Celeste tilted her head, a sly smile curving her lips as she watched me from across the table. The warm glow of the Italian restaurant didn’t soften the sharpness in her eyes.
"You know…" her voice light and airy, "I’ve always thought we looked alike. Almost like sisters, don’t you think?"
Celeste’s grin widened, a little too smug, like she was already two steps ahead in some game I didn’t know we were playing. It wasn’t just a smile—it was the kind of look that made my wolf growl low in the back of my mind. She was plotting something. I could feel it.
Still, I didn’t flinch. I wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction.
"Must just be your imagination," I added casually and left her. My wolf didn’t trust her, and honestly? Neither did I.
***
The night dragged on, the lively chatter around me a background hum as I tried to focus on anything but Celeste’s smug presence. When I excused myself to step outside for some air, I didn’t expect trouble to follow.
I barely made it to the alley behind the restaurant before Asher found me. He stalked toward me, his golden eyes dark with anger.
"Lois!" he said sharply. "We need to talk."
"About what?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
His jaw clenched, and before I could react, he slapped me. The crack of it echoed in the narrow space, leaving my cheek stinging and my heart pounding.
"Asher!" I gasped, stepping back in shock. My wolf growled, the sting of betrayal cutting deeper than the slap.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice low and furious. "Why did you fucking push Celeste? She’s hurt, Lois! You knew her damn ankle was twisted, and you still—"
"I didn’t push her," I snapped, my voice shaking. "What are you even talking about?!"
Before I could say more, Celeste appeared at the end of the alley. She was limping, her face twisted into a picture of helplessness. Damn her! Her shirt had a faint splash of what looked like wine on the sleeve, and she clutched the wall for support.
Asher rushed to her side without hesitation, his hands hovering protectively. "Celeste! ! You shouldn’t have followed me out here," he scolded her gently. "I told you I’d handle it."
Celeste gave him a small, brave smile, and the way he looked at her made something inside me break.
"It’s okay, Asher…" she said softly, her voice trembling like she was holding back tears. "I-I don’t think Lois meant to. Maybe it was an accident…”
My wolf snarled inside me, her anger mirroring mine. The scene was so perfectly staged it made my stomach turn!
"If her brother finds out you hurt her," Celeste added, sighing dramatically, "it might mess things up between your packs. You wouldn’t want that, would you?"
At the mention of my brother, Asher’s expression shifted, just for a second. But then he straightened, his voice turning hard again.
"Her brother trusted me to look after her," he said, his tone like ice. "That means it’s my job to deal with her when she’s out of line."
I let out a bitter laugh, unable to hold it back anymore. "Deal with me? For what, exactly? Even in pack law, you need proof before punishing someone. Don’t you think it’s a little unfair to just jump to conclusions and hit me without knowing the full story?"
Asher clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. "You knew there were no witnesses nor CCTV’s in the restroom. You fucking thought you’d get away with it? Huh!"
"Asher," I tried to keep my voice steady, "y-you’re really going to believe her over me?"
Celeste stepped closer, resting her hand on Asher’s arm, her face full of fake concern. "Lois, you know I’ve always wanted to be friends with you," she said sweetly, through her eyes practically glowed with satisfaction.
Asher glanced at her, his expression softening like a fool. "She wouldn’t lie about this," he said quietly, his tone absolute.
My wolf growled, furious, but I just scoffed, glaring at both of them. "Of course, she doesn’t," I snapped. "She’s way too good at playing the victim for that!”
Five years! Five years of building something I thought was real, and he didn’t even hesitate to take her side.
Wow.
Celeste reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Asher, please," she said, her tone all soft and sweet. "Don’t fight over me. I don’t want to come between you two."
I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and raw. "Too late for that."
"Lois," Asher said sharply, his golden eyes flashing with warning.
I shook my head, backing away. "I’m done, Asher! You’ve made it clear where you stand, and it’s not with me."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, ignoring Celeste’s murmured protests and Asher’s frustrated shout.
I didn’t go back inside. Instead, I paid the bill at the front desk and sent a quick message to the group chat:
"Something came up. Enjoy the rest of the night—it’s on me."
As I stepped out into the cool night air, the weight of it all crashed down on me. Asher wasn’t just a Gamma in my pack. He was supposed to be my partner, my anchor. But tonight proved something I’d been too blind to see.
I was holding onto someone who had already let go of me.
