Chapter 1

Ashina’s POV

It was finally today, my wedding day. We were finally fulfilling the promise we made to Nathan's late grandfather, the late kind hearted alpha king, whom Nathan took over from. On his sick bed before he passed away, he made me and Nathan promise to get married to each other because he believed we were were mate and compatible with each other to lead his pack and he also believed that I was the one who understood Nathan better than anyone else. Nathan, my best friend, only child of his late parents, was the centre of my world, he was the only friend I made while growing up and he had never given me any reason to regret it.

Nathan and I had grown up together, shared countless memories, attended the same college and university. Though he graduated before me. I could remember back then in school, while I was being bullied by some group of girls, he came to my rescue and chased them away. Ever since then, he had been putting his eyes on me and making sure I was okay. That was how we ended up becoming best friends. He is 7 years older than me. I am 19 years and he is 26, and it felt surreal that we were finally standing here today, ready to take the leap into marriage. As I calmed my nerves, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we had come and how thankful I was to have Nathan by my side.

I took a deep breath admiring my stunning wedding gown. Despite being plus size, I felt like a princess. Many call me fat but did I care? Of course not.The dress was a beautiful ivory colour with delicate lace detailing that hugged my curves in all the right places. The sweetheart neckline accentuated my collarbones, and I wore my hair in loose curls cascading down my back, accented with a simple yet elegant veil that trailed behind me. The bouquet of white roses that I held in my hands added a touch of softness to the whole ensemble.

Just then, the sweet romantic song started playing, signalling my grand entrance. Closing my eyes for a brief moment, I took a deep breath to calm my jittery nerves. I had been waiting for this moment for so long that it almost felt surreal. Then, I stepped forward, my gown flowing gracefully behind me.

As I walked down the aisle, rows of gilded chairs lined either side of the aisle, each decorated with delicate lace sashes tied in pristine bows. The pack members were dressed in their finest attire and were seated. Their faces were showing their genuine smiles. Yes, I walked alone. I am an orphan and I grew up in the orphanage. It was through the school the orphanage enrolled me I got to meet and know my best friend, Nathan.

Soon, my gaze met the tender, loving eyes of my soon-to-be spouse. The aisle stretched before me and each step I took felt more confident than the last; guided by love.

As I reached the end of the aisle, my gaze locked with his. He looked dashing in his suit, waiting for me at the altar.

We stood there, ready to exchange our vows. The words we had carefully chosen to express our love and commitment spilled effortlessly from our lips. We sealed our love with a passionate kiss as the pack members erupted in applause and cheers.

After the wedding that day, feeling weak and tired, I couldn’t hold back the sleep that came pulling me. I woke up at midnight and couldn’t find him in the room. The moment I got out of the room, I saw him kissing his girlfriend. She was wearing a short sleeping pink gown while he was in his shorts without a shirt. His broad and hairy chest was visible in the eyes as he was laying on her, his two hands were under her shirt. They were moving around her bare skin while their eyes were locked to each other.

Instantly , I could hear my heartbeats, beating so fast, broken and shattered for i had thought he already broke up with her before marrying me and also, some months before my wedding, I never saw them together.

Just then, his girlfriend, Erica’s voice shattered the moment.

“Hey, Ashina.” Her words made him turn back as his gaze fell on me.

“It’s late, you should be sleeping.” His thick voice sounded nicely as if nothing happened.

Walking towards me, he held my wrist as we both walked into the room. As shutting the door, he sat on the bed and made me seat on his thigh. Caressing my hair, he spoke.

“Sweetheart, this marriage shouldn’t stop us from doing our personal stuff. We only fulfilled my grandfather's wish and the wishes of the pack members. You are just 19 years and you have a lot to accomplish. I can’t be the reason you don’t chase your dreams and tie you down with married life.” I nodded, trying so hard as I could not to let those tears drop. I needed to act strong.

“You are free to explore and be with anyone that makes you happy but note.” He paused, looking directly at my eyes. “Whatever life we are living outside this marriage should be hidden from prying eyes. They believe we are couples, the alpha and Luna of this pack.” I nodded, forming a fake smile.

I understood his point but how do I prove to him that I didn’t only marry him to fulfil his grandfather’s wish. I love you Nathan. I wish you could hear my heart.

“Thank you.” I replied and gave him a hug as he hugged me too.

“Good girl.” He said and gave me a peck on my forehead.

“You know I love them slim.” He added as he chuckled and gave me a wink before leaving the room.

Did he indirectly call me fat? He must have said it playfully but his words hurt me.

I smiled at him before he finally shut the door. The pain in my heart is too much to bear, I need to feel ok, I need to feel relieved from such pain. Drinking to stupor is the only thing that could come up my mind.

As I stumbled out of the house through the back door, the cool night air hit me. My heart felt heavy with hurt. the image of my husband, my best friend , my world, kissing his curvy girlfriend burned into my mind like a brand. Tears poured out of my eyes as I made my way to a nearby club, hoping the loud music and distraction would help numb the pain.

The dimly lit club was filled with people dancing and laughing, lost in their own worlds of joy and excitement. Sitting and ordering alcohol after alcohol, trying to drown out the ache in my chest. Each shot burned on the way down, but the numbing effect was a welcome escape.

And then he approached me. A tall, handsome stranger with a mischievous glint in his eye. His dark hair tousled in a way that spoke of a wild spirit, and his sharp jawline could cut through steel. But it was his eyes that drew me in, his pupils were charming and alluring even though they looked cold and unreadable. His chest was visible in the eyes due to the first 3 button of his shirt were opened as I could see those tattoos peeking out.

"Hey, beautiful. How much for a night?" His thick and husky voice was smooth, laced with a hint of mischief. He smelled of whiskey and recklessness, obvious that he had been drinking.

I chuckled bitterly, the alcohol dulling my senses and loosening my tongue. “Hello handsome.” I knew the alcohol was having an effect on me.

He leaned in closer, his breath mingling with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. "Good, 'cause I was hoping we could just have a drink together too. What do you say?"

His charm was like a siren's song, beckoning me to a dangerous shore. Despite my better judgment, I found myself drawn to him, craving the distraction he offered. "Sure, why not? One more drink won't hurt."

***

The next day, waking up to see myself naked on the bed beside this stranger was something my heart couldn’t accept. There were blood stains too on the bed.

Scared of what I had just done, i quickly dressed up and left, not waiting for the stranger to come awake.

Nathan has always known I was a virgin but now that I lost it…