Later that evening, Maria was frustrated as she searched for the perfect outfit. Or rather, the worst outfit.
Every dress she owned seemed too perfect for the occasion, and she didn’t want that. She needed to look average...or even ugly!
Anything that would make Bernard and his family reconsider this ridiculous engagement.
"If only I had shifted already, this wouldn’t be happening!" she muttered angrily, throwing herself onto the bed.
She needed a backup plan in case her scheme failed. Just then, the door to her room opened, and her mother stepped inside.
"Maria?"
"What is it, Mom?" she mumbled, focusing on the scattered dresses beside her.
Then, her mother picked up a long peach-colored dress and smiled. "This will suit you best. Try it on."
Maria scowled, snatching the dress from her mother’s hands and tossing it back onto the bed.
"I don’t want to! Just leave me alone!"
"I know you’re angry, dear," her mother sighed. "But we’re only looking out for you."
noveldrama "You’re not! You and Dad are forcing me to get engaged to someone I don’t love!"
"But Bernard is your childhood friend. You know each other well—"
"He’s just my friend! I never loved him!" Maria snapped.
Seeing the hurt on her mother’s face, guilt washed over her. "I’m sorry for yelling." She lowered her voice.
"It’s okay, sweetheart." Her mother smiled gently. "There’s something you don’t know."
"Huh?" Maria’s ears perked up. "What do you mean?"
"There are things happening in the pack... things concerning your father. We’ll explain everything after tonight’s engagement. Your father’s fate depends on this, Maria. Please, do it for him."
With that, she stroked Maria’s hair lovingly and left the room.
Maria sat frozen. Her father’s fate depended on this engagement? What did that even mean? She knew many in the pack didn’t like her father as Alpha, but what were they planning now? Annoyed yet worried, she grabbed the peach dress.
"If this is for Dad... then I have no choice."
With a deep sigh, she headed to the bathroom to get ready...