I woke up with a splitting headache. What the heck happened?

"Oh Serene, I am so glad you’re awake. You gave us a scare," Mom says, rushing to my side.

She places a cup of water down and sits beside my bed.

"What happened?" I ask groggily.

"I don't know, Alpha Zander brought you unconscious. He said he found you in the bush unresponsive. The doctor said it might be a rogue attack. I am just glad you are okay," she hugs me.

Attacked?

My bedroom door opens again, my eyes meet hers, and that is when everything starts coming back.

Crystal and Alpha Zander.

They were kissing.

Him choosing her over me.

The rejection.

Averia's pain.

'Ria,' I called out to her.

'Yeah,' her weak voice responds.

'What is wrong? Are you okay?' I ask worriedly.

'I am trying to be strong for us. I am dying by any minute. I need mate,' she whimpers weakly.

'He rejected us, Ria,' I almost yelled at her. She whimpers in pain and retreats to the back of my head.

"Oh Serene, I am so glad you are okay," Crystal says and rushes to climb my bed.

She takes my hands into hers, and I immediately pull away as if she burned me.

She did burn me.

In the worst way possible.

"Don't touch me," I glared at her.

"Serene! Don't be rude to your little sister. You don't know how much she has cried for you," Mom scolds and walks into my bathroom.

"Did you tell them the truth?" she asks worriedly.

"How can I do that if I just woke up? You already know Mom is going to know her little daughter is a two-faced whore and mate stealer," I tell her.

"Don't call me that! I loved Zander way before he even became the Alpha. Don't pretend I didn't notice how you looked at him; I knew you also liked him, but I was too deep to let him go. I am sorry this happened, but nothing can be done about it," she says.

"A lot of things can be done about it. You can find your own mate and leave mine alone. You are so young, Crystal,it will be very odd for you to find before your 19th birthday!" I tell her.

"I can't, " she whispers.

"Why can't you?" I asked.

"I am sorry Serene but I can't, I am already carrying Zander's child," she says, and my face falls and my heart drops.

"What! What! How can you do that! Why will you do that to me ! Does Mom know about any of this? You are only 18 fucking years old." I asked,my voice was full of anger.

"No.. Keep your fucking voice down. Mom doesn't know about it, we were planning on telling them once your birthday was over and you weren't his mate. We didn't know this would happen! I know I am young but I love him and you won't stop me. My age is a rightful age to find a mate. A lot of wolves are married at my age." she says.

"Shut up, Crystal. I can't believe you are even my sister. You being my sister doesn't mean I forgive you. You hurt me so much. I hate that. You two are so horrible; you plan on sending me away!" I yell at her.

"Keep it down, Serene; Mom will hear you. I am sorry that this has to happen, but nothing could be done about it," she keeps on saying that.

"Why do you keep saying that?!" I shout in anger.

"Because Alpha and dad spoke this morning.Our wedding date has been set. We have already announced our engagement"she says and I feel like the walls are closing in on me.

My mom walks out of the bathroom with my dirty laundry.

"What..mom is it true. Is crystal getting married"I ask tears well up in my eyes

"Oh yes,I forgot to tell you that. Alpha Zander is her mate after all and we have already given them our blessings. The wedding will be on the next full moon. I can't believe it took hid wolf so long to figure out my youngest daughter is his mate"mom says and walks out with the laundry.

"I am sorry, Serene. You need to accept his rejection. I love him," my sister says and stands up, leaving me in a sobbing mess.

I can feel Ria wallowing in pain.

"I am so sorry I disappointed you, Ria," I whispered, and she responded with a whimper.

Later in the afternoon, the pack doctor came to check on me and said I was fine but would heal with time.

Something tells me he knows what is going on but has been made to keep quiet.

I didn't leave the room until 6 PM when my brother came to call me downstairs for dinner.

I stopped in my tracks when I spotted four foreigners in the room.

Alpha Zander, Beta Darius, Alpha Eli, and Luna Nara.

"Serene, my oh my, I am sorry for what happened. I hope those rogues are caught and dealt with," Luna Nara says and gives me a hug.

"Luna. Alpha Eli," I bow to them.

"Alpha and Luna are here to help us with the wedding preparation. We are going to be a family after all," Dad says, and they chuckle.

At that moment, I wish I hadn't raised my head.

Alpha Zander has his hands wrapped around my sister's waist, and she is hugging his side with her head on his torso.

"That is wonderful. I think I am going to go for a walk. The doctor said I need it," I tell them.

"Nonsense, you can go for a walk tomorrow," Mom says.

"Yes, sis, I need you here since you are going to be my maid of honor," my sister says with a sweet smile.

"Sure, why not," I went back to my seat, and the dinner began.

.

The following weeks were torture. I watched as my sister and Zander paraded around the village as if nothing happened. I always tried to keep Ria under control every time we were around him. He practically ignored our presence.

I sometimes wondered how he kept his wolf under control, or if he too was in love with Sansa, my sister's wolf. She found out on her 17th birthday. She was an early bloomer.

But today seals my fate. The night of the full moon is tonight, which means my sister's wedding is today.

