Chapter 4

• Lisa sat across from her father, Alex, in their cozy living room. The warm glow of the fireplace filled the space, casting dancing shadows on the walls. It had been a tranquil evening, until Alex broke the silence with a hesitant tone in his voice.
• "Lisa, there's something important I need to discuss with you," he began, his expression a mixture of concern and earnestness.
• Lisa's brows furrowed, sensing the weight of her father's words. She leaned forward, giving him her full attention. "Of course, Dad. What is it?"
• Taking a deep breath, Alex paused for a moment before continuing. "Alpha Lucas, the old Alpha of the Morningstar Pack, has approached me with a request. He wishes for you to marry his son, Xander, who is the present Alpha of the Pack."
• Lisa's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing to process her father's words. The prospect of an arranged marriage was unexpected and unfamiliar territory for her. She had always believed in choosing her own path, following her heart, and pursuing her dreams.
• "Why?" Lisa asked, her voice laced with curiosity and confusion. "Why would Alpha Lucas want me to marry his son?"
• Alex's face softened, and he took Lisa's hands in his own, his gaze filled with a mix of concern and sadness. "Xander's mother, Sonia, the former Luna, is gravely ill. She wishes to see her son settled down with a good woman before she passes away. It's a request born out of a mother's love and concern for her child's happiness."
• Lisa felt a pang of empathy for Sonia and the difficult situation she must be facing. But the idea of an arranged marriage weighed heavily on her, conflicting with her own desires and aspirations.
• "Dad, you know how important it is for me to follow my own path," Lisa pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "I've always dreamed of building my own business, of finding love on my own terms. Marrying someone I barely know... it goes against everything I believe in."
• Alex sighed, his eyes filled with a mix of understanding and sadness. "I know, Lisa. I've always admired your independent spirit and your determination. But please understand, Sonia's request comes from a place of deep concern for her son's happiness and well-being."
• He continued, his voice filled with emotion. "As a member of the council of elders, I have a responsibility to consider the needs of our Pack. Xander is a good man, Lisa, and marrying him would secure a strong alliance between our Packs. It would ensure the stability and prosperity of our people."
• Lisa listened to her father's words, her heart torn between her own desires and the weight of the responsibility he was asking her to bear. She loved her Pack and wanted what was best for them, but she also yearned for a love that blossomed naturally, a partnership built on trust and shared dreams.
• "Dad, I understand the importance of our Pack's well-being," Lisa said, her voice laced with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "But marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment that should be based on love and mutual understanding. I can't enter into it solely for the sake of duty."
• Alex's eyes filled with tears, his voice trembling with emotion. "Lisa, I beg you to reconsider. Sonia's time is limited, and she wants nothing more than to see her son settled and happy before she leaves this world. Your acceptance of this marriage request would bring her comfort and peace in her final days."
• Lisa's heart ached at the thought of Sonia's illness and the pain she must be enduring. She understood the importance of family and the desire to bring solace to a mother's heart.
• Lisa's mind raced as conflicting emotions tugged at her heart. She had always been a strong-willed and independent woman, eager to pursue her dreams and make her mark on the world. The thought of sacrificing her ambitions for an arranged marriage was disheartening, and yet she couldn't shake off the weight of the responsibility and the request made by Alpha Lucas and her father.
• In the stillness of the room, Lisa took a deep breath and met her father's gaze. "Dad, I understand the significance of this request, and I empathize with Sonia's desire for her son's happiness. But marrying someone I barely know... it feels like putting my dreams on hold, and I'm not ready to make that sacrifice just yet."
• Alex's eyes glistened with unshed tears, his voice filled with a mix of understanding and regret. "I know it's a difficult decision, Lisa. And I never wanted to see you compromise your dreams. But sometimes, life throws us unexpected challenges, and we must make sacrifices for the sake of the greater good."
• Lisa pondered her father's words, realizing the truth within them. She had always admired his wisdom and his ability to consider the bigger picture. However, this decision weighed heavily on her shoulders, and she couldn't dismiss the nagging feeling that she would be surrendering a piece of herself.
• "I need some time to think, Dad," Lisa finally said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I need to weigh the importance of my own happiness and aspirations against the needs of our Pack and the wishes of Alpha Lucas and Sonia."
• Alex nodded, his face etched with both sadness and understanding. "Take the time you need, Lisa. This is not an easy choice, and I will support you no matter what path you decide to take. Just remember to consider all the implications and consequences."
• As the days turned into weeks, Lisa immersed herself in deep contemplation. She sought solace in the sanctuary of "Sip and Read," finding comfort amidst the books that had always been her refuge. She questioned her own desires, her dreams for the future, and the intricate balance between personal happiness and the responsibility she felt towards her Pack.
• In her moments of reflection, Lisa realized that she couldn't ignore the values instilled in her since childhood—the sense of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice for the greater good. She understood the importance of unity within the Pack, the strength that came from collective support and harmony. And while the prospect of an arranged marriage still frightened her, she saw it as an opportunity to forge a bond that could bring stability and prosperity to her Pack.
• With a heavy yet determined heart, Lisa approached her father once again. "Dad, I've made my decision," she declared, her voice filled with a mix of resolve and acceptance. "I will accept the marriage request and marry Xander."
• Alex's eyes widened in surprise, his expression a mix of relief and sorrow. "Lisa, are you sure? I want nothing more than to see you happy, and I don't want you to make this sacrifice if it goes against your true desires."
• Lisa took her father's hands in hers, conveying her unwavering commitment. "I may not be ready for this marriage, but I understand the importance of our Pack's unity. I will honor my duty and strive to find happiness within the union. It won't be easy, but I will give it my best."
• Tears glistened in Alex's eyes as he embraced his daughter tightly. "You've shown incredible strength and maturity, Lisa. Your sacrifice is not in vain, and I believe that love and happiness can grow even in unexpected circumstances."
• With their hearts intertwined in a bittersweet understanding, Lisa and Alex embarked on the journey of preparing for