ALEXEI'S POV

And then, there was Brandon.

His betrayal hurt the most. To think that he had never loved me even for a second caused angry tears to spring to my eyes.

The tears blurred my vision as I ran.

A moment later, strong arms wrapped around my waist, zapping me off the ground.

It was Brandon. I could smell him, even though I couldn't see him.

I didn't think I wanted to see him. I was afraid that if I got to look him in the eye right now, I would cry so much, I would never be able to stop.

"Let go of me!" I screamed, thrashing against his hold. In response, Brandon covered my mouth with his arm, blocking my voice.

He pulled me back into the garden – back to where Freida was waiting for me.

She was still holding up the vial of wolfsbane. There was a murderous glint in her eyes as she appraised me closely.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here."

Brandon lowered me down to my knees, stepping behind me.

Tears rolled down my cheeks. My shoulders trembled with the effort it took for me to keep my sobs at bay.

"I am surprised you of all people would go for a late night stroll in the gardens," she mused, lowering down to the ground. I tried to lean away from her but there was no where to go.

"If only you hadn't eavesdropped, I wouldn't have to kill you right here, right now. But maybe this is the moon goddess's will after all – to remove you from my path sooner than expected."

With every word that Freida spoke, she ran her fingers along the curve of my neckline, tracing the shape of it.

I tried to scream but my voice was muffled by Brandon's steely grip. All I could do was watch helplessly as Freida pulled the vial open and gestured for Brandon to tilted my head upwards.

NO.

It was all happening way too fast. There was no way I was going to die right now. It felt wrong, like I was watching this horror scene happening to someone else.

Unfortunately, this wasn't a scene out of a horror movie. This was my life. And I was fucked.

I had no way of yelling out for help. There was no way for me to escape.

No one was coming to save me.

It was all over.

Brandon's hands were warm on the back of my neck as he forced my lips apart.

I spluttered, making incoherent sounds. My eyes twitched with fear as I watched Freida tilt the vial.

"Say hi to the old man for me, sister," she said, right as the wolfsbane began to trickle down my throat.

The burn of it was immediate. It was deathly painful and unlike anything I had ever experienced. Within seconds, I could feel my insides burning up and melting off.

It felt like being locked in a room full of fire, with no way to get out.

The pain may have lasted a few minutes. It may have been an hour. But by the time Brandon let go of me, I could no longer feel my insides.

My eyes were empty as I crashed to the ground.

Dead.

***

I felt a pair of cold hands on my cheeks. The sharp iciness of the smooth flesh forced my eyes open, bringing me in contact with a pair of haunting black eyes. They seemed endless, like staring into a dark orbit. At the same time, those eyes, they were easily the most beautiful pair of eyes I had ever seen.

"Hello child," she spoke in a cool voice that was as ethereal as it was soothing. The more I stared into her eyes, the more I felt like I knew her. There was this otherworldly sense of recognition I felt. It took me a few moments more before I finally succeeded in connecting the dots.

"Moon goddess!" I exclaimed. My voice was hoarse and heavy with unshed tears. Mostly, I was heartbroken, overwhelmed by the depths of betrayal I had suffered from the people I trusted the most.

I kept hoping that it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

I was dead. Murdered by my sister and my mate.

The worse part of it all was how I never even saw it coming.

One minute, Brandon had been all over me, professing his love. The next moment, he was holding me down with an alien cruelty, watching as the vial of wolfsbane killed me from the inside out.

Why had he been so hellbent to kill me? What did I do wrong?

The moon goddess wiped the tears away from my eyes, holding me with a fondness that made me cry harder.

"None of this is fair, moon goddess," I wept. "I don't deserve to die this way."

"I understand the way you feel. You feel betrayed and cheated out of a great life. I am sorry Alexei but this is how it ends for some of my children. They show up at my door either poisoned or mangled."

I shook my head fiercely. "No. I refuse for things to end this way. This can't be it. I want answers. I want a chance to avenge my father's death. I want a chance to make my so-called family pay for killing him. I wish above all to protect his legacy. Please goddess, give me another chance. I vow to do everything in my power to make you proud. Please."

I pleaded and wept at her feet, desperate for her mercy.

