Chapter 69

Emma stormed into her room, her chest tightening with frustration. She had left Tyler without a word, unable to process what had just happened. It was too much—too overwhelming.

She was already struggling with the twins, Kale and Jayden, and now fate had cruelly tied her to Tyler as well. Three mates.

Her hands clenched into fists as she paced back and forth.

Why?

Why did fate insist on playing games with her? First, it had given her a weak body, making her the pack’s punching bag. Then, it had forced her into a mate life where she had to fight for every scrap of respect. And just when she had started carving a place for herself, fate twisted again.

Her breath came out shaky.

Ever.

The name alone made her blood run cold.

She had suffered because of Ever. She had torn her down, made her feel like nothing, turned her into a joke. And now? Now that it was finally her turn to rise, to enjoy even a sliver of happiness, she was still being tormented.

Was she never meant to find peace?

Emma sucked in a sharp breath and forced herself to push the thoughts away. Right now, she just needed to breathe.

She stripped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the sweat and grime clinging to her skin. But no amount of scrubbing could cleanse the frustration bubbling inside her.

After drying herself off, she sat in front of the small mirror in her room. Her reflection stared back at her, looking just as exhausted as she felt. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, her face pale from the emotional weight she carried.

She picked up a brush and lightly dusted some makeup over her face, not too much, just enough to make herself look a little less like a walking disaster.

By the time she was done, a sudden knock on the door startled her.

She frowned and stood, walking over to open it.

A maid bowed slightly before speaking. “The Alpha has summoned you for urgent training.”

Emma’s stomach twisted.

“The Alpha?” she echoed. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” the maid admitted. “But you need to come immediately.”

Emma bit her lip. This was bad. The Alpha never personally summoned her. The last time he had even acknowledged her existence was when he wanted her punished.

Still, she had no choice.

She quickly changed into her training clothes, her mind racing with possibilities. Why now? Was this because of Lily and her mother? Had they already spread their lies?

She glanced at her reflection once more, contemplating whether to wipe off the makeup.

No.

She lifted her chin.

She wouldn’t let them see her looking weak.

She turned on her heels and walked out.

The moment she arrived at the training grounds, Emma felt the weight of every stare.

The training ground had been transformed—the usual dirt clearing now had seats arranged in a semi-circle, with the Alpha and Luna sitting in the center.

Lily sat beside the Luna, her lips curled in a smug smirk.

And then there were Kale and Jayden, both avoiding her gaze, their jaws tight with tension.

Her throat went dry. What the hell is going on?

She hesitated at the edge of the training field, but the Alpha’s voice boomed through the silence.

“Emma,” he called. “Come forward.”

Forcing her legs to move, she stepped onto the field, her heart hammering against her ribs.

The Alpha’s sharp eyes locked onto hers. “I heard a rumor that you fought Cedric and won.”

Emma’s breath hitched.

She didn’t have to guess where that rumor came from.

Lily.

“That’s not exactly—”

“I want to see it for myself,” the Alpha cut her off, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Emma swallowed hard. “Alpha, with all due respect, that fight was—”

“I didn’t ask for an explanation,” he said coldly. “If you truly defeated Cedric, then you will prove it now.”

A sick feeling churned in Emma’s stomach.

Lily and the Luna were both watching her with amusement, while the twins remained unnervingly still.

Emma clenched her fists, knowing she had no way out of this.

Cedric stepped onto the field, a smug grin plastered across his face.

“You ready to get your ass kicked, omega?” he sneered.

Emma inhaled sharply.

She hadn’t wanted this fight. She hadn’t even claimed to be stronger than him. But now, everyone was watching.

Backing down wasn’t an option.

She nodded stiffly and got into position.

The moment the fight started, Cedric was ruthless.

His fist connected with her stomach, knocking the air from her lungs. Emma staggered back, barely dodging his next attack.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as Cedric landed another brutal hit, sending her crashing to the ground.

Pain exploded in her ribs.

She coughed, trying to push herself up, but Cedric kicked her down again.

“Pathetic,” he scoffed, stepping back.

Emma groaned, her vision blurring for a moment.

She could hear whispers among the crowd.

“She’s so weak.”

“This is embarrassing.”

The Alpha shifted in his seat, clearly unimpressed. He sighed and began to stand.

“I’ve seen enough,” he said, already turning away.

Panic surged through Emma.

No.

She couldn’t let it end like this.

She couldn’t let them see her as a failure, not again.

Dragging herself to her feet, she forced her voice to steady.

“Wait,” she called.

The Alpha turned back, an eyebrow raised.

She wiped the blood from her lips, her hands trembling.

“Give me one more round,” she said, her voice louder this time. “I’ll beat him down.”

Laughter erupted across the crowd.

Lily snorted. “Is she serious?”

Even Cedric chuckled. “You? Beat me? You barely lasted a minute.”

Emma ignored them, her eyes locked onto the Alpha.

He studied her for a long moment before sinking back into his seat. “Fine,” he said. “One more round.”

Cedric smirked, rolling his shoulders. “This will be fun.”

Emma tightened her fists, her breath steadying.