Chapter 4
Amber’s POV
The stench of alcohol hit me hard.
How much had he drunk?
This was the same Alpha who was always poised and polished and just now he cursed me out on the phone, his voice rough and gravelly
1 Instinctively pushed against his chest, worried the elevator doors might close.
But he tightened his arm around my waist, his heat searing through my clothes, scorching my
“Don’t try to back out now,” he said, his breath hot against my ear. “It’s too late for that.”
*What?
skin.
with
anger.
“I’ve already spoken to both our familles,” he whispered, his words laced with booze and tension. “The mating ceremony’s being arranged. The full moon three nights from now–it’s the perfect time to seal the bond. I won’t let it pass‘
ii
Then, without giving me a chance to respond, he took my hand and led me out of the elevator. His palm was slightly damp–nervous, Maybe he cared more about this bond than I thought.
I stared at the hard line of his jaw, then suddenly stopped.
Carter,” I said, “I want a traditional wedding. Can you make that happen?”
He paused, turning to face me. There was a flicker of starlight in his dark eyes.
“Of course,” he said quietly. His voice was low, resolute
Memories surged through me in waves.
The first time we attended training camp together, after coming of age
He was an Alptur noble bloodline, powerful, admired.
I was just an omega–bom to submit, physically weaker, often mocked by the trainers.
But he always stayed behind with me, going over the drills again and again
*You just need more time,” he’d say, crouching beside me. “I saw you practicing archery the other day. You might be better suited to long–range combat
“Wanna try tomorrow?” he added with a mischievous grin. “I’ll be your target
I thought he was joking. But the next day, he actually brought out the bow and arrows along with a wooden board–and stood there, ready for me to
That was the fir
first time I realized I could earn my place in the park. Not through bloodline, but through precision, patience, and focus.
After training ended, we were assigned to different packs–lds in the north, mine in the south.
For three years, he took a thune–hour train ride every weekend to see me, rain or shine, until Grayson came into the picture.
Now, back in the present, I trudged back to my old pack, dragging my suitcase behind me.
The moment I stepped through the door, my main pulled me into a tight hug, eyes red and puffy.
“That bastard’s not worth your tears,” she whispered.
My dad’s lace was like thunder as he grabbed his phone.
“Froits now on, allyone who dares do business with Grayson’s pack is cutting ties with our family.”
That night, curled up on my bed, I checked my phone–and saw that Piper had just pasted.
High screenshots of game victories. And the last one, she was sitting on Grayson’s lap, flashing a peace sign at the camera, smug and smiling. Caption: [Friends united–unstoppable force.]
1 quietly gave it a like.
Chapter 4
A few minutes later, Grayson called
“You online?” he asked. “Piper and I will carry you through the game. Just stick with us and don’t mess up the rhythm.”
I used to beg him to play with me, trying so hard to fit into his world.
But back then, he’d snap in front of Piper, “Stop being a deadweight. Get the hell out of the lobby if you’re gonna drag us down!”
And now, he was inviting me himself?
I almost laughed.
about
to hang up when Theard Piper’s high–pitched voice on the other end. “Grayson, I feel sick again! Ugh, it’s all your fault for going so hard that night… I just wanted to see if I’d react to a guy, but you really went for it… My back still hurts. Come rub it for me=”
I was
Grayson muttered a curse, hesitating.
Piper chimed in, “Can you chill for a sec? You can deal with your mate later, alright? Bros before hoes–pick a side.”
Then his voice turned cold towards me. “Never mind. I’m done listening.”
Click He hang up
Silence.
Then the sound of my world collapsing
So much for that “drunken accident.” It had all been calculated
The signs were always there.
Every date was rushed. He’d say he was “bored,” then spend all night gaming with Piper.
He insisted she come on our vacations-“She keeps the mood fun.”
Het messages were always pinned, her notifications had their own special sound, and every ping made my heart drop
Even the Valentine’s gift he gave me? Piper got the exact same one
“She doesn’t have a mate,” he’d said. “She’s pitiful.”
Whenever I pushed back, he snapped–furious, defensive:
“Stop being so dramatic. You think just ‘cause your daddy’s got a bit of cash you can pressure me? I’m an Alpha You’re an omega. Get that through your bead. You were born to submit, not to challenge me.”
What else could I say?
The next day was the academy’s centennial celebration. All werewolves who had trained there were invited back. I didn’t think Grayson would show, so I
Then the announcer’s voice boomed across the courtyard. “Please welcome… Grayson Hale, Alpha of the Moonlight Pack.”
My head shot up.
There he was–dressed in a black Alpha ceremonial sult, striding confidently onto the stage.
And his hand…
Was wrapped tightly around Piper’s.
Chapter 4