Chapter 1

Aurelia’s POV

“I’m cancelling.”

“What?” My boss, Dominic, barked through the phone. “How can you cancel a meeting with the newly appointed Alpha King?”

“I have an important place to be at,” I replied, the corners of my lips tucking into a smile.

Being his bride. I’ll be his wife in a fucking hour.

“Aurelia, I swear to the goddess, if you don’t fly back to California right now…” Before my boss could complete his sentence, I ended the call.

Dominic wasn’t going to kill me. I was too valuable for him to fire me as well.

Besides, it was too late. There was no turning back the moment I wore my white dress in the airport restroom and pinned my veil in the taxi. Actually… there was never a turning back.

I was finally getting married to Axel.

Ten years. It had been ten years since I first saw him, since my heart decided it belonged to him.

I still remembered that day, the way his family came to visit, the way he stood beside his father in a crisp white shirt and black pants, his hair slicked with gel, his blue tie matching the bright spark in his eyes. It was love at first sight.

I’d overheard the elders talking that day, signing a deal that Axel and I would be mated once the time was right. I remember the way my heart nearly burst from my chest.

And now, the time was finally right.

I’d graduated from college, secured a stable job at one of the biggest law firms in New York, and Axel was ready to take over as Alpha of his pack.

He needs a Luna and I’m his destined Luna.

“We’ve arrived, ma’am,” the driver announced.

I stared out the window. From a distance, I could already spot some familiar cars parked outside the garden, the place where I’m to be mated with Axel.

Excitedly, I peered through the window, searching for Axel’s car, but I couldn’t catch it.

I stepped out of the cab, smoothing the hem of my dress. My veil, pinned neatly into my hair, fluttered in the light breeze as I walked into the garden, imagining the look on Axel’s face when he’d see me.

“Oh, our busy bride, the greatest layer, is finally here.” A familiar sneer carried through the garden. My stepsister Julie’s voice.

She wore a silver dress, looking as grand as if she were the bride today. Father and my stepmother had truly spoiled her.

I took a deep breath; none of this matters.

I wasn’t going to let her ruin my day.

With a smile, I walked into the small crowd gathered for our mating ceremony, greeting people as I passed until I reached the three elders.

“Thank you for your presence,” I said, bowing low before turning to scan the crowd.

But even after scanning every face, the one I hoped to see wasn't there.

No Axel. No sign of his family.

“Aurelia, where is Alpha Axel?” My stepmother, Jayne, asked, stepping closer in her silk white dress. “It isn’t nice to keep the elders waiting under the scorching sun.” She added, her voice filled with mockery.

“He’s on his way,” I replied. Harshly.

I checked my phone. I had texted to tell him how excited I was to be seeing him at our mating ceremony, and he responded over an hour ago. “Me too, I’m close to the venue.”

My chest tightened as I dialled his number, a wave of uneasiness washing over me. For years now, I’ve envisioned how this ceremony would go and how perfect it would be to be his bride. It can’t go wrong.

“Hey,” he answered on the first ring, his voice flat, almost impatient.

“Axe,” I bit my lip. “I’m at the garden. Where are... ”

“I’ll be there soon. Wait for me.”He cut me off.

“How soon…”

The line went dead.

“Aurelia, your father isn’t pleased with whatever is happening,” my stepmother Jayne nagged as I scoffed. He couldn’t even be here in person so who was he to talk?

“He’s on his way,” I said again but this time through a clenched jaw.

I forced a smile, pretending to be calm while my heart thudded painfully. Axel’s house was only thirty minutes away. He should have been here by now.

The sun burned into dusk, hours slipping by without a single word from him.

My calls went unanswered. My texts stayed on single ticks. A wave of unease crawled through me. Then came Julie's voice, sharp and mocking. Annoying.

“Hey,” she sneered, arms crossed. “He’s not coming, is he?”

I met her grin with a scoff. "Don't look so happy, Julie, he still won't look in your direction even if you begged him on your knees."

Her smile froze instantly, anger flaring on her blotchy face with too much foundation.

Guests started leaving. The elders’ glares burned into my skin. My stepmother rushed to them, whispering excuses, while I sat still, staring at my phone.