The house has been quiet, but I stayed in my room. It is bad enough to watch your mate with another woman but also to stand by their side as they make a complete fool out of you.

That night, I watched them get married and perform the rituals. That night, I felt him mark her, and I nearly died.

A part of me was lost.

The next morning, I catch up to talk to him before he leaves for their honeymoon.

"Alpha. I am not here to beg anymore. I just need one favor for my wolf. I need to talk to Atlas," I say, and he nods without a thought.

Seconds later, his eyes start glowing bright yellow, almost golden.

'To what do I owe the pleasure?' he says, his voice deep and thunderous.

'I want to know if you are aware of his rejection,' I say.

'Yes, little mate. I am already bonded to Sansa, and I love her. I am sorry this had to happen. Tell Averia I am really sorry,' he says, and something in me dies.

'Okay. Can I speak to Zander now?' I say, and he nods. A few seconds later, Zander comes back.

"Do you have your answer now?" he says softly.

"Yes," I let out a breath and look him straight in the eyes.

"I, Serene Gun, accept your rejection," I say, and he stumbles back a little.

He looks at me in shock and surprise, as if he didn't expect me to accept it.

I turn and walk away from him and everything that has to do with him.

.

They left for their honeymoon, and I returned to my routine.

I grow thinner and weaker with each passing day, and Mom is beginning to worry.

I always tell her I am fine, but I know deep down she can feel my pain.

Today, she sent me on an errand. She asked me to pick up my dad's birthday cake from the pack house.

I can't believe two months have already passed, and Dad is celebrating his birthday again.

Crystal will be back today with "exciting news," as Mom said.

This place is awfully quiet today; most of the time, the pack house is noisy as hell.

I picked up my dad's cake and made my way out but stopped in my tracks when I saw Beta Darius entering the house.

"Serene. What a lovely surprise," he says with an awfully wide smile.

"Beta Darius. I was just on my way out. I came to pick up my dad's gift."

"Oh, you can't just leave like that. Come on, let's have a drink," he says, stepping closer to me.

"I... I don't think that is a good idea. My mom is waiting for me," I tell him.

"Oh, it's just a drink, Serene. I don't bite," he says softly, and I sigh.

"Okay, fine, but only one," I say, and he nods.

He leads the way into the pack bar and goes behind the counter.

"What can I get you, my lady?" he smiles.

"A shot of tequila, raw," I say, sitting on the stool.

"Wow... anything the matter?" he asks.

"Just life," I shrug.

He turns to face me a few seconds later and hands over the shot to me.

"Tell me about it," he raises his glass, and so do I.

I take the shot in one go.

"Want another?" he asks, and I nodded.

Before I realized it, I was on my fourth shot and drunk out of my mind.

"Serene, has anyone told you how beautiful you are? Those pretty brown eyes are just like the earth," he says.

Okay, this is my clue to leave.

I need to mind-link my brother to come pick me up.

"I... I... I think I should... leave," I slur my words and hiccup.

"Not yet, Serene. You know, you really fascinate me. I really fancy you; you've been on my mind lately, with those soft pink lips..." he says, his fingers trailing my bottom lip.

I swing my head to the side and try to stand up but lose my balance and almost fall down, but he holds me against him.

I can feel his groin against me.

"Please let me go. My mom is waiting for me," I beg.

"I can't do that. I really need to feel you against me," he says and kisses my neck.

I try to hit him, but he is stronger and bigger than me.

An idea comes into my head.

"Don't even try to mind-link anyone. It isn't going to work. The drink you just had shut off all your senses. You are mine tonight, Serene," he says, and now I break down in tears.

"Please, please, please, don't do this to me. I am begging you," I plead.

But everything falls on deaf ears when I feel him rip off my shirt.

He pushes me onto the floor and continues his assault.

I try to fight; I really do, but it is all in vain.

That day, he took away my innocence, my dignity, my pride.

I lost myself that day.

.

"Are you okay Serene?"my brother asks for second time today.

"Yes I am fine"I tell him quietly.

"Are you sure? Something is off with you"he says looking at me skeptically.

"I am fine"I say and he kept quiet and we continue to finish the decorations.

Minutes later the house was full with guests and friends.

My sister and Zander had arrived and they looked so happy and cozy.

I smile sadly, I am going to really miss them once I am out of this place.

I hope mom and dad will forgive me for being a disappointment.

"We have an announcement. Everyone please gather around"dad announces.

Everyone moved forward,but I remained behind.

My nightmare was with them,he stood there as if he wasn't a monster.

"Thank you all for making it to my birthday party. As much as it is my birthday, I like to announce this: I got the greatest gift today. My daughter and her husband, Alpha Zander, are expecting their first child, my first grandchild and the future alpha of this pack," my dad says happily.

That was it for me. I had enough reason to go on with my decision. No one will miss me. My family is happy without me.

I smile sadly and slowly retreat back to my room.

I take a pen and paper and write an apology letter for my parents and brother.

I pack up a few things and my savings. I jump through my window and run through the woods.

Once I can't feel the connection with my family anymore, I stop.

