Anna's POV:

Tomorrow I marry Allen. Tomorrow, everything changes.

"Can't help it. I'm too excited to sit still." I flop down beside Vivian on the hotel bed.

"Excited about the money and status?" she asks.

"Both." My grin is unashamed. "Mom needs those treatments. The specialists won't look at her file without Pack elite sponsorship."

"I still think there's something off about him," Vivian says quietly.

My chest tightens. "What do you mean?"

"Just a feeling. The way he looks at other women—"

"You're imagining things. We're fated mates. The bond doesn't lie."

She drops it, but her doubt lingers between us.

Around midnight, Vivian falls asleep. I lie awake, mind racing about tomorrow—the ceremony, the vows, the Luna ring.

Then I remember. Mom's heirloom bracelet—still sitting on Allen's dresser where I left it this afternoon.

I sit up carefully. I could wait until morning, but what if it gets lost? And Allen doesn't know I'm coming. It could be a nice surprise.

Decision made, I grab my jacket and slip out.

The Uber drops me off outside Allen's house. Every light is off except the one in his bedroom window.

He's still awake.

Perfect.

I let myself in with my key, grinning at the thought of his surprised face. But the moment I step inside, something feels wrong.

The air is thick. Heavy. It smells like sweat and something else—something musky and intimate that makes my wolf stir uneasily.

I hear it then. A low groan. Rhythmic movement. Heavy breathing.

My heart stops.

No. No, it can't be—

I force my feet forward, each step echoing too loud in my ears. The bedroom door is slightly ajar. Golden light spills out into the hallway.

I push it open.

Allen is on the bed. His back is to me, muscles flexing as he thrusts forward. His hands grip pale hips—hips that definitely aren't mine. Long blonde hair spills across the pillow. Her face is turned away, but I'd recognize that hair anywhere.

Daisy. My bridesmaid.

They're rutting like animals. His claws are out, digging into her skin. She's moaning, arching her back, meeting every thrust with desperate enthusiasm.

The world tilts.

I can't breathe. Can't think. My chest feels like someone's driven a stake through it.

"Fuck, yes," Daisy gasps. "Harder—"

"You're so much better than her," Allen growls. His voice is rough, animalistic. "So much tighter. So much more responsive."

She laughs—actually laughs. "Poor little Omega. Does she even know what she's getting into?"

"Anna?" Allen grunts between thrusts. "She's a means to an end. Weak bloodline, weak wolf. But she's my fated mate, so Pack law says I have to marry her first. Once the ceremony's done and I secure the Gamma position..." He slaps Daisy's ass hard enough to leave a mark. "I'll reject her. Replace her with you."

The pain in my chest intensifies. I grip the doorframe to stay upright.

"What about your son?" Daisy moans, rolling her hips. "When are you going to tell her about him?"

"Why would I? The kid's set. I already bought him a high-value savings plan." Allen's laugh is cold. "She even took care of him that weekend, remember? Thought he was my friend's kid. Stupid little Omega never suspected a thing."

The memory slams into me. That little boy with brown eyes and Allen's sharp jawline. He'd stayed with us for three days while Allen was supposedly on business.

Their son.

They have a son.

"You bastard," I hear myself say.

They freeze. Allen's head whips around.

"Anna—"

I don't let him finish. I'm across the room before either of them can react, shoving Allen off the bed with strength I didn't know I had. He crashes to the floor. Daisy screams.

I grab a fistful of her blonde hair and drag her down beside him.

"You fucking bitch!" I slam my palm across her face once, twice, three times. She's shrieking, clawing at my arms, but I don't care. The pain feels good. The violence feels right.

Strong hands wrap around my shoulders and yank me backward. Allen throws me off Daisy, immediately pulling her into his arms.

I stare at them. Allen's eyes are wide, panicked. But his body—his body is curled protectively around her.

Not me. Her.

"Anna, wait—" His voice shakes. "Let me explain—"

"Explain what?" My voice comes out broken. Raw. "That you've been fucking my bridesmaid? That you knocked her up? That you were planning to use me and throw me away?"

Daisy smirks through her tears. "At least I can give him a real heir."

Something inside me snaps. I spin toward the dresser, grab the heirloom bracelet—the one I came here for—and the engagement ring box. I hurl them both at Allen's head.

"Tomorrow's ceremony?" My voice is steady now. Cold. "I won't be there. Let her replace me."

I turn and walk out, my legs somehow still working despite the agony tearing through my chest.

Behind me, Allen starts shouting. Daisy's laughter echoes through the house.

I don't look back.