LOGINThe online outrage exploded. Wolves across North America were tearing into Hurley and Rachel.“Childhood friend? More like a home-wrecking bitch! Who does she think she is, stealing a million-dollar gown from the guest of honor at her own party?”“I can’t believe an Alpha heir could be this stupid.”“If some Omega tried to steal my custom gown at my birthday party, I’d rip her heart out!”“I feel so bad for Miss Rory! So glad she canceled the engagement. That was so satisfying!”Soon, enterprising wolves had dug up every scrap of information they could find on Hurley and Rachel.A few days later, I heard that Rachel, who had been kicked out of the Crescent Claw pack, was desperately looking for a new pack to take her in. But with her reputation in tatters, no pack would have her. She was forced to become a rogue. She even tried to go to Hurley, but he was too busy dealing with his own mess to care about her.Hurley had brought shame to the Crescent Claw pack, and the elders were questi
(Rory’s POV)The party ended abruptly.That night, my parents’ phones and mine were blowing up with messages of concern from family and friends. Most wolves understood my decision, comforting me that no one could be expected to continue a relationship with a future mate who was so clueless after being so publicly humiliated.A few old-fashioned wolves called me impulsive, claiming I’d disregarded the bigger picture and thrown away a powerful alliance.I accepted all of it.Stella and Maya wanted to stay with me for a while, worried about how I was doing, but I gently declined. Before they left, they hugged me tight.“You’re the best, Rory. Hurley doesn’t deserve you.”I smiled and hugged them back. “I know. Thank you.”Watching my parents and cousins deal with the fallout, fielding questions from elders and others, I couldn’t help but apologize quietly.My mother brushed my hair back from my face. “Don’t you ever say sorry to us. You’ve always been so sensible, never spoiled. Whatever
“First, thank you all for coming to my birthday party tonight.” I bowed.“Second, I must announce that while the party may continue, it will have nothing to do with Hurley. The engagement between myself and Hurley is hereby terminated.”A wave of shock rippled through the guests.“As for the reason…”I connected my phone to the large screen behind me, and a video began to play. My conversation with Hurley was broadcast for everyone to see, complete with the image of me, red-eyed and struggling to hold back tears.【Rory, the gown’s been altered now, so you can’t wear it even if I bring it back. Why don’t we just let Rachel have it? She’s coming to the party anyway. Think of it as her just adding to the party's glamour.】【I’ve had a new gown sent over for you. It’s one I bought at an auction, just as fitting for your status. Just wear that for now so we don’t delay the party.】【Hurley, do you even want this union anymore?】【Rory, of course I do. It’s just a dress; it doesn’t matter who w
The birthday party began at midnight, under the high moon.As soon as I entered the hall, Hurley’s Alpha father and Luna mother approached us. Their faces changed when they saw my simple dress and makeup.Hurley’s mother forced a smile and took my mother’s hand, feigning a light tone. “Oh, Elena, why is she dressed like that? Surely this isn’t all over a little thing like a dress? It seems she’s making a mountain out of a molehill.”“Rory’s temper is still a bit much. It’s a good thing Hurley is so patient with her…”My mother snatched her hand back with a cold laugh. “If Rory’s temper is too much for him, then perhaps Hurley should find a gentler, more suitable mate.”Hurley’s father tugged on his wife’s sleeve and glanced around the room. He spoke in a low, placating voice. “Regardless, Hurley was in the wrong for putting Rory and the Silvermoon pack in this position. On behalf of the Crescent Claw pack, I apologize.”He gave a slight bow.“Both our packs have prepared for this event
(Rory’s POV)Before I could utter a word, Rachel—her face perfectly made up and her body draped in my gown—spoke up in her soft, delicate voice. “Hurley wanted me to wear the gown first. Rory, are you angry? I’m sorry. Please don’t make a scene today. Just go with Hurley.”My cousins tensed, ready to step forward, but I held up a hand to stop them.Then, I picked up a glass of red wine, strode over to her, and did something no one expected.I poured the wine right over Rachel’s head.“Feeling a little clearer now?” I asked. “Or have you forgotten who the guest of honor is tonight?”Rachel’s shriek echoed through the living room.Hurley immediately jumped to her defense. “Rory, what are you doing!”He didn’t even get close. Two of my cousins stepped forward, grabbed his shoulders, and held him back.My father strode over and casually straightened Hurley’s tie. “While I still draw breath, you dare humiliate my Rory like this on her birthday, all for some Omega? How can I possibly entrust
My parents exchanged a look.My father stepped forward, gently wiping a tear from my cheek. “Don’t be afraid, Rory.”I’d heard those words for twenty-seven years. With him here, I truly had nothing to fear.“I’ll summon a few dozen of our elite pack warriors right now.”I was an only child, but the most elite warriors in my father’s pack were my cousins. They’d watched me grow up and treated me like a little sister.My mother gave me a soft hug. “Whatever you do next, Mom supports you.”I had the makeup artist wipe away the glamorous look prepared for the party, replacing it with something simple and sharp. I changed into a sleek, severe black dress.Stella muttered curses about the scumbag, while Maya rubbed my back soothingly.The Head Elder, who had witnessed everything, was indignant. “I’ll handle the other elders. No one gets to bully one of our own like this.”The videographer gave me a thumbs-up, signaling that he was recording everything.Hurley called again. I rejected it. He