'We'll be okay, Ria. No one can hurt us again,' I tell my wolf.

'Okay,' she says weakly.

"I, Serene Gun, daughter of Beta Zack Gun, cut ties off with

the White Moon Pack," I say and feel all links with the pack break.

I shift into my wolf form and run into the woods.

I hope a better life awaits me.

Ten Years Later

I walk into my kitchen—well, not just my kitchen. I share it with my roommate, Marcus.

We live in a penthouse in the heart of London.

He is also my best friend. He reminds me so much of Tasha. I really miss her,but I couldn't keep in touch with her.

I wonder how she is now. How many children does she have? Did she become the real estate agent she always wanted to be?

So many thoughts, but I shut them off. Thinking about the past brings nothing but pain.

It is my past, and that is where it will remain.

"Good morning, Princess," Marcus’s deep voice says from behind me.

"Good morning, Prince Charming. I am about to make breakfast. Pancakes?" I ask.

"Sure." He smiles and walks over to the coffee machine,but kisses me on the cheek before.

For a British man, he does love coffee more than tea.

"Are you ready for your biggest breakthrough?" he asks.

"More than ready, but a little nervous," I tell him.

"That’s normal. I need to leave very early today to check out the venue before the show starts. Everything has to be perfect—Gary must take the deal," he says with determination.

"Thank you so much. I don’t know what my life would have been like if I hadn’t met you. I love you so much," I say, hugging him tightly.

"You also found me at my weakest point. You pulled me out of the dark pit and brought life back to me. I should be the one grateful," he says, kissing my forehead and hugging me tighter.

It is true. The day I met Marcus, eight years ago, he was on the verge of ending his life.

I saved him that day, and he also saved me.

Marcus is an orphan who has been through hell in life. Moving from one foster home to another, he was abused and mistreated.

The day I found him, he had been robbed by a gang. They took everything—his life savings, all he owned—leaving him with nothing.

I had just arrived in London and was looking for a cheap hotel to stay in when I found him standing on the railing of a bridge.

He jumped off. I jumped after him, rescued him, took him to the hospital, and stayed with him until he woke up. From there, we became inseparable.

We lived in a shelter in London while working and going to school. Sometimes, we slept on empty stomachs as we saved up enough to rent a place and pay our tuition.

Two years later, we were finally able to move into our own small apartment. It wasn’t big, but we made it work. We turned it into our home.

After college, I opened a small clothing shop, and Marcus started promoting it. Month after month, it became popular and well-known.

We were finally able to move into a bigger apartment and open a larger fashion house.

I told Marcus the truth about me and my kind. I warned him to stay away from me during my heat period.

At first, he thought it was ridiculous—until I shifted in front of him and let him talk to Averia, who, I must say, is stronger than ever.

We fought hard through life, battled against the odds, and now we stand at the brink of our biggest breakthrough.

"You saved me, and I am forever grateful," he says.

"You saved me too," I tell him.

I finish breakfast, and we eat together while going through the event lineup for our runway show this evening.

My dream came true—I finally became a designer and a model. Marcus is my manager.

Tonight, I am making my biggest debut, one that will secure me the most significant contract ever with Collen House, a well-known production company.

Looking back at who I was before today, I can say that I am proud of my achievements.

Ten years ago, I left home and became a lone wolf, wandering the streets of New York, homeless and met with countless misfortunes.

I worked from restaurant to restaurant, saving enough to finally leave the USA.

Two years later, I did—and here I am, living my best life.

.

"Miss Gun, over here!" the paparazzi call as cameras click and flashes go off everywhere.

I walk backstage after taking pictures to check on my models.

"Everything is ready, Serene. I’m taking the lead. Good luck," Marcus says and kisses my forehead.

He walks away and takes the stage.

I don’t know what I would do without him.

People think we are dating, but no—we’ve never even tried. He is like an older brother to me, and I am his little sister.

Besides, I know he is secretly seeing the librarian down the street.

Two hours later, the show is finally over, and I am standing with Marcus and the CEO of Collen.

"This is mind-blowing, Miss Gun. I can’t believe I didn’t notice this before. I’ll send over the contract to you, I look forward to working with you," he says, shaking my hand.

"We did it!" I tell Marcus excitedly as soon as the man walks away.

"We need to celebrate. I’ll call Hamson to make a reservation," he says.

"Well, you can call Kiara to join us," I tease, and he chokes on his drink.

I walk away before he can deny it.

.

"Cheers to us,for a good life and an even better one ahead," I say as we toast.

We ended up making a big reservation for everyone to join us.

We drank until dawn before Marcus drove us back to our penthouse.

By "we," I mean Marcus, his little Kiara fling, and me.

She is the only woman who hasn't left him, despite he temper and dismissal ways. She is good woman and I try to convince Marcus to see that,she is the only one who doesn't see me as a threat.

He made sure I was comfortable before leaving me alone in my room.

In the darkness, alone with my nightmares.

"Don’t go there. You are stronger than him now,tronger than any of them. You are safe here. We are safe here. No one can hurt us anymore," Ria says.

"I know."