyes, and I knew that I may not be able to say goodbye to him, but I could hug him one last time. I took off after him, calling his name. he stood, turning to see what was wrong, and as he did, I threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around him, catching him off guard. He stood there for a second in shock before he wrapped his arms tightly around me. His tall frame towered over me. "I promise it'll all be okay, pipsqueak", he said softly.

I fought back the tears, not wanting to show him just how heartbroken I truly was. I knew this was something I had to do, and I couldn't let him stop me. But the thought of leaving him behind was tearing me apart.

After a few moments, we pulled away from each other, and I looked up at him, trying to memorize every aspect of his face. "I love you, Sarge. Never forget that," I said, my voice shaking.

He smiled at me, his eyes full of love and understanding. "I love you too, pipsqueak. Forever and always."