A Love Meant for Another

After the marking ceremony, my eldest brother, Anthony Jenkins, turned to the crowd and announced, "I booked the upscale restaurant in our territory. Naomi used to love going there."

At that, Naomi Jenkins threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "I thought you'd never accept me again."

My three brothers exchanged glances, each of them wearing the same conflicted look.

My second brother, Bradley Jenkins, ruffled her hair. "You silly girl. Growing up, every time you got into trouble, we were the ones covering for you."

Then, the three of them ushered Naomi toward William Parker's car.

I couldn't watch anymore. My face turned pale, and I bolted.

In truth, Naomi and I were twins. Yet, all my life, she had been the center of attention, while I remained invisible in the background.

Everyone in the family only had eyes for her. They bought her the finest, most extravagant things, and I got whatever she didn't want.

Even the man I secretly loved—William, Alpha of the Bloodstone pack—was Naomi's fiance.

I thought I would go my whole life without anyone ever loving me. But three years ago, Naomi ran off with the Beta of the Northern pack.

In their fury, my brothers publicly disowned her.

And William, who had spent three months drowning in grief, proposed to me with moonlight roses. He looked at me with that dazed gaze, as if he were seeing Naomi through my face.

"You and her… You look so alike," he had said. "Since she ran off, will you marry me instead? I'll treat you well, I promise."

I knew I shouldn't have said yes, but I was too in love with him.

For the past three years, William had spoiled me so thoroughly that I became the most envied she-wolf in the entire pack.

My brothers changed, too. All the love they had once reserved for Naomi fell on me.

Anthony bought me lavish moonstone jewelry at auctions. Bradley knew I had a sweet tooth and would drive three hours to a neighboring territory just to bring back a strawberry cake for me. My third brother, Caleb Jenkins, never forgot my seafood allergy and would carefully go through every dish before I ate.

But all of it was a lie. The moment Naomi came back, everything vanished like bubbles.

…

I didn't even know how long I had been wandering outside before I finally drifted home in a daze.

The moment I opened the door, the sight in the living room struck me like a punch to the gut. Anthony was shelling shrimp for Naomi, while Bradley held the antidote and gently coaxed her, "Naomi, it's time to take this."

She tugged at his sleeve, pouting. "It's too bitter! I don't want it!"

Without missing a beat, Caleb handed her a piece of candy. "You used to love these. I've kept them on hand for you."

William spotted me first. Flustered, he quickly rose from Naomi's side.

"Where have you been, Patricia?" he asked. "You weren't home all day."

He gazed at me with tenderness in his eyes. It was as if the wolf who had claimed Naomi at the altar earlier wasn't him.

I didn't respond. Instead, I stared blankly at Naomi.

Guilt flickered across William's face as he stepped away from her.

"Naomi accidentally ingested silver nitrate. The poison has ravaged her body. Her final wish is for us to stay with her until the very end," he explained.

He shifted his gaze away from me, clearly uncomfortable. After a pause, he added, "When she ran off, your brothers and I said we would never forgive her. But she's your sister. Out of respect for you, I couldn't let her leave with regrets."

Just then, Anthony strode over, anxious as he spoke up for Naomi. "What we said back then doesn't count. She was still young and didn't mean any of it."

Out of habit, he reached out to ruffle my hair. But his hand froze halfway, and he drew it back.

Anthony went on, "Naomi doesn't have much time left. Whatever happened back then, let's move past it."

"Yeah." Bradley nodded in agreement. "She was mischievous as a child, but life out there hasn't been easy. She has learned her lesson."

Even Caleb came over quietly, his voice gentle as he said, "At the end of the day, we're still family. You've always been the most sensible one, Patricia, haven't you?"

Their words in her defense stabbed at my chest. Still, I nodded.

I looked at each of them in turn and replied softly, "Alright."