Stella pushed open her father's office door. "Why did you call me, Dad?" she asked, her voice tight. He gestured to the chair opposite his desk.

"I know it still hurts," he began, his voice soft but firm. "Thinking about your Mom… but you need to move on."

Stella nodded, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek.

Move on.

How could she? How could she simply move on?

Stella stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the polished floor. "What do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Remus offered a small, sad smile. His words, whatever they were, felt inadequate, a flimsy bridge across a chasm of grief.

Stella fled the office, the unshed tears burning in her eyes.

Daisha found her in the hallway, her face pale. "What happened?" She asked, concern etched on her features.

Stella shook her head, unable to speak, the words caught in her throat, a dam about to break. She ran to her room, the weight of her sorrow pressing down on her, a suffocating blanket of grief.

Stella’s absence continued, leaving Daisha with a gnawing suspicion. She knew their father had spoken to Stella, a conversation that had ended in tears.

Remus, their father, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, silencing Daisha with a sharp, "Don't talk! I didn't do anything to your sister!"

Daisha’s gaze met her father’s, her plea simple yet desperate: "Can you just love her?"

Remus’s shake of his head was a crushing blow.

Weeks blurred into a melancholic routine.

Seeking solace, Stella found herself with Flora, their laughter a fragile shield against the storm brewing within. A sudden downpour forced their hand.

"We need to go there!" Flora urged, pointing towards a nearby cave.

Stella hesitated, "But, Flora!" But the relentless rain left her no choice.

The cave’s interior was shrouded in darkness, a stark contrast to the tempest outside.

Flora’s reassurance, "We will just wait here, don't worry!" offered a small comfort.

As they sat, watching the rain lash against the cave entrance, Flora’s question pierced the silence: "What will you do now?"

Stella’s confession was a raw outpouring of emotion: "I didn't want to get married to someone I didn't love!" The memory of her father’s words, the source of her pain, flooded back, leaving her shaken and alone in the echoing darkness.

~~~

Remus began, his voice a low rumble, "When you were still in your mother's womb, we expected a boy. I was overjoyed at the prospect of a male heir. But then, you arrived."

Stella listened, her silence a stark contrast to the weight of his words. "It's not my fault that I'm here!" she finally retorted, her voice laced with a mixture of anger and hurt.

Her father's response was measured, yet laced with a chilling pragmatism. "You're right, it's not your fault. But our family needs you to do something." His words hung in the air, a prelude to the ultimatum that followed.

Stella braced herself for his request, but nothing could have prepared her for the aggressive shift in his demeanor.

Elder Remus rose, his imposing figure looming over her, his voice hardening. "You can't say no to me, Stella! I've been planning this for a long time." He advanced, his presence suffocating.

"What do you want me to do?" Stella asked, her voice barely a whisper, her fear palpable.

Elder Remus placed a hand on her shoulder, the gesture devoid of affection, a symbol of his controlling authority. "You will marry the man I've chosen for you." His words were a sentence, a life-altering decree.

Stella’s immediate refusal was a desperate attempt to reclaim her agency. "I'm still young, Dad! Marriage isn't even on my mind!"

But her father's smile was cold, devoid of warmth or understanding. "You can't do anything about it! Everything is already arranged," he declared, his tone final, leaving Stella no choice but to flee his office, tears streaming down her face, the weight of his cruel decision crushing her spirit.

~~~

As the rain finally subsided, Stella and Flora made their way home. On her approach to the house, Stella spotted Daisha leaving, seemingly in a rush. She called out, "Daisha—" but her sister was already too far away to hear. Left alone, Stella entered the house, the silence amplifying her inner turmoil.

Seeking refuge from the emotional storm raging within, she retreated to her room, avoiding any encounter with her father.

Hours passed, the day giving way to the deepening twilight.

Daisha returned home, her entry greeted by the unexpected sight of Stella in the living room. "You're here!" She exclaimed, relief evident in her voice as she greeted her sister.

Stella nodded, explaining, "I saw you leaving earlier and tried to call you, but you didn't hear me."

Daisha cleared her throat, the unspoken tension between them still lingering.

Together, they began preparing dinner, the rhythmic clatter of pots and pans a temporary balm to their strained relationship. Their father remained absent that night, his absence a heavy presence in the otherwise quiet house.

"I'm going to bed now," Daisha announced, signaling the end of their shared activity.

"Okay, good night," Stella replied, settling into the living room.

Lost in thought, Stella was suddenly startled by a shadow flitting past the window. She watched, her heart quickening, as the shadow quickly disappeared into the darkness.

