Chapter 1
If I had known my almost perfect life was about to turn into hell, I might have done things differently. Tears streamed down my face as I stood behind the man I'd chosen as my mate four years ago. He'd promised, no matter what, that I would be his luna, but there he stood, gazing at the girl before him as if she were his entire world. But what did I expect? She was his fated mate, not me. If anyone was to blame, it was the cruel goddess. When the girl ran into his arms and he didn't push her away, my tears flowed freely.
"Excuse me," I murmured, but I doubt anyone heard; they were all captivated by the scene unfolding before them. I turned and fled. I needed to calm myself. Outside, I sat on the stairs and took a deep breath. This was it, the end of my almost perfect life. If I'd known attending this ball would end like this, I never would have come. Seeing her run into his arms hurt far more than if Liam had simply told me he'd found his mate.
"Clara?" I heard Liam's voice behind me. I quickly wiped away my tears as he approached and sat beside me.
"So, what happens to us? Will you reject me?" I asked, turning to him. I don't know why we both assumed we weren't fated mates, but I believed that even if I found my mate, I would choose Liam because I loved him too much.
"Nothing changes," Liam said. "You're the one I chose. I love you, remember that." I tried to believe him, but I sensed something had shifted between us.
"I won't stop you," I murmured, "if you want to be with her." He frowned. "I want you, Clara," he mumbled, his uncertainty evident. I smiled sadly. "She's your fated mate; I can't compete with that. I want to go home; I need to rest." I stood. "I can't leave now," he said. "I'll ask James to take you home. I'll be there soon, my love." In the past, he would have gone with me immediately.
Beta James arrived and drove me home. As I was getting into the car, I saw the girl run toward Liam; their joyous reunion made my heart ache. I quickly averted my gaze.
"Let's go," I murmured softly. As we drove off, I noticed James staring at me through the rearview mirror.
"If you have something to say, say it," I murmured. He sighed.
"You know he'll have to make her his Luna, right? If he makes you his Luna instead of his mate, tragedy and misfortune will befall the pack, and none of us want that," he said. I pursed my lips, remaining silent. Even if it was superstition, no one was willing to risk it.
Back at the pack, I went to our shared room, showered, and changed. Later, I lay in bed, struggling to sleep. Thoughts raced through my mind: Would he choose her? Just as I was drifting off, I heard Liam's hearty laughter. I sat up, then heard a woman's laughter mingling with his.
"I didn't expect you to be so funny, Alpha Liam," the girl said.
"You can call me Liam," he replied. Pain stabbed at my chest, and tears rolled down my cheeks. Only a few people—his family and I—were permitted to call him by his first name. Not even Beta Kade or Gamma Elliott.
Minutes later, I heard our bedroom door open. I wiped away my tears and forced a smile, though it probably looked more like a grimace.
"She's here," I murmured, sighing as he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "My parents and hers wouldn't let me leave her there, so to avoid trouble, I brought her here. Does this bother you? If it does, I'll have her moved to the guest house…"
"She's your mate, Liam," I interjected with a sad smile. "If anything, I should move to the guest house."
"You'll stay here with me, always," he murmured, kissing my cheek before going to freshen up. I waited for him, and when he returned, he got into bed, pulling me close. "I'll handle everything, okay? You're not allowed to leave me," he murmured. I sighed, closed my eyes, and fell asleep. But when I woke, Liam was gone. I got out of bed, and as I approached the hallway, I heard his hushed voice from the balcony. I followed the sound, turning the corner to see Liam and the girl laughing and talking. I watched for a moment before turning and running, tears finally streaming down my face.