Tears welled up in Nadine's eyes as she witnessed the pain etched on her father's face. She didn't want to hurt him, but she couldn't deny her own happiness either. With a trembling voice, she tried to explain her perspective. "Daddy, I love our pack, and I want what's best for it. But forcing me into a loveless marriage will only lead to misery in the future."

Her father stared at her in disbelief. "Girl, what on earth are you talking about? Are you suggesting that Marcus Caldwell will mistreat you in the future? Do you possess some gift of seeing what lies ahead?"

Summoning all her courage, Nadine lied,...