To Be My Alpha's Stand-In Mate

"Thalia Silverfang, have you been wronged?"

My brother's voice held a note of deep concern as he paused on the other end of the line. He must have sensed something in my tone, but I feigned indifference.

I forced a lighthearted smile, even though the bitterness in my throat felt like it might choke me. “No, I’m fine. I’ve just decided—if I’m going to marry anyway, does it really matter to whom?”

“Are you sure?” He pressed, his concern growing. “Thalia, if something’s wrong, you can tell me. Why this sudden rush to marry? You didn’t seem too eager about it before.”

Of course, I hadn’t been eager. My true desire was to marry Damien. But after everything that happened, I realized I was merely a replacement — a stand-in to fill the hole left by his true love.

I couldn’t live in that world, no matter how painful it was.

“I’ve told you,” I replied, forcing a chuckle despite the ache inside me. “I’ve just figured it out. I’m also at the right age now. Any longer, and no one might want me.”

“Don’t say that,” my brother said sternly, his voice firm. “Anyway, I’ll send someone to tell you about the one arranged for you. It’s better to know them firsthand.”

“There’s no need. I trust Mom and Dad’s judgment,” I continued, my voice steady despite the storm within me. “Even if it’s an arranged bond, I’m sure the candidate has been carefully chosen by all of you.”

Silence stretched between us before I heard my brother sigh, the sound heavy with relief and lingering worry. My rebellious departure years ago had left the pack uneasy, especially him. Now, with my return, he must have felt a measure of reassurance.

His voice softened. “I’m glad you’ve come to terms with this. When are you coming back? Are you sure you don't want to meet him before making the final decision?”

“There’s no need,” I replied, my tone sharp with practicality. “The sooner we agree, the sooner the pack can resolve its crisis. Start preparing the ceremony, and let’s set it for a month from now.”

“Understood,” he said, though a trace of hesitation lingered. “By the way, do you still speak with Damien? I heard his first love, Kaia, had returned. Perhaps you should reach out to him—invite him to the celebration. He might bring some luck.”

His words caught me off guard. So, he knew about Kaia. No wonder Damien had always insisted I keep our bond a secret from my family.

I lowered my gaze, hiding the pang in my heart. “Don’t bother him,” I murmured. “We’re not close.”

Just then, the sound of the door unlocking reached my ears. I hurriedly said my goodbyes and ended the call, bracing myself.

When I looked up, Damien stood before me, his smile radiant, his eyes shining with a brilliance I had rarely seen. It wasn’t for me. It couldn’t be.

“Not close to whom?” he asked, his tone playful.

“Not close to you,” I replied bluntly, though my voice wavered.

Damien’s brow arched, and before I could step back, he pulled me into his embrace. His grin was mischievous, his breath warmed against my ear.

“Really?” He murmured, his voice low and teasing. “Then tell me, how are we not close? Have we not shared enough nights together to be considered close, hmm?”

The intimacy that had once made my heart race now filled me with unease. I struggled in his hold, and as I did, my eyes caught the faint stain of lipstick on his collar.

The burns on my wrist throbbed, a sharp pain cutting through my composure. Tears welled in my eyes, unbidden and unstoppable.

“Thalia, what’s wrong?” Damien’s voice shifted, panic replacing his usual confidence. He rolled up my sleeve, revealing the angry red marks on my skin.

His expression twisted in alarm. “How did this happen? When were you burned? Why didn’t you tell me?”

His concern seemed genuine, but it only deepened the ache in my chest. Had he forgotten the events at the banquet so easily?

I said nothing, unsure whether I should remind him and watch his mask of false affection crack, or let him keep pretending.