Chapter 1

ELISA'S POV

The morning sunlight seeped into the room through the windows. I laid in my bed, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts were all jumbled up.

Two years. It had been two years since I married Alpha Jackson of the Midnight Pack, and in all that time, I had never felt truly loved. My wolf, Lily, had always advised me to leave him. She always encouraged me to find a place where I could be happy. But I loved Jackson too much. Despite our arranged marriage, I had always hoped that we could live as a happily married couple.

A sudden noise snapped me out of my thoughts. The door to our room creaked open and Jackson entered. He had a cold expression on his face.

“How are the final preparations for the ball going?” he demanded

I blinked in confusion. What was he talking about? “The ball?”

Jackson’s eyes flared with anger. “Tonight is the fifth yearly Northern Pack Ball! Hurry up and get dressed. I might take Gina as my company. She's much more presentable than you!"

With those words said, he turned away and slammed the door behind him, leaving me in shock and confusion.

I couldn't help the tears that fell from my eyes. Once again, I felt the ache of rejection. His actions caused a throbbing ache in my chest. Jackson had always neglected me. He usually forgot to inform me of important events. He always dismissed my efforts, and treated me like an afterthought. And now, he was threatening to take Gina, my stepsister, to the ball instead of me.

Gina. She had always been the favored one, even though she was adopted. My parents had taken her in after the Beta’s untimely death, and she had effortlessly taken over the role of the golden child when I was kidnapped at the age of five. By the time I escaped and returned three years ago, Gina had already inserted herself in the hearts of my family and pack.

I wiped away my tears. Jackson probably forgot to tell me about the ball. Now, I have to make preparations last minute. I would do my best anyway. That way, he might even be impressed with me. That was what I always wanted.

I heard Lily's voice in my head "Elisa, you deserve better. You deserve to be loved.”

“I know, Lily,” I whispered “But I love him. I can’t just walk away.”

"He clearly doesn't love you"

"I know. I just - I want to try. He will learn to love me with time"

Lily sighed “Just promise me you won’t let him break you.”

I took a deep breath "I won't let him. I promise"

My chest ached from Jackson’s earlier words. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being unwanted. I took a deep breath and say up. I had to move on and make this night a success. If not, Jackson will have my head.

As I stood up and moved toward the closet to pick out a dress, I heard Gina’s voice from behind me.

“Oh, looks like you guys are fighting again.” she said excitedly.

I turned to see her standing in the doorway. She was wearing a gold glittery dress that shimmered in the sunlight. She looked more like a Luna queen than I ever had. The sight of her made me self conscious. Gina was beautiful. Even a blind man could see that.

“It's none of your business, Gina. You have no right to ask.” I said.

Gina’s smile turned into an evil one “Bitch! You think you're so cool, huh? You do know that Alpha Jackson doesn’t like you at all, right? You’re nothing but a contract Luna.”

Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I clenched my fists, trying to control my anger. Gina had a way of getting on my nerves. Every single time, she would find a way to push me to the wall. It made her happy to see me down and I didn't know why. I never did anything to her. For some reason, she just didn't like me and she made sure to show me every chance she got.

“Get out, Gina. Now.” I said to her.

I wasn't in the mood to argue. I had a ball to plan. Also, I didn't want things to get out of hand. I could feel myself getting more aggravated by the second and I didn't want to say or do something I would regret. I just wanted her gone so I could focus on the task at hand.

Instead of leaving, Gina stepped closer. Her hand moved behind her back. Before I could react, she lunged at me with a small knife. As soon as I saw her, I gasped, panicking instantly. What the hell is she doing? I knew Gina never liked me but I never expected her to want to hurt me this badly.

I moved to the side, dodging her attack. I reached out to grab her hand to stop her but I wasn't lucky. The blade cut deeply into my hand, making me scream.

“Gina, stop!” I shouted, trying to push her away.

"Never. I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget"

The struggle between us was intense. She pushed the knife further into my palm. The pain intensified. Out of desperation, I kicked her. Gina stumbled backward and fell, hitting her head on the dresser. She fell to the floor as a result.

She cried out in pain, clutching her head. “Help, it hurts!”

Just then, the door burst open, and Jackson stormed into the room. His eyes widened as he took in the scene - Gina lying on the floor, and me standing there with blood dripping from my hand. I tried to explain, but Gina spoke up first.

“I don’t know why Luna hates me so much,” she whimpered. “She accused me of trying to take her place…”

Jackson glared at me “Why did you do that, Elisa?”