Friendship and Pain

Malia

My life changed when I found out my mate was Avan Sinclair, the man I’d secretly loved for years. He was the Alpha heir of our pack, and he was everything a girl could dream of. 

He was handsome, had blond hair, striking blue eyes, and a kind, easygoing personality that made him adored by all. Unlike many cold Alpha heirs, Avan was different, and I thought I was lucky to be paired with him by the moon goddess.

However, things weren’t as perfect as I’d hoped. Though Avan and I were fated mates, he hadn’t claimed me publicly. Instead, he asked me to keep our relationship a secret, saying he needed time to convince his parents I was right for him.

Three months had passed, and my doubts were growing, but I convinced myself that everything would eventually work out.

Now, with Avan’s birthday approaching, I planned to give him a special gift—myself. I was ready to sleep with him for the first time. But before going through with it, I wanted my best friend’s opinion. Savannah knew about my secret relationship with Avan and had always been supportive.

As I waited outside for Avan to pick me up for our first day at the Academia, excitement buzzed inside me, but my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up. It was the unmistakable sleek, black vehicle Avan had gotten for his birthday. His father’s early birthday gift, no doubt.

Savannah was in the passenger seat, grinning when she spotted me. She immediately moved to the back to make room. “Hi, Lia!” she chirped as Avan got out of the car and opened the door for me.

“Hey, babe,” he greeted, his eyes sweeping over me. The new uniform hugged my body in all the right places, and the way he looked at me sent a warm thrill through my chest.

“I'm so glad you're going to the academia with us Malia. You really worked hard for this, but the best part is how you're rocking this uniform,” Savannah teased from the back seat, eying my uniform.

“That’s why she’s my girlfriend. She rocks,” Avan said with a smirk, kissing my forehead before helping me into the car.

The words felt hollow—"girlfriend" I forced a smile as I glanced back at Savannah, who gave me a playful wink. “At this rate, I think he’s going to announce you as his mate today!” Savannah whispered excitedly.

“Really?” I asked, a rush of hope surging through me. Could it really be happening?

Savannah nodded, her eyes sparkling. But before I could let the thought sink in, Avan entered the driver's seat, blasted some music, and started driving toward Werewolf Academia.

“So…excited about your first day, Malia?” He asked, his eyes pinned on me rather than the road.

“Oh my god, Avan, you're talking as if it's not your first day, too. Of course, she's excited. We all are! Now keep your eyes on the road. I have to make it to school in one piece, or I'll haunt you if I die!” Savannah said, with a hard glare.

“Okay, okay! Jeez … what kind of best friend do you have, babe?” Avan asked, with a mischievous grin, stealing one last glance at me again before finally focusing on the road. I just giggled, loving the sibling energy he and Savannah always had whenever we were together.

Without another word, Avan drove us through the grand entrance of Werewolf Academia. I was amazed by the way the campus sprawled with majestic Gothic buildings, lush forests, and manicured lawns.

At the center was the Brooke Hall, with its towering clock, and it was surrounded by students in different uniforms. Lycans in navy blue, Alpha Heirs in crimson red, and Betas in forest green.

“This is it, girls,” Avan said, his car purring smoothly along the pavement, passing beneath a grand stone archway adorned with the academy's crest: a snarling wolf's head surrounded by crescent moons.

Savannah and I squealed, our excitement bubbling over as we took in the beauty of the place while he parked. But before I could fully savor the moment, Avan’s voice cut through our excitement.

“Hey, Savannah, can you give us a second?” he asked, his usual bluntness making Savannah roll her eyes.

“Screw you!” she muttered, but she winked at me before hopping out of the car and darting into the building.

Avan's eyes sparkled with mischief. “So... aren't you forgetting something?” he teased.

I giggled, my heart skipping a beat. “Happy birthday, Avan.”

His grin widened. “I honestly thought you forgot.”

“I wouldn't dare,” I replied, smiling.

“Then where's my gift, huh?” Avan asked, his voice low and playful.

“You'll get it tonight...” I whispered, my cheeks warming.

