CHAPTER ONE
A BROKEN HEART. ELENA'S POV. As I stepped out of my car and walked into the pack house, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through me. My heart fluttered as I recalled the sweet words Logan whispered to me just yesterday. His warm hands had circled my waist, pulling me close, and he had smiled that charming smile that always melted my heart. “You know the best thing that happened to me, Elena? You being my mate,” he had said, his voice thick with sincerity. How he’d looked into my eyes, and in that moment, I felt like the luckiest person in the world. The thought of our upcoming mating ceremony filled me with joy, and I couldn’t wait to become his queen. As I walked down the hallway, the memory of him calling me his “little one” played over in my mind, and a soft smile graced my lips. Everything felt perfect, almost too perfect. I was sure that nothing could go wrong when the Moon Goddess herself had blessed me with such a wonderful mate. Looking around the hall, the whole place was quiet and void of anyone, which was unusual. You'd always see Beta Grey or some of the servants paroling around the hall, carrying out their assigned duties, but today it was quite different. Something was wrong, I thought to myself. Heading straight to the Alpha's room, I could see the door cracked open at the end. "Did he forget to close the door?" With each calculative step I took towards the Alpha's room, which was just at the end of the hallway, I could feel my heart rate increasing. Almost like I was having a panic attack. And just when I was a meter away from the door, I could hear soft moans escaping from the room. Anxious and confused, I forced my legs and strode to the Alpha's room. My pulse beating so quickly and hardly, that I felt the palpitations of every artery in me. "What is wrong with you, Elena Almeria Knight today? You're just overthinking yourself, everything is fine," I reassured myself and shrugged. With that, I fastened my steps. However, before I could walk any further, I instantly stopped in mid-motion when I heard different sounds coming from the room. Taking two steps, the sounds became more audible to my hearing. My breathing became more heavy as I recognized Logan's voice. He sounded gruff, strained even, as he spoke out over the soft moans. "Shut up! Do you want someone to hear you?" I heard him snap. Hot tears clouded my eyes as it dawned on me that he might be in there with someone else, when our mating ceremony was just around the corner. I gulped down a heavy lump that formed in my throat. "I...I... I'm sorry Alpha, it's just that you're, oh goddess!" My heart skipped on this one. It was familiar, and heck yes, did I recognize that voice anywhere. It sounded familiar, very familiar. Just like…Lisa's. 'No, it can't be! There's no way this is happening, maybe it's just my illusion,' I thought to myself and swung the door open immediately, but I regretted doing so as I spotted the unbelievable. My mate on our soon-to-be matrimonial bed with…my cousin. At that moment, I felt my whole world come crashing down, wishing the ground would open and take me. I didn't want to inform them of my presence; I wanted to run away forever, far away from him and anyone. But my wolf—Ivana—couldn't stand watching them anymore. She pushed herself forward, taking control of me and forcing me to speak. "L- Lo- Logan," No matter how hard I tried to control myself, I heard my broken voice come out of my trembling lips. This was honestly too much to bear for me. "Huh!" As soon as he heard my low, soft voice, his eyes instantly flashed open, and then he cursed before pushing my cousin aside, who gasped and tried to hide her face with a pillow. "Elena?! What are you doing here?" I stifled. I didn't want to cry out in front of him, but seeing Lisa, my own cousin, made them stream down my face. So this was the friend she wanted to help out? My fated mate!. My mate!. When our mating ceremony was in one day! With the tears burning down against my cheeks, I felt my anger rising to the surface. I just caught him with my cousin, and he had the guts to ask me what I was doing here. Is this the man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with? A cheat? But why? Was it because I decided for us to wait till after our mating ceremony? If he didn't like the idea of celibacy, he should have said so. Or did I do anything wrong? But what did I do to deserve this? He knows quite well that Lisa is my cousin. It could have been anyone, but why Lisa? My own blood? The betrayal hit me, and I could feel Ivana's anger too. 