LOGINGo get her ready for the wedding, Jenna heard her father's voice. “We can't let anything ruin this. This marriage with Damien is the best thing that could happen to all of us.”
Jenna’s stepmother nodded with a smirk on her face, before turning to go to Jenna’s room. Jenna followed her, head down as she made her way to the room.
She was lost in thoughts and confusion as she knew Coty was not going to let her pregnancy slide and if Damien confirmed it wasn't his then she was done for.
Jenna stood in front of the mirror, her eyes red and puffy from the tears that kept rolling down her cheeks. She washed her face, trying to compose herself and embrace the worst that could happen.
As she was getting dressed, Mrs. Chloe knocked on the door and entered with a different wedding dress in her arm. “Your husband-to-be chose this for you,” she said with a cunning smile.
“You should be thankful you will be getting married to him, that's the best you can do so you don't end up like your whore of a mother,” Mrs. Chloe said approaching her with a wide, unsettling smile on her face. "My beautiful Jenna," she cooed, her voice sending a chill down Jenna’s spine. Her arms stretched out wide, a predatory grin etched on her face. "I tell you, child, Damien would take good care of you. He's a good man," she proclaimed confidently.
Jenna took the dress from her stepmother, feeling a wave of anger wash over her. The same person that led her into this is acting all cool like he did nothing wrong.
“Scared, huh?”
Jenna startled when Coty abruptly barged into her room.
“So, what is your little mind telling you? That I'm going to tell on you right?” she asked sarcastically.
“I'm not sure what you mean,” Jenna replied acting like she didn't have a hint of what she meant but she was scared within her at the thought that Coty might have found out Damien doesn't own the child.
She scoffed, “You are so cocky. This isn't the right time to grow a spine, Jenna! You should be on your knees begging!!” she snarled walking closer to Jenna as she squinted at her. “Not even the moon goddess would save you from my claws today!” Coty added drawing out her claws.
“Don’t you dare, Coty!” Jenna warned as she was about to attack her. “Touch me, and I’ll rip your hand off this minute,” Jenna threatened.
“How dare you threaten me!?” She sneered. “Expect that I’ll make sure to tell father how much of a whore you are,” she warned Jenna.
“Go ahead, Coty. Tell him. What’s the worst he could do to me? Kill me? Lock me up?” Jenna shot back, summoning some courage as she tried to hide her fears.
“Say all you want, Jenna. The moment I tell Father about this, you’re going to regret everything you said a while ago.”
“Trust me, there’s nothing in this world that scares me,” she scoffed. Even death doesn’t bother me, Coty. I’ve got nothing to lose now because I do not even have a family, okay?
Coty clenched her Jaw as she struggled to find words to throw at her. “Enjoy your newfound courage while it lasts, Jenna. You’ve not seen my worst yet!” She immediately left the room after that.
Once she was gone, Jenna finally let out the breath she had been holding back. She had no idea where she found the courage to fight back, but she knew Coty wasn’t going to let her off easily.
She looked at her reflection one last time before blowing a loud sigh. She gulped, trying to calm herself before heading out.
Jenna’s thoughts were a jumbled mess as they left the house and headed to the wedding.
She kept hoping things would not go south for her.
Jenna stood at the altar, her eyes fixed on the floor, as she felt a sense of anxiety wash over her.
The priest cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to the present.
“Do you, Jenna, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” He asked, but Jenna’s mind was blank.
She felt her father’s hand on her arm, a silent plea to say yes. She looked over at her best friend, Nina, who gave her a small, sad smile before settling her gaze on the rest of the crowd that was gathered and she felt cold shivers run through her spine as she noticed Coty was missing.
With a deep breath, Jenna turned to face Damien who had a look of hatred for her.
“Ye…” she tried to say but was cut short when the entrance door burst open.
Her heart skipped the moment she saw Coty walking in with a familiar paper in her hand.
“This marriage cannot happen,” Coty said as her voice resounded through the hall. “She’s pregnant with someone else’s child!”
A gasp erupted in the congregation and Jenna felt like the ground should swallow her at this point.
At that point, she knew Coty must have told Damien about it and that explains his calmness.
Beads of sweat formed in her forehead as her body began to tremble.
“Coty! You have to stop this madness!! That’s not possible!” Her father scowled.
Coty walked over to the altar and handed the test results to her father as a wicked smile played on her lips.
“Damien, is Jenna pregnant for you?” He tried so hard to believe it was for Damien.
“I hate her so much to even share a bed with her,” Damien said causing another gasp from the crowd.
“Is that true!?” He asked turning to Jenna who stood frozen at the spot.
“I… He…” she stuttered trying to find the words.
“Who is the father?” He growled in rage but Jenna was mute.
“Do not make me repeat myself, who is the father of that thing!?” He sneered.
“The child is mine!”
Before she could summon a response, a deep commanding voice reverberated through the previously buzzing crowd. Gasps filled the air, and her heart skipped a beat as her eyes settled upon him.
Oh, shit! Jenna muttered.
“Ryker stones!? She heard her father growl.
“Uncle!?” came Damien’s voice leaving her in shock.
