On the day before Thanksgiving, I pulled an all-nighter working on my artwork, finally catching some sleep by noon. Upon waking, I found out that Alpha Palmer’s parents and sister had arrived in Aspen. As the Alpha of the Gonzales Pack, Palmer’s family carried a weight of authority that I could never ignore, no matter how much I wanted to.

I bought some pricey gifts and hurried to the restaurant, only to be greeted with icy glares and a table full of cold leftovers. Desperately, I looked to Palmer for support, but he simply sided with his parents in criticizing me.

"Adeline," he said, his alpha tone cutting through the room like a knife, "what’s with that look? My parents say you’re lazy and waste money—what part of that is untrue? When elders offer advice, you should listen respectfully."

I thought Palmer might be putting on a show for his parents, so I quickly apologized in a subdued voice, my head bowed slightly to show respect. However, later that night, I stumbled upon a drunken Palmer, passionately kissing his sister, Zoe.

"Zoe, you’re the one I truly love. Please come back to me; I’m begging you."

My heart shattered into pieces. I lost all hope and decided to let them pursue their forbidden love. My wolf stirred within me, a low growl of pain echoing in the back of my mind, but I pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to let my emotions take over.

---

I assumed Zoe would push him away, given that they’re siblings. But to my shock, she didn’t resist; instead, she reciprocated. The sound of their kisses echoed throughout the conservatory. Tears welled up in my eyes as I walked away, my chest tightening with the ache of betrayal.

The evening breeze gently cleared my mind. Staring at the conservatory full of red roses, I called my brother, Hector Stephens, the Beta of our pack.

"Hey," I said, my voice trembling slightly, "I’ve agreed to the arranged marriage. You can go ahead and set a date."

Hector wasn’t surprised; he offered some comforting words before hanging up. I knew he’d always had my back, and this time was no different. He’d arranged for me to meet Koa Vasquez, a Beta warrior from the Vasquez Pack, and though I hadn’t been ready at first, now it seemed like the only way forward.

When Palmer approached, I was lost in thought. He opened his coat and wrapped me in his arms, his alpha aura pressing down on me like a heavy blanket.

"Adeline, what’s on your mind?" he asked, his voice softer now, but still carrying that unmistakable edge of authority.

A wave of unfamiliar perfume hit my nose, and I sneezed repeatedly. Palmer’s expression darkened as he quickly let go of me, his alpha tone sharpening.

"Adeline, what do you mean by that? Does my touch disgust you so much?"

Seeing his irritated expression, I couldn’t help but laugh. I rubbed my nose and took a step back from him, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

"Even though there’s 'line' in my name, I’m allergic to roses. Surely my mate hasn’t forgotten that, right?"

Palmer’s eyes shifted, and he cleared his throat before replying, "Sorry, I’ll go take a shower right away."

As I watched him leave in a hurry, a tear slid down my cheek. Over three years with Palmer, he’d always prioritized my likes and dislikes. Once, during a dinner outing, a dish garnished with rose petals was mistakenly brought to our table despite his instructions. He was so furious that he made a scene at the restaurant. I was deeply touched and wanted to repay his kindness with a lifetime of devotion.

But since Zoe appeared, his attitude towards me plummeted. Now it seemed there was no reason to tie my life to his anymore.

I followed Palmer back to the bedroom but heard voices coming from the bathroom. As I moved closer, the conversation became clearer.

"Zoe, you’re helping your brother wash his back. How should I reward you?"

Palmer’s voice was suggestive, and it was followed by a coy reply, "Oh, Alpha Palmer, you’re such a tease! You’ve got me soaking wet!"

"Soaking wet? Let me see exactly where."

The atmosphere inside the bathroom was incredibly suggestive. Through the glass, I could see Palmer undressing Zoe. My fists clenched tightly, and I couldn’t stay any longer. I turned and ran out, my wolf howling in anguish within me.

I hid under the sheets in the guest bedroom, sobbing uncontrollably. Half-asleep, I felt someone touching me. I tensed up and quickly grabbed the person’s wrist.

Palmer winced in pain and sharply inhaled. As the bedside lamp illuminated, his face was stormy with anger.

"Adeline, are you out of your mind?" he growled, his alpha tone reverberating through the room, making my instincts scream to submit. But I held my ground, my heart breaking all over again.

Tears blurred my vision.

Palmer Gonzales, the Alpha of the Gonzales Pack, illuminated by the soft glow of the lamp, stood silently, his strong frame towering over me. His dark eyes held a mixture of frustration and something else I couldn’t quite place.

He stepped closer, his muscular arms wrapping around me in a hug that felt more like a claim than comfort. "Adeline," he murmured, his deep voice carrying the weight of his Alpha authority. "What’s got you so emotional today? Are you feeling unwell?"

His hand slid beneath my nightgown, the touch possessive rather than tender.

"I’m just trying to help..."

I stiffened, my unease growing, and pushed him away. "No, it’s not that. I’m just... not feeling myself."

After being rejected several times, Palmer’s patience snapped. His aura shifted, the commanding presence of an Alpha pressing down on me like a physical weight.

"Adeline Stephens," he growled, his Alpha tone sharp and cutting. "Don’t take me for granted! You overslept yesterday and missed dinner with my parents, and now you’re sulking like a pup?"

I blinked back tears, my eyes stinging as I met his gaze steadily. "You didn’t even tell me your parents were visiting..."

"Enough!"

Palmer cut me off, his voice a thunderous command. He rose from the bed, his tall, muscular frame dominating the room. "Adeline, a mistake is a mistake. Blaming others only makes me lose respect for you!"

He stalked to the door, his Alpha aura radiating anger. Before leaving, he turned and said coldly, "Think things over."