'We should reject this piece of crap,Elena!. He doesn't worth us,' she voiced, sounding more pained than ever. "Logan, why?" "What did I do to deserve this? Did I wrong you? What did I do wrong? Why her? Why? And our engagement is in one day, you know this, and yet you..." "Elena.." He called, but I cut him off. I drifted my gaze to Lisa, who tried to hide her face more with the pillow, but it was of no use. "And you, what did I ever do to you, Lisa? I begged my mom to take you in when your parents died and you were homeless. I took you like my own sister, not even as my cousin. I loved you. I've gone through a lot for you, and this is how you pay me back? Why?!" "So this is the friend you have to help out, right? How stupid of me, I should have known. Who knows how long this has been going on, under my nose," I darted my gaze to Logan. "I thought you loved me. I was ready to lay down my everything for you, just to be with you. "This was a mistake, Elena. It shouldn't have happened," Logan said. "A mistake? It's a mistake because I got to find out!" And without saying another word, I turned and strode out of the room. I ran out of the hallway with brisk steps. My mind was occupied, and I tripped and fell to the ground, my heart racing as I tried to catch my breath. I didn’t know where I was running to, but I just wanted to be away from the pack house. I just wanted to be alone, anywhere away from everyone. As if it weren't enough memories clouded my senses. It was all a lie!. He lied!. He was nothing but a cheater. A snitch!. But why?!. Of all people why did it have to be Lisa!. Why did it have to be my own favourite cousin? Why did it have to be someone I cherished?. Why...why?... My feet halted and I slowly dropped to the floor sobbing hard. ___ It’s been a day since I caught my mate with my cousin. I haven’t seen Lisa or even Alpha Logan, and worst of all, I had expected him to come apologizing to me, but he didn’t. It was like he didn’t even care about our relationship at all. 'We should just forget about him, Elena. I'm having a bad feeling about this,' Ivana warned, but I was ready to let it pass. I loved Alpha Logan too much to let him go just because of a mistake. Yes, I decided to believe it was a mistake. Alpha Logan had sent for me, and just when I approached one of the hallways, I spotted Lisa coming out from a door that led to the kitchen. My jaw clenched, and my fists tightened. I so wanted to confront my cousin, and now I had the chance. I wondered if Lisa was sorry for what she did and also wondered what she was doing in the Alpha’s house. Lisa was startled on seeing me, but then her lips slowly tilted upwards to a shocking smirk that took me aback. "Lisa?" "What?!" she scoffed. "Are you surprised Alpha likes me better?" She huffed and moved closer to me, glaring deeply into my eyes. "Well, don't be. There's more coming your way too, if you should know," Lisa said, and with that, she hissed and sauntered out of the hallway. I watched her walk away and I boiled in anger. I took a deep breathe trying to reel my mind away from her. I turned sideways and made my way toward Logan's room. There I saw him putting on his jacket. Immediately he sighted me, he took his gaze to me and flashed me a smile. “I'm sorry Elena" He said, taking his gaze to the floor. “I don't know what came over me to ever choose Lisa over you, I was wrong and I regret every bit of it. I really do. Please don't leave me" He sounded sincere for once and his eyes held genuine pleas. “Tell me why you did it?" I asked him. “Ele…na please, I don't want us going back to the past" He clicked his tongue. “I don't know Logan. I…” I trailed off taking my gaze to the floor. He slowly took my hand in his. "Forgive me, my little one” She said calmly. I nodded and flashed him a smile. “Unless you promise me you won't let it repeat itself" I said. “I won't" He rushed his words and I chuckled slightly. He flashed me a smile and placed a peck on my forehead and I felt loved. “Let’s go” He held my hand and led me out. "Where?" I asked. “To our mating ceremony" He said and I felt my heart leap with joy. He was going to mark me!. ___ I stared at the crowd around me and I felt pride consume me. I mean after all I will be the Luna to the Alpha of this pack soon and in front of so many people. Just then Logan walked up to the palladium and stood in front of all the crowd. “I'm happy to announce that the wait is over as I will now accept my mate officially" He said and everyone cheered. “Elena, please join me up here" He called out. Immediately everyone's gaze turned to me and I blushed hard. I slowly made my way to him, trying hard not to kill myself with happiness and soon I was standing right in front of him. “Let's make this official Elena…Are you ready?” He asked and I beamed at him before giving his a nod. "I, Logan Lee Parker, Alpha of the Silver River pack, reject you, Elena Almeria Knight. You're not worthy to be my wife," Logan's deep baritone declared. Everyone present gasped in disbelief, some laughed with scornful gazes and smirks. I felt my whole world coming to an end. Now, I really wished the floor would open and take me in. My chest constricted, and my heart shattered to pieces. Was I dreaming? It couldn’t be true? I thought to myself, staring deeply at Logan. I had waited for this day, only to be rejected. 