1

I spent most of my savings—500 thousand dollars—to book a luxurious European trip for the whole family. But my parents asked me to give up my top floor cruise room to their biological daughter and ordered me to sleep out in the snow during our northern excursions.

I was born into a poor, low-ranking family in our pack. My parents barely made any income and wanted me to drop out of high school to work and support the family.

But through my own determination and hard work, I managed to rise to the position of Gamma in our pack.

My parents told me they were getting old and wanted to see the world before their eyesight failed them.

So, I used most of my savings—500 thousand dollars—to book a luxurious European trip for the whole family, including a special northern lights cruise.

The money was a reward from our Alpha after I nearly died protecting our pack during a rogue wolf attack. The injuries I sustained were severe, but I survived, and the Alpha recognized my sacrifice.

I spent three months carefully planning the perfect trip for our family.

My parents were aging and needed special accommodations for their comfort. I also had a 15-year-old brother, Sam, who was on school break, so the trip needed to be scheduled during his vacation for convenience.

Ever since I started college, my parents had relied completely on my income to survive. I worked at a local diner while attending university to pay for my tuition and cover the living expenses for my parents and brother.

I had been financially responsible for my teenage brother Sam since he was ten years old. I didn't mind supporting all of them. Seeing my family happy made any effort worthwhile.

My fighting skills had earned me the Alpha's favor. Wolves from all territories respected and admired me, especially those who needed protection.

And then there was Alexander, my mate. We found each other when I turned 18, recognizing the bond immediately as the Goddess intended. For three years we'd been together, planning our formal mating ceremony for this year.

He wasn't high-ranking like me—just an ordinary wolf warrior—but I loved him deeply and had been helping him financially while he trained.

I spent another three months handling all the trip bookings. To ensure my family's comfort, I personally managed all the reservations and itineraries. While I handled everything, the rest of my family just stood back and watched.

When Sam mentioned he had never seen the northern lights before, I used my extra savings to upgrade our regular European trip to include a premium northern lights cruise. The additional $50,000 was worth it to meet their needs.

Then, just days before we planned to leave for our trip, my parents told me, "Sophia heard about our plans and wants to join too, along with her adoptive parents.

All the rooms and bookings are now reassigned, so you'll have to sleep outside in the snow during our northern excursions. We've already arranged it."

They showed me the revised itinerary where they had removed my name from the luxury accommodations.

When I saw this arrangement, my blood froze—I have a rare condition where extreme cold could trigger my wolf to shift uncontrollably and I could possibly die from the exposure.

"What do you mean? This is our family trip, and you're inviting some strangers who appeared out of nowhere?" I asked, barely containing my anger.

"She's not a stranger. She's our biological daughter. She wants to join us, so naturally, we're bringing her along," my mother replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

My blood ran cold. "She's your biological daughter? What do you mean?"

"You're just our adopted daughter. Sophia is our biological child. We've raised you all these years, which was already kind enough. You've been occupying Sophia's place for too long—it's time to give it back to her."

My wolf stirred angrily deep inside me. "What about her adoptive parents? Last week when I wanted to invite my friend to join us for the trip, what did you say? You said only family members could come, no outsiders. But the moment she makes a request, you immediately accommodate her?"

"Her situation isn't like your friend's. Her adoptive parents raised her for so many years. In our hearts, they're our family too."

I could feel my claws threatening to emerge. "Then why do I have to sleep outside in the snow? I'm also a family member, and those booking arrangements were finalized months ago."

"With Sophia and her adoptive parents joining us, we don't have enough rooms. We had to free up your room for her. Your wolf is strong—you can handle sleeping in the snow by yourself."

I double-checked the new trip arrangements. Among all accommodations, they had chosen to leave me without a room, even skipping the option to book an extra standard room for me.

"So she gets the top floor cruise room that costs $5,000 a night, and I have to sleep outside in the snow when you know perfectly well about my condition?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.

"You always say you want the family to be happy. Now's your chance to prove it," my father said dismissively.

I looked at my parents, whom I had supported for years.

Father turned away.

Mother approached with a placating smile. "Darling, she was separated from us against our will when she was little. We have so many shared memories, and she has none. Of course, she should come with us. You just need to sacrifice a little comfort, but we'll always be family."

Sam chimed in, "Sis, Sophia is very delicate. She can't sleep outside in the cold. You're strong and capable—you'll manage."

I smiled bitterly. "Who is real family here? I paid for this trip, and now these outsiders are being treated better than your Gamma, your provider. The person who grew up with you counts less than someone you just found!"

My parents' eyes flashed gold with anger.

"This is just a different sleeping arrangement. Don't make such a fuss. She's our family—she's been separated from us since she was little. We can't be apart again and let her stay behind. You just need to make this small sacrifice—show what real family means!"

Just then, Alexander walked in. I thought he would support me—my mate, the one chosen for me by the Goddess herself. Instead, he stood with my family.

"Sophia seems very nice," he said, avoiding my eyes. "And your parents are right—you're strong enough to handle a little cold. We shouldn't exclude their real daughter from this trip."

His betrayal stung worse than my parents'. My wolf howled in pain inside me.

Just then, the front door of our house opened.

Sam rushed to greet her. Sophia walked in wearing designer clothes that cost more than my parents' annual salary.

"I've been waiting so long! Come in, come in!" Sam helped her with her enormous Louis Vuitton travel bag.

"I've missed you so much! If only you hadn't left our territory—you're my real sister and should have been living with us all along!"

Mother grabbed her perfectly manicured hand. "Exactly! I've been looking for you forever. You're my biological daughter. In my heart, no one compares to you!"

They said this right in front of me, without an ounce of guilt.

Alexander moved to stand beside them, smiling at Sophia. "Welcome to the family. I've heard so much about you."

I watched as my mate—the wolf who was supposed to stand by me through everything—betrayed me for a stranger he'd just met.