That promise, that sliver of hope, was the only thing keeping her sane amidst the chaos of this day.
Oh, Goddess, how she longed for the pain to end. She whispered it like a prayer, like a plea.
Just a little longer, she told herself. All she needed to do was survive this one day. After the ceremony, it would be her turn-her rejection.
The irony twisted like a knife in her chest. On the same day her sister celebrated her union with Elaine’s fated mate, Elaine herself would stand before that same male and hear the words that would sever their bond. She hoped-foolishly, desperately-that it might be done privately, that it could be just the two of them. But deep inside, she knew better. They would want witnesses.
They would want to see her final undoing, to watch as the moon goddess’s cruel gift was torn away from her.
What sin had she committed to deserve this torment? What crime warranted such punishment? The questions circled endlessly in her mind, but no answer ever came.
She could only sigh, forcing herself to push the thoughts away. Dwelling on them would not change anything. She had a task to complete, humiliating though it was: to help prepare for the mating ceremony of her own sister and her fated mate.
Her wolf had been silent for days. Elaine didn’t know why, only that the absence gnawed at her. It was as though her other half was conserving strength, withholding some secret she wasn’t ready to share. The silence was worse than scorn. It left Elaine feeling hollow, abandoned even by the one being who had always been hers.
Isolated, avoided like a plague by the rest of the pack, and now without the comfort of her wolf’s voice.
She had never felt so utterly alone.
She drew in a sharp breath, forcing herself to focus.
Concentrate, Elaine. Just concentrate, she told herself.
She straightened her shoulders and surveyed the work before her. Were the flowers arranged perfectly, their colors vibrant and welcoming? Was the food prepared to perfection, fit for such a grand occasion? Were the guests being attended to, their every comfort ensured?
They had kept her busy from the moment she woke, piling duty after duty upon her shoulders. She knew why, of course. They feared she might interfere, that she might attempt to disrupt the ceremony. As if she would.
No, she needed this day to unfold exactly as planned. Only then would her escape be possible.
So she moved from task to task with mechanical precision, her heart aching with every detail she oversaw. Every flower placed, every ribbon tied, every tray balanced in her hands was another reminder of what she had lost. Another reminder of the cruel joke the Goddess had played on her. Another step toward the rejection she both dreaded and longed for.
All she could do was survive the day. And then-finally-leave this place behind.
As she checked the garlands that lined the entrance hall, she heard footsteps behind her. She froze, recognizing the steady, commanding pace instantly. Calvin.
He cleared his throat. “Elaine.”
She turned slowly, keeping her face composed though her heart gave a painful twist.
“Beta.”
His frown deepened. “Don’t. Don’t call me that.”
“Isn’t that what you are?” She asked lightly, though her voice trembled. “Beta. Future Alpha’s right hand. My brother in title only.”
Calvin’s jaw tightened. “That’s not fair.”
“Fair?” A bitter laugh slipped from her lips. “You return home after months, after everything, and can’t even spare me a hello. Forgive me if I can’t find fairness in that.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You think this is easy for me? To stand here, watching my sister caught in the middle of something none of us wanted?”
Her chest constricted. “None of us wanted? Tell me, Calvin, who exactly didn’t want this? Michael? Father?
Or perhaps it was all of you who decided my pain was the price for unity?”
Calvin flinched but said nothing. Silence stretched between them, thick with all the words they would never speak.
Finally, Elaine shook her head. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
After today, I’ll be gone and hopefully not see me again. Elaine thought.
Calvin’s lips parted as if to argue, but no sound came. Instead, he turned sharply and walked away, his broad shoulders stiff, leaving Elaine standing alone among the flowers.
She forced herself to breathe, to return to her duties.
There was no point in hoping for comfort from her family.
The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. The great hall shimmered with golden lanterns, their light casting warmth over the rows of pack members who sat buzzing with anticipation. At the front, the altar was adorned with white roses and evergreen branches, a symbol of loyalty and eternal union.
The council member, a stern yet dignified figure named Lucius, stood tall at the altar, his ceremonial robes flowing like waves of authority. To his right stood the Alpha and Luna of the pack, both beaming with pride, as though today was the culmination of all their sacrifices. To his left stood Elaine father Beta Richard, Elaine’s mother Lucille and her older brother, Calvin.
Together, they framed the place where the soon-to-be-mated couple would seal their bond.
The entire hall hummed with excitement, waiting for the new union to be completed.
At the very back of the hall, hidden in the shadows, stood Elaine. Her eyes were fixed on her parents, who were glowing with pride at the altar.
A pang of betrayal shot through her heart. They looked so happy, so supportive of Michael and Kathy. But when had they ever looked at her like that?
Her parents had been trying to reach her through the mind link since morning, their voices brushing against the barrier she had firmly erected. She had shut them out completely. She didn’t have the strength to hear their excuses, their justifications, their empty reassurances.
Footsteps approached from behind, measured and steady. Elaine tensed. When she looked up, she saw Alpha Darius, his tall frame radiating authority, but his eyes softened when they landed on her.
He came to stand beside her, close enough that his presence was like a shield against the storm swirling in her chest.
“Are you alright, Elaine?” His deep voice was quiet, but it carried genuine concern. “You look… stressed.”
Elaine forced her lips into a polite line. “I’m fine, Alpha.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.