Avan's eyes locked onto mine, his voice dripping with anticipation. “Oh, will I?”

Just as he leaned in to kiss me, a loud voice interrupted us.

“Sinclair!” someone barked.

Avan's head jerked up, his expression shifting from desire to annoyance. “Fuck! It's my coach. I gotta make a good first impression. My father's been talking to him about me. I need to go.”

I nodded, my smile faltering. “Okay, I'll see you later.”

Avan chuckled, stole a quick kiss, and jumped out of the car. I followed suit, feeling eyes upon me. The whispers started as soon as I stepped onto the pavement.

“Is she...?”

“Avan's new girl?”

I smiled to myself, thinking they were discussing me, but the further I walked, the more their subject of whispers changed.

At that moment, people weren't staring at me. Instead, they were talking about someone else.

“Asher’s here.”

“Did you see him? The Lycan King’s son.”

The name sent a ripple of curiosity through me. I’d heard of Asher Mendoza, the Lycan King’s only heir. Only very few people have seen him in person, and they all couldn't shut up about how good he looked or how strong he was.

I wasn’t the only one intrigued. Savannah found me in the hallway moments later, her eyes wide with excitement. “Did you hear about the Lycan King's son? He's here!” she said, practically bouncing on her heels. “And I heard he’s ridiculously hot - like, even hotter than Avan.”

“You think Avan’s hot?” I teased.

Savannah cringed. “He’s like a brother to me, but I can’t deny that he’s good-looking. I’m only jealous he gets to have you all to himself. You're not mine anymore,”

I laughed, brushing it off because Savannah was overly flirtatious with everyone. But then my thoughts turned serious. “Umm, Savannah… I think I’m ready to do IT with Avan tonight.”

Savannah’s expression faltered for the first time. “Oh.”

My heart sank at her reaction. “What? Is it a bad idea?”

She hesitated. “It’s not bad… it’s just… has he claimed you? Has he told anyone else that you’re his mate?”

I shook my head, feeling a cold knot forming in my stomach. “No, but he will. I think he will soon.”

Savannah sighed, her carefree tone returning but with an edge of caution. “Lia, I know I joke about this sex stuff, but it’s important. You should wait until he’s claimed you. It’s smarter that way.”

She was right. I knew she was. My head told me to listen, but my heart clung to the hope that tonight would be different. “Fine. I’ll wait,” I murmured.

After class, I wanted to give Avan the golden wristwatch I got him and spend some time with him, but I never got the chance. His car was gone, and he didn’t answer my calls. I went home, exhausted from the long day, and crashed in bed. When I woke up some hours later, my phone was buzzing with notifications.

My heart dropped as I scrolled through pictures and videos of Avan and Savannah partying without me. There were no texts, no calls. I hadn’t been invited to his birthday party!

I threw on clothes, grabbed my mom’s car keys, and drove to Avan’s house. Since it wasn't my first time being there in secret, I knew how to sneak in without anyone noticing my late arrival.

I searched every corner of Avan's house for him and Savannah. The party was loud, but somehow, I felt disconnected from it, like something was off. My phone still showed no texts or calls from either of them. It didn’t make sense that Savannah didn't let me in on something as important as Avan’s birthday party. Why hadn’t she told me?

Feeling frustrated, I moved down the dim hallway leading to Avan’s private rooms. As I neared one door, a familiar sound reached my ears- a soft, almost breathy giggle. Savannah?

My steps slowed, and my heart started to race. That sound could only be hers. Maybe she was with some random guy, like usual. But then, I heard another voice. A deep, smooth voice that sent ice through my veins. Avan.

I crept closer, every instinct telling me to turn back, to not look. But I had to. My hand trembled as I reached for the doorknob and pushed the door open just a crack, enough to peer through.

What I saw shattered me.

There, on Avan’s bed, was Savannah, her lips trailing down his chest. Avan’s hands tangled in her hair, his eyes half-closed in pleasure as she pleased him.

I stumbled back, my breath catching in my throat. The world seemed to blur around me as I took in the scene that tore my heart apart. My best friend. My mate. Together.

I’d never felt pain like this before.