Chapter Four

The sun rose hesitantly over the horizon, casting long shadows that stretched across the landscape as Ariana and Mia were led to a grand carriage by their parents. Their destination was the opulent estate of Liam's family, a journey that bore the weight of their future choices.

The carriage rumbled along the winding path, Ariana and Mia sitting across from each other.

The tension inside the carriage was palpable.

Ariana gazed out of the window, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Mia, do you ever put yourself in my shoes sometimes?"

Mia laughs sarcastically, "Your shoes are way below my size and standards and I'll never stoop so low as to put myself in them." She chuckles.

"I still don't get why you have so much hatred for me. Do I deserve this? Do you ever consider my feelings for once?" Ariana said as she shook her head disappointingly.

Mia rolled her eyes, dismissing Ariana's question. "What's there to consider? It's the way of our world. Alpha and Luna must be strong, Ariana. It's our duty."

Ariana's eyes darkened. "But shouldn't it also be about love? About choosing who we want to spend our lives with and not having others interfere and manipulate their way into our lives to ruin the order of destiny just for their selfish desires?"

Mia leaned in, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, Ariana, you've always been the dreamer, haven't you? Love won't make our pack stronger. Power will."

As the carriage pulled up at the imposing residence, they were greeted by Lady Eleanor and Lord Robert, Liam's parents. Lady Eleanor, with her regal bearing and striking sapphire eyes, welcomed them warmly.

"Welcome, dear friends," Lady Eleanor greeted them with a warm smile.

Joseph nodded respectfully. "Thank you for having us, Lady Eleanor, Lord Robert."

Lady Eleanor smiled at Mia, her tone gracious. "Mia, dear, you look positively radiant. We're thrilled to have you join our family."

Lord Robert, a tall and imposing figure with a stern countenance, nodded in acknowledgment.

Mia curtsied gracefully. "Thank you, Lady Eleanor. I'm honored to become part of such a distinguished lineage."

The pleasantries continued as they exchanged polite conversations.

Ariana, feeling like an outsider, managed a polite nod. Lord Robert eyed her briefly before turning his attention back to Mia.

***

The grand entrance hall of the mansion was adorned magnificently in a way that told the history of the pack and polished marble floors that gleamed in the soft, golden light cast by the chandeliers overhead. A grand portrait of Liam, looking every bit the dashing young Alpha, hung prominently on one wall.

Liam's parents, Eleanor and Robert, sat in their elegant drawing-room, their faces illuminated by the soft afternoon light filtering through the lace curtains. Joseph and Margaret, accompanied by Mia, stood before them.

Joseph cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully.

"Eleanor, Robert, we have come today with important news regarding our children."

Eleanor, her expression serene, replied, "Of course, Joseph. Please, do share."

Joseph gestured toward Mia, who stood beside him, her demeanor exuding an air of coy anticipation.

"Mia and Liam have formed a connection that we believe should be formalized."

Robert raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

Margaret chimed in, her voice filled with satisfaction, "Due to the undeniable bond between the two, it's best we formalize things accordingly. Mia will be honored to join your family as Liam's mate. We believe this union will greatly benefit our pack."

Eleanor's lips curled into a polite smile, her eyes assessing Mia and her intentions. "Indeed, Margaret. It is a momentous decision. And what of Ariana?"

Joseph hesitated for a moment before responding, "Ariana's future is still to be determined. Besides, she obviously doesn't command the respect befitting of a Luna in our pack. We believe this arrangement will secure a more stable future for our pack. Mia is a strong and respected member, and she will undoubtedly make an excellent Luna."

Robert nodded in agreement, a shrewd glint in his eye. "I see. This means a lot for Liam's future as Alpha"

Margaret nodded, her tone confident. "Yes, Robert. With Mia as Luna, our pack's future leadership will be secure."

Mia, seizing the opportunity, stepped forward with feigned humility. "I promise to honor and cherish Liam, to support him as he leads our pack."

Robert smiled approvingly at Mia and then turned to Joseph.

"Joseph, we appreciate your candor in this matter. We believe this union will serve our pack well."

Eleanor added with a gracious nod,

"We welcome Mia into our family with open arms."

As Joseph had foretold, the news of Mia becoming Liam's mate brought radiant smiles to their faces. In their eyes, this union was not just a matter of love; it was a calculated move to secure the pack's future. Ariana's tarnished reputation had long been a point of concern, and with Mia poised to ascend to the prestigious role of Luna, Liam's path to Alpha was clear.

Ariana observed the scene with a mixture of discomfort and growing disgust. Mia, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to revel in her newfound status. She clung to Liam's arm like ivy seeking support, her voice dripping with flattery, and her laughter ringing out at his every word.

Ariana's stomach churned with revulsion at Mia's blatant display of infatuation. It was painfully clear that Mia's interests lay not in the man himself but in the power and prestige that came with being the Alpha's mate.

As the adults engaged in discussions regarding the upcoming mating ceremony, Robert, Liam's father, spoke diplomatically, "We believe this union will strengthen our pack, and it's an honor for us as well to have Mia as a part of our family."

The room was lit with the soft glow of candlelight, casting a warm, intimate ambiance as the conversation continued.

Joseph cleared his throat, his tone measured. "Eleanor, Robert, we believe it would be wise to allow Mia and Liam some time to become better acquainted before the mating ceremony."

Eleanor, ever the composed matriarch, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Joseph. A strong bond between them is essential for the future of our pack."

Robert, the patriarch of the family, leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Joseph. "How much time are we talking about here?"

Margaret, her gaze unwavering, responded, "A few months, perhaps. It will allow them to understand each other better, to ensure their union is a harmonious one."

Eleanor added, her voice gentle, "It is, after all, a lifetime commitment."

"We can then properly discuss and fix a specific date for their mating ceremony once they are well acquainted with each other," Joseph said, the tone of his voice indicating satisfaction with the situation of things

Mia seized the opportunity, her tone sugary sweet. "I appreciate your wisdom, Lady Eleanor, Lord Robert. I want nothing more than to make this union a success."