On the day of my Come of Age Ceremony, my father, the Lycan King, had profiles of all the eligible young males from across the packs delivered to my chambers, expecting me to choose my mate. But I declared that I would instead let fate decide by scent recognition—letting my wolf guide me to the one whose scent would resonate with mine.

In my previous life, I had chosen Omari White, the Delta I had admired for so long, without hesitation. Yet, on the day of our marking ceremony, his true mate, Briar Holmes, was forced into a union with a rogue Alpha twice her age. In her despair, she took her own life. Omari believed I had orchestrated it all to claim him as my mate. To avenge her, he laced my daily incense with hallucinogenic herbs, manipulating me into stealing my father’s Alpha seal. When a rival pack stormed our territory, I was branded a traitor and met a brutal end.

Reborn, I let my wolf guide me to Trenton Greene, the Lycan Prince of a neighboring pack, known for his frail health and uncertain future. Yet, on the day of our ceremony, Omari, driven by desperation, stormed in, defying all decorum to stop the union.

When my father learned I had accepted my wolf’s choice and agreed to mate with Trenton, his expression darkened. “Trenton may be a Lycan Prince, but his health is fragile. Elaine, are you certain about this?”

I met his gaze firmly. “Father, I am certain.”

Seeing my resolve, he sighed and sent the mate proposal to Trenton’s pack. With the matter settled, I stepped out of the royal hall, only to encounter the males my father had hoped I would consider.

Santino Ramirez, the son of a high-ranking Beta and my childhood friend, teased, “Princess, who’s the lucky male?”

My eyes instinctively flicked to Omari. He was whispering to Briar, his Delta assistant, his expression softer than I’d ever seen directed at me.

Kylian Johnson, the Gamma’s son, noted my glance and smirked. “Why ask? Everyone knows the Lycan Princess has been drawn to the Delta since the pack trials.”

Omari’s head snapped up, his warmth replaced by icy disdain. “Princess Elaine, don’t think your status gives you the right to force me into this. I may be a Delta, but I won’t sacrifice my heart for power. My mate must be my equal, not someone who uses their rank to control me.”

In my past life, I had tried so hard to earn his affection, even shedding my royal demeanor to cook for him. Yet, he only spread rumors of my arrogance and cruelty. His words stung, but I kept my composure.

Santino quickly interjected, “Princess, when will the marking ceremony be announced?”

I shook my head. “At the pack gathering next week, Father will make the official decree.” By then, Trenton would arrive to represent his pack.

Without another glance at Omari, I walked away. Kylian was right—I had been drawn to Omari from the moment I saw him at the trials, proud and unyielding despite his humble origins. But he had no idea I would never steal someone’s mate. Had he told me of his love for Briar, I would have convinced my father to let them be together.

When I returned to my chambers, my attendants informed me Omari had requested an audience. I met him with a calm demeanor. “What is it, Omari?”

He bowed stiffly. “Princess, I’ve come to propose a compromise. I’ll accept the mate bond, but on one condition—I must also bond with Briar as my second mate.”

I stared at him, incredulous. “Omari, do you truly believe there are no other worthy males in the packs? That I would endure such humiliation?”

His expression hardened. “This bond isn’t my choice. You’re forcing it upon me.”

I nodded coolly. “Rest assured, Omari. I won’t force you into anything. You’re free to be with Briar.”

Before he could respond, Briar rushed in and dropped to her knees, begging, “Princess, please don’t punish Omari! He’s only protective of me. If anyone should be blamed, it’s me.”

Omari pulled her up. “Briar, you don’t need to beg. She may be a princess, but we’re equals in the eyes of the Moon Goddess. I won’t let her mistreat you.”

I nearly laughed. In my past life, I’d barely noticed Briar, yet every time she shed a tear, Omari accused me of cruelty. When I died, he blamed me for her death, refusing to believe my innocence.

Seeing Briar’s flushed face, Omari’s glare turned venomous. “Princess, you may be born into privilege, but that doesn’t give you the right to trample over us.”

I met his gaze coldly. “Omari, you’re right. I was born a Lycan Princess, and no matter how much you resent it, you’ll always bow to me. My father values your skills, but if you insult me again, I’ll show you what true power looks like.”

His anger flared. “Elaine, even if the Lycan King orders this bond, I’ll never love you!”

