chapter 6

Blake raced outside, her heart pounding. She couldn’t betray Sean. She loved him, and he loved her. She had always known this day might come, but now that it had, she couldn’t comprehend it. It was shocking—unbelievable. She was mated to one of her sister’s mate’s brothers. A Lycan. It wasn’t just a coincidence; it was a twist of fate no one could have predicted. All three of them—three sisters, each mated to one of the Lycan royal bloodline. That might have been something to be proud of, something others would envy, but not Blake. She wasn’t like that.

She was different.

She was already in love—with someone else. Sean had always made her heart race. She had loved him since childhood, and she believed he felt the same. It didn’t matter what anyone said or thought. She knew what was best for her. She had to reject her mate before the bond took over and twisted her heart. She’d heard the stories, how the mate bond could pull you into falling for someone—even when your heart already belonged to another. No, she didn’t want that. Her heart was Sean’s, not someone else’s.

She needed to find him—tell him everything.

Climbing back up the stairs to the first floor, she turned left toward Sean’s room. The hallway was quiet. Most of the omegas were downstairs serving at the ball, the warriors stationed outside, the pups either at school or in the nursery. Today was Sean’s day off. He should be inside.

She approached his door and knocked gently. Silence. Her heart skipped. She opened it slightly, peeking in. No one. But his scent lingered, strong and fresh. He had been here moments ago.

She closed the door and hurried outside, heading for the stream where she and Sean often spent their evenings together—just the two of them, away from duty, away from the pack. It was their place.

As she neared the area, weaving through the tall grass and trees, a sound stopped her. Moaning. At first, she thought she was imagining it. But it grew louder—real, unmistakable. It was coming from behind the waterfall, where they used to sit together.

Her legs trembled. Dread settled in her chest.

She moved around the waterfall quietly, and what she saw froze her to the spot.

A red-haired girl, moaning, her body moving rhythmically. She wore a torn gown, ripped at the chest, her breasts exposed. Beneath her, naked, was Sean—thrusting into her, gripping her waist.

“Yes, Sean! Go deeper,” the girl cried, her knees trembling as she moaned his name.

Blake’s heart shattered. She wanted to run, pretend it was a nightmare. But her feet wouldn’t move. The betrayal hit hard.

Sean smiled as he climaxed, more content than Blake had ever seen him—even since his parents' death.

They dressed slowly. The girl adjusted her torn gown. Sean pulled up his pants and wrapped his arms around her.

“I love you, girl,” he murmured, kissing her deeply. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Blake’s breath hitched. Her body froze. He said it—he loved her. A stranger. How could he?

She stepped forward.

“Sean,” she called, tears sliding down her cheeks.

Sean spun, stunned. “Blake… well… um… it’s not what it looks like. Ramsey—”

“Who is she, baby?” Ramsey asked, turning toward Blake.

Blake’s anger boiled. Athena growled from within.

“Please, Blake,” Sean said, stepping back. “Don’t do this. Calm down.”

“You betrayed me, Sean,” Blake hissed. “I saw my mate and I left him for you. And this—this is what I find? You with some girl you just met, calling her the best thing that ever happened to you?”

“Excuse me?” Ramsey snapped. “I’m not just ‘some girl.’ I have more right to him than you. You’re the slut who messed around with an omega instead of accepting your true mate.”

Blake growled. “And who are you to claim him?”

“His mate. I’m his fated mate,” Ramsey declared, squaring her shoulders. Her wolf stirred, but deep inside, she knew she couldn’t defeat Blake.

Blake stared, stunned. “Mate?” Her voice cracked. She turned to Sean. “Is it true?”

Sean nodded slowly. “Yes. She’s my mate. She came with the Lycan prince, but she’s not one. Her brother is Alpha Knox’s Gamma.”

Blake’s knees buckled. She swayed, but steadied herself, wiping her tears.

“I have to go,” she said quietly, turning away.

“Blake, I’m sorry—” Sean called, stepping after her.