The door slammed shut with a finality that echoed through the room. I crumpled onto the bed, tears streaming silently down my face.

Even before Zoe Gonzales entered the picture, I had sensed something was off with Palmer.

He was glued to his phone, even taking it into the bathroom.

I suspected he was hiding something—maybe even cheating.

When I confronted him, he dismissed my suspicions as paranoia, his Alpha tone brooking no argument.

He even showed me his phone and introduced me to Zoe on WhatsApp.

"Zoe is my sister," he explained, his voice firm. "If you want to be part of the Gonzales Pack, you’ll need to get along with her."

In our three years together, this was the first time I had added one of his family members on social media.

Determined to make a good impression on his family, I discreetly tried to find out about Zoe’s likes and dislikes.

I made every effort to chat with her, aiming to create a lively atmosphere.

But Zoe showed little interest in my efforts and often posted things on social media that felt targeted at me.

When I told Palmer about it, he brushed it off, his Alpha tone firm. "You’re overthinking, Adeline. Zoe’s the sweetest person I know."

Yet, this supposedly sweet girl had just sent me a mocking message.

"Sister Adeline, why did you upset Brother Palmer again? If you can’t take care of him, little sis here will gladly step in~"

Attached was a photo of her snuggled up in Palmer’s arms, her smile smug and triumphant.

I clutched my phone, fighting back tears.

I didn’t sleep a wink that night.

The next morning, Palmer and Zoe were having breakfast in the dining room.

Lucas Gonzales, the former Alpha of the Gonzales Pack, and Trinity, the Luna, had already returned home.

Before leaving, they made sure to remind Palmer to look after Zoe.

I overheard them.

I deliberately stayed hidden in the guest room, not wanting to come out.

Zoe, noting my tired look, teased me with a bright smile:

"Sister Adeline, you must be working hard on your art. You must make a lot of money; otherwise, how could you keep missing chances to greet my parents?"

Palmer was cooling Zoe’s cereal when he looked up and shot me a glare, his Alpha tone sharp.

"Adeline Stephens, if my parents bother you so much, you’re free to leave. Stop sulking around!"

Standing on the stairs, I looked at him, pressing my lips tightly together.

Zoe smirked, deliberately leaning her head on Palmer’s shoulder.

"Brother Palmer, I don’t want cereal. I heard from the housekeeper that Sister Adeline is a great cook. Can she whip up something special?"

With Palmer’s intense gaze on me, I reluctantly made my way to the kitchen.

Zoe trailed behind, her steps light and mocking.

She pretended she wanted to help, but her actions were merely disruptive.

Seeing my temper rising, she smirked and feigned a fall, deliberately knocking over the stew pot.

Luckily, I dodged in time, but my arm got splashed, blistering instantly.

"Ouch, it hurts..."

Meanwhile, Zoe remained unharmed, lying on the floor, sobbing theatrically.

Palmer stormed into the kitchen, his Alpha aura crashing over me like a tidal wave. The force of his entrance sent me sprawling into the cabinet, my head hitting the wood with a sickening crack. Blood dripped down my forehead as I lay on the floor, dazed, watching as Palmer’s attention immediately snapped to Zoe. He scooped her into his arms, his voice thick with concern.

“Zoe, where are you hurt?” he demanded, his tone sharp with worry. Zoe clung to him, silent except for her soft, pitiful whimpers. Palmer’s eyes burned with intensity as he cradled her, his Alpha presence filling the room like a storm. As he stepped over me, his boot came down hard on my hand, the pain searing through me. He looked down, his gaze fierce and unyielding.

“Adeline,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, “if anything’s happened to Zoe, you’ll regret it.” His words were a command, not a threat. The door slammed behind him, and the roar of his car engine echoed as he sped off, leaving me in the suffocating silence.

It wasn’t until Marceline, the pack Healer, rushed in that I began to regain my senses. Her gentle hands helped me into the car, and in the rearview mirror, I caught her worried gaze. I offered a bitter smile, though my heart felt like it was crumbling.

At the hospital, the doctor stitched me up and suggested I stay overnight for observation. Before I could respond, a cold laugh cut through the air. I turned to see Palmer standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, his expression icy. Zoe stood beside him, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

“Such special treatment,” she murmured, barely loud enough for me to hear.

My chest tightened. I searched Palmer’s face for any hint of concern, but there was nothing. Only the cold, detached gaze of an Alpha who had already written me off.

Zoe nudged his arm, her voice sickly sweet. “Alpha, since Adeline is hurt, maybe I should stay and take care of her.”

Palmer’s hand brushed through Zoe’s hair, his smile soft but dismissive. “Your well-being is all that matters, Zoe. You don’t owe anyone else your time.”

Zoe’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk as she glanced at me, her eyebrows raised mockingly. “Sorry, Adeline, but the Alpha doesn’t think I should stay. I’m hurt too, so he’s taking me home to recover. I’m sure you’ll manage.”

I stayed silent, my heart heavy as I watched their exchange. The bond between them was palpable, and it made my stomach churn.

Marceline cleared her throat hesitantly. “Alpha, I can stay with Adeline—”

“Enough,” Palmer snapped, his voice sharp as he turned on Marceline. His gaze flicked nervously to Zoe, whose smile faltered for a moment. Without another word, Zoe turned and fled the room, tears streaming down her face. Palmer shot me one last glare, his disdain clear, before rushing after her.

Marceline stood awkwardly, her hands fidgeting as she glanced at me. I turned away, wiping the tears from my face.

Marceline had been assigned to me by Palmer himself, a Healer meant to ensure my well-being. For three years, she’d addressed me as “Miss Stephens,” a sign of respect that Palmer had never questioned—until today. His reaction spoke volumes. Zoe was his priority now, and I was nothing more than an afterthought.