"Child," the moon goddess raised my chin, so I could get a good look at her. She was smiling and staring at me with fondness. "Let it be unto you according to the desires of your heart."

With that said, she reached out and pushed me backwards.

***

I woke up with a start. Gripped with a mind-numbing sense of fear, I jerked upwards, hellbent to hide – to save myself from the garden and the wolfsbane.

It took me a full ten seconds to realize that I was no longer in the garden. I actually happened to be in my bedroom. In my bed.

I wrapped my hands around my throat, waiting to feel the deadly burn of wolfsbane.

It never came.

The only thing that came was a loud knock on my door.

A moment later, the door burst open and Freida came racing in. She was in her night dress. But that wasn't what caught my attention.

It was the huge grin on her face.

She looked sweet and innocent and for a crazy moment, I wondered if I had imagined everything that had happened between us in the garden.

"Oh finally, you're awake," Freida gushed, jumping on my bed and taking me by surprise. "You should get ready. Father is already in the throne room. He's got an important announcement to make."

"What?" I hissed, holding my breath.

It couldn't be. There was no way any of this was possible. There was no way the moon goddess had actually granted my request.

"Don't tell me you forgot all about the important announcement today. Father is going to be pissed."

"What announcement?" I asked her, doing everything in my power to hide the disgust I felt at the sight of her face.

"Father will be announcing his heir today. I can't believe you forgot all about that."

Freida huffed, finally getting off my bed. "I know you're used to breaking the rules and getting away with it, but not today Alexei. Get ready and come down to the throne room."

With that, she sauntered out of my room, closing the door behind her.

My heart was racing as I reached for the calendar on my dresser, confirming my suspicions.

I had indeed travelled back three months into the past.

The moon goddess had taken pity upon me and granted me a second chance to live and exert revenge on the two people, who had broken my trust.

It all began now.

I could hardly wait.

ALEXEI'S POV

Today was the day that father announced me as his successor. The heir apparent of Ash moon pack.

In my past life, I had be overjoyed by father's announcement. Naive and ignorant about the enemies I had made as a result.

Freida had squealed in false cheer, hugging me tightly. Luna Mya had smiled at me, giving me a soft pat on the back.

How had I not been able to see their loathing, shimmering right beneath the surface of their fake smiles?

How could I have been so blind to it?

It was a good thing that I knew better. It was almost as if I could see everyone in a new light. It made it so much easier to sift out false reactions from the fake ones.

The throne room was packed full of pack members and elders. Father sat on his custom high backed seat, observing the assembled crowd with an air of polite rigidity.

From my place next to his seat, I studied my step mother and sister closely.

They looked normal enough. Calm and collected in their pristine designer outfits.

Freida had an easy smile on her heart shaped face.

Honestly, if I hadn't witnessed her shoving that vial of wolfsbane down my throat, and overhearing what she had said about Luna Mya having a hand in father's death, I could easily have believed that all of it had been nothing more than a bad nightmare.

How could I not, when she had such a sweet smile on her face?

Luna Mya was no better. She was seated next to father at the top of the room and kept shooting him little adoring looks.

I felt bile rise in my throat and clenched my fists to keep it at bay.

Just then, Freida looked in my direction. She locked eyes with me.

Her lips twitched in amusement as she raised her fingers to me in a small wave.

I swallowed the thickness in my throat and looked away from her.

I had to find a way to get through this. No matter how much I wanted to lash out at these selfish, two-faced monsters, I needed to reel it in.

If I caused a scene right now, there was no way to prove any accusations I threw at Freida and the Luna.

Frankly, there was a high chance that it could come back to bite me in the ass.

A few more minutes passed by, characterized by numbing chatter. Finally, father got down to it- addressing the business for which everyone had gathered.

It was just like the last time.

He gave a small speech about how he'd built Ash moon from the ground, right alongside my mother. Then, he acknowledged the pack's numerous wins over the years. The booming businesses. Our vast lands. Our numbers.

He also highlighted our weaknesses when it came to military numbers and defense mechanisms.

"Ash moon needs a leader backed by the light and approval of the moon goddess. The goddess searches all of our hearts and understands our capabilities more than we could ever imagine."

