Chapter 3: Arranged Marriage
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Chapter 3: Arranged Marriage
(Aurora's POV)
"I cannot accept your dismissive attitude," I said firmly, turning away from the door to face Marcus. My pride as an Alpha female refused to let his words slide.
Marcus lounged in his chair with casual elegance, his golden eyes tracking my every move. "Oh? And why is that?"
"Because you're wrong about me," I lifted my chin defiantly. "Being an orphan doesn't make me weak. It made me stronger."
A flicker of interest crossed his aristocratic features. "Enlighten me."
"You think I need your help? That I'm desperate?" I let out a bitter laugh. "I'm offering you a mutually beneficial arrangement. But if you're not interested, there are plenty of other options."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Are there? With only three days until your supposed engagement party?"
His words stung, but I wouldn't let him see how much they hurt. "I would rather stand at that engagement ceremony and announce its cancellation myself than beg anyone for help."
Something shifted in his expression - was that respect?
"That's quite bold," he commented, studying me with renewed interest. "Most wolves in your position would be scrambling to save face."
"I'm not most wolves," I stated firmly. "I'm the heir of Silver Moon Pack. And I'd rather face public humiliation with my head held high than crawl to anyone."
A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "Now that's more like the Alpha female I remember from your return ceremony."
I blinked, surprised by his words. "You remember that?"
"Of course," he nodded. "You stood before the entire pack council at fifteen, claiming your birthright without a trace of fear. It was... impressive."
Memories of that day flooded back - standing before those stern faces, declaring my right to lead despite years away from the pack. I'd been terrified inside, but never showed it.
"That same spirit is what helped Alex become heir," I said softly, more to myself than him. "I fought every battle, cleared every obstacle..."
Marcus's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Alex's name. "Yes, I heard about your role in his rise to power. Quite the dedicated mate, weren't you?"
The bitterness in his tone surprised me. "You sound almost angry about it."
"Not angry," he corrected. "Disappointed, perhaps. To see such strength and determination wasted on someone who clearly doesn't deserve it."
His words hit too close to home. I turned away, fighting back the sting of tears.
"Well," I managed, keeping my voice steady. "That's in the past now."
Marcus stood suddenly, his tall frame commanding attention. "Is it? Are you truly ready to walk away from everything you built?"
"I already have," I met his gaze squarely. "The moment he chose Isabella over our engagement, he lost any claim to my loyalty."
A long moment passed as Marcus studied me, his golden eyes unreadable. Finally, he spoke.
"Very well," he said quietly. "I'll help you."
My heart leaped, but I forced myself to remain calm. "What made you change your mind?"
"Your pride," he answered simply. "It's refreshing to meet someone who won't grovel, even when backed into a corner."
Hope flickered in my chest, but I stayed cautious. "What's the catch?"
"The catch?" A slight smirk curved his lips. "I don't just want an engagement, Aurora. I want marriage."
I stared at him, stunned. "Marriage?"
He said it as casually as commenting on the weather, his golden eyes never leaving my face. "Yes. A proper union, not just a show for revenge."
"But... why?" I stammered, thrown off by his sudden proposal.
Marcus shrugged elegantly. "My family has been pressuring me to choose a Luna. You're a pure-blooded Alpha female with impressive abilities. It makes sense."
I studied him carefully, noting his perfect features, commanding presence, and the power that seemed to radiate from him. Hazel had once called him the sexiest man in all the territories, and I could see why.
His eyes darkened slightly as he caught me staring, and I quickly looked away, flustered.
"Wouldn't this be detrimental to you?" I asked, trying to regain my composure. "My pack isn't exactly in the best position, and my status..."
"My family doesn't need to marry for connections," he cut me off smoothly. "Besides, having a stable Luna would reassure the packs under my rule."
I understood his meaning. There had been rumors about Marcus - whispers that the most mysterious seer among the wolf packs had prophesied he would never find his true mate.
It had made some pack members uneasy about his future leadership.
As I considered his offer, I weighed the benefits. His wealth and power would help stabilize my pack. It would let me defy Alex publicly. I could even share the burden of managing my parents' pack with Sarah...
But life had taught me to be wary of things that seemed too perfect.
My hand returned to the doorknob, ready to leave while my reason was still intact.