A nervous laugh escaped her lips. "What a freak!" she muttered, dismissing it as a trick of the light before finally deciding to retire for the night, the unsettling image lingering in her mind.

The following morning dawned, bringing with it a sense of cautious optimism.

Stella emerged from her room, relieved to find their father still absent.

Elder Remus’ absence felt like a reprieve, a temporary escape from the looming pressure of his forced marriage plans.

Spotting Daisha, dressed meticulously, Stella inquired, "Where are you going?"

Daisha, surprised by her sister's presence, replied, "Oh! I didn't realize you were awake already."

A beat of silence hung between them before Stella, propelled by a sudden impulse, blurted out, "Do you have a boyfriend now?"

Daisha's immediate reaction was defensive. "What? I don't do that!" she retorted, her tone sharp.

Stella quickly backtracked, clarifying, "Chill! I'm just asking!" Rising from the couch, Stella headed to the kitchen, brewing herself a cup of coffee.

Upon returning to the living room, she discovered Daisha had vanished. A moment of internal debate ensued. "Should I follow her?" she questioned herself, quickly dismissing the idea.

"Nah, I shouldn't do that!" she decided, settling into the couch with her coffee, the lingering mystery of Daisha's whereabouts adding another layer of complexity to her already complicated life.

Stella found herself alone when their father returned, his arms laden with numerous bags which he deposited on the couch. "Where's your sister?" he asked, his voice demanding an immediate answer.

Stella, unsure of Daisha's whereabouts, replied, "I don't know! She just left." She attempted to leave, but her father's voice stopped her.

"You need to be ready tomorrow," he instructed, his tone brooking no argument.

Confusion clouded Stella's face. "Tomorrow? What's happening tomorrow?" she questioned.

Remus' response was blunt, devoid of any tenderness. "You're going to meet your mate."

The words hung in the air, freezing Stella in place. "I don't want to get married—" she began, her voice trembling, but her father cut her short, his words laced with a chilling pragmatism.

"Just follow my instructions, Stella! It's the only way you can help our family." His words were a crushing blow, silencing her protest.

Tears welled in her eyes as she argued, "Can't you consider my feelings? I'm your child too!" With a heartbroken shake of her head, she retreated to her room, leaving her father alone amidst his bags, the weight of his callous decision echoing in the silent house.

Disbelief washed over Stella. Her father's actions felt like a betrayal, a disregard for her feelings and desires. Despite her inner turmoil, she knew she had little choice but to comply with his demands.

Hours passed, the weight of her predicament heavy on her chest.

A knock on her door broke the silence. "Stella, let's eat dinner," Daisha called.

Stella remained silent, her heart heavy with the burden of her father's decision.

Daisha tried again, "Are you asleep already?"

But Stella couldn't face her father, not yet. Finally, unable to contain her emotions any longer, she snapped, "I'm full, just eat by yourself!" The words were sharper than she intended, a raw expression of her frustration and despair.

Daisha's reply was subdued, resigned. "Fine, good night," she said, her voice carrying a hint of understanding, leaving Stella alone with her tumultuous thoughts.

Envy gnawed at Stella as she considered her sister's fortunate position.

Daisha, the favored child, enjoyed her father's unwavering support, a privilege Stella desperately craved.

The dreaded day arrived—the day Stella was to meet her arranged mate. She remained barricaded in her room, a silent protest against her father's will. Her father's voice, sharp and demanding, cut through the silence, "Come on, Stella! Don't make this difficult for both of us. Get out of your room now!"

Stella buried her face in her pillow, refusing to answer. The sudden opening of her door startled her. She looked up to see her father standing in the doorway, his expression grim.

"Don't force me to use force to get you out of bed," he warned, his voice a low growl,

Resignation settled over Stella. She had no choice but to obey. Rising from her bed, she moved mechanically towards the bathroom, her steps heavy with resentment.

The act of compliance felt like a violation, a surrender of her autonomy. She made no attempt to select a suitable outfit, nor did she bother to make herself presentable. The lack of effort was a silent rebellion, a small act of defiance against the forced union ahead.

Emerging from her room, she met her father's disapproving gaze. "Go back to your room and change your clothes!" he commanded.

Stella rolled her eyes, a small, defiant gesture against the overwhelming powerlessness she felt.

"I'll help her!" Daisha declared, following Stella into her room.

"Are you coming with us?" Stella asked, a glimmer of hope in her voice.

Daisha shook her head, "I'm going somewhere," she replied, her tone suggesting a plan was afoot.

