Chapter 1：Getting Married

Cynthia’s POV

My best friend is about to marry my crush, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

I’ve had feelings for Liam since I was little, and it’s my secret. I’ve never told anyone, not even my best friend, Elena.

But now, Liam has announced that they are getting married. I struggle to hold back tears, not wanting him to see my pain.

“So you’ve fallen in love with her,” I say, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

“No!” Liam quickly denies. 

“Then why are you marrying her?” Elena doesn’t love Liam; we’re best friends, and I know it. So why are they getting married? I’m the one who truly loves Liam. Why?

“I need her father’s support. I just became the Alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Things are shaky. The Eclipse pack might launch an attack during this time, and if that happens-” he shivers. “I don’t want to end up like my father, Cynthia.”

I purse my lips. He does have a point, I suppose. 

The Eclipse pack is the largest pack in North America, and they’re the ones who killed Liam’s father. Liam hates the Eclipse pack with a vengeance. It makes sense. We could gain significant help from them. 

But still…

Does it have to be through marriage?

“You don’t have to worry about the Eclipse pack right now,” I say in an attempt to console him. “Their Alpha is getting old. I doubt they can launch another large attack so soon.”

“It’s not the current Alpha I’m worried about,” Liam shakes his head. “It’s his son Vikrov.”

The name curdles my blood. Vikrov’s bloodline has the potential to make him the most capable Alpha ever among werewolves. It’s said that no one can resist his might — even the rogues, who have always valued their freedom above all else, submit to him. Rumor has it that one day, Vikrov will unite all the werewolf packs and become the Alpha King.

Which Liam could never stand for. 

“Teaming up with another pack seems like my best move right now,” Liam says, his brow furrowing slightly as he weighs the decision. “Since my mate and I haven’t bonded yet, I need to rally support from other packs fast to fend off any possible attacks from the Eclipse Pack.”

My head agrees with him, but my heart resents it.

“As the next Beta, I hope you'll come with me to Darkfang Pack tomorrow,” Liam’s words feel like a stab in my heart, leaving me breathless with pain.

“Sure thing,” I force a smile, eager to leave. “Look, I-I gotta go.”

He nods, and I hurry out before he sees the tears welling in my eyes. 

After tonight, I’ll turn eighteen and take my father’s place as the new Beta.

Moon Goddess, if you’re listening…please let me be Liam’s mate. With him as Alpha and me as Beta, our True Mate’s power could be unstoppable. We could turn the Blood Moon pack into a formidable force.

Liam, could you wait for me just one more day?

I wiped the tears from my eyes as I approached the lake Elena and I agreed to meet at. It’s a beautiful place for my first shift — the lake is clear and blue beneath the moonlit sky, and green grass stretches on as far as the eye can see. But I’m too distraught to really enjoy its beauty. 

I find Elena sitting at the edge of the lake, sitting cross-legged on a carefully laid-out blanket. There’s a picnic basket sitting next to us, and I can already smell the barely-cooked meat it must contain. Elena stands up as I approach, blue dress fluttering in the wind. Her red hair is neatly plaited, and her smile is electric. I can see why Liam would gladly marry her. 

Anyway, it's not Elena's fault. I let out a deep sigh, not wanting this to ruin our friendship.

“Hey!” She wraps me in a huge hug as I draw near, then holds me at arm’s length to look me up and down. “Happy almost-birthday! Are you ready for your first shift?”

I crack a smile. “I think so, yeah.”

“Awesome!” Elena returns to her place on the blanket, and starts speaking suddenly. “Hey, I have news.”

My stomach twists. I know what this is.

“Actually, forget about it,” she says abruptly. “I’ll tell you later. But- you’re going to be turning eighteen! That means you’ll get to find out who your mate is, you know. Are you excited? Anyone in mind?”

I blush. “What? No! Of course not! Like, who even would I-”

“Mm, your handsome Alpha Liam. Tall. Brooding. Handsome.” Elena laughs. “You don’t have a crush on him, do you? You know you always talk about him with me-”

“What? No!” I sputter. If Elena knew I loved Liam, she would never marry him. I don't want the people I love to suffer because of me. I quickly deny “Of course not! Liam is like a brother to me.”

Elena looks visibly relieved. “Good.” She pauses, then says, “Because I’m going to marry him.”

“What?” I feign shock. “Why? When? How did this all…” I gesture vaguely. “Come about?” 

“My father told me to. I was worried you’d be mad. I’m glad you aren’t.” 

“Of course, it-” I gasp as a deep, heavenly pain roots itself in my soul, catching me off guard. Do I love Liam too much? So much it’s hurt me this bad? Every inch of my body is locked in terrible pain. 

“You’re shifting!” Elena exclaims.

I try to answer, but when my mouth falls open, all I can do is scream as my bones start to shift. I’m eighteen. The world is mine. I’m changing. 

‘Cynthia,’ an ethereal voice echoes in my mind.

‘Cynthia, I’ve found you.’