Chapter 2

Lucas was the most talented werewolf among us.

He had wisdom and strength that no one else could ever hope to match.

Me? I was the definition of "mediocre." No matter how hard I pushed, I couldn't hold a candle to him.

My mom was always comparing us. She'd say, "If only you had half of Lucas's brain."

I'd protest, "Maybe I'm not as smart as him, but at least I actually listen when people talk. When someone calls my name, I answer. But he always acts like he can't hear a word anyone says."

My mom would laugh, arching an eyebrow. "Serena, honey, have you ever thought that maybe he just doesn't want to talk to you?"

I shook my head stubbornly, refusing to believe a word of it. "No way. Lucas wouldn't treat me like that."

If he really couldn't stand me, why did he always step in when I was being bullied? He'd plant himself right in front of me and snap, "Anyone who messes with her is messing with me. You try it again and see what happens."

And when my parents would ride me about my grades, calling me a "dummy," Lucas was always there in a flash. "She's not dumb. She's not into school. That's all. And I can help her."

But now, I finally realized my mom was right.

His ears worked fine. He was a powerful Alpha, after all. He just never cared about me.

"It's nothing," I said, shutting the door behind me and hopping into the car I'd already arranged.

Right then, Lucas finally sent a message. He didn't ask where I was going, and he definitely didn't ask when I'd be home. It read: [Curfew's up. Get back here tomorrow.]

That message was the last straw. All that bitterness and pain I'd been stuffing down came rushing up, and I couldn't stop the tears.

The driver glanced back at me, startled, and quickly handed me a stack of tissues. "Look, miss, take it from me: whatever's going on, don't let it eat you alive. Go home, wash up, and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day."

My vision blurred with tears as I sniffled, took the tissue, and managed a shaky "thanks."

He was right. Life went on. Today would end, and tomorrow would be another good day.

*****

By the time I got home, it was already ten at night.

My parents always went to bed early. So I didn't disturb them and quietly hauled my suitcase to my room.

When I woke up and walked into the living room the next morning, my parents looked all surprised. "Serena? When did you get back?"

"Last night," I said. My voice sounded wrecked from all the crying last night.

My mom picked up on it instantly. "Did you and Lucas have a fight? That doesn't sound like him. He's usually so detached. He wouldn't bother to care when someone messed with him at the academy. Why would he pick a fight with you?"

She was right. Lucas never fought with me. He just looked at me with those cold, empty eyes.

If something ticked him off, he would only stare at me in silence. He knew he didn't have to say anything and I'd always be the one to break and apologize first.

I took a breath. "Mom, I'm calling off the wedding. Please, send back all his gifts."

My mom looked baffled and kept pressing me for a reason.

I knew there was no way to dodge it, so I said, laying it out there, "I'm not marrying someone who doesn't love me."

I grew up in a loving family, with parents who adored each other and treated me like their precious princess.

I wasn't about to sign up for a loveless marriage and a lifetime of heartbreak.

My mom began, "If Lucas doesn't love you, why would he choose to marry you? Serena, you're a grown woman. Don't throw everything away over some petty argument."

I told her about Lucas making a lullaby recording for Lila.

Mom's face went dark. She had less tolerance for betrayal than I do.

She slammed her hand on the table. "Call the wedding off. Right now. You're about to get married, and he can't keep his distance from another woman? He's recording lullabies for her now? Who knows what they'll pull next."

Dad couldn't stand the thought of me being miserable either. Right after breakfast, he had someone pack up every single engagement gift Lucas sent and ship them back.

I wasn't sitting on my hands, either. I called the wedding planner.

But before I could even bring up canceling, she cut me off. "Serena, Alpha handed off the wedding plans to his personal assistant, Lila. You'll need to coordinate everything with her.

"Also, the dress is ready. Alpha mentioned you were tied up, so he had Lila try it on for size. I'm sending you the video. Take a look and see if you like it. If it's not perfect, we can still fix it."

A second later, the video popped up.

Lila was spinning around in a gown that fit like a glove, beaming at the camera.

A staff member was adjusting the hem for her.

Taking in her smile, the staff member gushed, "Lila, you look breathtaking. This dress is made for you. If Alpha sees you like this, he'll fall for his bride all over again."

Lila smirked at the camera. "Thanks. I wish I were his bride. Too bad he doesn't give me a chance."

Right then, Lucas called her.

I couldn't hear what he said, but her grin widened. "I love it. I really hope I can wear something this beautiful when I finally get to be someone's bride."

Then she put him on speaker. Lucas's laughter and voice came through. "Of course you will."

Suddenly, I didn't want to call off the wedding. If he wanted someone else, I'd let him have her.

*****

I stayed at my parents' place for two days. And Lucas didn't reach out once.

As I was starting to think I'd totally slipped his mind, he messaged me simply. It read: [I had my people return those gifts to our place. Come home when you're done with your drama.]

When I told him we were done, he ignored me.

When I left with my suitcase, he didn't look at me.

I suddenly wanted to ask him what the hell I was to him.

But I already knew the answer. It wasn't one I wanted to hear.

He'd only say, "Serena, can you stop making a fuss?"

If I actually pushed him, he'd give me that cold, dead look and say, "Get lost."