Ramsey grabbed him. “You’re not leaving me here!”

Blake didn’t turn back. “It’s fine. Stay with her. She’s your mate after all.” Then she ran.

She ran far, until the sounds behind her vanished. Her world felt like it was crashing. Everything she believed in had turned to ash. She ended up at the garden—somewhere quiet, away from the noise of the ball. She couldn’t hear any music now. The party must have ended. Guests likely gone.

She sat down by the pool and cried.

She’d lost everything. Her mate. And Sean.

And worst of all—Sean had stayed. He didn’t even chase after her.

A wave of warmth shot through her. Her heart raced. A mind link—it was Lydia. But Blake blocked her out. She couldn’t handle anything right now. She just needed to stay by this pool until morning.

---

“Have you seen Blake?” Lydia asked Mr. Parker, an omega.

“Yes. I saw her a few minutes ago, running from the ballroom toward Sean’s room.”

Lydia sighed. Even the omegas knew about her relationship with Sean. She had seen her father go after Blake earlier. She hoped it hadn’t ended badly. Thankfully, he returned early. Maybe he lost her trail—or decided not to disgrace himself in front of the Lycans.

Blake hadn’t returned, even as the party ended and the guests left. Only the Lycans and close family remained—likely due to their mates.

Blake’s mate, Eddie, had wandered off into the forest, heartbroken. Lydia felt for him.

She had hoped to bond more with Blake. They’d planned to visit the ancient library together, where the shifter history was recorded.

But Blake was gone.

Lydia could feel her sister’s pain—raw and overwhelming—but Blake had shut her out. Still, Lydia had a hunch. There was only one other place she might be.

She walked into the garden and saw Blake, back turned, silently sobbing.

“Hey,” Lydia called gently.

Blake turned. Her eyes were red. “I’m sorry, Lydia… Do you think he hates me? I shouldn’t have done that. He probably hates me now.”

Lydia sat beside her. “No. He doesn’t. He said he’d give you space. That he respects your decision—even if you choose Sean. He said you deserve the best.”

Blake blinked. “He… said that?”

“Yes.”

“But I don’t want to reject him. I don’t.”

Lydia’s eyes widened. “What? But I thought you loved Sean. Don’t you want to reject him?”

Blake looked away. “I did. But not anymore. I think… it’s time for Sean and me to call it quits.”

“What?” Lydia stared like she was hearing things.

“I know what you’re thinking. But Sean found his mate. And he was… happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen him since his parents died.”

“I’m sorry, Blake.”

Blake gave her a tired smile. “No. Don’t be. I really thought Sean and I could have a life together—even without being fated mates. But I guess… he wanted that fated bond. I can’t compete with it. So I left him. He’ll be happier with her.”

Lydia hugged her tightly. “That’s very selfless of you.”

“Anyway,” Blake said, brushing her tears, “we should go to the library now. Maybe we’ll find something on Circe and the scent confusion.”

“No,” Lydia said, smiling. “You should go find your mate first. Tell him how you feel. Fix things with him.”

“Do you think he’ll forgive me?”

“Of course. He’s a kind-hearted Lycan. You’ll find him in the forest. Go.”

Blake kissed her sister on the cheek and stood up. “Thanks, Lydia. I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah,” Lydia laughed, watching her sister dash off.

At least Blake had come to her senses.

Lydia stood slowly—but then pain struck her. Intense, unbearable pain. Her heart pounded, sweat coated her skin, and her breath became ragged. She fell to her knees.

“What’s happening to me?” she gasped. “Circe?”

But there was no response.

The pain grew worse. She clawed at her gown, tearing it. She tried to call through the mind link—but it was too late. Everything faded.

Until strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.

“Lydia, stay with me. I’m here,” a deep voice said.

Knox.

The pain vanished—just like that.

What had he done?

She wanted to ask, but sleep pulled her under.

She heard whispers… and then—deep sleep.