All Chapters of The Counterfeit Mate: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Jason POV: Tony Decline The Alpha's OfferThe gymnasium complex is humming with activity. Commander Jubol is here on the floor, alongside several team leaders and realm watchmen from the outer districts. I read the pack manifest before leaving home this morning, so I already recognize these various officials. The manifest had contained a line that stayed with me: “The training of the wolves commanded by the Alpha wolf.”Looking around, I love the simple power of that wording. Anyone who isn't here on this floor today can't be commanded into battle when the time comes.I quietly join the team leaders and watchmen standing along the side of the hall. They notice my presence, bow their heads slightly and offer tentative, respectful smiles.Commander Jubol spots me from across the mats and bellows, "Attention!"The sparring warriors in training freeze mid-motion. I stare out at the young men, and they stare back at me. Every single one of these trained killers takes orders from me now. I

Florence POV: Jason Looks UnwellSitting at my dresser, I weep silently.I weep for myself, for my mother’s memory, for my broken father, and then I weep for a pack that has become nothing but a shell of its former glory. Someone has definitely cast a spell over this pack, and the rot is settling deep into the soil.There is a light knock on my bedroom door. From the hallway, Tony’s voice calls out, "Florence? Are you ready?"I hastily wipe my face with the back of my hand, smearing my mascara. "Just a minute!" I call back, my voice thick with phlegm. I do a clumsy redo of my makeup, blink back the remaining tears before checking my reflection in the mirror. I am wearing a striking red dress with a designer tag from Rows. Earlier today, one of the omegas told me with a knowing smile that the Alpha himself had personally selected it for me. That is the reason I am attending this housewarming party tonight: because Jason will be there. It doesn’t matter that Irene and her mother wil

Florence POV: The Wedding It is easy to tell this day is special for the pack. For me, however, it is about to be the single most difficult day to survive since the day I was born.Jason is about to take Irene as his wife.I exhale slowly, staring at my reflection in the vanity mirror. This is it.First, I lost my shot as Luna. Now, I am about to lose the chance of ever being his wife.There are no prospects left for me. No glorious future. It's just me, and what remains of my broken family.I turn away from the mirror and walk out of my bedroom, wearing a black dress of my own choosing.My brothers are waiting in the living room. Our dad has already gone ahead to the venue to take his seat among the elite.The boys stare at me in shock."That's . . . that's not the dress, Florence,” Todd says. “That's not the red dress the Alpha picked out for you.""I chose this one!""But it's black," Tony says, nervously adjusting his bow tie. "I am in mourning." Shawn shifts his weight, glanc

Florence POV: Jason Leaves The Party"Of course I didn't," Tony says, tea cup in his grip and a knotty frown on his forehead, "but that slut deserved that knife.""You will not talk about your stepsister like that," Dad snaps, his voice surprisingly precise. He seems remarkably clear-eyed this evening, which is unusual for this hour. Good thing things unfolded the way they did at the wedding. Otherwise, dad would undoubtedly be at the bottom of his tenth bottle of Bud Light by now. But after the nightmare with Monique, our family had pretty much packed up and left the pavilion without joining the Alpha family's private dinner.Tony says, "Sorry, Dad."Dad looks over at me, his weathered face softens. "And don't you worry about your stepmother, Florence. I'll deal with Penny."Everyone in the room turns to look at him, a little puzzled. He has never stood up to Penny before. He blinks at our collective silence. "What?""Nothing," I murmur."Alright," he says, adjusting his tuxedo. "

Florence POV: Jason Remembers Florence Again The car rocks gently with the force of our lovemaking. As the rain pours outside, Jason pours every drop of his passion, his soul, and his true self into me.Now, we lie together in the backseat, tangled in each other's limbs. Our skin is wet with sweat, deep kissing each other. The air in the car has grown chilly. But instead of turning on the heater, we simply cranked up our own heat by going at it again. Oh, what a night.The night of all nights. Any night that came before this pales in comparison, and no night after it will ever come close."I love you, Florence," he whispers into my neck."I love you, Jason," I reply.My hands around him, I cling to his broad back like a frightened child holding onto her mother. It is a desperate, ferocious grip. I am terrified that if I let go, even for a second, he might float right out of this backseat, into the rainy sky, and fall straight back into the estate where Irene and her spell-casting