My Mate’s Shadow in My Bed

The mate who promised to mark me soon, and his twin brother, humiliated me.

But now, I was back. And I was forced to live through it all over again.

I stood outside Tristan’s study, clutching the pregnancy report. A familiar chill washed over me.

“Tristan, your scent-mimicker is almost gone.”

That was Ronan’s voice.

Tristan’s twin brother.

Alpha Ronan. The twin who hated pack life and preferred slumming it with humans. A ghost I never knew existed until this very day.

“I downed half a bottle last night. Almost blew my cover.” Ronan’s voice was laced with amusement. “She was holding me in bed. Said I smelled different.”

I remembered that night. He’d pressed me into the mattress, just like always.

We made love. He made me believe I was the only one he’d ever want.

But I’d noticed a shift in his scent. I told myself I was imagining things.

I can’t believe how close I was to uncovering their whole damn plot.

Then, Tristan’s cold voice cut in. He sounded like he was talking about a piece of trash.

“Just hold on for three more days. After the ceremony, we can drop the act.”

“If you’re not careful, I might actually fall for her,” Ronan chuckled, but his tone was pure venom. “Her body's incredible. My wolf craves her... Or, you could just hand her over to me after the bonding ceremony.”

I felt sick to my stomach.

“Stay focused,” Tristan ignored the jab, his voice like ice. “Arabella grew up with us. Lucia bullied her at the academy. She has to pay!”

Arabella.

My body still trembled at the sound of her name.

My wolf snarled, ready to tear out of my skin.

She was the vicious bitch who played innocent while trying to push my wolf-less ass off a rooftop. After I awakened my healing wolf, she was the one who tied me up, stabbed me with silver needles, and forced a dog collar on me.

But in Tristan’s eyes, she was a flawless angel. And I was the demon who bullied her.

“Relax,” Ronan said lazily. “As soon as the ceremony starts soon, all the elders will see the ‘video’ of Lucia bullying Arabella.”

“Good.”

Tristan paused, savoring the revenge to come.

“At the Luna ceremony in three days, I’ll strip her of her Luna title in front of everyone. Then I’ll mark Arabella right there. I’ll make Lucia understand that in this pack, she isn’t worthy to lick Arabella’s boots.”

Last time, this was when I burst into the room.

I’d screamed, accused them of twisting my love, of spitting on the Moon Goddess’s will.

I thought exposing them would set me free. I never imagined they’d just lock me up.

My pup and I became just another one of Arabella’s victims.

This time, tears were useless.

I took a deep breath. My trembling hand reached into my pocket. I hit record on my phone.

I placed a hand on my stomach, feeling the life of my pup inside me.

This time, I didn't want an explanation. I didn't want revenge.

I just wanted to save my baby and run. Vanish from the face of the earth, far away from these monsters.

If I could just survive past the ceremony, I could live.

And if they didn't let me go, I’d send the recording to the Werewolf Council and expose their crimes.

I put my phone away, about to slip away unnoticed.

Tristan’s final words pierced through the door, coiling around me like a snake.

“Ronan, make sure that stupid woman is dressed nicely.”

The sound of a chair scraping the floor, followed by Tristan’s chilling command.

“When the ceremony is over, I’ll break her legs. I’ll make her kneel and beg Arabella for forgiveness.”

My eyes stung, but I forced my wolf to stay calm.

I’m not waiting three days, Tristan.

I’m leaving tonight. And I’m rejecting you forever.