'Logan, why?' I mindlinked him as my eyes blurred with tears. But instead, he stared at me with an emotionless gaze. With no ounce of remorse or any type of guilt in his eyes. Just when I thought there might be a flicker of remorse or pity in his eyes, and my heart leaped a little in hope, he looked away. Darting his gaze behind me, I was forced to look back to see what got his attention. It was Lisa and she was coming toward us. “Welcome Princess" He kissed the back of her hand immediately he got to us and then declared, “I, Logan Lee Parker, Alpha of the Silver River pack, hereby declares and accepts you as my mate. You will now be my Luna”. "I Elizabeth Broodwing accept you as my mate and my Alpha, I promise to stand by your side and hereby accept to become your Luna” Lisa accepted. My eyes widened in shock as my once-fated mate declared and chose my cousin as his mate. Lisa glared at me, and her lips tilted into a victory smirk. Everything came rushing to my mind in a blur. I didn’t want to believe it. The rejection, the pain, it was hurting, and Logan didn’t seem to care at all. He cheated on me, and I forgave him, and still, he chose my cousin and broke our bond. Trying my best to contemplate all that just happened, internalizing everything to come back to reality—I wasn’t dreaming. Ivana got angry, and when she took over, her eyes changed to Ivana’s gold ones. In a blink of an eye, she vanished from the pack.CHAPTER TWO.Elena's POVI didn't know where Ivana was taking us, but I was happy she took me out of that pack, stopping me from breaking down and facing more embarrassment.I loved him. I was happy to be his mate. I forgave him. After all he did, I let it go and forgave him. But still, he chose to betray me once more. I was a coward to think it was all a mistake because I was blinded by my love and desire for him when the whole truth was before me, but I chose to be ignorant.All my life, I had always chosen to be ignorant of things around me, thinking more about other people than myself. At the end of the day, it was still me who got hurt, left all alone to nurse my wounds.But no, I refused to be that girl. I refused to be that stupid, kindhearted Elena anymore. I stopped being her the moment I stepped out of that pack, and now I was free to start my life afresh, away from my painful past.Low-hanging branches slapped at Ivana's face and shoulders. I was certain they'd leave
CHAPTER THREEElena's POV'But I believe he'll be better than Logan's’ Ivana said, defending the stranger.'Now you're just being selfish Ivana, don't you even care about how I'm feeling?. I haven't fully recovered from Logan and Lisa's betrayal and now you want me to get tied to someone else?' I retorted.'He's our mate Elena''And I don't care. And I won't act like I can feel the bond, so you better behave Ivana' I retorted.She huffed loudly in my mind and placed a mental barrier between us. It was better than way. ."And who are you please?" I asked, feigning an innocent look."Elena, meet my son and the Alpha to the Red Knight pack, Alpha Liam," Beatrice introduced from behind. The man kept staring at me eerily. Surely he must be feeling the mate bond, but I'll do my best to ignore it forever. I should save myself from another rejection in this life.With feeble efforts, I tried to sit upright. With a scared look, I stuttered out, "Good day, sir.""Oh, don't be afraid. He won't
CHAPTER FOUR.ELENA'S POV.Getting out of bed, I strutted into the bathroom to freshen up. Afterwards, I wrapped myself in a pink towel that Beatrice had bought for me. Picking up the clothes on the bed, I scrutinized them to choose what would be comfortable for the day. I didn’t want anything that would be inconvenient.Deciding on a cute pink crop top and loose jeans, I found the sneakers to be a perfect fit. It made me wonder how she knew my size so accurately. I admired myself a little in the mirror. My dark, shiny hair reached below my waist, and my olive skin gleamed from the sunlight. My caramel eyes contrasted beautifully with my looks. I gathered my hair into a neat ponytail, and just as I was finishing, the door opened and Beatrice walked in."Oh my, you look gorgeous, my dear. You’re so beautiful. I knew this would look good on you," she commented.I tittered at her remarks.___We arrived at a huge mall, and with Beatrice's help, I picked out some beautiful clothes for mys
