The Gown That Was Never Mine

When I opened my eyes again, Rowan was kneeling in front of me. He spoke in a calm, steady voice. "Lily Frost, please let me be your mate. I'll take care of you for the rest of my life."

I turned away, refusing to look at him.

"Please go. I don't want to be your mate."

His hand froze midair. Silence fell over the room. Then Vivian stepped forward.

"I chose Rowan especially for you. He's the best guard in the pack. How could you hurt him like that?"

My father motioned for Rowan to stand.

"Lily, I know you're upset.

"But your gown is bare because we ran short on gems. Caleb and Vivian truly love each other, and Bella won't settle for anyone but Mason. Vivian introduced you to the best guard in the pack because she wants what's best for you.

"If you turn him down without even getting to know him, that's disrespectful to him and to your sister."

I looked at my father.

"Do I have to choose him?"

"Choosing a mate is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Of course I'll let you decide."

He paused before continuing. "But you're not a little girl anymore. You've already stepped aside for your sisters twice. If you don't find a mate soon, I'm afraid you'll regret it.

"Spend some time with him. Give him a chance."

The hall fell silent. My father kept his eyes on me, as if he were ready to pressure me all over again.

Vivian walked over with a sigh.

"Lily, I know you're still not over Caleb. But he and I are already bonded."

She looked conflicted.

"If you really love him, I'll break our bond so you can have him."

Caleb rushed forward and put both hands on her shoulders.

"What are you talking about? Of course I love you. Why else would I have become your mate? Can't you feel that?"

Then he looked at me.

"Lily, we were close growing up, but don't come between us.

"I've always thought of you as a little sister. I hope I never gave you the wrong idea."

I watched him take Vivian's hand. They looked deeply in love.

My eyes burned. Just two months ago, he'd been asking whether I liked him.

"Once the Alpha gives his blessing, I'll talk to my dad, and we'll have our bonding ceremony. Okay?"

"Okay," I'd replied, beaming with hope.

But after my father forced me to set him up with Vivian, Caleb stayed away for a long time. By the next time I saw him, he and Vivian had already grown close.

Bella stepped forward too, holding Mason's hand.

"Lily, is this because I asked Dad to make you give up Mason for me? Is that why you're making a scene?"

My father surveyed the room.

"Enough! No one gave anyone up. Everyone here made their own choice, so stop making a scene."

Then he turned to me, his expression softening.

"Lily, I'm only doing this for your own good. You'll have a much easier life with Rowan as your mate. Besides, he's a good man."

"Your sisters will have their hands full helping run the pack someday, and you'll need to be there for them."

I said nothing. I simply held his gaze.

He was the one who had pressured me until I gave in. That was how we'd ended up here. Yet now he was pretending I'd chosen it all freely.

When I remained silent, he spoke again. "All right, it's settled. Rowan, take her for a walk. You two can get to know each other."

Rowan reached for me, but I pulled my hand away.

"No, thanks." I kept my voice calm.

"Caleb didn't want you. Neither did Mason. A lot of people already knew that before I came here today. If I reject you too, do you have any idea what people will say?"

My father's voice turned low and stern. "Enough. Stop this.

"You're in a bad mood today, so the two of you can spend time together another day.

"This is your last chance. Turn him down, and you may never find a mate."

A hollow laugh escaped me.

"Then take it back, Alpha. I don't need it."

I turned and walked out.

My father's furious voice followed me. "Lily! I've spoiled you rotten. How dare you behave like this?"

Vivian hurried after me.

"Lily, slow down. Look at your gown. It's covered in dirt."

I looked at her beautiful white gown, sparkling with 20 gems. They looked like snowflakes dancing across the fabric.

Mine was plain white and completely bare. Not one snowflake had ever touched it.

I ignored her and walked out one slow step at a time as everyone watched.