Father's tone carried through the room with the force of one that longed to lift a heavy burden off his chest.

My heart clenched with nerves as he finally announced my name.

The silence that filled the room was quiet and reverberating. It stretched, filling my ear with white noise.

It was just like last time. Everyone was shocked by father's announcement.

It was quite apparent that they had been counting on Freida being announced as heir.

She was the popular choice, afterall.

She was stronger than me.

She had a wolf and encompassed an aura I was only beginning to realize was fake.

Watching her poison me in the gardens convinced me that her so-called aura was nothing to be fascinated by. It was nothing more than an empty shell etched in darkness.

The silence that had met father's announcement was soon followed by an uncoordinated round of applause.

I remembered things going this way. Any moment now, Freida would come running in my direction.

She would throw her arms around me in a hug and congratulate me in front of everyone.

And then, Luna Mya could pay shoulder in a fake show of maternal love and support.

The first time they had done it, I had been greatly moved and highly emotional.

Now, the thought of their presence, surrounding me, made my skin crawl.

I needed to find a way to avoid it.

Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea if I ran away?

I wondered how much such a small glitch in my predesigned story would change my fate.

Without thinking, I withdrew from the crowd, taking a few steps backwards.

Father's eyebrows drew together by my sudden movements backwards. He gave me a questioning look, unsure of how to interpret my abrupt reaction.

I ignored his look and spurn around on my feet. Without a care for what anyone had to say, I did the first thing that came to mind.

I made my escape from the throne room.

I shot past the double doors and burst into the hallway. I had merely made it a few steps when I slammed face first into a hard wall.

Only it wasn't a wall.

It was a broad, strong chest.

Equally strong arms reached out to wrap around my waist, halting my fall.

I inhaled a sharp breath as I was brought flush against the full length of my rescuer.

I locked gazes with a pair of eyes that were almost identical to mine, and instantly, my face drained of colour.

My blood ran cold, causing a shiver of sheer terror to course down the length of my spine.

Brandon gave me the brightest smile he could muster, oblivious to my negative reaction to his touch- to his closeness.

"Careful darling," he snickered, bringing his face close to mine. "You could easily have hurt yourself. I guess it's a good thing you've got me to look after you."

He shot me a conspiratorial wink.

I didn't realize I was still holding my breath until I felt my head swim with a heavy wave of dizziness.

Alexei's POV

"Careful darling," he snickered, bringing his face close to mine. "You could easily have hurt yourself. I guess it's a good thing you've got me to look after you."

He shot me a conspiratorial wink.

I didn't realize I was still holding my breath until I felt my head swim with a heavy wave of dizziness.

"Congratulation my love." He said flashing his charming smile,that smile which made my heart skip a beat now disgusted the very essence of my soul.

"We should go on a date today, to celebrate your new role in the pack. I have something special planned out. Why don't you go upstairs, something nice is waiting up for you." Brandon stated, trying to reach for my hair but I tilted my head, pretending to tuck my hair, whilst forcing a smile.

Oh of course I remembered this moment,the so called surprise gift was a really horrible looking dress,one I had with a heart filled with love ignored how terrible it looked and wore it to the date.

I decided to accept the date proposal, but would surely strive to turn things around this time.

"Alright, I'll dress up soon enough and join you." I replied,it was plain filled with no joy.

He smiled broadly and watched as I left for my room. I climbed the stairs and soon reached my doorway. My heart throbbed as I pushed the door open. This night had been one of the happiest moments of my life,I had expected Brandon to pop the question,but I was met with the greatest disappointment.

As expected, the dress was right on my bed.

I stared at it, with disgust. " Now that I think of it, this might be the most ugliest dress I have seen in a long time." I retorted, biting my lips to suppress my anger.

Angrily, I grabbed the dress and tossed it in a bin ,if only I could burn it right there. I walked over to my wardrobe and picked out a black gem stone dress. I picked out my luxurious black heels and I applied a light makeup and styled my hair to match, looking the best I could.

"Alright, this should do." I said to myself and headed downstairs to meet Brandon waiting.

His reaction was unreadable, but I could tell he was shocked to see me looking stunning instead of what he initially hoped to see.

