Chapter 1: Scent

**Elena**

“How dare you try to seduce your sister's husband?!”. She said as her palm landed hard on my cheeks. My face snapped to the side. I didn’t flinch. I’d learned not to.

“I'm... sorry” I managed to say. ‘I was only trying to look out for Helena”. I continued.

“Oh, spare me that nonsense. You’re nothing but a substitute, Elena, and you better get that straight into your head.” She fired back at me.

This wasn't the first time I was hearing those words from my stepmother's lips. I had to pay the price for being bad luck and not protecting my sister enough that she had to run away.

“I promise, I'll not go near his room again”..I said, trying to hold back the tears.

For peace to reign and for my father's sake I had to put on this mask and hide the fact that I was in love with Xavier, my sister's betrothed husband and the father of my unborn pup.

“Now get dressed and spray this on your body, it has your sister's scent all over. And the Alpha wouldn't be able to tell the difference.” She said her voice stern and cold.

“Yes, Mother”.I responded..

I am Elena Downs, the most unlucky Omega and illegitimate daughter of our Pack's Beta.

One thing that kept me going was the striking resemblance to Helena Downs, My father's legitimate daughter- Or should I say, I was able to imitate every single expression, irritation as well as any body movement of hers.

Besides, it was the only way I could get my mother's attention which I'd always wanted.

Unfortunately, it only made the comparison even worse. I wore contact lenses to match Helena's brown eyes. Mine were hazel—something my father once said made me prettier. But it got my stepmother even more angry.

And I don't know if that compliment made me feel good or not. But deep down I needed that assurance that I was still noticeable.

For some reason, I didn't mind being the side piece in the family as long as Xavier looked at me in ways that drove me crazy.

I'd never thought I'd want the very thing that was meant for Helena, but he loved me. He chose me over her and it fucking hurt me every single time they talked about the arranged marriage.

And thinking about it. I'm glad Helena vanished and I don't mind hiding behind this mask to be closer to him.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!”.. Mother screamed as she watched the glass bottle shatter.

“I'm sorry, Mother,.” I said almost immediately, going on my knees to pick up the pieces.

“Liar”. I whispered to myself trying to hide the smile that brimmed across my face

I had done it on purpose. I wasn't going to spray this goddamn lotion tonight; I want the whole room to be filled with my scent.

I wanted Xavier to breathe me in. Only me.

“You good for nothing, imbecile. Can't you ever get anything right?. You always look for ways to piss me off. She yelled, yanking my hair.

“Argh..” I winced. “I'm sorry, Mother, please, it hurts.”

“You better shut the fuck up and not attract any attention”. She grabbed a piece and made its direction to my neck.

“Don't you dare try to act smart with me, Elena; if not, you'll wish you were dead instead.” She said, staring intently at me.

I could see the hatred in her eyes, but why she hated me so much was something that bothered me.

“Yes.. Yes, ma”. I responded. “Please, can you let me go now? It's hurting”.

"Now, use this carefully. You better not mess it up—it's the last bottle I have. Don't ruin it! I’ll have someone prepare more for next week," she said as she pressed the bottle into my arms.

I kept my head low, hiding the smirk behind my lips. Tonight would be different. Tonight, he’d notice me.”

A few minutes later, I stood at the gallery entrance, adjusting the designer purple slit dress, and pressed the mask against my face to keep my identity hidden as I made my way to the gallery for the ceremony.

Today was the day Alpha Xavier would declare me his Luna in front of the entire pack, specifically the council. Afterward, we would have the midnight mate mark ceremony.

He had disappeared for three months after our wedding day, only returning now to conclude the remaining rites.

"Oh, how much we've missed him, Elena," Lira said.

"Quiet down," I mumbled to my wolf, trying to hide my blush as I stared at him.

Xavier didn't even bother to look up at me as I walked in.

"Does he not even notice us? Go sit next to him," Lira whispered again.

"Nope. I'm not going to do that. The last warning I got was enough for me."

"Erm... You look stunning in that dress," he said from behind me.

I knew exactly who it was and I had been trying my best to avoid any conversation with him.

"Thank you," I managed to reply.

Helena… you’ve been avoiding me,” Nick said, his voice low as he brushed against my arm. “I’ve texted. Called. Nothing. Is this really how it ends?”

"What are you doing, Nick?" I asked, surprised.

His brows furrowed. “You’re not acting like yourself, Helena. Your voice... your eyes...”

My stomach twisted. Did he notice the lens? No..he couldn’t.

“You’ve changed,” he said, stepping closer.

Nick was a problem I had to deal with—my sister's lover and my best friend, who was now all over me. Well, I can't blame him; he's been deceived, too.

"We agreed we would talk to your mom, babe. Why go through with it if you're just going to hide your face? For crying out loud, Helena, why did you choose him over me?" he said as he pulled me into a corner.

"Nick, I'm sorry, but there was nothing I could do..or we could do. And you, of all people, know that. Please forget whatever we had. It was just a stupid fling and it's all in the past," I said as I tried to leave.

"A stupid fling?" he repeated, pulling me back.

"Yes," I responded. "And now can you please stop this? I'm married now."

"I'm sorry, Nick, but I have to behave this way to get you off my back," I mumbled to myself.

I yanked his arms away and made my way back.

Everyone's attention seemed to be focused on the podium, and I tilted my head to search for his face. My height wasn’t helping much.

"Thank you all for coming," Xavier began, diving straight into business. It seemed he couldn't wait to get started..

"As we all know, we're here for the Luna coronation—my Luna coronation. I really don't want to stall anything." He said.

As he continued his speech, I made my way to stand on the podium as well, camera lights flickering around us.

My stepmother gestured for me to move even closer to him, and I felt my heart racing.

Alpha Xavier then turned his gaze towards my direction for the first time in a while.

"I do not accept this mate bond or the coronation," he said, glaring at me.