In my third year as mate of Alpha Easton Ward, my world fell apart when I discovered he was cheating on me with my sister, Elena.
Elena and I were biologically half-sisters with different fathers and adopted when toddlers by the rich and Beta of the White Claw Pack. But Elena was always the favorite. Our adoptive parents couldn’t get enough of her, and Easton seemed to have a thing for her, too.
It wasn’t just a casual fling. Easton had been in love with her all along. He was good at pretending, acting like he cared for me, the future Luna, while deep down, he was pining for Elena. The final blow came after my accident - some drunk driver ran me off the road. I woke up in the hospital, groggy and in pain, only to hear he couldn’t come to see me because he was busy helping Elena with something urgent.
That night, my heart hardened like a stone. I had enough. And without telling anyone, I started plotting my escape. My plan? To board a luxury cruise ship and travel the world.
The salesman at the dock was practically jumping for joy.
“Miss Ardyn, check out the Polaris 9000! It’s got state-of-the-art navigation, endless luxury features, and self-sustaining for weeks on the open water. A true masterpiece!”
I raised an eyebrow, keeping my tone cool.
“So, if I take this baby out, I won’t have to come back?”
His grin got even bigger.
“Not unless you feel like it.”
Perfect.
“I’ll take it,” I said, sliding him my black card.
His jaw nearly dropped.
“Excellent choice! Discretion is totally guaranteed, of course.”
“Good,” I shot back, locking my eyes on him.
“If anyone finds out about this, you’ll regret it.”
With that settled, I walked away, my phone ringing in my pocket. Easton's name flashed on the screen.
"Yes?" I answered curtly.
“Ardyn don’t forget about family dinner tonight,” he said, sounding smooth.
“I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
Just hearing him made my stomach twist. My wolf was restless, sensing my anger and pain.
“No need,” I said, cutting him off.
“I’ll see you there.”
Before he could say another word, I hung up.
When I finally got to the Blackwood mansion where my parents live, the dining room was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat and wine. Elena was already there, looking stunning in a pale green dress that matched her icy blue eyes. She turned; a sickly-sweet smile plastered on her face.
“Ardyn,” she chimed, tilting her head like she was genuinely concerned.
“Late again? Tsk, tsk. You’re supposed to be setting an example as Luna.”
I held her gaze, keeping my expression flat.
“I’m here now. That’s what matters.”
Our adoptive father, Beta Magnus Blackwood, frowned.
"Elena's right. A future Luna should value punctuality.”
I gripped the chair tight as I sat down, forcing a smile.
“Noted.”
Easton was seated at the table, reaching for a goblet of wine.
“Let’s not make a big deal of this. Ardyn’s been busy with preparations for the mating ritual ceremony," he said with a smile.
A lie, of course. The entire ceremony was Elena's pet project, from the guest list to the decorations.
I caught him brushing his fingers against Elena's under the tablecloth. My heart ached, but I wouldn't let them see me break.
"Well, you’ve certainly been spending a lot of time helping Elena lately. I hope you’re not overworking yourself, Easton," I said sweetly.
The flicker of panic in Elena's expression was almost satisfying. But she was a good actress her sweet smile recovered quickly.
“Anything for the pack,” Easton replied confidently, as if he didn’t sense the sarcasm.
Later that night, I stared at the full moon from my bedroom window. Just seven more days, I told myself. Seven more days until I could free myself from being tangled with their lies and wrecked them.
