After my mate took my liver, I discovered my true identity

At a full moon bash in Jendris Manor, the trust-fund wolves were deep into a game of Texas Hold'em, betting their mates' clothes like it was pocket change.

My mate-to-be, Wesley Leland, threw five hands in a row on purpose, leaving me with barely a stitch to my name.

I slipped into the room next door to catch my breath, trying to shake off the sting, when their taunts echoed through the door-smelling of cheap cologne and malice.

"Wesley, so what if Xandra accidentally knocked over Wendy's meds yesterday? You gotta humiliate her in front of the whole pack? What if she tears up the bond papers?"

Wesley snorted, his voice cold enough to freeze beer.

"That lowlife? She thinks she can mess with my sister before we're even bound? She's asking for it! If she hadn't given me that liver, and if the tabloids weren't up my ass, do you think I'd ever agree to this bond? Bringing her to this game is way more than a poor nobody like her deserves!"

Except yesterday, Wendy smashed her own bowl and blamed me.

I wiped away the tears, squared my shoulders, and walked back to the table.

Wendy, all fake concern, couldn't help a jab.

"Xandra, don't push it if you can't handle it. If you end up running home naked, you'll just embarrass Wes."

I flashed a sharp grin.

"This hand's mine. If I lose, I'll run home butt-naked-you got that?"

The rich wolves froze, then burst into loud, mocking laughter.

I was down to almost nothing, and Wesley hadn't even flinched.

Now, his face went dark.

"Xandra Merrick, I thought you were quiet, but you're just a show-off. A broke college pup working part-time, can't even afford a decent meal, and you think you can play high-stakes blackjack? "

Wendy, his foster sister, covered her mouth, giggling. "No wonder you forced Wes into this bond 'cause you gave him a liver-you're desperate! But if you wanna make a fool of yourself, Wes, let her! It'll be fun!"

I knew what she wanted: me losing everything, stark naked, the whole scandal all over the place.

Then the high-and-mighty Leland f would never let a nobody like me be Wes's mate, and she'd get her way.

The others, loving the drama, egged it on.

My body, barely covered, drew their hungry stares-I could feel it, like a physical thing.

"Let Xandra play! Maybe beginner's luck'll save her-maybe she'll keep her panties!" one wolf hooted.

The she-wolves at the table sneered, their voices full of hate.

"If she wins, we won't get to see her strip! But with her cheap stuff, her underwear's probably from a thrift store-gross!"

Someone smirked and pointed to the far seat.

"You're new, we'll go easy. Take that seat-easier to strip when you lose."

I swallowed hard, ignoring the tears, and sat down through their laughter.

Wesley's grin came back as he tossed me some chips.

"Fine, you wanna act tough? When you lose and my mom tears up the bond, don't come crying to me!"

The dealer passed out the cards, and the first player threw down a bet.

"Xandra's a broke pup with more balls than brains. Can't let her outdo us! I'm betting three pieces-my mate's got plenty." His she-wolf giggled, and the others grinned, all eyes on me and my three lousy garments.

Their gross stares ran over me.

"Hurry up and strip! Let's see what Wes's been into!" The table roared. "You're quick to bet-what else you got? Some secret thing under that underwear?"

I pushed down the shame burning in my chest. "That's nothing. How about private photos? Wanna see those on the table?"