Chapter 1

Mandy

My mate was too busy spending time with his ex-girlfriend, and I’ve had enough. If Matthew couldn’t see my worth, it was time to accept the marriage proposal from the strongest alpha in the region.

When my father heard about Matthew’s neglect, he didn’t waste time reminding me of a political alliance I had rejected years ago…

A marriage proposal from the Black Moon Pack.

It was designed to solidify Black Moon’s dominance in the North and protect our smaller pack, Snowridge, in the process. Our pack has a great geographical location, so no wonder Black Moon was interested in uniting with us. But at the time, I refused because I believed in Matthew and the life we were building together. 

But now, everything has changed. It made me remember the words from my father that I stubbornly refused back then.

“If Matthew truly loves you, Mandy, he won’t waste time marrying you. He’ll announce you as his Luna without hesitation.” 

Back then, I brushed off his concerns as outdated skepticism. But now, his words felt like a prophecy. Matthew had stalled for years, brushing off every conversation about our future. Looking back, it seemed so obvious.

He’d been waiting for Claire all along. Now that she was back, I was reduced to a mere substitute.

A rebound.

From the moment she returned, Matthew’s focus shifted. He was no longer mine. The worst moment came a few days ago when I was in the hospital after an encounter with rogues. I was hurt, scared, and just wanted my mate by my side. But when I called Matthew, before I could even tell him my reasons, he shut me down with his words:

“I can’t come, Mandy. It’s Claire’s birthday. She needs someone to celebrate with her as she no longer has a family.”

At that moment, I knew that it was over between us.

“You’re overthinking this,” Leyva, my wolf, whispered inside my head. “Matthew cares about us. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding.” 

My wolf had always been Matthew’s fiercest advocate. She was clinging to the bond we shared. No matter how thin it had become. 

“Wake up, Leyva,” I snapped. I felt my frustration spilling over. “Matthew will never love us the way we deserve. Not as long as Claire exists.” 

“Then let me speak to his wolf,” she pleaded. “Maybe we can still fix this.” 

“There’s nothing to fix,” I replied bitterly. “He’s never even made our bond official. We’re nothing to him but an inconvenience.” 

Leyva fell silent. I could feel her pain. She was reluctant to let go of something so sacred. The bond between mates was divine. It was a gift from the moon goddess herself. Letting go of Matthew felt like tearing out a piece of my soul.

But what choice did I have? 

My phone rang, which pulled me from my thoughts. My father’s voice greeted me. 

“Mandy, I need your opinion. White roses or red for the wedding?” 

I hesitated. “Whatever, Dad. Just keep it simple. I don’t want a grand wedding.” 

“Wedding? Who’s getting married?” a familiar voice cut through.

I turned. And I was startled to find Matthew standing behind me. His eyes were demanding for answers. Panicked, I ended the call and struggled to compose myself. 

“It’s nothing. Not important—” 

But before I could finish, a tracker burst into the room. 

“Alpha, I’m sorry to interrupt. But Claire was attacked by rogues. She’s badly wounded.” 

“What?! Where is she?!” Matthew’s voice boomed, filled with panic. Without sparing me a glance, he bolted after the tracker.

I stood frozen as I watched him leave, yet again. He had been home for barely a day. And already, Claire had pulled him back into her orbit. His actions spoke louder than any words he could have offered.

At that moment, I knew I was making the right decision. 

I loved Matthew, but love alone wasn’t enough. Loving him felt like drowning. And I was done suffocating. 

That night, I went upstairs and began packing my things. Matthew was rarely home, so I doubted he’d notice the growing pile of luggage in the corner of my room. I planned to slip away quietly, without confrontation. Not because I doubted my choice, but because I couldn’t bear the thought of hearing more excuses from him 

As I descended the stairs to gather a few more belongings, I stopped short. Matthew and Claire were on the sofa. They were huddled close. Her head rested against his shoulder. While his arm was draped protectively around her. 

When he noticed me, Matthew shifted uncomfortably. He immediately pulled away from her. 

“Mandy! Claire was attacked by rogues. I was just comforting her,” he explained defensively.

I glanced at Claire. Her carefully staged tears glinted under the light. She dabbed at her eyes like a tragic heroine in a poorly written play. I couldn’t stop the smirk that tugged at my lips. 

“Rogue attack this time, huh?” I commented sarcastically.

Claire’s head dipped. Her shame was almost convincing. But not to me. 

“Claire will be staying here for a while,” Matthew announced. “At least, until she is okay. She needs a peaceful home to recover.” 

Recover? From what? My eyes swept over her, checking every detail. There were a few shallow scratches on her arms and knees, a smudge of dirt on her shirt, and her hair slightly out of place. She looked more like she’d tripped over her own feet than survived a rogue attack. But I didn’t push it. I’d learned long ago that Matthew only saw what he wanted to see when it came to Claire. 

“Do whatever you want,” I replied indifferently. “I hope she’s comfortable here.” Without waiting for his response, I turned to leave. I was so desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere in the room with Claire’s presence.

Before I could take another step, Matthew’s hand grabbed my arm, halting me. 

“Mandy, are you upset that I brought Claire here?” he asked angrily.