Chapter 3: Left Up To Fate

“You know what, fine! I’ll do it. But I’m not at all happy about it.” She declared through clenched teeth. 

Isabella desperately wanted to do things on her own, but now it was as though the rug had been pulled right from under her. 

Relief filled her mother's mind as she listened eagerly to her daughter’s response.

After a brief moment, she nodded. Her pointed teeth showed through her mouth as she smiled at Isabella. 

I can’t wait til she truly understands the meaning of how to be a good leader. And what it means to marry not just for love and companionship. Her mother thought before speaking. 

“Child, I'm glad you see the reason behind what I told you to do. Trust me, this is what's best for us right now.” She told Anabella, her voice just below a whisper. 

As her mother spoke, she shifted from one foot to the other, irritated by her mother’s words.

 At one point, she felt like running away and taking life into her own hands. And now, Isabella regretted for a second the way she acted.

However, her mind was still made up. But it would take a longer time for her to get her way.

I’m going to make her regret doing this to me. Only the Moon Goddess knows how important it is to have a mate. Yet, I don't understand why she would go against that rule. She knew from the very beginning that the Alpha King wasn't my mate. Isabella pondered as she slowly made her way back to her room.

With each step she took, her heart broke piece by piece. It was as though her life would never be the same. Yet. Isabella knew that she must maintain a calm facade despite everything that was happening in her life. 

Before she could get any further, someone's hand touched her shoulder.

I wonder what's wrong with her. Why does it look like she was crying? The woman thought as she observed Isabella’s saddened expression.

Who the f*CK touched me? She wondered as they leaned towards her.

Then, they spoke, just loud enough for her to hear.

“Isabella, are you okay?" One of the pack members asked her, concern etched in their voice.

She looked from one side of the hallway to the other, her racing as time passed.

Finally, it landed on a beautiful-looking woman in front of her. She wore her hair slicked back in a ponytail and a green shirt with black pants.

The woman had a frown upon her face while observing Isabella.

Isabella shook her head, tears started falling once again.

I don't know why this person was able to get me to open up about my feelings. It’s like she knows the right things to say. Isabella thought whilst the woman leaned in and embraced her. 

The woman’s rose-scented perfume filled the air, sending a sense of calm toward Isabella. 

She rubbed small circles on her shoulder, easing the tension in the air.

“I know I should be strong enough to take care of the pack. Yet I don't know how much of this I can take!” Isabella blurted, her frustration boiling over as the words spewed from her mouth. 

“Princess, everything is going to be okay. I promise I'll help you navigate this situation. Okay?” The person said calmingly.

As if by some miracle, Isabella’s tears subsided. For a moment, she looked up, and her jaw dropped in shock.

“What are you doing here, Lexi? I thought you were on a mission?" Isabella questioned, her voice filling with awe and worry.

It had been 5 years since they last saw each other. Despite all of the chaos, her best friend and beta to Alpha Damien of the rival pack, Blood Moon Pack, was always there every time.

However, today of all days, she didn't expect to see her again. So, seeing her face caught Isabella off guard.

I am glad that she’s here. But why and how could this be? She wondered as Lexi nodded her head, understanding passing through each word.

They peered at one another silently, communicating their care and concern for each other. 

“Isabella, I know this is a great shock to you. But your mother called me to come here," Lexi stated with her arms crossed over her chest.

Isabella’s eyes widened as the words struck in her mind, leaving her reeling for a brief second. 

What in the actual f*CK? This can't be happening! She thought while regaining her composure.

The fact that her mother did that for her caused her heart to race and her hands to shake. The last time that had ever happened was when she had just turned 18, and her crush found his mate, who wasn’t her. And her mother never really cared for her in the way she always wanted. But maybe this was a way of her making amends. 

She gulped, letting her words sink into her brain before responding. 

“My… My mother did that?” Isabella questioned, not able to fully understand what had just happened.

All her life, she always wanted to have a loving relationship with her mother. But since Isabella had turned 18, she had always pushed to do things that benefited the pack’s success. And every fleeting moment she thought there was a slight happiness, it was taken away immediately. 

 Slowly, Lexi grabbed her hand, squeezing it a bit. A look of exhaustion flitted across her eyes, and before Isabella could notice, she closed them. 

My friend doesn’t need to see how tired I am after my travels. Let me close them and wake myself up a little. She thought while willing the exhaustion to leave her body. 

Once it did, she opened them up again and continued the conversation. 

Alright, I got this. I should be good for now. Lexi pondered as she nodded her head in agreement. 

“Yeah, she did. Why don’t we go in your room and talk more about this situation you’re in?”