Chapter 3: The Day My World Broke

Lexy’s POV

It was the weekend, and only two days were left until I would officially be marked and mated. I couldn't stop smiling.

Today, I had work to do at the pack house to earn some extra cash. Even though Leo told me I didn't need to work since I would soon be Luna, I didn't want to let Kathryn down by leaving her short-staffed—especially with a neighboring Alpha visiting. Kathryn had always been nothing but kind to me, and I wanted to repay her kindness.

I quickly dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, tied my unruly curls into a messy bun, and ran downstairs to make breakfast. I whipped up pancakes, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and bacon, humming and dancing to the beat as I worked.

Breakfast was ready, and everyone came down in their pajamas to eat.

"Any reason to be so hyper this morning?" Samantha joked, still half-asleep, as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Nothing special. I just need to get to the pack house—lots of work to do before the Alpha's visit."

"Damn," my dad muttered. "Ellie, we need to go entertain the guests today." He sighed and then playfully hugged my stepmother. "I'd rather be snuggling in bed with you." She giggled and kissed his nose.

Soon, Leo and I will have moments like that, I thought dreamily.

"Hey, why do you look like you're swimming in the clouds?" my dad asked.

"I'm just excited about being admitted to art school," I said, thrilled. I still needed to discuss with Leo how I would balance my studies with my future Luna duties.

"Ah, what?" my dad grumbled in disappointment. "I see you still haven't let go of that stupid idea."

"What are your plans for today, Samy?" he asked, flashing her the brightest smile—a smile he never gave me.

"I'll stop by the pack house and then check out cars with Jannet," she replied, chewing on her pancake.

Our dad had promised her a new car for graduation. Of course, I got no gift. "No achievements, no gift," as he liked to say. It didn't matter that I was the best in my class; it still wasn't enough for him.

"Want to ride with me to the pack house?" my sister asked unexpectedly. We'd never been close—we were too different. There was no hatred between us, but no warm sisterhood either.

"No, thank you. I'll walk. I need to leave now anyway," I replied, grabbing my bag.

"Okay. I'll take my time getting ready. I might bump into Leo, so I need to look my best. He still doesn't have a mate, so who knows—maybe I'll get lucky," she said, smiling dreamily.

"You would make an excellent Luna," Elizabeth said proudly.

I knew Samantha had a crush on Leo. I wanted to scream that he already had a mate—that it was me. But instead, I quietly left the house. Soon, they would all know the truth.

At the pack house, the Omegas were running around, trying to make everything perfect for the visiting Alpha.

"Lexy, good that you're here on time. Things are hectic. Please bring fresh juice to the guest room—the Alpha's daughter is waiting," Kathryn instructed.

I placed a glass of juice on a tray and headed to the guest room.

After a soft knock, the door opened, and a furious young woman in a short, barely-there dress snatched the glass from my tray, spilling a few drops.

"You're fucking useless," she snapped. "You almost spilled it on my dress! Do you know how much this costs? First, I wait forever for a simple glass of juice, and then some clumsy cow shows up who can't even handle a basic task!"

I was shocked by her outburst but didn't want to argue.

"I'm sorry. Do you need anything else?"

"Not from you, that's for sure. Get out—and I don't want to see your face again," she said, slamming the door in my face.

Spoiled brat, I thought, but I refused to let her ruin my mood.

Kathryn asked me to fold napkins and help with other preparations for lunch.

"Oh my," Kathryn exclaimed, hitting her forehead. "With all this chaos, I forgot—Lexy, can you collect the laundry from Alpha Leo's room?"

"Of course," I replied eagerly. Maybe he'd be there, and I'd get to see him, even for just five minutes. Even a glimpse of his smile would be enough to carry me through the day.

My heart fluttered with anticipation as I headed toward his room. In two days, I wouldn't have to steal these little moments anymore. No more secrets, no more pretending. I would walk beside him, his mark on my neck, and no one would ever call me useless again.

I reached his door and was about to knock—when I froze.

"Harder, Alpha. Fuck me harder. Yes, just like that."

A woman's voice.

I stumbled back, hitting the wall behind me. My heart was racing, my ears ringing as blood pounded through my veins. My vision blurred, my knees buckled, and I slid down to the floor.

No. It has to be a mistake. It's not him. It can't be him.

I wanted to believe—needed to believe—that Leo wasn't the one inside the room with her. I clung to hope like a drowning woman.

My hands wouldn't stop shaking. Three days ago, he'd held me by the river and promised me forever. I thought of his lips at my throat, grazing the spot where his mark would be. Of every whispered promise. He chose me. He said I was his.

Maybe it was a guest. Maybe one of the warriors had brought a girl here. Maybe it was anyone—anyone else in the world.

Yet deep down, my heart already knew. That pull in my chest—the one that always told me when he was near, the one humming like a second heartbeat—was screaming.

Please, Moon Goddess. Please don't let it be him.

But I had to know.

I forced myself to stand, taking a deep, shaky breath, gathering every ounce of courage I had. Trembling, I pushed open the door.

What I saw shattered my heart into a thousand pieces.