Selene’s POV

I kept my distance from everyone at the event, weaving through the corridors like a ghost trying to disappear. I told myself to stay strong, to keep my tears tucked away, but my heart didn’t understand logic. Whenever I found a moment alone, I crumbled. Silent tears slipped down my cheeks, and the pain wouldn’t stop gnawing at my chest.

Marissa wasn’t just my stepsister. She was also my confidante—my person. So now, in this raw moment of betrayal, I didn’t know who to turn to. Nathan had vanished from the event today too, which meant I hadn’t had the chance to deliver Marissa’s message.

When I finally dragged myself home, I overheard laughter spilling out from Marissa’s room. She and my stepmother were talking excitedly about outfits for the Alpha’s dinner.

“Wear the jade one,” Elara said with a giggle.

My father, Darius, was one of the wealthiest wolves in the Hawthorn Crest Pack. His status in our territory was second only to Alpha Orion himself. The two of them ran several joint ventures—real estate, shipping, trade routes—you name it. Elara, my stepmother, had once been his secretary. Her fated mate passed away the previous year, leaving her grief-stricken and hollow. My father met her during that time, and something bloomed between them. One whirlwind romance later, they were married, and my world shifted overnight.

Since Elara and Marissa moved into our estate, my life had been an emotional kaleidoscope. They were both warm and sweet—welcoming me with kind words and shared laughter. I had finally felt like I had a sister. A best friend. Someone I could open my soul to. But now? That illusion had shattered.

I trudged toward my room, every step heavier than the last. As soon as I got in, I locked the door, collapsed onto my bed, and curled into a ball. The silence in the room echoed the hollowness inside me. I didn’t know how long I lay there before a sharp knock rattled the door.

“Selene! Are you ready?”

I jolted upright. My father’s voice.

“Crap,” I muttered, jumping up to unlock the door.

He stood there, eyes matching mine—deep stormy blue. He had dark, wavy hair while I took after my late mother’s silvery-blonde locks. He looked at me, concern briefly flickering in his expression.

“You okay, chickadee? You look like you got run over by a freight truck.”

A weak smile pulled at my lips. “I’m alright, Dad.”

“Well, change into something half-decent, would you?” he said with a smirk, then shut the door behind him. “We’re leaving in fifteen.”

I let out a long sigh and rummaged through my closet. I wasn’t about to impress anyone, least of all Aiden. I pulled on a sapphire shirt, denim shorts, and a pair of charcoal gray sneakers. My hair was a tangled mess—if a crow flew in, it might’ve nested there. But I didn’t care.

When I stepped into the hallway, I found Marissa twirling in front of the mirror. She was wearing a plum dress that hugged her curves and stopped just above her thighs. Her auburn hair was pulled into an elegant chignon with delicate silver pearls nestled within the strands. Matching plum heels completed the look.

She beamed when she saw me. “How do I look, Selene?”

“You look great,” I answered, barely mustering a smile.

She rushed forward and hugged me tightly. “I’m so excited! Aiden and I are finally going to make it official. Can you believe it? Me—the future Luna of the richest and most powerful pack in the country.”

“I’m happy for you, Marissa,” I murmured, my voice strained.

She cupped my shoulders, eyes gleaming. “Please don’t be upset. I didn’t know what to do… Aaron or Nathan. But Aiden’s my mate. I had to follow the bond.”

Her words hit me like stones. How could she talk about them so easily? She was in love with two people—and just picked one like she was choosing a dress. In our world, plural bonds weren’t unheard of. But the way she handled it felt wrong.

“Did you speak to Nathan?” she asked suddenly.

I hesitated. “No… I couldn’t find him today.”

Marissa’s brows furrowed. “Seriously?”

“I looked, but he wasn’t around,” I explained.

She let out an irritated groan. “Ugh! Just call him, please.”

Before I could respond, my father’s voice echoed through the house, “Girls! Let’s move. We’re going to be late.”

Marissa gave me a once-over and smirked. “You’re really going to wear that?”

I nodded and headed toward the driveway, ignoring her tone. My father was already outside with Elara, waiting beside our onyx SUV.

We reached Alpha Orion’s estate—Crescent Hollow Manor—within thirty minutes. The manor was a sprawling estate, nestled in the heart of Duskwatch Valley. As we entered, the butler announced our arrival with practiced formality.

Alpha Orion appeared at once, flanked by his mate, Luna Selah.

“Darius!” the Alpha greeted warmly, his eyes flicking to me. “Welcome. How are you?”

We all bowed respectfully. “We’re honored,” my father responded.

Luna Selah smiled gently at me and wrapped me in a brief hug. “Happy birthday, Selene. I’m sure today has been full of surprises. Have you shifted yet? You must be eager to meet your wolf.”

I had been waiting for this day for so long. But something felt off. My wolf, Myra, lingered just beneath the surface… reluctant, shy. I could feel her hesitation, as if Aiden’s rejection had cut through her too. It baffled me how much she already seemed affected by someone who hadn’t even acknowledged our bond.

We exchanged pleasantries as we moved into the lavish sitting area. Marissa’s eyes were wide, taking in the glittering chandeliers and gleaming floors. This was her first time here, and she looked like she was walking through a dream.

Rowan, Aiden’s younger brother, was lounging on the sofa, tapping away at his phone. The moment he saw me, he sprang up.

“Happy birthday, hurricane!” he grinned and hugged me.

“You look like you’ve survived a storm,” he joked.

Rowan resembled Aiden, only shorter by an inch or two. Still, both towered over me. I offered him a tight smile, grateful for the distraction. But I caught Marissa’s stare from the corner of my eye—watchful, almost territorial.

“Where’s Aiden?” Elara asked, peering around.

“He’ll be here shortly,” Alpha Orion said.

I sat with Rowan and Luna Selah, while Marissa joined Elara. My father and Alpha Orion disappeared into a private conversation.

“This place is exquisite,” Elara remarked with admiration. “You must be so proud, Luna Selah.”

The Luna gave her a warm smile.

“Thank you. It takes a lot of work, but it’s home.”

“Oh, I understand,” Elara said. She turned toward Marissa, beaming.

“My Marissa is such a gem. She keeps everything in order at our place. She’s practically running the household already. And her cooking—don’t get me started.”

I frowned subtly. Marissa never lifted a finger around the house. But Elara went on, laughing fondly.

“But Selene’s a different story,” she chuckled.

“She’s our little rebel. Always messy, always into sports. But clever! She finds ways to surprise us all the time.”

The backhanded compliments landed like slaps, but I said nothing. Luna Selah met my eyes and gave me a silent look I couldn’t read.

Suddenly, the main door creaked open.

And there he was.

Aiden Crowe.

The world tilted for a heartbeat.

He looked like he stepped out of a myth—tall, commanding, and impossibly attractive. His strong jaw, high cheekbones, and gray eyes gave him a striking, intimidating beauty.

He moved like the heir he was—confident and unshakable.

His tousled dark hair fell over his brow, and his athletic build seemed sculpted by the goddess herself.

When his eyes met mine, my breath caught. Then he turned to Marissa and grinned.

“Hey,” he said, walking past me and settling beside his father.

I felt my insides crumble.

Alpha Orion looked between him and my father.

“Darius, the reason I asked you here tonight is because we’ve made a decision.”

Elara’s eyes sparkled. Marissa giggled, anticipation crackling in the air.

I braced myself.

Alpha Orion continued, “Aiden will marry—”

My heart screamed.

“—your daughter, Selene.”