His words cut deeper than I cared to admit. I clenched my fists but kept my voice steady. “Your love means nothing to me.”

He sneered. “If that’s true, why did you send me gifts? Why did you ensure no one looked down on me?”

The pain in my chest sharpened. He had known all along—yet he still chose her.

Briar tugged his sleeve. “Omari, I don’t need a formal bond. I’ll stay by your side, no matter what.”

He shook his head. “No, Briar. You deserve more than that.”

I couldn’t bear their display any longer. “Omari, bond with whomever you want. Just get out of my sight.”

But he wasn’t done. “Princess Elaine, if you want this bond, you’ll accept Briar as my equal. You’ll vow never to harm her, and her pups will have the same rights as yours.”

The attendants’ gazes burned into me. I, the Lycan Princess, was being humiliated in my own chambers. Clenching my fists, I hissed, “Do as you please. Now get out.”

After that day, the news that Omari White intended to take Briar Holmes as his mate spread throughout the pack like wildfire. On the surface, everyone offered their congratulations, but beneath the polite smiles, they were all eagerly waiting to see how this scandal would unfold.

As the Lycan Princess, I was well aware of the whispers and the implications. Omari wasn’t just any Delta—his defiance of the Lycan King’s decree was a direct challenge to the pack’s hierarchy. Even if my father, the Lycan King, valued Omari’s strength and skills, this blatant disregard for tradition could not be tolerated. Yet, Omari and Briar seemed entirely absorbed in their rebellious act, oblivious to the storm they were brewing.

Ten days later, during the pack’s annual Moonlight Festival, I ran into Omari and Briar. The festival was a time of celebration, but the tension between us was palpable.

“Princess,” Omari began, his voice firm but laced with defiance, “the pack knows of my intention to make Briar my mate. Whether you accept it or not, this is the reality. If you promise not to cause her any trouble, there will still be a place for you in my life.”

Briar, standing beside him, looked up at me with a soft, pleading expression. “Princess,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “though Omari says we’ll be equals, I still wish to treat you as a sister. I—”

I raised a hand, silencing her. I didn’t need her forced pleasantries. Turning to my Beta, who stood at my side, I gave a subtle nod. She understood immediately and handed Briar a pair of silver cuffs, intricately designed with the pack’s insignia.

“These are a gift from me,” I said, my tone cool and detached. “Consider it a gesture of goodwill. As for calling me ‘sister,’ I suggest you refrain.”

Omari’s eyes narrowed, his Alpha aura flaring slightly. “Princess,” he said, his voice cold, “Briar is trying to make peace, and yet you still treat her with disdain. Do these cuffs hold some hidden meaning? Are you trying to humiliate her further?”

I scoffed. “If you’re so concerned, have the pack’s Healer examine them. I assure you, they’re just as they appear.”

Omari’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver pendant, carefully placing it around Briar’s neck. His actions were tender, almost reverent, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of bitterness. In our past life, he had given me a similar token—a necklace laced with wolfsbane, meant to weaken me. At the time, I had cherished it, believing it a sign of his affection. Now, watching him bestow such care upon Briar, I understood what true devotion looked like.

My Beta, sensing my unease, leaned in and whispered, “Princess, the lanterns by the river are said to be the most beautiful. Perhaps we should go and see them, rather than let this ruin your evening.”

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. The lanterns were indeed stunning, their light reflecting off the water in a mesmerizing display. But any enjoyment I might have felt quickly vanished when I spotted Omari and Briar by the riverbank.

They stood close, their hands intertwined as they released a lantern into the water. “Omari,” Briar murmured, her voice soft, “I made a wish—for us to be together, always.”

“Your wish will come true,” Omari replied, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made my stomach churn.

I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, someone shoved me from behind. I stumbled, losing my balance, and plunged into the icy river. The shock of the cold water was paralyzing, and I struggled to surface.

My Beta cried out in panic, turning to Omari. “Delta Omari, the Princess can’t swim! Please, you have to help her!”

Omari hesitated, his eyes flickering between me and Briar. But before he could make a move, Briar suddenly collapsed, feigning unconsciousness. Without a second thought, Omari abandoned me, scooping Briar into his arms and carrying her to a nearby gazebo.

As the water pulled me under, I felt a wave of despair. Even in this life, his loyalty to her was unwavering, and I was left to drown in more ways than one.