My sister’s mate became my forbidden love.

Lila’s POVAs I pushed the door, it made a creaky sound that always got on my nerves. The noise filled the small house. My shoulders hurt from a long day at work, and my work clothes were wet with sweat. But the idea of being home—with Ethan—kept me going.“Ethan?” I said in a low voice, and my bag fell to the ground with a soft sound.The smell of garlic, onions, and herbs hit me. It was the cozy smell of someone cooking. For a moment, I smiled. Ethan had made dinner, a sweet surprise after many days of coming home too tired to make food myself.But as I stepped into the living room, my world tilted.A woman stood in my kitchen. Blond hair falling over her shoulders, slim waist cinched in a neat dress, her hands moving easily as she stirred a pot on my stove. My stove.I froze mid-step. “Who… who are you?”The woman looked up, lips curving in a smile that wasn’t friendly. “Marissa,” she said, like her name alone should explain everything. My throat tightened. “What are you doing in

Lila's POVThe air almost felt cold against my newly blushed skin while I drunkenly staggered on the way home. A step away from the club, a deep shame sank heavier into my heart-cold darkness until it pressed its invisible weight upon my chest like the iron grip of death itself.Goodbyes were not said. I left some stranger to sleep in the room with dim lights playing upon him. I couldn't even recall his name, and may be that is for the better. I did not even want to remember myself tonight.By now, reaching the small family house on the pack's quieter side, the moon was even lower. Tremors washed over me as I lifted my trembling hands to the door,gently knocking on the door till someone came to open it.“Who is that?" A voice asked as the door creaked open . It was my mother, Caroline Hayes in a robe; her auburn-haired-blowing disheveled movement-bestowed upon her deep lines of worry. The warm embrace of the lamp shone over me and spilled its light on the traces of tears across my fac

Lila’s POVAdrian Wolfe.My one night. My mistake. My secret.Sofia stood frozen, her pale eyes wide with disbelief. She glanced toward me like she needed assurance that she wasn’t dreaming. I forced my lips to stretch into a smile that didn’t reach my heart, while every part of me screamed to run.Adrian stopped in front of her. His voice was smooth, deep, carrying the weight of authority even in its gentleness. “Sofia Hayes.”Her lips trembled. “Adrian Wolfe.”“Nice to finally meet you in person, your wolf gave me sleepless nights. She is a fierce one.” He joked , as he lifted her hands to his lips and gently placed a kiss on it.“I-I-“ Sofia stuttered, her cheeks as red as beet. The elder raised his hands. “Step forward for the rites.”They obeyed, walking into the circle etched in silver dust on the floor. The crowd hushed. The elder drew out the ceremonial blade, its edge gleaming in the light of the lanterns.“By blood, by bond, and by the will of the Moon Goddess, the ties of

Lila’s POV"What do you want to chat about?" I asked, acting cool, but my heart didn't play along. It beat so loud, I thought he might hear it.Something moved in Adrian's eyes, something deep that made the air heavy. "You know what."I went stiff, gripping the strap of my work bag tight. I shook my head a bit, faking a confused face. "I don’t."His look stayed strong. It seemed to cut through my act.Taking a slow, deep breath, he said again, this time softer but clear, "Please come with me. I'm serious.""Why?" I shot back fast, pulling my bag tight to me as if it could protect me.His mouth twisted in a small, cold smile. "Maybe I should just say it now... in front of all."I felt a tightness in my throat. The last thing I wanted was for others to hear hints of our error, a night that was a big mistake. Already, some of the palace helpers had stopped working, feeling the tension in his words. They looked back and forth between us, eyes wide and keen. Heat rushed to the back of my n

Lila's POV.Before I could utter a word, someone knocked at the door.A maid looked in, low-bowed, then announced that Luna Victoria requested to speak with Lady Sophia."Again?" Sophia said with laughter. "Perhaps the Moon Goddess herself does not want me to hear whatever it is you want to tell me because every time you open your mouth, someone calls me away."Her eyes were soft and teasing, if only she knew the words I would utter would crush her. She bent down, fingers brushing mine. "Promise me you'll tell me someday, whatever it is."I nodded, though I could not even utter a word, my throat was very dry.She smiled in happiness and left with mom following shortly after. The door swung shut with deep silence lighting upon me like a thick cloak of weights.Left all alone, I curled up on the bed, hugged my knees, and looked with no real aim at the faint light from the window. All was quiet in the palace; my mind was a mess. Ethan turned me down, picked someone else over me, and the