Chapter 1 Wedding or Masquerade

Caroline's POV

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress one last time. The champagne-colored gown hugged my curves perfectly, and my hair was styled into an elegant updo that showed off the gentle line of my neck.

Tonight, Marcus said he had something important to announce at the pack gathering.

Four years. We'd been together since high school. Even though I was a scentless wolf, Marcus never seemed to care. He always told me my kindness and heart mattered more than any scent ever could.

"You look stunning, Carrie," Eleanor, my best friend and our Alpha's daughter, said from behind me.

"Marcus is already waiting in the Pack Hall. Everyone's there." She walked over to fix the hem of my dress. "As your bestie, I have to be your maid of honor."

"It has to be you!" I said with a smile.

I took a deep breath, steadying the nerves and hope fluttering inside me.

After tonight, I'd officially be Marcus's mate. We would complete the bonding ritual and make our eternal vow.

The Pack Hall was glowing with light. Every member of the pack was gathered there—my parents, cousins, and elders.

I smiled as I walked through the crowd, searching for Marcus.

Suddenly, the sea of people parted.

And there Marcus was, kneeling in the center of the hall.

My heart skipped a beat... but froze the next second.

Because standing in front of him... was my cousin, Selina.

"My dearest Selina," Marcus said softly, eyes full of emotion, "will you be my mate? Will you accept this ring as a symbol of loyalty between wolves, and be bound to me forever?"

I stood frozen, watching the sparkling diamond slide onto Selina's finger.

Applause and cheers erupted all around us, but it felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head.

"Marcus..." I choked out. "Marcus, we're mates. We've been together for four years."

The hall fell into stunned silence.

Marcus stood, and Selina proudly clung to his arm.

"Mates?" Selina laughed with mockery. "Carrie, you never completed the mating ritual. And by pack law, an unmarked bond can still be rejected."

Then Marcus finally looked at me, his eyes colder than I'd ever seen.

"I'm sorry, Caroline," he said. "But Selina's a better fit. She doesn't have your... issues. We're getting married next week."

And then, in front of the entire pack, he spoke the words that shattered me.

"I, Marcus Larson, reject you, Caroline Bennett, as my mate."

The moment the words left his lips, pain exploded in my chest like a blade being driven straight through my heart.

I gasped, stumbling back as a burning ache tore through me. Rory howled inside me—a sound of heartbreak, of unbearable loss.

It wasn't just emotional. It was physical. Every nerve in my body screamed as the mate bond shattered.

My knees buckled. I barely kept myself upright.

Whispers filled the hall.

"She's scentless. No wonder..."

"Poor girl... she never stood a chance."

I couldn't breathe. My vision blurred.

But I wouldn't fall. Not in front of them. Not in front of him.

I turned and ran, heart pounding, throat tight, Rory thrashing inside me in agony.

My mother's voice called after me, but I couldn't stop.

I needed to get away before the pain drowned me completely.

After Marcus rejected me at the proposal, I felt like I'd lost my soul. Every day after work, I'd cry myself to sleep. Even in class, tears would come without warning. Four years of love, so easily thrown away by him.

One afternoon, I came home from work to find a pale pink envelope on the kitchen table—Selina and Marcus's wedding invitation.

My heart twisted. "They actually sent this?" I asked.

"It's only proper. Your father and I think you should attend," my mother said gently.

"I will never go to that bitch's wedding!" I shouted.

"Caroline Bennett, watch your language!" my father growled.

"I said I'm not going," I repeated.

"Enough, Caroline. Stop being so childish," my mother snapped. "Poor Selina. It was Marcus who pursued her. Everyone in the pack already knows he cheated. People are already calling Selina a homewrecker who stole her cousin's mate."

"Oh, Mom, because that's exactly what she is! Don't act like she's the victim."

I lost my patience. "Everyone in the pack knows Selina's nothing but a slut."

"Don't be that rude," my father interrupted. "After you stormed out that day, Eleanor slapped both Marcus and Selina in front of the whole pack. It turned into a public scene."

"Selina is pack family," Mother continued. "She's my sister's daughter. Your cousin. You will attend her wedding."

"She's nothing to me!" I snapped. "I'm not going!"

Rory whimpered in my mind. They can't seriously force us to go... can they?

Father's Beta presence pressed down. "That's an order. We're your parents and you will obey."

"I'm sorry, Dad, but I won't." I clenched my teeth. "I've always followed your rules. I've trained, worked hard, made you proud. But this? I can't do it. They humiliated me. And now you want me to smile and clap while they get celebrated? You're making me a joke in front of the entire pack!"

"Enough!" my father roared. Rory and I both flinched. "You will attend that wedding. That's final."

"But Dad—"

"Not another word! Pack unity comes first. You're going. Period."

I cried myself to sleep.

The next day, I sent a mind-link to Eleanor, and she said, "Next Friday is the Alpha's formal dinner, followed by the Moonlight Masquerade Ball. You can go to that instead of your cousin's wedding. It's the biggest event of the year for the Blood Moon Pack. Every major werewolf entrepreneur and heir will be there. Our professor even offered to introduce us. It's perfect for your career."

I hesitated. "My parents will never agree."

"Leave it to me," Eleanor said confidently. "I'll handle everything. You just need to come with me."

The thought of standing there, watching the two people who betrayed me stand at the altar and promise forever, while I was expected to smile and bless them?

I would rather die than attend their wedding.

"I'll come," I told Eleanor.

By Friday, we were at her place, getting ready for the ball.

"Wow, girl! You look absolutely stunning!" Eleanor handed me a silver-white mask, detailed with delicate lace. I slipped it on.

The off-shoulder lavender dress hugged my figure, and the mask matched perfectly.

"Ready?" she asked, grinning.

I hesitated. "Yes, but Elle, you know I don't have a scent. What if someone notices?"

"Don't worry," she said, handing me a tiny glass vial. "It's a special perfume. It mimics a wolf's scent. No one will notice."

I took the bottle, still unsure. "Are you sure this works?"

"Trust me, Caroline. Tonight is your chance. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet your fated mate." She winked.

I sprayed the perfume on my neck and took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's go."