When we arrived home, the oven pinged. I walked to get the cake out of the oven. Bradley’s eyes widened, “Is today your birthday?”

“And our anniversary, yes.” I said flatly.

Changing his attitude, he quickly rushed to my side and got the candles out of the drawer and placed them on the cake. He lit the candle with his lighter and got the cake from the table and held it out to me. He started to sing.

“Happy birthday to you…happy anniversary to us…” And he continued until the song was over.

“Make a wish.” He said.

It’s moments like this that reminds me that he is my mate, but it doesn’t erase the fact that he’s cheating on me.

I closed my eyes and, in my head, I said, “I wish that I, Yasmine Connor, reject you, Bradley Kane, as my mate someday soon.” Then I blew the candle.

He smiled softly and kissed my temple, “I know I’ve been working a lot and not involving you as much. How about I make it up to you? I’ll bring you to our next meeting with our sister pack? We have a problem that maybe you can help solve.”

I looked up at him, his eyes looked so sincere that for a second I forgot that he was cheating on me. But it was only for a second, “Maybe next time? I still have our wedding to plan.”

His smile went wide, “Our wedding.” He said dreamily, as if it’s all he’s been thinking about. He kissed me then, like he loved me. Maybe he did love me though? It’s just…he needs another outlet for his stress.

Before I could say anything out loud, Bradley’s phone rang again. He pushed me away roughly, enough for me to have to catch myself at the table.

His face changed, one full of lust when he read whatever message was sent, “I’ll be right back.” Then he placed the cake on the table and rushed upstairs.

I let my tears fall then. All this time, I’ve been holding them back. But this time, I didn’t want to. So I let myself cry as I cleaned up the kitchen. I let the Omegas go home early, wanting to do something with my hands.

When I was done cleaning, I laid down on the couch, not wanting to go upstairs and sleep in the same bed as Bradley. I rested my head on the pillow and fell asleep almost immediately.

Under the glow of the full moon, I was sitting in a forest with my wolf staring at me, her grey eyes looking at me with disappointment. “No, I will not let you justify his actions, Yasmine.” My wolf said in my head, “His actions are vile. Leave him.”

“But I love him.” I told my wolf, “He has been there for me since I was young.”

“Yes, you’ve been through so much together. But don’t you think so have we? As long as you have me, you’ll be fine Yasmine. Trust me. Reject him.”

“But what if I reject him and my life becomes worse than it already is? I already started over once, can I really do it again?”

“Yes you can,” my wolf said softly, “Of course you can. Believe in me, believe in yourself, believe in us.”

The glow of the moon flickered and –

I was startled awake with Bradley’s hand running through my hair. He was humming the song that was playing when we first met as teenagers.

Slowly I realized he carried me to our bed last night.

“You’re awake now? Why did you sleep on the couch?” He said, his voice soothing.

“Didn’t want to disturb you.” I said in a soft voice.

“Ah, my Luna. Always so considerate.” He kisses my forehead, “I’ll go out this morning but I’ll be back in the afternoon, I promise.”

He gently disentangled himself from me and left the room. I still remembered my dream, as I always did. Since that is what my wolf wanted me to do, I should follow it. She’s been with me longer than I’ve known Bradley, she knows me better and knows what’s best for me.

I got to my laptop and sent a private message to my mom and dad, asking them if I can visit for a bit. If ’m leaving, I need to explain to them why. I have to tie my loose ends.

Then I quickly looked for the next plane ticket to anywhere in Europe that I can afford. I found one, it’s scheduled to leave the day before our wedding.

…Our wedding that I worked hard on. Our wedding that’s supposed to show everyone that despite hardships, despite me being from a different pack originally and shifting to this pack because I met Bradley, we still could get our happy ending.

But then I remember last night, the way that girl’s ankles were caressing Bradley’s leg and how he was just allowing it to happen.

I remember the way Bradley was lying to my face, even though he knew I saw proof of his cheating for myself.

So, I booked the ticket.

