I was aghast when Dad arranged another marriage for me. He insisted that I needed a husband, however, nothing and no one could change my decision. I would never get married anytime soon!
He claimed I needed a man with me to rule the pack, but no, I begged to disagree on that matter. I wanted to show everyone especially my parents that I didn't need a man to lead the pack in the future.
I was determined to prove that I could be strong and independent, capable of standing on my own two feet. My father's disapproval only fueled my determination, and I saw it as a challenge to overcome.

“Then, what are you planning to do if you don’t want to get married?” he asked angrily.
“I am going to train. I will make my body strong so that I will be capable of leading and protecting the pack when needed,” I informed him and he arched the tip of his eyebrow.
“You are being insane, Isabella. Who would want a muscular wife?”
“Dad, will you please stop associating my future husband into my plans? As I have said, I am not getting married!”
“That is nonsense, Isabella,” he complained because he believed that no one would want a wife like me.
But who cares? I didn’t even want to get married for goodness sake!

So, instead of letting his words bring me down, I channeled my energy into building my strength, both physically and mentally. I knew that in order to be a respected leader, I needed to be strong in every sense of the word.
So, the following day, I woke up earlier than my usual schedule, but then, I was still almost late for the training. Yesterday, after I had an argument with Dad, I talked to the best fighter of our pack and asked him to train me. Initially, he was hesitant but I was able to convince him. The sun had barely risen when I found myself in the heart of the training grounds, and I was ready to push myself to new limits.
“You are late,” he said while looking at me.
Despite our rank difference, he didn’t mind scolding me for my tardiness. I thought I could use the same tactic I usually employ to convince Dad but this warrior was different. He was strict, and he didn’t give a damn if I was the Alpha’s daughter.

“In the training ground, I am superior to you, Miss Isabella. Whether you like it or not, you have to obey me here,” he warned me.
I rolled my eyes at him, but my sassiness didn’t last long. When he ordered we should start training as soon as possible, I couldn’t complain anymore. As much as I detested working under the heat of the sun, I had no choice, or else, I would just show Dad I wasn’t serious with my words.
“Ready?” Ethan asked.
Ethan led a troupe of warriors and he possessed a striking and commanding presence. Standing tall with a strong, athletic build, he exuded confidence that would draw attention from any female spectator. His chiseled features were framed by tousled dark hair that fell in waves and it perfectly accentuated his piercing blue eyes.
His rugged charm was complemented by a strong jawline and a well-groomed beard that added a touch of masculinity to his already handsome face. Dressed in a training attire that showcased his toned physique, he moved with grace and agility as he showed me what to do.
“You got cold feet now?” he asked.
I immediately shook my head in response and said, “Of course not. Why should I? I wanted this in the first place.”
“You don’t have to be so defensive. I am just saying what I noticed. You are not so sure now and you seemed worried,” he stated.
“Can we just start now?” I asked.
“Your wish is my command, my lady,” he said.
But a few hours later, beads of sweat glistened on my brow as I engaged in a grueling sparring session with one of the pack's most skilled warriors. He was a seasoned fighter, known for his agility and speed. Regardless of his vast experience on the battlefield, he didn’t see me as a novice.
He trained me like I was one of the warriors, and I was out of breath immediately. He was a force in the training ground, and he didn’t tolerate my laziness to move according to his instructions. As we exchanged blows, his movements were fluid and calculated.
"Isabella, keep your focus," Ethan called out, his voice firm but encouraging. "Remember, strength comes from both the body and the mind. Channel your energy and strike with purpose!”
I nodded, my body responding to his guidance even if every muscle in my body strained with effort as I dodged his attacks and countered with my own. The intensity of the training session drained my energy but I had to push my limits especially when Dad was watching from a distance. I needed to show him that I could do it.
After what felt like an eternity, our sparring session came to an end, and both of us were breathing heavily. I wiped the sweat from my brow, and then Ethan approached me with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Not bad for a first-timer, Madame,” he said, and his voice was filled with pride.
When I heard those words, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Ethan had become more than just a trainer, he had become a mentor and a confidant. I looked at him and smiled.
“Thank you, Ethan. However, I have a simple request from you.”
“What is it?”
“Can we skip training tomorrow? I don’t think I will be able to my muscles after this,” I mentioned.
“No,” he flatly refused before showing his back to me.