Alpha Mate Chose Half-sister, I Changed Groom

A week before our marking ceremony, my Alpha mate-to-be told me to reschedule the ceremony because he was going to take my half-sister to the healer for her follow-up on our ceremony day.

After I mentioned breaking up, the air in the private room froze for a few seconds before erupting into deafening laughter.

"No way, is she that desperate? Pressuring Ethan into the marking ceremony?"

Selene's eyes flashed with triumph, though she sighed with apparent concern.

"Ethan, don't blame her. After all, she's turning twenty-five soon, too old to be a Luna. She must be anxious."

"It's just that I need to go to the healer on Saturday for my leg examination. The appointment was so hard to get. If she's really that desperate, then... then let's prioritize her. I can reschedule my checkup."

As she spoke, her eyes reddened.

A man in a loud patterned shirt immediately chimed in with a laugh.

"Exactly, Ethan. Everyone knows she's crazy about you, that she won't accept anyone else's mark, that she's been waiting all these years. Of course she has to seize the chance to pressure you. She's scared you'll slip away."

Ethan's brows furrowed. Finally, he looked up at me.

The dim lights in the room fell across his sharply defined features. This face that once made my heart race now showed clear disapproval and reproach.

"You know Selene needs this follow-up. Do you know why her leg is like this? You just have to pick this exact day to compete with her for attention?"

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, a sour ache spreading silently through my chest.

I knew.

Last week, he'd nearly been attacked by the rogue wolves at the pack border. Selene pushed him out of the way and fractured her leg in the process.

I clenched my fingers, my voice barely audible.

"Do you even remember what Saturday really is?"

Ethan clearly froze.

He was silent for a moment. When he spoke again, his tone had softened, though it still carried that unmistakable insistence.

"I know it's your birthday. I also know you want to fulfill your mother's dying wish, to give her peace."

He sighed, as if patiently tolerating my childishness.

"But Aria, people need to be flexible. Why does it have to be your birthday? A day earlier or later wouldn't make any real difference."

I opened my mouth, but all the words lodged in my throat.

What could I say?

Should I tell him I'd communicated with the Alpha Council six months in advance for the ceremony that day.

Or should I remind him that seven years ago, beside my mother's deathbed, he'd held my hand tightly with red-rimmed eyes and made a promise?

"Don't worry, ma'am. I swear I'll mark Aria as my mate before her twenty-fifth birthday!"

Those vows he'd probably long forgotten, I'd clung to like a lifeline, never daring to let go.

In the end, all my struggles and explanations crashed against my heart like silent waves before retreating helplessly.

I simply answered softly.

"Okay."

Hearing my response, Ethan's furrowed brow finally smoothed, relief flickering across his face.

"I knew it. My Aria is always so understanding."

His voice grew gentle.

"Be good, don't make a fuss. Once Selene gets through her checkup safely, I'll take you for the marking ceremony right after. How does that sound?"