I dialed again. No response. Again. Still nothing.

Why aren’t you answering your phone, Axel? Where the hell are you?

My phone beeped. A message. Relief rushed through me until I saw it wasn’t from Axel.

It was a strange number.

A video.

I bit my bottom lip, curiously clicking on the play button.

The dim screen flickered. A low sound came through the speaker. Breathing harshly. Kissing. My blood ran cold.

His voice. Axel’s voice.

"You're so fucking tight!" Axel groaned out as he thrusted into his adoptive sister. "God! Charlotte, I fucking love you!"

"Then what about Aurelia?" Axel paused for a second after hearing my name, then thrust into Charlotte even harder.

“Ah.” A soft moan followed, her moan.

"Don't mention that workaholic bitch. Such a buzzkill." His words of disdain tore at my heart.

The sheets rustled. His breath hitched against her skin. The slapping sounds of their skin, his husky groans as he passionately wrapped his arms around her waist.

No.

My stomach twisted. My hands trembled so hard I almost dropped the phone.

It can’t be.

Tears welled up in my eyes, my throat burned as I bit my lip to prevent the tears from falling. It can’t be him. It just can’t be.

“Oh Axel.” She moaned, his name rolling off her tongue, mixed with her high-pitched voice.

My breath hitched. I exited the video in an instant.

I was so foolish. I should have noticed Axel’s unusual fondness of Charlotte.

Five years ago, Charlotte left the pack and I thought my suspicion was wrong.

How foolish I’d been.

Ripping off my veil, I tore away the heavy train of my gown. The sacred silk shredded beneath my fingers, falling like snow to the forest floor.

My vision blurred as I rushed out of the garden, struggling to keep my composure while gasping to feed my knotted lungs some air.

Who the fuck is this. I texted back.

Find out here.

An address followed.

***

Davenport Private Hospital.

My feet moved before my mind caught up. I didn’t know how I got there. I only knew I had to see.

Outside the door with my stained white dress, their voices reached me. Familiar, cruel, unashamed.

“That law bitch must still be standing at City Hall like a lost puppy,” someone laughed.

“Please no…” My stomach twisted at the sound of Charlotte’s voice, weak and soft. “I already feel so bad for ruining Axel’s wedding.”

“I hope you’re not upset with me,” she sniffled.

“Don’t ever say that” Axel coaxed in a gentle tone I had never heard before.“You’re worth more than any wedding.”

The words stung like a thousand wasps buried in my skin.

“Yes, Charlotte,” another voice chimed in. “You should be Luna, not that pompous lawyer.”

My fist clenched so tight my nails cut into my palms. My heart pounded against my ribs.

How could he? After everything? After all those years of promises and plans?

I pushed the door open.

Silence. Every head turned. Charlotte’s eyes went wide, her lips parting. Axel froze, his arms still loosely around her.

“Why are you here?” he asked, slowly letting her go, his brows knitting together in fury. “I told you to wait, didn’t I…”

“There’s no need for that anymore, Axel Davenport,” I said, cutting him off as I unclipped my veil and let it slide from my ponytail. “I’m done.”

“What are you talking about?”

“This wedding won’t be happening. I’ll respect your wish to remain a freak with your sister.”

“Aurelia Frost, watch your mouth!”

“Why?” I barked back. “I believe everyone here is well aware of what is going on between you two.”

“I’m so sorry, Aurelia” She whispered, eyes darting. “It’s all my fault. I had an accident when I arrived in New York, and Axel came to my rescue. I shouldn’t have gotten into that car…” A pitiful tear slid down her bitchy face.

I scoffed. My breath trembled.

Accident?

Does the accident include her fucking her foster brother, Axel?

My teeth clenched. “Don’t piss me off.” I hissed. Slid off the ring Axel had given me and tossed it.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Axel growled. His alpha aura dominated, but I refused to bow. “Apologise to Charlotte.”

“Yeah, just apologise and let Axel forgive you.” One of his friends spoke. “We all know you’ll come back begging like always, so what’s the drama for?”

I laughed.

“This pompous lawyer bitch,” I said, my voice breaking but steady enough to hurt, “is done with you, Axel Davenport.”