Chapter 1: Betrayed By My BestFriend

Scarlet's pov

Today was finally the day.

My eyes popped open, and excitement shot through me as I stared at the wedding dress hanging out and waiting to be worn.

I barely felt my movements as I glided across my room, preparing myself for my big day.

My eyes sparkled as I smoothed out the imaginary creases on my wedding gown, a simple but elegant, white, flowy dress.

"You are a rare diamond. Alpha Alex would have been blind not to have chosen you as his; he wouldn't find anyone more suitable for the role of Luna." Maria's lips stretched into a wrinkled smile as she stared at me with pride.

"Thank you." I choked on my words as I was overwhelmed with emotion.

"Your parents would be so proud of you." She informed me and the light in my eyes dimmed at the reminder that they wouldn't be experiencing my big day with me.

"They would be. You raised me well." I replied, shaking off my melancholic thoughts.

Nothing would spoil today for me, I wouldn't let it.

Maria had been my guardian ever since my parents died and I had grown to be the wolf I am today because of her.

"You'll make me cry, Maria, no tears." I blinked rapidly as tears welled in Maria's eyes.

"We can't ruin hours of work now, can we? Come on, we don't want to keep Alpha Alex waiting." She cleaned the corners of her eyes.

With one last look in the mirror, we made our way to the chapel together, where all our pack members and my soon-to-be mate awaited.

Pure joy swelled within me as I slowly walked down the aisle.

All the pack members stood and stared at me with mixed emotions as I passed.

Some with love and others with envy, no doubt wishing they could be me.

My eyes met Alpha Alex's black orbs and held.

This was really happening.

I was about to get married to the love of my life, it was a dream come true.

"You look ravishing." Alpha Alex's eyes trailed down my body as I stood opposite him.

"You don't look too bad yourself," I replied shyly.

"Dearly beloved-" Murray, our eldest pack member and presiding minister of our union began.

I couldn't take my eyes off Alpha Alex even if I wanted to.

I had always known deep within my heart that I would be his Luna one day, but I was shocked when he returned my sentiments.

I knew ours wasn't exactly a union of love, but I knew we could grow...he could grow to love me just as I love him.

"Do you, Scarlet Underwood, accept to be Alpha Alex's mate? To bear his burdens with him, in so doing accepting to be the Luna of this pack? To protect this pack at the cost of your life?" Murray asked, and I gulped as the full weight of my responsibilities as Alpha Alex's mate dawned on me.

"I do." I nodded firmly.

I loved this man, and if the only way to be with him was by sharing his burdens and placing the pack's safety before my life, then I would gladly do it.

"Do you, Alpha Alex, accept Scarlet Underwood as your mate? Would you allow her to share the burdens that you carry as Alpha? Will you promise to protect her as fiercely as you would protect the pack?" The old man turned to Alpha Alex, and I stilled, awaiting his response.

"I do." Alpha Alex replied, his eyes never leaving mine.

I let out a breath that I didn't know I had been holding and tried to calm my racing heart.

"It is now time for the marking ceremony." Murray's voice claimed.

Alpha Alex stepped closer to me, his arms encircling my waist as he drew me closer.

I waited in anticipation as he lowered his head and his breath fanned my neck.

He was going to mark me, and then I would be well and truly his.

My heart beat wildly against my ribcage as his lips grazed the spot he intended to mark.

His canines slowly make contact with my skin, and just when he is about to sink them deeper, a voice pierces through the chapel.

"Stop." A high-pitched, feminine voice pulled our attention.

Everyone looked back as Kayla, my best friend, suddenly made her way towards the aisle.

"Kayla, I thought you couldn't make it." I squealed as I hugged my best frien,d who merely stood stiffly, her eyes blazing with fire.

"I thought you would have already left for your assignment," I commented.

Kayla was meant to be my chief bridesmaid, naturally, because she was my best friend.

She has, however, been assigned a task by Alpha Alex, which meant she wouldn't be able to attend.

I still remember the deep-rooted disappointment I felt when she broke the news to me, but I should have known Kayla would find a way to pull through and be there for me.

"I know you missed me, but you didn't have to disrupt my wedding." I chuckled, and when she didn't respond, I leaned back.

"What's wrong?" I asked when I noticed her blank expression.

"You can't get married to Alpha Alex." She declared loud enough for the whole pack to hear.

"What are you doing, Kayla?" I looked at her in confusion.

"Alpha Alex and I have already mated, and I am pregnant with his child." She announced, and gasps of shock filled the chapel. I was sure mine was the loudest of them all.

"What sort of sick joke is that?" I scowled at her.

Eyes that once showed compassion for me were now filled with nothing but hate.

"Kayla, what's going on?" My eyes pleaded.

"Like I've said before, Alpha Alex and I are already mated, and I am pregnant with his child." She bares her neck and shows me the unmistakable mark lying there.