CHAPTER THREE 

(Aya’s POV)

That night, I'd had my first kiss with Malakai. That night, I had been assured that he was the love of my life. And, for the past three months of being together, I had been assured I was set for the moment that is happening presently.

My wedding day.

The grand hall of the packhouse was adorned in gold and white. Candles flickered from every corner, casting a warm glow over the space. The scent of roses and pine filled the air, mixing with the faint aroma of roasted meats from the reception area. The entire Blue Moon Pack was present, along with delegates from Malakai’s Eclipse Pack.

I stood at the altar, hands clutching the bouquet of white roses, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.

I was getting married.

I was becoming Malakai’s wife.

He was my mate, my fated one, and despite everything—the years of suffering under my father’s roof, the cruelty of my stepmother and Jolene—Malakai had chosen me. He had loved me.

He had promised me forever.

I looked up at him, standing beside me in a crisp black suit, his golden buttons glinting under the chandeliers. His expression was unreadable, but I didn’t think much of it. Maybe he was nervous. I was, too. My fingers trembled slightly, and I swallowed, feeling my throat tighten with emotion.

The officiant cleared his throat, smiling as he turned to Malakai. “Alpha Malakai Forbes, do you take Aya Johnson as your mate and wife, to cherish and protect, in sickness and in health, for as long as the Moon Goddess allows?”

I turned to Malakai, my lips parting slightly, waiting for his response.

He did not speak.

The silence stretched too long, the weight of it prressuring me.

I furrowed my brows, shifting on my feet as I glanced up at him. “Malakai?” I whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

He let out a breath, slow and controlled. And then, with a voice that shattered my world in an instant, he said—

“No.”

A gasp sounded through the crowd. My fingers went numb, the bouquet slipping slightly from my grasp.

I stared at him, unblinking, unbreathing. “What?”

Malakai turned to fully face me, his expression calm, unbothered. “I don’t want this.” His voice was clear, devoid of hesitation.

I took a shaky step back. “I don’t understand.”

He exhaled heavily, the sound a clear expression of his annoyance, as if my presence was frustrating him. His eyes rolled upward, and he shook his head, his jaw clenched in anger. For the first time since I met him, I witnessed Malakai expressing disdain. Had he being pretending all along or had he shown it and I hadn't noticed?

"Aya, I've lost interest," he said, his voice cold and detached. "You irritate me with your constant questions and your inability to understand even the simplest things."

I felt a sting of hurt at his words, but I tried to keep my composure. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He snorted. "Don't play dumb, Aya. You know exactly what I'm talking about. You're weak. Pathetically weak. An omega like you doesn't deserve to be an Alpha's wife."

I took a step back, his words cutting deep into me like sharp knives would. "How can you say that?" I demanded, trying to keep my anger in check. "I'm your mate, your wife. I deserve respect."

He laughed, a cold, ruthless sound. "Respect?" he repeated. "You want respect? You'll have to earn it, Aya. And so far, you've done nothing but disappoint me."

I felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I stood tall, my shoulders back, and my head held high, even as my soul cringed under the weight of his cruelty.

"I'm sorry I've disappointed you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I won't apologize for who I am."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. "Oh, Aya," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You really are naive, aren't you? Anyways, our relationship ends right here."

The air left my lungs in a sharp exhale. I gripped my dress, my fingers digging into the fabric, trying to steady myself. “You don’t mean that.”

He chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Oh, I do," he said, his lips curling into something almost mocking. "Three months, Aya. I've had to endure three months of pretending."

"Pretending?" I repeated, my voice shaking. "What do you mean?"

He took a step closer to me, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Pretending to care, Aya. Pretending to love you. Pretending to be a devoted mate."

I felt like I'd been punched in the bones. "You're saying it's all been a lie?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He shrugged. "Not a lie, exactly. More like... a necessary evil. You were a means to an end, Aya. A way for me to secure my position as Alpha."

I took a step back, my mind turning. "You used me," I accused, my voice shaking with anger.

He smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Yes, Aya. I used you. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it meant achieving my goals."

My head shook, as if denying his words would make them not true. “But… you told me you loved me.”

“I lied.”

His words sliced through me, sharp as a blade.

My vision blurred, my throat closing up. This had to be a nightmare. This couldn’t be real. Not after everything.

“Besides,” Malakai continued, his tone so casual it made my stomach churn, “I’ve found someone else. Someone more suited for the role of my Luna.”

The entire hall held its breath.

Then, from the crowd, she stepped forward.

Jolene.

Dressed in a silk white gown that clung to her curves, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders, her lips curled in the sweetest, most condescending smile.

I felt sick.

Malakai reached for her hand, drawing her to his side, and every part of me shattered into a million pieces.

“I’ve been with Jolene for three and a half months now,” he announced.

Three and a half months.

My breath hitched, my hands shaking. That meant…

From the very beginning, he had been betraying me.

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. I stood tall, my eyes scanning the sea of faces, searching for someone, anyone, who would defend me. But no one spoke up. No one took my side.

I turned toward my father, desperate, pleading. His face was unreadable, a mask of calm indifference that made my heart sink. I had always known that he was a man of duty and honor, but I had also thought that he loved me, that he would stand up for me no matter what.

"Father," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Please. Say something."

He didn't respond. He didn't even look at me. His eyes were fixed on some point beyond my shoulder, his expression hard.

The silence was oppressive. I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the pressure of the crowd's disapproval.

And then, a voice spoke up. It was the voice of my Malakai’s father, the former Alpha of Eclipse Pack. His words were like a knife.

"This is what happens when you mate with an omega," he sneered. "This is what happens when you compromise on strength and courage."

I felt a sting of tears, but I refused to let them fall. I stood tall, my head held high.

But still, my father said nothing. He did not defend me. He did not speak up for me. He simply stood there, his face unreadable, his eyes fixed on some point beyond my shoulder.

And in that moment, I knew that I was truly alone.

Jolene, with that smug look, placed her palm against Malakai’s chest. “It’s time you step down, dear sister.”

Before I could react, she shoved me.

I stumbled backward, my veil slipping from my hair, my bouquet hitting the floor. My body went cold, the humiliation sinkinh into my bones.

Malakai didn’t even flinch. Didn’t look at me. Didn’t care.

Jolene took my place at the altar, standing where I had stood mere moments ago.

And I?

I was nothing.

Just a discarded, forgotten omega. Again. I was back to square one. Just when I thought I was about to become a Luna and get my revenge on all those that have wronged me.