Chapter 3

Logan stared directly into his eyes for a long, quiet moment before his lips curled into a disdainful smirk. “Of course.”

It was the first time I had ever seen Logan look so fiercely aggressive.

Leaning against the wall back in the corridor, a wave of confusion washed over me. In my memory, he had always been stern and unsmiling. He had also been the most vocal opponent of Toby and me dating, which had led me to believe he simply despised an Omega like me.

Yet recently, I had witnessed far too many unusual expressions and choices from him. He had even broken his own strict rules just to accommodate his brother’s absurd request, forcing the two of us together.

What exactly was his purpose?

Before I could wrap my head around it, Logan stepped out from the restroom corridor and caught me. The next second, he pressed me flat against the wall, catching my lips in a deep, sweeping kiss.

I tried to turn my head away, but his grip remained unyielding, locking me firmly against his chest. By the time he finally released me, my head was spinning, and I could only look up at him in a daze.

He let out a low, breathless chuckle, his hand rising to gently caress my cheek. “See? We just took another step forward. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get reacquainted with me.”

Right then, loud cheers erupted from outside the resort.

Logan took my hand and led me into the center of the crowd. Under the glow of the brilliant moonlight, countless fireflies rose from the grass, dotting the landscape around a waterfall that cascaded down like pure silk. It was exceptionally romantic.

Chloe squealed with delight, kissing Toby on the cheek. “Thank you, darling! This is the absolute best anniversary gift I’ve ever received!”

Her eyes darted over, catching sight of me, and her brows arched maliciously. “Serena, Toby and I want to film an anniversary vlog to post online. Come over here and record it for us!”

I knew exactly what she was trying to do. On my actual anniversary, she wanted me to act as the camerawoman to document my own boyfriend’s infidelity, then broadcast it to the world to make me a public laughingstock. The irony was suffocating.

Toby’s expression faltered. “Let’s not. Maybe we should find someone with better camera skills…”

“No way!” Seeing that I hadn’t moved an inch, Chloe pouted unhappily and thrust the phone directly toward my face. “Serena is my absolute best friend. She deserves to witness my happiness!”

My fists clenched tightly at my sides. But before I could take a step, Logan strode forward, snatched the phone right out of her hand, and tossed it carelessly to the ground.

“My girlfriend came out here to enjoy a romantic evening,” Logan declared, his voice cutting through the air like ice. “She isn’t here to serve as your personal photographer.”

Chloe’s eyes immediately welled with angry tears, prompting Toby to jump to her defense. “Logan, come on. We were just asking Serena for a small favor…”

“Stop.” Logan cut him off instantly. He pulled me securely against his side and flashed an elegant, lethal smile. “We refuse.”

I could distinctly hear the sound of Toby grinding his teeth. With a freezing expression, he turned on his heel and stormed away.

Logan let out a quiet, knowing chuckle, then leaned down to ask if I could grab him a glass of champagne from the bar.

On my way back, I once again crossed paths with the two brothers holding a private conversation.

“Logan, I never realized you were such a fantastic actor,” Toby sneered. “You’re playing the part so well it almost looks real.”

Logan didn’t answer right away. He took his time pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. “You and Chloe seem to be getting along great. She really seems to suit you.”

“Yeah, Chloe is way more fun and romantic than Serena,” Toby admitted readily. “Being with her makes me feel like I’ve rediscovered the raw passion I had back when Serena and I first started dating.”

“If that’s the case, why not just take this opportunity to stay with Chloe permanently? After all, didn’t you use to complain constantly that Serena was boring and always clinging to you?”

Toby laughed. “Serena and I have years of history together; that doesn’t just vanish. I’m not going to break up with her. Besides, the witch prophesied that my fated mate would only ever be Serena.”

“As for Chloe, she already told me she doesn’t care about a permanent outcome; she just wants to have a good time with me. That suits my needs perfectly.” Toby paused, giving a condescending shrug. “But you’re twenty and haven’t even claimed a mate yet, Logan. You wouldn’t understand.”

Logan blew out a smooth ring of smoke. “Only true devotion earns you a genuine mate.” He locked his gaze onto Toby, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Haven’t you heard? Fated mates can change.”