Chapter 1

On my birthday, my mate marked the "one who got away" at the hotel we had chosen, wearing the suit I had picked for him.

Alpha Daniel Olson, leader of the Crimson Fang Pack, stood there, his broad shoulders and commanding presence filling the space. Beside him was Luna Cataleya Ruiz from the Shadow Claw Pack, her beauty radiating like a cruel moon. Their marking ceremony was captured and shared by Daniel’s brother, Gerardo Olson, a Delta in their pack, who declared them destined for each other.

I couldn’t resist adding my own bitter words to the sea of congratulations flooding the social media feed: "May your home be filled with pups."

Not long after, my phone buzzed with a call from Alpha Daniel. Frustration laced his deep voice: "Kensley, can we stop this already? This is the last time. Once I fulfill this final promise, I’ll come back to you."

I had discovered the marking ceremony through my pack’s network. Gerardo’s post showed Alpha Daniel in the suit I had chosen, his Alpha aura undeniable, while Luna Cataleya clung to his arm with a radiant smile. They walked step by step toward the ceremonial altar, their bond sealed under the gaze of the Moon Goddess.

I forced a bitter smile as I dumped my now-cold dinner into the trash. Today was my birthday. Alpha Daniel had promised we’d celebrate together. I had prepared dinner and baked a honey spice cake, but in the afternoon, he got a call about an urgent pack matter and asked me to wait.

I waited until midnight, and Alpha Daniel never came. Instead, I was confronted with the grand spectacle of his marking ceremony with Luna Cataleya.

In a daze, I shoved some cake into my mouth and started watching the full video Gerardo had posted. I had accidentally put too much sugar in this cake, yet I couldn’t taste any sweetness.

In the video, Alpha Daniel looked as sharp as ever in the ceremonial suit I had picked out for him, while Luna Cataleya, with her radiant smile, clung to his arm. They walked down the aisle, step by step, toward the altar.

As they exchanged vows under the officiant’s declarations, I found myself staring blankly at my own empty mate mark. It felt as though a bullet had pierced my heart.

The mark that was supposed to bind us was now etched into Luna Cataleya’s skin. Our marking ceremony was supposed to be next month. I had spent months booking the venue, picking out the outfits, and preparing the vows, all for someone else to take my place as his mate.

I flashed back to a year ago when Alpha Daniel proposed our bond. He dropped to one knee, no mark, no audience, just a bouquet of roses.

With eyes full of remorse, he said, "Kensley Franklin, I’m sorry. I promise once I get past this, I’ll give you a grand marking ceremony."

I accepted the roses and nodded. He held me, professing how much he loved me, saying he would only belong to me.

Yet here he was, marking another woman.

The video continued, and after their vows, the officiant proclaimed, "You may now seal the bond!" Luna Cataleya shyly tilted her face up, and amidst cheers, Alpha Daniel pulled her into a passionate kiss.

I glanced at the pile of ceremonial invitations that hadn’t been sent out yet and decided to call Alpha Daniel.

When he answered, his voice was impatient. "What do you want, Kensley?"

In the background, I could hear chaos and loud music. After a moment of silence, I asked, "When are you coming back?"

Just then, Gerardo’s voice chimed in, "Hey Alpha Daniel, the ceremony’s over. Ready for the celebration?"

The music quieted down, and it seemed Alpha Daniel had moved to a quieter place.

"I’m handling pack business. Don’t wait up for me. I’m busy, we’ll talk when I get back. Gotta go," he said.

Before he could hang up, I said, "Alpha Daniel, let’s sever the bond."

Hearing my words, his voice turned even more irritated. Coldly, he warned, "Kensley Franklin, stop causing drama. I don’t have time for your antics right now."

The next second, the call was cut off.