“Marissa, we’ve arranged a Mateship Ceremony for you,” her mother’s voice echoed through the mind link.
“Your blood is becoming more volatile every day. Only the strength of an Alpha mate can keep your blood stable and keep you safe.”
Marissa sat alone in her dimly lit room, her gaze fixed on the shadowy corners. Silence stretched between them, filling the air with an unspoken weight. She knew her mother was about to speak again, offering her a way out as always.
“If you don’t want this, I’ll speak to your father and cancel everything. We won’t force you,” her mother finally said, her voice softening.
But Marissa’s lips parted as she answered, her voice steady and unyielding, “I‘ m willing, Mom. I’ll go through with the arranged mateship.”
There was a stunned silence on the other end, and then her mother stammered in disbelief. “You… you agreed?”
