Betrayed by the One Who Claimed to Love

For five years, I’d been in a secret relationship with Asher, the Gamma of our pack, Crescent Moon, and my older brother’s best friend. As the Beta’s younger sister, I’d grown up surrounded by pack politics, but I wasn’t directly involved. My position as a simple pack member gave me a sense of freedom, one I thought Asher valued.

Asher insisted we keep our relationship hidden to ‘protect my reputation.’ At first, I believed him—he always made it sound noble. But lately, I’d started wondering if there was more to his secrecy than he let on.

That night, I decided to surprise him. I’d overheard he was at a gathering with some of his friends, so I followed the location. As I reached the door of the private room, I froze. Their voices spilled out, loud and careless.

"Hey Asher!" someone snickered, "what’s the plan now that Celeste is back? Still keeping Lois around as your stand-in?"

My heart skipped a beat.

Another voice chimed in, laughter laced with cruelty. "Man, you’ve got guts! Pretending to love Adam’s sister while waiting for your real love to come back. I didn’t think you’d pull it off for five years!"

"Celeste left him high and dry," another friend jeered. "Using Lois as a placeholder was fair game. She deserves it for coming back so suddenly, right?"

The room erupted into laughter, but not a single word of denial came from Asher. Not even a weak attempt to defend me.

I backed away, my stomach twisting. As I walked home, the memories of his tender words and promises felt like ashes in my mouth. He’d always been so careful, so charming. How many of those moments were lies?

The next day, Asher picked me up and took me to a banquet—a surprise celebration for Celeste’s birthday. He acted like nothing had happened, holding my hand and whispering sweet nothings in my ear. But I couldn’t shake the bitterness gnawing at my chest.

When Celeste made her dramatic entrance, Asher’s grip on my hand tightened. She was stunning, glowing with the confidence of someone who knew she had the world in her grasp. When her eyes landed on us—on me and Asher, standing so close together—her expression crumbled.

Tears welled in her eyes, and before anyone could stop her, she turned and ran out of the hall. Asher didn’t hesitate. He pushed me aside like an afterthought and chased after her.

Humiliation burned in my cheeks as I stood there, ignored by everyone. My hand brushed against a decorative ivy garland wrapped around a column, and a sharp pain shot through my palm. I looked down to see angry welts forming where the plant's oil had touched my skin—poison ivy. Someone must have thought it was a clever addition to the decorations.

By the time I got home, my hand was swollen, the itching and burning unbearable.

In Asher's study—a room he always kept locked—I found my answer. On his desk, a framed photo of him and Celeste sat like a trophy. Her radiant smile and his adoring gaze told me everything I needed to know.

I picked up the phone and called my brother, Adam, who was overseas.

"Adam," I said, my voice calm despite the storm raging inside me. "I’ve decided to agree to the arranged marriage."

There was a pause on the other end before Adam spoke, his voice filled with surprise. "Lois, are you sure? Did something happen?"

"No," I lied, forcing a smile that he couldn’t see. "I’ve just realized it’s the right thing to do. Mom and Dad chose someone they trust, and I trust them too."

Adam hesitated. "If you’re sure... when are you coming back? Do you want to meet him before we finalize anything?"

"No need. Just set the date. The sooner, the better."

He sighed, though his tone softened. "Alright. By the way, I heard Asher’s ex is back. Celeste, right? It’s funny how everyone thought they were destined. Maybe he’ll bring her to your wedding—it’ll be good to have old friends there."

My chest tightened at his words, but I kept my voice steady. "I don’t think Asher and I are that close anymore. Don’t bother inviting him."

Just as I hung up, the door unlocked, and Asher walked in. He was smiling, but something about it felt fake now.

"Not close to whom?" he teased, his eyes narrowing playfully.

I looked him straight in the eye. "Not close to you."

He raised an eyebrow, then smirked as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "Really? Not close to me? Haven’t we spent enough nights proving otherwise?"

His breath was warm against my ear, but it only made me feel cold. I struggled against him, my gaze catching the faint lipstick stain on his collar.

The burns from the poison ivy on my arm throbbed painfully. The hurt in my chest rose like a wave, spilling over as tears filled my eyes.

"Lois? What’s wrong?" Asher’s smile faded as he noticed my tears. His eyes dropped to my wrist, where the angry red marks stood out against my skin. His voice trembled. "How did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me?!"

For a moment, I wondered if he was truly concerned or just playing his part. I said nothing, pulling my arm away.

It felt like he'd completely wiped the banquet from his mind. I stayed quiet, not sure if I should bring it up and ruin the act he was putting on.