While Stella remained passive, Daisha expertly navigated Stella's closet, selecting a more appropriate dress. With practiced hands, she helped Stella into the dress and applied a touch of makeup, transforming Stella's appearance. "Good luck," Daisha whispered, a silent expression of support before they left the room.

Remus' assessment was curt. "Better," he stated, his approval grudging. "Let's go."

They exited the house, entering the car, where Remus took the wheel, driving away, leaving Daisha's undisclosed destination and her intentions a lingering mystery.

Gazing out the car window, Stella recognized the familiar path. "Are we going to the Alpha's house?" she asked her father, but he remained silent. She tried again, "Dad?"

The car pulled to a stop before the imposing structure of their Alpha's residence.

Remus' warning was sharp, laced with a hint of threat. "Greet them properly, Stella! Don't make any undesirable movements later!" He exited the vehicle, Stella following close behind.

They were met by the Alpha's sentinels, their presence a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. "Our Alpha is waiting for you in the living room," one of the sentinels informed Remus.

He acknowledged the sentinel with a nod. "Thank you," he replied, turning his attention back to Stella. His whispered warning was a final instruction. "Remember what I told you!"

Stella nodded, her heart pounding in her chest, bracing herself for the encounter that lay ahead. She fought to control her rising anger, determined not to show disrespect despite her overwhelming desire to confront her father.

They entered the Alpha's residence, and there, before them, sat Alpha Raven. "You're here! Have a seat," He greeted them warmly, gesturing towards the couch.

They settled onto the plush seating.

"Oh! This is your youngest daughter?" Alpha Raven asked Remus, who simply nodded in response.

Stella offered a polite greeting. "Nice to see you again, Alpha Raven!"

Alpha Raven's compliment was unexpected. "You have a lovely voice, Stella!"

A faint blush rose on Stella's cheeks as she replied with a grateful, "Thank you!”

"Where's Brandon, Alpha Raven?" Remus asked, his gaze sweeping the room.

Stella had heard the name before, but she'd never actually met this Brandon.

Alpha Raven summoned a sentinel, instructing him to find Brandon. "He likes to wander outside; you won't find him inside," He explained, his gaze softening as he noticed Stella's discomfort. "Are you alright, Stella?" he asked gently.

Stella offered a strained smile and a quick nod. "Yes, Alpha! I'm fine," she replied, the lie hanging heavy in the air.

Maids arrived with refreshments, and Alpha Raven excused himself to search for Brandon.

Remus leaned closer to Stella, whispering, "You're doing well."

Stella remained silent, her expression unreadable.

"Just think you're doing this for our elders," he added, his words a mixture of encouragement and manipulation.

Stella finally met her father's gaze, her expression a complex mixture of defiance and resignation. "Fine! I'll do what you want, Dad," She conceded, her voice barely a whisper.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," Alpha Raven apologized, re-entering the living room, followed by a strikingly handsome man.

Stella's gaze was instantly captivated.

"Stella, this is my youngest son, Brandon," Alpha Raven introduced, and Brandon turned his attention to Stella.

His eyes met hers, and for a moment, Stella was lost in his gaze, unsure of how to react. His outstretched hand broke through her daze.

The sound of her father's voice brought her back to reality. "Stella?" She collected herself, offering a polite introduction. "Oh! Nice to meet you, I'm Stella!" She took his hand, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

"Brandon," he replied, his voice a low murmur, and Stella found herself smiling, a genuine smile that reached her eyes, a small spark of hope flickering in the midst of her forced circumstances.

"Why don't you two go outside and have a chat?" Alpha Raven suggested, glancing at Remus.

"Yeah, that's a good idea," Remus agreed, his gaze lingering on Stella.

Brandon stepped forward, extending his hand once more. "We'll go now," he said, his voice gentle.

Stella accepted his hand, surprised by the warmth radiating from his touch.

As they stepped outside, however, Brandon gently released her hand, leaving Stella to ponder the sudden shift in his demeanor.

Stella was taken aback by Brandon's abrupt release of her hand, but she simply stared at him, waiting for him to speak.

"So, you're the mate they've been talking about," Brandon stated, his tone laced with a hint of uncertainty.

Stella wasn't sure how to respond; the situation felt surreal. "Yeah, I guess you're not exactly thrilled about this arrangement," she finally said.

Brandon met her gaze, his expression mirroring her own discomfort. "Yeah, I don't want to marry someone I don't like," he confessed, his words hanging in the air between them.

Stella froze, stunned by his unexpected honesty and shared sentiment.