Chapter 1

"Ryan, babe, please, don't do this. Don't break up with me. We can make it work. We always have."

Ryan looked down while his jaw clenched. "It's not about us not working," he muttered. "I just... I have so much on my plate now, Sarah. Studies, research, the pack's expectations—"

"I can help," I cut his words and stepped a little closer. "You don't have to do it alone. We're a team, babe."

"You're an Omega, Sarah," he replied and that hurt more than I expected. "You don't have the same responsibilities as me. The same pressures."

"So what? Since when did being an omega make me... disposable?"

He massaged his temples. "It's not like that. I care about you, I always will. But right now, I need space to grow. Alone, Sarah."

"No, no, you don't get to say that after everything. After two years!" I could feel the tears flowing behind my eyes. "Tell me there's someone else, babe. Tell me you don't love me anymore, but don't lie and say it's just school and duty."

"I'm not lying," he clarified, and turned away. "Goodbye, Sarah. We're over."

"Ryan, baby, please don't leave me..."

Ryan didn't even stop from walking even though I knew that he heard my pleading. My legs and hands were trembling as I watched Ryan disappear in front of me.

Was it my fault that I was born a weak omega and not a strong werewolf that could give Ryan's needs?

After a few moments, I just started wiping my tears like I didn't go through the most painful break up and walked straight to the auditorium for the competition. Every student of Blakefield Academy had to attend the competition so I didn't have a choice but to show up.

When I arrived at the auditorium, the banners of Cardiology Team and Trauma Surgery Team fluttered as students and other faculties filled the bleachers.

I immediately found my seat beside Ashley and Sophia. My eyes were still puffy despite the makeup that I wore.

"Are you okay, girl?" Sophia asked.

"No," I hastily answered. "Ryan just dumped me a while ago. He said that he needed to focus on himself."

Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Wait, he just broke up with you? Out of nowhere?"

I nodded at them and heaved a deep sigh. "He said it's all about his studies and pack duties and all that. But I don't really believe him."

Sophia bit her lips. "Honestly, Sarah, maybe he's just not into relationships right now. Guys go through that phase where they think being alone will make them better."

"Sophia's right, girl." Ashley also agreed. "So don't sweat it. You're better off not clinging to someone who doesn't know what he wants."

"But I love him," I whispered.

"Girl, just ignore it," Sophia said. "Let's focus on the competition."

After a few minutes, the competition started but I didn't have the energy to cheer for our team. Ashley and Sophia started cheering loudly as Ryan's name was announced for the Cardiology Team. I didn't join them.

My eyes just wandered to the Trauma Surgery Team, where a tall, intense figure was standing. It was the team captain, Elias Northwood.

When the contest started, Ryan was precise but his moves were predictable. Elias, on the other hand, moved like a shadow. He was confident, daring, and efficient. His simulated surgical technique had the crowd gasping and cheering.

Maybe Ryan was affected because of us, that was why he was distracted?

Ugh! Stop overthinking things, Sarah.

On the other hand, I just caught myself smiling when Elias perfectly completed the vascular repair in record time.

Ashley nudged me. "Ugh, that Elias guy is such a show-off."

"Yeah," Sophia added. "Dangerous lone wolf type. He is probably so full of himself."

"Maybe that's what it takes to win," I muttered while still watching Elias as he accepted the trophy. Ryan was beside him but he didn't even make eye contact with me.

***

After the competition, I immediately went back to our apartment where I shared rooms with Ashley and Sophia.

I hastily sat on my bed and started scrolling through the photos on my phone. Ryan's smile was in every picture. Us at the lake. The winter bonfire. Our anniversary picnic.

My heart ached a lot.

How could he end things between us just as easily as that?

Maybe there's still a chance.

Maybe he was just confused and pressured...

I jumped up and immediately grabbed my coat, and left the apartment. I knew exactly where he would be. His favorite cafe on campus. He always went there when he was stressed.

When I arrived at the cafe, I slowly stepped inside and immediately froze. I saw Ryan sitting in the corner booth, too close to Regina. She was the campus belle who was also a pureblooded werewolf.

What the hell was happening?

Her hands rested lightly on Ryan's shoulders while her neck glowed faintly where the pack's scent mark was being applied to her.

And worse, I saw my friends, Ashley and Sophia there, watching, giggling, and supporting the both of them.

"Are you kidding me?"

Ryan looked at me with guilt flashing in his eyes.

"Sarah—"

"Don't. Just don't, Ryan." My voice cracked. "Is this why you broke up with me? So you could mark her without looking like a disgusting cheater?"

"Sarah, it's not what you think," Regina muttered while barely sparing me a glance. "This was bound to happen. We're mates. It's just nature."

"And you guys knew?" I turned to Ashley and Sophia while my heart was pounding. "You knew this would happen. And you just told me to ignore it?"

Ashley gently walked towards me. "We didn't want to hurt you, Sarah. But... Ryan and Regina are bonded. They were meant to be.”

Sophia just crossed her arms. "Besides, you were never really part of that world, Sarah. Not fully since an Omega could never have an Alpha mate.."

I just stared at them while feeling the betrayal crash into me harder than Ryan's words ever could.

What did I even do to deserve this?

"Two years," I whispered to Ryan. "Two years, and I meant nothing the moment your mate showed up?"

He stood slowly, but didn't make an effort to approach me. "I didn't plan this, Sarah. I didn't want to hurt you."

"But you did," I replied numbly. "And you let me believe I still had a chance..."