Alpha Kian barely acknowledged my presence, his cold indifference a clear sign that he was still irritated with me for choosing my duties over attending his precious Luna-to-be Maya’s ceremony.
It was almost laughable—how he could be angry at me when he was the one who had made me feel so unwanted all along.
But of course, Maya had to play her role.
"Alpha, Selena didn’t come because she had responsibilities. You should understand her," she said with a perfectly practiced tone of sympathy, as if she truly cared about my standing in the pack.
Then she turned to me with that sweet smile. "Luckily, it turns out she’s here now, fulfilling her duty as the event’s photographer. So how about you two take a picture together, just like the other honored guests?"
My fingers tightened around my camera.
She was putting on a show, pretending to bring us closer, but I knew what she was really doing. She wanted to humiliate me.
At that moment, I stood there in my simple attire, my practical outfit making it painfully obvious that I did not belong among the adorned elites of the pack.
Meanwhile, Maya was radiant in her ceremonial gown, perfectly styled, as if she were already reigning as Luna. Kian, in his formal Alpha attire, looked every bit the leader meant to stand beside her.
Before I could refuse, Maya reached for my camera with a giggle.
"Come on, just one picture," she insisted.
I stepped next to Kian stiffly, and the moment Maya raised the camera, the whispers began.
"The Alpha must be embarrassed to still have Selena around."
"Of course, he prefers Maya. She’s perfect for him."
"Did you see them at the last Pack Gathering? The way he held her?"
"Well, I’d do the same if I had a Luna as beautiful and strong as Maya."
Soft laughter rippled through the crowd, their cruel words like tiny needles piercing into my skin.
Kian said nothing. Not a single word in my defense.
I reached forward and took my camera back from Maya, my expression unreadable. "This is your event, Maya. You should be the center of attention."
“Let me know if you need anything else for me to shoot." My voice was calm, devoid of any emotion.
Maya tilted her head slightly as if trying to read me, but before she could say anything, the grand doors of the hall opened.
Kian’s parents had arrived.
They walked in with effortless grace, immediately heading toward Maya’s parents, greeting them warmly like old allies.
Maya’s eyes gleamed.
She turned to me, smiling sweetly. "Then take a picture of me and Kian with our parents, okay?"
Kian did not even hesitate—he stepped beside Maya, wrapping an arm around her waist like it was second nature. Their parents stood beside them, all of them looking like the perfect family.
I lifted my camera.
Through the lens, I saw everything—the way Maya leaned into Kian, the way he allowed it, the way their parents beamed as if they fully approved of their union.
And then I realized… they had always been like that since then. While I was the outsider.
Afterward, Maya sauntered over to me and pulled out a proof of half payment on her mobile phone with a knowing smile.
"Anyway, the full payment will be made according to the agreement after I see the results of the photos," she said smoothly, her voice light, but there was something sharp beneath it.
Then, as if she had just remembered something, she added, "Oh yeah, initially, I only hired you until the main event was over, but since the Alpha’s parents arrived, we’re having another celebration. Stay a little longer, okay?
“Don’t worry, I will add bonus payment for it."
Her eyes sparkled with amusement, as if she knew something I did not.
I simply nodded and turned my focus back to my camera.
But because I kept following Maya to capture candid shots, I inevitably overheard their parents' conversation.
And that was when I felt my heart shatter.
They had already discussed Kian and Maya’s mating ceremony. Not only that, but they confidently announced that this ceremony was actually their engagement.
My grip on the camera tightened, my hands shaking slightly as I clicked the shutter. I forced myself to remain professional, but inside, everything was crumbling.
The pack erupted in cheers. Some clapped excitedly, while others shouted with glee, "Kiss! Kiss!"
I turned toward the voice and recognized one of Kian and Maya’s closest friends. The same people who had mocked me behind my back, who had celebrated Maya as if she was already his Luna.
Maya, ever the perfect actress, blushed and laughed lightly. "Guys, don’t be like that. Our parents are here."
But Kian, his arm still wrapped around her waist, leaned in closer. His voice was teasing as he said, "Why not, love?"
The pack cheered louder, some covering their eyes playfully, while others howled in excitement. Their parents just laughed, delighted by how perfect their children were together.
And then, it happened.
Maya, with a shy giggle, leaned in and in front of everyone, Kian kissed her. Not a quick peck, not something that could be dismissed as friendly. But deep, lingering, intimate.
And everyone cheered.
To congratulate them, everyone raised their goblets for a toast, so did I.
I walked over to the towering pyramid of wine goblets stacked on the table. But instead of taking one from the top like everyone else, I reached for one in the middle.
The moment I pulled it out, the entire structure collapsed.
Glass shattered against the floor, shards scattering in every direction. Gasps rippled through the crowd.
I did not flinch. I simply raised my goblet high and, with a small, knowing smile, said, "Congratulations. Two shameless wolves, what a perfect match!"
Then, without hesitation, I downed the entire drink in one gulp, turned on my heel, and walked out of the ceremony.
---
At home, Kian exploded.
"What the hell was that, Selena?" he shouted, his face red with fury. "Do you have any idea how embarrassing you were at that gathering? You humiliated me in front of the entire pack!"
I laughed coldly. "Oh? But kissing your so-called childhood friend in front of me wasn’t embarrassing, right?"
Kian exhaled harshly, running a hand through his hair. "It was an act, Selena! Our families are close, and they do business together. We had to put on a show for them."
I scoffed. "An act?" I folded my arms, tilting my head at him. "Then explain something to me, Kian."
His jaw tightened. "What?"
I met his eyes, my voice sharp. "Then why did you lie about the Pack Meeting Trip in July, huh? Why did you say you were leaving for an important Alpha gathering, but instead, you left with her?"