"Bad news my love,I split the dress while trying to put it on. I feel so bad." I whined, faking my tears as I came downstairs.

Brandon jaws were literary on the floor "You..look, fabulous." He muttered,as if breathless. "i." he trailed off.

"You like this right? I couldn't wear the dress,I am so sorry."

"Oh it's okay babe." He smiled,the fastest I have seen since I returned. "This will do,just on the really bright side,but it's fine."

"Thank you my love.

I smiled and headed out the door, leaving him behind. He soon came out and left for the Restaurant.

The drive was silent and I caught Brandon stealing glances at me, we soon arrived at the restaurant, we were offered a private space as higher ranks. There were others present but it wasn't as rowdy or packed as the main restaurant. This was the Vip.

The table was set with the best meals and I couldn't wait to dig in. I sat there, eating whilst Brandon stared at me continuously.

"You really look fabulous, But you would have looked better in the dress I sent to you. I really thought it was your perfect fit." He said , tapping the table lightly.

I shook my head slightly, " I just felt this one looks slightly better." I replied, curtly.

He sighed and continued eating. Soon enough, he initiated new conversations, trying to make me say things but I remained cold and curt, which was surely making him burn in the inside.

My mind was focused on Freida's arrival. She arrived in my past life and ruined the night for me stealing the spotlight in a very exquisite dress I am sure Brandon git for her. I cant wait to see her reaction this time.

Soon enough, she arrived at the restaurant and found her way to the table. "Freida, What are you doing here this fine evening?" Brandon was quick to question her..

Freida feigned a surprising look too,and so did i. " you two happen to be here this night, quite funny." She said and laughed..

"Wow Freida,of all places." my words sounded like a snort,but i had to sound polite.

Her eyes glared at my dress, that was when she realized their plan was already sinking.

"Wow Alexia,you look stunning.", she trailed off, obviously having no words.

"Thank you Freida,who are you here with? Abd most importantly,why are you here?" I asked, relaxing on my seat.

"Oh I came to have dinner with a friend,but he doesn't seem to be here yet. I hope I am not ruining your date?" she asked, looking around,i knew what she wanted to do at the moment. Grab a chair and join us,just like she did the first time.

"You seem to want the space to yourself, but we came here first. I will prefer that I and Brandon have the place to ourselves. Would you find a different restaurant or we should?" I asked her. "This night is really special to me." I added with a pout.

"No, no. It's fine if you stay and enjoy yourself. I will take my leave now." Freida replied.

I smiled and watched as she slowly left the restaurant, surely she felt completely embarrassed.

"That wasn't necessary,you could have let her join us. Seems like she's been stood up."

"Excuse me?" I raised a brow.

Brandon shook his head, "Never mind."

We soon finished and I returned to my room. My first step was to tear the dres, so everything would be believable if my stepsister comes to confirm my claim.

I finished and sat down, feeling so relieved. Everything might have gone well today and I have finally taken a step towards changing my initial future, but I might need to be more careful now, as they will catch on to my secret if I get carried away.

Now that I think of it, I remember everything that happened in my past life and will continue to avoid them, possibly revealing my secret accidentally.

Brandon might be a quick witted type. He will study me and definitely realize things with time.

My only choice here is to pretend that I don't know what has happened. With that, I will avoid leaving any suspicions.

" Yes, this should do it. I will have no problem reaching my goals now." I Said to myself.

I will pretend not to know most of the occurrences, or even let some happen, just so they'll never suspect me. And then, secretly train to change my weak status.

Landing a defeating blow on them is my only goal now, and I'll make sure this comes to pass.

I headed back to my room and started researching about potential Academies I could train in. If I'm to join them, I'll need to approach them as an ordinary person and not the Alpha heir.

My search took a lot of time but I finally did see one online. They were admitting new students and taking exams and I took use of this opportunity, registering as an ordinary person..

Few hours later, I received a notification and checked to see I could now take the exam. I took a deep breath and started

Surprisingly, it was just easy and basic questions and I aced it with ease.

Finishing the exam, I submitted and eagerly awaited the results.

"This should definitely go well, I could not have done any better even if I had a whole year or preparation time." I blurted.