"Thank you for the hospitality and the tea. I apologize again for the misunderstanding last night, and regarding the suggestion just now, I think we were a bit impulsive, so I'll pretend I never heard it."
Just as I turned around, his voice stopped me again.
"Aurora, wait."
I sighed deeply in my heart, turned around slowly again, and looked at him, and there was even a trace of secret joy in my heart?
Marcus's insight was as sharp as a blade. His golden eyes narrowed slightly as he studied my face, obviously noticing my unease about the marriage proposal.
"You're hesitating," he said softly. "Let me explain something."
He stood up, walked over to me and took my wrist, "If you can, please sit down and listen to me."
I obediently sat down on the couch. And I watched as he gracefully settled back into his chair.
Even that simple movement carried an air of authority that made my wolf Cora stir restlessly.
"The main reason for this proposal is my grandmother," Marcus revealed, his expression softening slightly at the mention of her. "She raised me after my parents became too busy with pack duties."
This was news to me. I'd always assumed the heir to the Shadow Warriors had a perfect upbringing.
"That prophecy about me never finding a mate?I believe you have also heard about it." He continued, his voice taking on a bitter edge. "It's been weighing heavily on her. She falls ill frequently, worrying about my future."
His vulnerability in that moment caught me off guard. It was strange seeing this powerful man show such genuine concern for his grandmother.
"She raised you?" I asked softly.
Marcus nodded, his golden eyes distant. "My parents are very loving and love me very much. But when I was young, they were also very busy, it was my grandmother,she gave up everything to ensure I would become a worthy heir. Now in her old age, her only wish is to see me find a mate."
Something in his voice made my chest tighten. I understood what it meant to carry the weight of others' expectations.
"That's why I'm proposing this arrangement," he continued, his business-like tone returning. "It would give her peace of mind, and solve your current... situation."
He pulled out a document from his briefcase. "I've already drawn up a prenuptial agreement. Everything will be clearly defined and transparent."
"Overnight, you drafted a document?" I was a little surprised, "You're not even sure you really need this document."
"This is the difference between me and others, isn't it?A Alpha king has never waged an unprepared war." He chuckled lightly, "So, shall we take a look? Confused little wolf."
I took the papers with trembling hands. The terms were surprisingly generous - protection for my pack, shared resources, clear guidelines for dissolution if needed.
"This would be an arranged marriage," Marcus stated firmly. "We would both maintain our independence while fulfilling our duties. Your wishes would be respected."
His methodical approach and open transparency began easing my doubts. This wasn't some emotional entanglement - it was a practical solution.
"You've thought this through," I murmured, scanning the documents.
"I always do," he replied simply. "The Shadow Warriors don't act without careful planning."
I weighed the benefits in my mind. Protection for my weakened pack from one of the strongest territories.
An alliance that would silence my critics. A mate who seemed more interested in pack politics than emotional complications.
And yes, the satisfaction of showing Alex exactly what he had lost...
The power of the Shadow Warriors behind me would ensure no one could challenge my position again. It was almost perfect.
Almost.
Because there was one complication I couldn't ignore - the way Cora kept reaching for Marcus's wolf.
My animal side's unusual responsiveness to him made me wary. This supposedly purely political arrangement felt more complicated than it should.
Marcus must have sensed my hesitation. He leaned forward, his golden eyes intense.
"There's something else you should know," he said quietly. "The Shadow Warriors have an ancient ritual - a modified mate bond that can be dissolved if both parties agree."
My breath caught. "What?"
"It's more like a pack alliance than a traditional mate bond," he explained. "But there's a catch - we must live as true mates for one year before it can be dissolved."
"What do you mean by a true mate? What kind are you referring to?" My voice was a bit shrill, and my face felt warm, so I'm sure it was flushed.
"Don't misunderstand, we just live together in the pack house and handle pack business together. I won't force you to do anything else." Marcus smiled and teased me.
As he spoke, our wolves kept reaching for each other, adding an undercurrent of tension to our supposedly businesslike discussion. The air between us felt charged with something I wasn't ready to acknowledge.
"I think... this does sound like a good choice." I was a bit hesitant, and Cora was quite displeased with my hesitation, howling in my heart, making me feel rather strange, "Alex is our destined partner, why are you not accepting him now?"
"We don't want wavering partners," Cora roared.
"So, confused little wolf, what is your choice?" Markus looked at me quietly.
- Writer
