Claimed but Never Marked

After finalizing the last details of my departure, I hung up.

My request to leave the pack would kick in two days later. By then, I'd be long gone, starting over where no one knew my name.

Sam's scent — fresh like cut grass — floated through the door.

I looked up and met his soft gaze.

"Who were you talking to?"

"A friend. Just random stuff," I said, forcing a smile.

He kissed my forehead, voice sweet like always. "Caught a moose in Dark Forest this morning. Saved the best part — the heart — for you. Wanna try it?"

For five years, Sam had treated me like I was everything.

Everyone said the Obsidian Pack's Alpha heir was the most devoted wolf around.

They didn't know the truth.

Sam only gave me a grand mating ceremony.

He never marked me.

I never cared. Until now.

Now it was obvious — he saved the mark for Lily.

I thought I lived in love.

Turned out, it was just a fake dream Sam built to shield her.

Sam brushed his hand down my back.

"White Rose Pack's throwing a banquet tomorrow for Lily. She's pregnant with a pup and got picked as a Chief Healer candidate. You don't have to go. I'll take your gift."

I opened my mouth. "The Chief Healer election—"

Sam cut me off, voice soft but solid.

"The election will wear you out. Don't join. You said you wanted a pup, right? Better to stay home and get your body ready."

I shut my mouth, choking down the bitterness crawling up my throat.

We'd been together for years, and I'd never carried his pup.

I used to think it was fate.

Now I knew better — Sam never wanted it.

He didn't want me running in that election because he didn't want me in Lily's way. Again.

He pulled me into his arms, clueless that my heart had already hit rock bottom.

"Day after tomorrow's our five-year anniversary," he said. "Got a gift for you. But here's an early one."

He handed me a bouquet of lilies.

"Your favorite lilies. Happy early birthday!"

I stared at the flowers.

The sweet smell I used to love now felt like a noose tightening around my throat.

Every celebration, he'd given me lilies.

Only now did it hit me — lilies weren't for me.

They were Lily's favorite.

His blessings were never mine.

"Will you be with me on my birthday?" I asked, careful.

He nodded.

"Of course. My Any's the most important."

I looked up and smiled, meeting his adoring eyes.

His act was flawless. Five years, and he never once slipped.

All for Lily.

That night, I couldn't sleep.

When I rolled over, I accidentally knocked his wolf fang bracelet off the nightstand.

I picked it up, something catching my eye.

I held it closer.

Each bead was carved with Lily's name.

In that moment, whatever was left of my hope for Sam disappeared.