CHAPTER 2

ANNA

My heart sank like a stone dropped into a still pond, ripples of pain spreading through my chest. I took a deep, shaky breath and squeezed my eyes shut, clinging to a fragile hope.

This had to be a dream—a cruel, fleeting nightmare that would dissolve if I waited just a moment longer.

But when I opened my eyes, the scene remained unchanged. Ryder and Enid were still tangled together, their bodies pressed close on the silky blue sheets, and worse, they were staring at me with a mix of amusement and disbelief, as if I were the one who’d lost her mind.

“R-Ryder,” I stammered, my voice trembling like a leaf in the wind.

“What… what is this?”

Enid let out a soft, mocking chuckle, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulder as she propped herself up on one elbow.

“What does it look like, Anna? Or did you pick up those thrift-store glasses to match your gown?”

Her tone was honeyed venom, dripping with condescension.

I glanced down at my beautiful red dinner gown, the fabric that had felt like a princess’s attire just moments ago now seeming like tattered rags under her gaze.

My hands instinctively smoothed over the material, as if I could restore its magic.

“At least you got to share him with me for a little while,” Enid continued with a careless shrug, her lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“That has to count for something, don’t you think?”

My ears perked up, confusion swirling in my mind as I tried to decipher her words. “I… I don’t understand,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Enid sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes as if I were a child who couldn’t grasp a simple lesson.

“Ugh, take a good look at yourself, Anna. I don’t mean in that thrift gown—which, admittedly, is a step up from your usual school outfit. I mean, look at you on a regular day.

You’re always dressed like my grandma—oversized purple sweater, that extra-long green skirt. Your hand shoots up in Chemistry class every time a question’s asked! And let’s not forget, you’re the daughter of the Pack’s plumber. Your dad’s hands are covered in… well, you know. Why would the Alpha’s son ever want someone like you for real?”

I stood frozen, her words lashing at me like a whip. Each syllable stung, chipping away at the fragile confidence I’d built over two years with Ryder.

My throat tightened as Enid pressed on, her voice gaining a cruel edge.

“I needed help with my Chemistry project,” she said, her smile turning sly.

“So I told Ryder to find me a worthy little helper. He wasn’t great at biology either, and thanks to you, he aced his exam. You were the perfect prey, Anna—eager, trusting, and oh-so-easy to use.”

My heart shattered, the pieces tumbling into a dark abyss as memories flooded back. The countless nights I’d stayed up late, poring over textbooks with Ryder and Enid, laughing over equations, feeling like part of something special.

Tears welled in my eyes, spilling over as the painful truth sank in—I’d been a tool, discarded like trash when my usefulness ended.

Ryder Willson never loved me. His promises to announce me as his mate were empty, a cruel game. His friends must have known, the whole school likely whispering behind my back while I basked in my naive bliss.

The tears streamed down my cheeks, hot and unstoppable, as Ryder and Enid watched from the bed, their expressions indifferent.

Ryder chuckled, a sound that twisted the knife deeper.

“It’s not that deep, Anna. But let’s be honest—the moon goddess must’ve made a mistake with our mating bond. I mean, you’re 21 and still don’t have your wolf! That’s ridiculous. You’re weak, Anna. I can’t believe you thought I’d stick with you, even if fate picked you.”

I glared at him through my tears, my voice breaking as I pleaded, “Please, Ryder, don’t do this to me. Don’t break me like this.”

He chuckled again, a cold, detached sound, before delivering the words I’d dreaded my entire life.

“I, Alpha Ryder Willson of the Willow-Hills Pack, reject you, Anna Moon.”

His eyes locked onto mine, expectant, and I knew what I had to do. My voice was a whisper, raw with pain.

“I, Anna Moon of the Willow-Hills Pack, accept your rejection.”

The bond snapped like a brittle thread, the warmth I’d cherished for two years vanishing in an instant.

A hollow ache filled my chest where our connection had been, leaving me adrift. Without another word, I spun around and fled the room, tears blurring my vision as I stumbled down the stairs.

I would have run all the way home, my heart pounding with every step, if Louisa hadn’t spotted me.

“Hey, slow down, girl!” she called, rushing to my side and grabbing my arm to stop me.

“Where do you think you’re going?"

She noticed the tears streaming down my face and spun around, her eyes scanning for danger.

“What’s wrong, Anna?” she frowned, her voice softening. “Talk to me."

“Ryder,” I sobbed, the name tasting bitter on my tongue. “And Enid."

“What’s up with Ryder?” she pressed, her brow furrowing with concern.

“We… we were never dating,” I stuttered, the words tumbling out between sobs. “He used me.”

The memories of those sleepless nights—helping with projects, believing in our future—flashed through my mind, each one a dagger to my soul.

Louisa’s fingers clenched into fists, her fangs baring as a low growl rumbled in her throat.

“I swear I’ll crack that bastard’s skull,” she snarled, starting toward the stairs with fierce determination.

I grabbed her arm, pulling her back despite knowing she couldn’t stand against Ryder’s strength.

“It’s fine,” I muttered, my voice shaky.

“You don’t have to.”

“No, it’s not fine,” she scoffed, her eyes blazing. “And he’s not even that handsome anyway.”

Her comment brought a faint, warm smile to my lips. Of course, Ryder Willson was the most handsome guy in the pack—Louisa was just trying to lift my spirits, and it worked, if only a little.

“Thank you, Louisa,” I managed, wiping my tears.

She took my hand, her grip firm and reassuring, and led me out of the lodge, away from the party’s cruel laughter.

“Where are you taking me?” I whined, my legs feeling heavy.

