Chapter 2

My mate, my Alpha, stood in the room we’d prepared for our mating ceremony, holding Sandy tight.

Mike had his arms around her from behind, his voice deep and tender. “If you want me, I’ll leave Lizzy for you. I’ll make you my mate.”

My head spun. My legs gave out, and I fell. It took me a minute to notice—my high heels were soaked in blood.

These shoes were Mike’s engagement gift.

I loved them, even though they were a size too small, leaving my feet raw and sore with every step I took.

Three seconds of thought was all it took. I kicked them off and chucked them straight at the window.

Two sharp gasps echoed from inside. I smiled—a bitter, tired smile.

Shoes that pinch, no matter how fair, were never meant to be worn.

Love that wounds, no matter how deep, is never meant to be borne.

I’ve finally made up my mind to leave the Alpha I loved for ten years.

Even so, our mating ceremony—the very one I’d spent a decade dreaming of, the grand, glorious gala meant for fated werewolf lovers—was fated to unfold before the eyes of all.

Every detail of it was shaped by my own hands.

I will not let everything I’ve poured my soul into become their spoils.

After weighing it carefully, I choose to wait… and bide my time.

Once the ceremony day arrives, I will ensure the disgrace of this hypocrite Alpha and my venomous stepsister echoes through every pack.

Let them all remember what happens when betrayal wears a crown.

Yet even as the vow formed in my heart, my eyes betrayed me.

I tried to pretend I didn’t care, yet I couldn’t help but watch and listen to Mike and Sandy again.

In the video Sandy seemed a little drunk, her cheeks flushed, her whole body exuding a seductive aura as she sprawled openly on the couch.

Only moments ago, Mike had scolded me for drinking inelegantly, yet now he was leaning over Sandy with concern, helping her unbutton her stained shirt.

Sandy tilted her head and pressed her hand over his.

“Are you really going to marry Lizzy?”

Mike didn’t seem annoyed at all. Still gentle, he cupped Sandy’s face tenderly, gazing at her with deep affection.

A smug smile spread across Sandy’s lips. “I knew it. You’re only with her to spite me.”

“All these years, you never forgot me. This room was decorated to my taste, the ring was chosen according to my style, even the high heels she’s wearing were the ones I didn’t want.”

As she spoke, Sandy rested her hand teasingly on Mike’s chest and let out a light, taunting laugh.

“You’ve always loved me.”

Watching them, I bit down hard on my lip to keep from making a sound.

My heart was being torn to pieces.

The most painful part was that I already knew the truth, yet a part of me still hoped Mike would change his mind at the last moment.

The next second.

Mike, who’d stayed quiet as a shadow till this moment, crashed his lips onto Sandy’s in a brutal, bruising kiss, pouring into it every last shred of love he’d locked away for her.

I couldn’t take it anymore. My whole body trembled, tears bursting forth uncontrollably.

I remembered all those times over our ten years together when I tried to kiss Mike, and he would always turn his head away. I thought it was shyness.

Turns out, he was saving all his passion for Sandy.

My wolf stirred again, claws digging hard into the ground, the pain so intense it nearly stole my breath.

Perhaps affected by my emotions, my scent fluctuated noticeably. Mike seemed to finally sense something was off.

Just as I was about to leave, heartbroken, Mike suddenly appeared behind me and called my name.