NO

f everyone, and hell yeah, I've become the pack's fa

lly thought the Alph

d she expect? A

he knows he

I feel like the ground should just open up and swallow me whole. For the sake o

e since his spectacular public humiliation of me. Twice. Does he actually thinks that two half-a

im sid

. Her mate turned out to be Beta Kane, exact

ks about her name. Seraphina, Serenity, Sabrina, whatever. She's just

it "properly." Translation: they wanted to invite several Alphas from different packs

f my being is screaming at me to stay home, hide u

uch as I hate it, I owe t

Alpha Marcus's personal guard, and they died protecting him and his family during a rogue attack on pack la

me alongside Damien like I was his own daughter. Gave me a home, an education, a p

ry instinct telling me to run far, far away, I

rway. She's already dressed in a pale pink dress

would b

," I correct, pulling my

Jealous. That I couldn't

bitter an

e right through me..." I turn to face

when my parents died. The least I can do is

ression softe

ice to me right now, I'm going to cry,

ting next to you, and if anyone says anything,

You're a go

ugh mine. "Now let's go watch your ex-best-f

s a lie. Damien isn't making a mistake. He's follo

me place where I was publicly rejected a week ago. Beca

k drapes hanging from the trees, chairs arranged in perfect r

very inc

of pack members waving us over. I recognize them from work,

carefully a

d. "There must be over three hundred people here. I heard the Nightshade Pac

the event,

Seraphina's dress cost more than my car. Impo

e it did,

. "You're being really mature about this, Nova. I m

and humiliated?" I supply helpf

rd si

Candace says brightly, tuggi

hisper, "By the goddess, that was

okay?" Sarah

She must fee

ng to let them see how their wo

. That's exact

enough that I don't have to watch every excruciating detail. The chairs fill up quickly

toward a tall, imposing man with silver-streake

e over our territory through

va.

allowed to

elodic tune that signals the ceremony is about to begi

Alpha he was born to be. His dark hair is perfectly styled, his posture confident

physical blow. He's actually, genuinely happy

'm going

indeed spectacular, all lace and crystals and flowing fabric that catches the light. Her auburn hair

She's everythin

lights up even more when he sees her. Watch as they meet at the altar and he takes

do this,"

gripping my hand. "You're the strongest

ing apart, piece by piece, an

m too focused on not crying, on keeping my expression neutral

ion," the officiant says, and

. Stand up. Tell him he promised you. Remind

e point? You can't fight a fated mate

boy I've loved for eight years

the Moon Goddess and this pack," the off

and kisses her, and the crowd

nds moving on autopilot, w

Candace murmurs. "

speeches. Hours more of watching Damien and Seraphina be blissfull

massive tent set up with tables, a dance floor, and enough food to fee

ov

I know t

hand-in-hand with his new wife, looking a

he says. "It means

e that makes me hate her even more because I

old me so much about you.

m. Instead, I smile, a plastic, perfect s

ice surprisingly steady. "I hop

here's relief in his eyes. Like

really

me," I interrupt,

Damien calling my name, ignoring the curious stares, ignorin

e of the tent before

in. They're right. I'

etely that I don't see the person in fron

sorry, I

ok up, ready to apologize again,

e words. Tall, easily 6'4", with broad should

silver I've ever seen. He's wearing an expensive-looking black suit, an

like I just became the

scent like it's the most natural thing in the world. His eyes fla

e so deep, rough, and