Chapter 9: The Day of Engagement

On the day of my engagement to Jay, a blue dress was what I wore.

It was simple and elegant, the kind of prettiness that did not ask for attention. Delicate white beads sewn carefully along the bodice caught the light each time I moved, shimmering like quiet stars. I left my makeup light and understated; if there was one thing I knew with absolute surety, it was that my face ever needed excess to draw in people's eyes.

“Your dress…” Jay’s mouth parted slightly, the reaction so obvious that I almost laughed.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” I asked, forcing the smile that would naturally outline my lips.

Jay stood before me in his finest attire of royalty, down to every minute detail. His hair was perfectly placed, with each strand in its specified position. His hands were clasped behind his back, his shoulders squared, and his chest slightly puffed out in that particular stance that spoke volumes about authority and the desire for it. A subtle, wily smile curled his lips, one that spoke volumes about what he was really thinking.

He was pleased by the joining of our packs. My father's once modest pack would soon be enveloped into Jay's ever-growing power, bolstered by the warriors my father had generously allowed him to lead. With that backing, Jay would quickly rise. Still, for all my father had given him, Jay and his people had never really stood by my side in my previous life.

"No, it's alright," Jay finally said, his tone neutral, his eyes carefully guarded. "If you like it, then it's fine. I'm just surprised. The other day, you said something about preparing a white dress-something more like a bride's gown.

As he spoke, his voice softened and a small smile played upon his lips, momentarily easing the harsh lines of his face. Jay's features were naturally chiseled-a little intimidating, really-and as he rarely smiled, many people found him cold and aloof. I had once thought it a badge of pride, being the only woman who could make him smile, the only one able to tease warmth from that rugged mask.

Yet I also knew just how easily that same face could twist into something monstrous, filled with cruelty and hatred and murderous intent.

It had left my heart cold.

In that moment, I silently renewed my vow: even if I were to die again, I'd be content as long as I took Jay, Agatha, and Samantha down into the depths of hell with me. They would pay—tenfold.

"What is it?" Jay suddenly asked, reaching to take my hand.

For one fleeting second, my body resisted on instinct. Revulsion churned in my stomach before I forced myself to relax and let his fingers close around mine.

“What?” I said.

“You were looking really pensive,” he said in a quiet tone. “You nervous?

I lied, easily, the word slipping past my lips. I was shaking-but not for reasons he was thinking. My mind was soaked in thoughts of vengeance, each and every one razor-sharp, well thought out. I just didn't know yet where to start.

In order to really destroy Jay, I had to raise him higher first.

In two years, he would be at the pinnacle of his power. He would annex two packs, forge alliances in my father's name, and wage wars with my father's warriors. He would rise so high that the Alpha King himself would tread carefully around him.

But this wasn't his peak yet.

I knew that because I knew the future. I had built him from nothing. I had placed everything into his hands like an offering on a golden platter. Why couldn't I take it all back?

"Melody…" Jay sighed, shaking his head. His voice carried a wounded note. "You never listen to what I want to say. You're everything to me. When you claimed you loved another man, my heart and mind were thrown into chaos. You're my best friend… but you're more than that. More than anything, I look forward to the day I can finally mark you."

My body stiffened up.

Slowly, I faced him, the fire of my eyes blazing with restrained disgust. I wanted nothing more than to plunge a blade into his heart—just as he had done to me in my previous life. Hot tears at the corners of my eyes had already threatened to blur my vision, and I refused to let them fall. I closed my eyes, took a steady breath, and forced a soft, gentle smile onto my face.

Concealing my despising for this man was going to be more difficult than what I had initially thought. I hadn't sensed my wolf at all since my return. I missed her-the sound of her voice, her guidance. Maybe she still clung to the veil between life and death. My chest ached with the thought.

“It’s all right,” I whispered, and crushed his hand in mine. “Oh, Goddess above and below, I’m so emotional today.” I chuckled lightly. “I just wanted to let you know to forget it, the rubbish I said this morning. But to hear you say this. it soothes my heart.”

I started to weave my web of deceit.

“You never express your feelings, Jay. I was afraid that I was forcing you into this engagement. I panicked, that’s all. But now, knowing how you feel, I’m no longer afraid.”

“I wish you'd trust my actions more than the words I fail to say,” I added, mentally kicking myself over what a perfect idiot I was. Jay's voice dropped, and he almost sounded reverent. "You're everything to me, Melody. Everything I have is yours. It's my honor to spend the rest of my life with you." Yes. And would you blame me for taking back everything that was rightfully mine?

Including my father's warriors, his wealth, and his will?

When we entered the grand engagement hall, my heart turned cold. This moment was the reliving for the second time. This was the day my humiliation had once begun. The day Samantha had entered my life and turned upside down everything that I had earlier believed.

The moment we stepped inside, all conversations ceased. All eyes were turned toward us. The hall was swathed in flowing white and gold streamers; crystal chandeliers shed a warm light on the polished marble floor. Along the dinner tables stood ready vases of flowers whose scent was heavy in the air. There was a great stage at the other end, where Jay and I would soon make the announcement of our union.

Yet none of it mattered. This was the same hall where my father had died. The guests weren't here for me. They weren't here for Jay. For the fabled Zeta Wolf-my father. This time, I would not allow history to repeat itself. I would protect him, not a single strand of hair on his head would be harmed. My eyes, cool and inscrutable, scanned the room. I had planned this engagement well, knowing my father's presence alone would be a magnet to these people-they came for power, for alliances, for favor. Once, I had used this event to elevate Jay, to help him build his influence. Yet even in my death, I had possessed no network of my own. Samantha and Agatha had an easy time isolating me from a world to which I had never really belonged.

But this time—

This would be the time it was different. The innocent girl was gone, replaced by a woman driven by vengeance. "Miss Maya, it's a pleasure to meet you," I said, walking towards the only woman who had actually come for me. “Oh, Miss Melody!” she greeted warmly. “I was surprised by the last-minute invitation, but I’m grateful to be here. Congratulations on your engagement.”

“I’m glad you could come,” I said with sincerity, “I was afraid the invitation on such short notice would offend you.” She waved her hand. "Not at all. Turning aside, I saw Jay slip out into the hall. My eyes moved toward the clock.

Eight o'clock. One hour before he appeared again—this time with Samantha.

Samantha. This time, I could not wait to see her again.