The Bride He Never Wanted

OLIVIA

It felt like forever since I’d seen him. Two whole weeks without his scent, his voice, or the warmth of his touch. My fated mate had been away in the human world, tending to business. He was the manager of the second biggest penthouse in the city, so he had to split his time between that life and the one here in the pack. Still, it didn’t make the distance any easier.

I glanced at my reflection one last time, pressing my lips together to perfect the red lipstick. The deep shade stood out against my fair skin, and I wanted him to see me that way when he walked through the door.

My gaze drifted to the small box at the edge of the bed.

Inside was the new lingerie I’d gotten just for tonight. I ran my fingers over the silky fabric and felt my cheeks warm. I could already picture his reaction, the way his eyes would darken the moment he saw me in it tonight, after our outing.

My heart skipped just thinking about it. It had been too long… two whole weeks without him, and I couldn’t wait to feel that closeness again.

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head at myself. I was super excited, maybe a little too much, but I didn’t care. He was finally coming home, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

As if the Moon Goddess herself had heard my thoughts, the doorbell rang.

I smoothed my dress, trying to calm the sudden rush of excitement fluttering in my chest, and hurried to the door.

The moment I opened it, all my restraint vanished. “Logan!” I gasped, before throwing myself into his arms.

He caught me effortlessly, his strong arms gripping my waist tight. “Gods, I missed you so much,” he murmured into my hair.

I inhaled deeply, my wolf purring inside me at the comfort of his scent. “I missed you more,” I whispered, pulling back just enough to see his face.

His gaze swept over me slowly, and a crooked smile tugged at his lips. “You look stunning, Olivia,” he said. Then his voice dropped, as he bit his lower lip. “I can’t wait to take this dress off you.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Oh, I can’t wait either,” I replied, matching his tone with a playful smirk.

He chuckled softly, brushing his thumb along my jaw. “Shall we?”

I nodded, slipping my fingers through his. “We shall,” I whispered, my heart racing as I followed him inside.

I was still grinning when we stepped outside toward his car, my hand tucked comfortably in his. He opened the car door for me like he always did, and I was just about to slip inside when a soft sob caught my attention.

I frowned, leaning a little as I turned toward the sound and pulled the door wider… only to freeze.

There, sitting comfortably in my seat, my seat… was Mia.

My stepsister.

For a heartbeat, I just stared, my fingers tightening around the door handle. Are you for real?

That spot had always been mine, but now… she was sitting there like it belonged to her.

Ever since Mia left her mother’s place and moved in with us, everything’s gone sideways.

She’d been hurt by her mate’s rejection last full moon, and ever since then, Logan had made it his mission to be there for her… saying he didn’t want her to feel lonely, that she needed comfort and care.

And I understood that. I did.

But understanding didn’t make it sting any less.

This outing was supposed to be ours… our long-awaited alone time, a chance to reconnect after weeks apart. Yet here she was again, wedging herself right between us without a hint of hesitation.

I forced a breath, pasting on a small, strained smile. “Hey… Mia,” I said softly, though my voice wavered just a little.

She sniffled again, her eyes red and glossy. “I… I was lonely inside,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “Then I saw Logan’s car parked out here, and I just… I don’t know, I didn’t know how to ask but… I wanted to come with you guys. Please, can I?”

I blinked, completely thrown. Oh, not today. What is all this?

Before I could even gather my thoughts, Logan stepped closer, his expression softening. “Hey, hey,” he said gently, taking her hand in his. “Stop crying, please.” His voice dropped, “She’s been through a lot, Olivia,” he murmured, his thumb brushing against Mia’s knuckles. “I’d really want her to come with us. Maybe it’ll help her clear her head a little.”

Then he turned to me, his tone shifting to that quiet, pleading one he knew I could never ignore. “Baby, please… can she come?”

I stared at him and my chest burned.

Mia looked at me again, her eyes brimming with tears. “Please, Olivia,” she whispered, her lower lip trembling.

I wanted to say no. I wanted to tell her this trip was supposed to be ours… mine and his. But the sight of her crying made my heart falter.

Even when I was furious, I couldn’t bring myself to be cruel.

I sighed, looking away for a second to steady myself. “Fine,” I said quietly, forcing a small smile. “Of course she can come.”

“Go get dressed,” I muttered. “And please, don’t take long.”