The final bell rang, and students spilled out into the parking lot. Jenna walked out between Celeste and Mina, her blazer draped casually over her arm, trying not to look too stiff.“Your car’s this way, right?” Celeste tugged her toward the line of sleek vehicles at the far end of the lot. The blue Lamborghini gleamed in the late sun, already waiting.Mina whistled low. “Every time I see this thing, I remember how disgustingly spoiled you are.”Jenna smirked faintly, though Iris whispered in her mind. Smile. Aria always laughed when Mina teased like this.“Disgustingly spoiled?” Jenna echoed. “Please. I call it taste.”Celeste burst into giggles, shoving Mina lightly. “Don’t be jealous.”“Jealous?” Mina scoffed as they slid into the back seat. “I’m just waiting for my turn. Next life, I’m making sure I’m born an Alpha’s daughter.”Lexa growled under her breath. They have no idea what kind of daughters Alphas can raise.Jenna hid her grimace behind a smile. “I’ll make sure to leave yo
The necklace glimmered again that morning, catching the first sweep of sunlight through the window. Jenna’s hand hovered over it as she dressed in Aria’s school uniform, fingers brushing the star-shaped charm that rested against her collarbone. It was cool, almost icy, like it carried a memory all its own.She whispered under her breath, “Why can’t I stop noticing this thing?”Because it matters, Iris said quietly. Her mother gave it to her. A gift of protection. It should keep her safe.Jenna’s lips twisted. “Safe? She still died, didn’t she?”Silence filled her mind for a beat before Iris sighed. Some protections fail when betrayal comes from the inside. Lexa’s growl rumbled low. Exactly. Never trust anyone who smiles too widely. They all want something.The necklace has more than just protection. You will find it out in subsequent times.Jenna slipped on the blazer, letting the necklace peek out. “What could that be tho? Jenna wondered.”—––By the time the Lamborghini rolled thro
“Aria, sweetheart!”The door swung open, and the man who was supposed to be her father rushed inside. His suit jacket was half undone, tie loosened, but the joy on his was unmeasured.He pulled her into his arms before she could even react. The hug was crushing, warm, real.“My daughter,” he whispered against her hair. “You’re finally back.”Jenna froze for a second, stiff in his hold, her eyes darting to the desk where the sealed letter still sat. She forced herself to blink, mask sliding into place, and slipped her arms carefully around him.“Papa,” she murmured, the word foreign on her tongue but smooth enough to pass.His grip tightened. “You don’t know what this means to me. To have you here, walking through that door like you belong. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”Her chest ached. For a moment, she let herself sink into the warmth of that embrace. In her old life, her father’s arms had never been like this, not protective, not proud. Only cold commands and colder punishments
“Ariaaa, you’re not listening.”Cassia’s nails brushed Jenna’s sleeve like she owned it as soon as Alpha Ryker left the class, her perfume cloyed. “Sit with me. We’ll catch up, just like old times.”Jenna’s lips curved, but it was no smile. “Cassia.” Her tone sliced silk-thin, cool. “Do me a favor and keep your voice down. It’s giving me a headache.”Cassia blinked, faltering, then forced a laugh. “You haven’t changed, always so sharp. I love it.”Celeste smirked at Mina over Jenna’s head. Mina muttered just loud enough, “Sharp, sure. More like she’s done with you.”Cassia’s smile wavered. Jenna leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Tell me, Cassia… did you forget to iron your skirt this morning, or did your mother stop buying you decent ones?”The words landed like daggers. Cassia stiffened, color creeping up her neck. In her past life, Cassia flaunted diamonds, pearls, and arrogance like weapons. But here, Jenna noticed the seams on her shirt, the scuffed shoes, the cheap handbag dang
The Lamborghini purred to a halt before the looming gates of Melton College. Students crowded the iron archway, laughter and chatter spilling into the morning air. When the convoy rolled in, the noise hushed. Every head turned. Jenna’s pulse hammered against her ribs. Her fingers twisted her skirt, but she forced her face into calm perfection, the mask of Aria. “Miss Aria,” the driver said again, glancing back. “We’ve arrived.” Her throat tightened. She nodded once, the motion crisp, regal like Iris whispered in her mind. The door swung open. She stepped out, the sun catching the gloss of her hair, the uniform hugging her figure like it had been stitched for her alone. A ripple went through the crowd. “Is that…?” “Alpha Desmond’s daughter.” “She’s even prettier than the rumors.” “God, look at the car…” Jenna swallowed hard, spine stiff. She’d been stared at before but always with suspicion, envy, and hatred. Here, the eyes were reverent. Hungry. Worshipful. Lex
A shrill alarm ripped through her skull.Jenna shot upright, clutching her head. “What the fuck!” she hissed, slamming her hand against the screaming device until silence fell. Her chest rose and fell in ragged bursts. She blinked around wildly.This wasn’t her room.Soft curtains of cream and gold draped over massive windows. A chandelier glittered above. The bedspread wasn’t hers, silk, not cotton. She’d never owned anything this fine.Then came the knock. Rap-rap-rap.“Miss Aria!” a voice sang from the other side. “You’ll be late for school!”Her heart jumped to her throat. Miss Aria?Jenna scrambled out of bed, bare feet brushing a thick carpet. She caught sight of a mirror across the room and froze.Her reflection wasn’t her.A young woman stared back at her. Wide hazel eyes, porcelain skin, a jawline sharp as glass, glossy dark hair tumoring down her shoulders. She looked no older than nineteen, dressed in a lacy nightgown.Jenna’s lips parted. “What the hell…”Her hands flew ov