Bradley wasn’t home when afternoon came, so I took the chance to meet with my parents. When they saw I mated with Bradley, they left the pack as well and transferred to the same pack as Bradley’s. So, their house is not that far away.

When I arrived, my mom hugged me in greeting, and my dad gave me a soft smile.

“How is our bride to be?” he asked.

I nearly cried on the spot, but I didn’t. I had to be strong. If I cried right now, they would know something’s wrong immediately. I don’t want to make a scene outside, where everyone could see.

They brought me in the house and sat me down in the living room. “Well?” They said, waiting somewhat impatiently for my answer to their first question.

“There isn’t going to be a wedding,” I said, “I’m leaving Bradley. He’s been cheating on me and I need to get away. I’m sorry that I’ll be leaving you but I have to do this for me, for my sake and sanity. I hope you will support my decision, the way you supported me when I left our old pack for him.”

The silence that enveloped us was nerve-wracking. Their wide eyes looked at me with something I was surprised to see – it was shame.

“So, you found out.” My mom said.

My jaw dropped in shock, “You knew?! And didn’t tell me?!” I screamed.

“We wanted to! But he’s still the Alpha and told everyone in the pack not to tell you…” my mom’s voice was shaking with shame.

“So…everyone knows.” I said, slowly realizing that he’s been making a fool of me for the Moon Goddess knows how long.

“I’m afraid so.” My dad said sadly, “But we will respect this decision of yours. It’s the least we can do after what we had to do.”

I looked at my parents, who looked at me with that same shame from earlier. They’re ashamed of their actions, that much I understand. Everything else feels like such a diabolical plan concocted by my mate that I need time to digest it.

“We’re so sorry, Yasmine.” My mother cried, “We wanted to tell you, but…”

“He’s the Alpha.” I said blankly. They nodded, not looking me in the eyes.

I stood up to leave, my parents following close behind.

“I have to go. I need…I need space.” I said.

“Yasmine wait – “ My mom was cut off by me opening the door. My heart sank when I saw Bradley’s car in front.

“He told you to tell him if I went to you, didn’t he?” I said, deflated. Turning, I saw them nodding.

“Great.” I said, “Will you tell him what we talked about too?”

They shook their heads slightly, giving me a small knowing smile, “He didn’t order that.” My dad said. And at that moment, I’ve never been so grateful in my life.

I walked out the house, acting disappointed in my parents. My heart felt heavy, this may be one of the last times they’ll see me and their last image is me acting betrayed by them.

When I got in the car, Bradley took my wrist; his grip was hard enough to bruise.

“Why are you sneaking to your parents’ house?!” He growled.

“Is it wrong to visit my parents?” I said, trying to get out of his grip, but it was too strong.

“Why did you want to see them? Tell me.” He demanded.

It took all my energy to lie, “Wedding plans.”

“Why didn’t you include me?” He asked, his voice so demanding it was edging to his Alpha command voice.

“You’re – “ I swallowed, trying to find half-truths to say, “You’re always busy. Besides, brides are supposed to take off the wedding plans, right?”

His face morphed into realization and his grip loosened enough for me to pry my arm away. But he quickly got it back and kissed my already bruised wrist. “I’m sorry, I’m just….after last night, you scared me. I thought you were going to leave me.”

“I thought you were going to leave me.” I said, another half-truth.

“I will never leave you, Yasmine. You are my Luna, my mate. I love you.” He said with sincerity, it made my heart ache.

“I love you too.” This time, it’s the whole truth.

“How about this, I’ll take you to that meeting right now? If we leave now, we can make it.” He asked.

I looked at him, really looked at him. His eyes are still full of hope and love. If I give myself some time to forget all the things that happened in the last 24 hours, I would have believed that those eyes were truthful and sincere.

But I can’t. I can’t forget the last 24 hours.

I look down at my bruised wrist. I swear I could see his fingerprints on it.

This has reached a point of no return for us.

“Of course, I’ll go with you.” I said, with as much of a real smile I could muster, “Whatever you want, I’ll give you, my Alpha.”