~Dalia's POV

It was finally my reveal party. The day I was going to be introduced to the entire pack as Karl's fated mate.

We had been together ever since we were children. He was the only friend I had and it wasn't a surprise when our wolves recognized one another.

To him, it didn't matter that I was just an omega whose parents had managed to rise up the ranks. I was his mate and he loved me.

He always told me that my status didn't matter because he was going to become the Alpha and change the rules.

And today, we were taking the first step into making that promise come true.

We were going to share the news of our bond and acceptance to everyone, in preparation for his coronation that was coming up soon.

I couldn't contain my excitement. My cheeks were burning pink, almost matching the rosy shade on my lips as I made my way to the garden.

I couldn't stop smiling. I looked perfect. This day was perfect.

The garden was decorated in all sorts of colorful flowers, spreading sweet scents all around us.

The guests were equally dressed in their best attire as they all gathered around the altar where Karl's handsome silhouette stood, waiting for me.

The butterflies inside of me fluttered with more excitement as our eyes locked. But rather than the smile I expected, he frowned. His perfectly blue eyes flickering with worry.

My heart started racing as sudden fear clutched me just as the officiating elder cleared his throat.

"Distinguished guests, please welcome our future Alpha's chosen mate— Judith Shaw, the powerful daughter of our dearest beta!"

Time instantly froze as the familiar name rang across the garden.

Confusion hit me so hard, my lungs stopped working— Was this a mistake? What was happening?

Judith and Karl were friends but they were not dating. They were not mated. He was mated to me...

Plus she was supposed to be mated to someone else. An old Lycan Prince that was rumoured to be deaf and cruel. Rumour had it, her family had accepted and forced her into the union for the money.

Yet this was happening. How was—

My thoughts were brought to a halt as the guests started clapping their hands in excitement.

Judith stepped out and right before my eyes Karl took her hands. Without hesitation he led her to the altar and the elder made them sign the official reveal certificate.

At that moment, my body fell into shock. I couldn't cry, I couldn't speak. I just stood there frozen. Not even when the guests finally noticed me and started whispering loud enough for me to hear—

"Isn't she the dirty omega who keeps hanging around our dear Karl?"

"She is so shameless showing herself around here!"

Their words grew louder as more people joined to ridicule me. I could no longer stay there as my confused wolf slowly led me out of there.

But I couldn't get far as the pain began to hit me hard. Tears blurred my eyes and I found myself staggering at the entrance.

The memory of Karl’s betrayal played on repeat in my mind, and I felt a pang of hurt and anger. Why hadn’t he come to me?

Didn't I even deserve an explanation? Was I that worthless to him? Was our love truly fake?

The questions still echoed in my head when a long escort of black Lamborghinis pulled up just a few yards from where I sat.

My throat constricted as I was certain that this could probably be more of the guests coming to ridicule me even further. But to my surprise, only the middle vehicle opened and a tall figure of a man stepped out.

He was so tall that as he got before me, his shadow covered me. But this wasn't just from the sun, his presence felt like a warm fuzzy blanket that covered up the shame I felt inside.

"You must be, Dalia Bryant." He whispered in a voice so soft yet so strong.

My head was suddenly blank as I stumbled to my feet. "Wh— who are you?"

"I am Prince Vladimir Knight, and your mate just stole my betrothed."

My blood suddenly turned cold at the revelation. My eyes widened in shock as I slowly made a quick sweep at his features.

His broad shoulders, smooth dark hair and intense dark eyes were too perfect to belong to someone sick. In fact, he was nothing like the rumours had said.

But just as the thoughts made sense, my shoulders tensed as fear clutched me. "I— I don't— Why are you here?" I stuttered.

His dark eyes brightened as he pulled out a brown envelope from his perfectly tailored suit. "I’m not one to let people take advantage of me. I think it’s time for a little payback..."

My heart skipped a beat as he stretched a brown envelope to me and a grin formed on his face.

"Miss Bryant, will you marry me?"

Flashes of Karl and Judith's loved filled faces splashed in my mind with sudden bitterness.

A searing pain shot through my chest and I felt my anger ignite like a flame

And I thought to myself that maybe this Vladimir guy was right after all. Why should Karl and Judith get the chance to walk all over us like that?

If Karl could do this to me, then I could definitely reciprocate the same behaviour.

So with a firm nod, I received the envelope from Vladimir. "Yes, I accept. I will marry you."

A broad smile instantly morphed Vladimir's face, sending a shiver of realization down my spine.

What have I just done?