CHAPTER FIVELIAM'S POV.Since I first saw Elena, I haven’t been able to focus. There’s something about her that’s taken over my thoughts, and it’s driving me to distraction. She’s my mate…I know it with a certainty that goes beyond the rational. Yet, her calm and somewhat distant demeanor surprises me. It’s as if she’s trying to ignore the mate bond that I can feel so acutely. Is there something wrong with her? My wolf, Orion, responds to her presence with an intensity I can barely contain.At the training ground, Orion’s mood shifted dramatically. He surged forward, eager to be near her, to claim her. I could sense her proximity even before I saw her. Her caramel eyes sparkled with a mixture of fear and curiosity when they met mine, and her olive skin glistened under the sunlight, making her appear almost ethereal.She’s a beauty, no doubt. If she truly is my mate, I’m ready to claim her and make her mine. I vow to protect her with everything I have and ensure that no harm comes to
CHAPTER SIX FIRST CONVERSATION. ELENA'S POV I grasped the door handle and turned it slowly, then pushed the door open and stepped outside. I paused for a moment, checking to ensure no one was watching. Satisfied, I shut the door behind me and hurried into the woods. “Finally,” I sighed as the cool, fresh air hit my face, a welcome relief from the stuffy gathering inside. My eyes soon caught sight of something unexpected—a small, secluded body of water nestled within the pack’s territory. Intrigued, I made my way toward it, marveling at the unexpected sight. It was a small, pristine pool, tucked away as if someone had carefully maintained it just for moments like this. I brushed some sand off the concrete edge and sat down, taking in the peaceful surroundings. The faint hum of the party inside was still audible, making me even more grateful for my escape. Suddenly, a disturbance in the water caught my attention. Before I could react, a head emerged from the pool, causing
CHAPTER SEVEN LETTING IT ALL OUT. ELENA'S POV Liam's eyes widened, as he took on another gulp and slowly averted my gaze, his hand trembling. What was wrong with him?. "Do you know him?" I finally let my curiosity get the better of me. "I...I..." Liam stuttered stopping halfway and then he took another gulp. He let out an awkward chuckle. “You think I should…I mean they are close to our pack and…” He drawled. I squinted my eyes trying to make sense of his words and actions. Weirdo. “Kieran just mindlinked, I need to get back to the gathering and dismiss everyone but before I leave Elena…” His face suddenly turned serious, and then he slowly took my hand in his. "I understand that your previous mate was a total jerk, Elena. I can't guarantee I'll be better or that you'll accept me, but I promise you, Elena, I'll try my best to be the perfect choice for you. I won’t let you down." He spoke with such earnestness that it made my heart flutter. “I told you he’s better” I
CHAPTER 8ELENA'S POVLEAVING THE PAST BEHINDMy eyes widened in surprise as I watched Beatrice holding a necklace. It was the most beautiful piece of Jewelry I had ever seen.She came closer to me smiling. "Here I want you to have this.""This is beautiful. Thank you," I replied as I smiled back at her. I stretched my hands and she gave me the necklace which I wore around my neck and she helped me to fasten it."It was a gift from someone special and now that you're here, you can have it," Beatrice said. I touched the necklace, feeling happy that she had found me worthy of such a wonderful gift. Tears slipped down my face. No one had ever found it worthy to give me something special. Not even my parents.My mind flashed back to when I celebrated my sixteenth birthday. Unlike others who get to receive gifts from their loved ones, mine was different. No love, no care and worst still, no gift to make me feel special. My father felt it was no use caring for a wolfless child. To him, I
CHAPTER NINE ELENA'S POV I felt my cheeks burn with a deep blush at Liam's flirty words, but I quickly masked it with a frown, determined not to let him see how his comment had affected me. Beatrice, perceptive as ever, cleared her throat. “I need to grab something from my room,” Beatrice announced, her gaze shifting between Liam and me. Without waiting for a response, she excused herself and walked briskly away. As soon as Beatrice was out of sight, a wave of anxiety washed over me. Liam’s stare was relentless, his eyes never leaving my face. I could feel his gaze like a tangible weight, pressing on my every nerve. I picked up my fork with trembling hands, trying to focus on the food in front of me. I shoveled the food into my mouth, chewing quickly to distract myself from the tension that seemed to cling to the air. But the effort to maintain some semblance of normalcy backfired. A piece of food lodged in my throat, and I suddenly found myself choking. The coughing came out lou