“Away from the worst set of people at our school,” she grunted with a determined nod.

“We’re going to have some real fun, trust me.”

I followed her lead, crossing the road as the cool night air brushed against my tear-streaked face.

The party’s noise faded behind us, replaced by the soft hum of the town at night. Eventually, she halted at the glass door of a bar, its neon sign casting a warm glow.

She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Ready for the best night of your life?”

Before I could protest, she grabbed my arm and pulled me inside. The bar was alive with soft jazz, the clink of glasses, and the murmur of voices.

We slid onto stools at the bartender’s counter, and I watched, surprised, as Louisa ordered a shot.

“Just one to start,” she winked at me.

In a few minutes, we’d gulped down enough to make my head spin, the alcohol warming my chest and loosening my limbs.

The floor seemed to sway beneath me, and every whispered joke from Louisa sent me into fits of cackling laughter.

“You’re a terrible influence,” I giggled, leaning against her.

She beckoned the bartender with a sly grin, whispering something in his ear. He nodded, understanding her intent, and tapped my arm gently.

“This way, ma’am,” he said with a kind smile.

“Where are you taking me?” I mumbled, turning to Louisa with a dazed expression.

“Where’s he taking me?”

“Somewhere you can relax your nerves,” she whispered back, her voice soothing.

“Come on, follow him. You deserve a break.”

“This is a bad idea,” I slurred, my speech thick with drink.

“You always have bad ideas.”

The bartender helped me to my feet, his grip steady as he led me through a maze of interconnecting rooms.

The walls blurred past, adorned with soft lighting and framed artwork I couldn’t focus on.

Finally, he stopped at a door and handed me a note and a few dollar bills.

“Just knock twice,” he instructed before disappearing down the hall.

I hesitated, the note crinkling in my hand, my mind too foggy to process. Just as I decided to knock, a wave of exhaustion crashed over me. My legs gave out, and the last thing I remembered was the cold floor rushing up to meet me.

The faint sunlight seeping through the curtains roused me the next morning, a gentle intruder piercing the haze of my hangover.

My head throbbed, a dull ache pulsing behind my eyes. I glanced down, noticing I was draped in an oversized brown pajama set that definitely wasn’t mine.

Panic fluttered in my chest as the realization hit—I never made it home! I stared into space, piecing together the fragmented memories.

The heartbreak at Ryder’s party, the bar with Louisa, the shots… and then nothing.

How did I end up here? The room was unfamiliar, with its cream walls and plush carpet, a stark contrast to my modest home.

As I struggled to sit up, male voices drifted from the balcony, low and melodic. I sprang from the bed just as the adjoining door swung open, and I froze, my breath catching at the sight before me.

There stood the Winterveil quadruplets—Liam, Tyler, Kyle, and Henry—sons of the Alpha of the Winterveil Pack and stars of their school’s hockey team, the very team Willow-Hills High would face in the finals later today.

Their devilishly handsome faces, framed by tousled hair and sharp jawlines, seemed almost unreal.

Liam’s dark eyes sparkled with mischief, Tyler’s smirk hinted at secrets, Kyle’s quiet intensity drew me in, and Henry’s warm smile softened the group.

They were a vision, each one a perfect blend of strength and charm.

Then, a sharp, musky scent wafted through the air, rich and intoxicating.

My legs turned to jelly as the truth dawned—these were my second-chance mates.

The moon goddess, in her infinite wisdom, had chosen the notorious Winterveil quadruplets, the pack’s most infamous casanovas, known for breaking hearts in their brief time here.

I stumbled back, clutching the drawer for support, my heart racing.

“I can’t do this!” I cried, my voice cracking. “I can’t!”

The brothers exchanged glances, a slow, amused smile spreading across their faces as if they relished the effect they had on me. Liam stepped forward, his voice smooth as honey.

“Do what, Anna?”

“I can’t have you as my mates!” I exclaimed, tears prickling my eyes.

“I, Anna Moon of the Willow-Hills Pack, reject all four of you as my mates!”

Their expressions hardened, a flicker of surprise crossing their features—perhaps the first time they’d faced rejection. Liam shrugged, his tone casual yet firm.

“And we happily accept your rejection.”

I stared at them, disbelief washing over me.

“You accept it?” I whispered. “Then why am I here?”

Kyle tilted his head, his voice gentle.

“We found you outside, Anna. With a note and a few dollar bills.”

“A… a note?” I stuttered, my mind scrambling.

“Yes,” Tyler chimed in, his smirk softening.

“It said, ‘I want you to help me forget him.’”

Heat flooded my cheeks as the missing pieces clicked into place. Louisa’s jokes, the bartender’s guidance, my drunken fall—it all made sense.

To help me forget Ryder, she’d tried to set me up, not with just anyone, but with these legendary quadruplets! I gasped, mortified by what I might have consented to in my haze. Glancing down, I noticed my pajamas, and Liam chuckled.

“Well, we just had a few make-out sessions,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “So if you’re wondering, it’s yes and no. Nothing more happened.”

My face burned with embarrassment.

“Do you care to know which one of us you flirted with?” Tyler teased, his eyes twinkling.

“No!” I snapped, my voice firm despite my flush. “It happened because I wasn’t in my right mind. I don’t want any of this getting out. I’ve had enough scandals. I’ll be leaving now. Thank you.”

“Not yet,” Tyler growled softly, stepping closer. My heart skipped a beat.

“A proposal?” I frowned, my curiosity piqued despite myself.

Liam’s low chuckle filled the room.

“Yes, of course. We want you to be our fake date for the rest of our stay in willow-high”