Mated to Brother’s Alpha Best Friend

I'd had a crush on my brother's best friend, Ethan—the most powerful Alpha of our Northern Territory—since I was twelve years old. When I was fifteen, I boldly confessed my feelings to him. He laughed and patted my head, casually promising, "When you turn eighteen and shift, if you're my mate, I'll mark you." That offhand promise became my greatest hope for three years. I spent every day waiting for my wolf to awaken, praying to the Moon Goddess that she would designate us as mates. But on the night of my eighteenth birthday, after my wolf first awakened, I was shocked to discover that Ethan truly was my mate! Ignoring the intense shifting pain coursing through my body, I immediately shifted into my wolf form and ran toward Ethan's training grounds. I clutched the gift I'd prepared long ago, but instead heard Ethan urgently confessing to his Omega assistant Victoria: "Who would be stupid enough to actually care about a true mate? The bond between her and me is just the Moon Goddess's mistake. I only love you. I'll only mark you as my Luna." The words hit me like silver bullets to the chest. My wolf whimpered in pain, the mate bond burning like acid in my veins. I stood frozen behind the trees, watching the man I'd loved for six years dismiss our sacred connection as if it meant nothing. Later, Ethan introduced Victoria as his "fiancée." When Victoria demanded that I publicly bless their marking ceremony, Ethan remained completely indifferent to my humiliation. "Sylvia should give us her blessing," Victoria announced at the pack meeting, her voice sweet as poison. "After all, she's been like a little sister to Ethan all these years." Every wolf in the room could smell my distress. But Ethan said nothing, refusing to even look at me. When rogue wolves attacked our territory and I was surrounded, Ethan didn't hesitate to scoop up Victoria—who had only a tiny scratch on her finger—and carry her away to find the pack healer. He left me bleeding and alone, silver claws ha Chapter 1 When I was twelve, Ethan was eighteen. He was my brother Alex's best friend and the most powerful Alpha in the northern territories. He was magnetic, commanding, with an aura that made every wolf in the pack lower their heads in respect. I was completely obsessed with him. This wasn't just a crush. When he was around, I felt my entire world shift on its axis. I baked cookies for their pack meetings, the kind loaded with chocolate chips that Ethan always grabbed first. I drew little pictures of wolves running under moonlight, pencil strokes filled with a longing I couldn't even name. Every story about his victories in territorial disputes, I knew by heart. My fifteenth birthday. I was still in high school, my wolf hadn't emerged yet, but my dreams were full of shifting and finding my mate. But that day, only Ethan mattered. Only the courage building in my chest like a wildfire. After the pack celebration, Alex snuck me a small sip of the ceremonial wine. It tasted like rebellion and bravery. Enough bravery to seek out Ethan. He stood near the training grounds, his dark hair catching moonlight as he discussed border patrol schedules with his Beta. My heart hammered against my ribs. "Ethan?" He turned, those piercing amber eyes settling on me. "Hey, Sylvia. Happy birthday, little wolf." The words tumbled out, clumsy but sincere: "I really like you, Ethan. I have for years." Then, fueled by wine and years of pent-up hope, I leaned up and kissed him. The kiss was brief, probably awkward. He didn't push me away, but he didn't kiss back either. When I pulled back, cheeks burning, he looked at me with a mixture of amusement and surprise. He ruffled my hair, the gesture both gentle and dismissive. "You're still just a pup, Sylvia." My heart sank. "But," he continued, his voice lazy and indulgent, tinged with the casual confidence of an Alpha, "when you turn eighteen and shift, if you're my mate, I'll mark you." He said it so easily, almost like a joke. But I clung to those words like a lifeline. Eighteen. It sounded like a promise. Three years. Three years of high school, of waiting, of dreaming about my wolf awakening and the Moon Goddess pairing us together. His "promise" became my secret timeline. I counted down every full moon, every birthday, every pack gathering where I might catch his scent and feel that familiar flutter of hope. I planned my eighteenth birthday with meticulous care. This wasn't just a birthday. This was destiny knocking. I even picked out a small carved wolf pendant as a gift, something to give him after we discovered our bond. Eighteen. The day finally came. My birthday fell on a full moon, and I felt the stirring in my bones as evening approached. The shifting came suddenly, powerfully, like lightning striking every nerve in my body. Pain tore through me as my bones cracked and reformed, as my senses exploded into hyperdrive. But when my wolf finally emerged, when I felt her wild joy singing in my blood, I caught a scent that made my heart soar. Ethan. My mate. The Moon Goddess had heard my prayers. I didn't care about the lingering shift pain. I transformed back to human form, threw on clothes, grabbed the pendant, and ran toward the training grounds where his scent was strongest. My bare feet flew over the forest floor, my newly awakened wolf senses guiding me straight to him. But as I approached the clearing, I heard voices. I slowed, staying hidden behind the treeline. There was Ethan, and beside him stood Victoria, his Omega assistant. She was pressed close to him, her hand on his chest. And then I heard words that shattered my world. "Who would be stupid enough to actually care about true mates?" Ethan's voice was urgent, passionate. "The bond between me and her is just the Moon Goddess's mistake. I only love you. I'll only mark you as my Luna." My blood turned to ice. Victoria's voice was soft, worried: "But what about Sylvia? She's been waiting for this day." Ethan laughed, cold and cruel. "That's easy. I'll just tell her you're pregnant. She'll run away fast enough then. No eighteen-year-old girl wants to compete with a pregnant woman for her 'mate's' attention." Alex. My brother. His voice sounded uncomfortable, offering weak protest. "Ethan, man, that's pretty harsh." But he didn't push back. Probably for pack harmony. Or maybe he just didn't care. The pendant slipped from my numb fingers. It hit the forest floor with a soft thud that seemed to echo like thunder. Everything I'd dreamed of, everything I'd waited for, crumbled in an instant. I turned and ran, deeper into the woods, letting my wolf take over as tears streamed down my face. My thoughts drifted back involuntarily, stupid and painful. Years ago, during a territorial dispute near our borders. I was twelve, definitely too young to be wandering alone, but Alex and I had gotten into a fight and I'd stormed off into the woods. The northern territories were dangerous then, with rogue wolves testing our boundaries. Chaos erupted around me. Snarls echoed through the trees, the acrid scent of fear and aggression everywhere. A pack of rogues had found me, their eyes gleaming with malicious hunger as they circled. I was just a small, wolfless child. Easy prey. Suddenly, a massive form crashed through the underbrush. Ethan. He'd shifted into his Alpha wolf, all black fur and lethal grace, his eyes blazing with protective fury. The fight was swift and brutal. The rogues scattered after he'd torn into their leader. "Are you hurt?" he asked after shifting back, his voice rough with concern. I could only shake my head, heart pounding with terror and awe. He pressed something into my small hand. A silver dagger, small but perfectly balanced. "Learn to protect yourself, little wolf," he said, his amber eyes serious. "The world won't always be safe." That was the moment. My childish admiration crystallized into something I thought was real, something worth waiting for. That dagger. I kept it in a velvet box beside my bed. Now, even that memory felt like a betrayal. All those years. The cookies I baked for pack meetings, the drawings I made of our future together, the nights I stayed awake dreaming of my eighteenth birthday. I planned my entire life around his careless, probably forgotten promise. Every choice I made, every dream I harbored, was colored by hope for him. His words echoed: "Can't believe she's still hung up on that." I'd become a burden. My love wasn't a gift but an annoyance to be dealt with through cruel lies. I needed to find a new path. Away from him, away from all of this. The mate bond pulsed between us like a wound that wouldn't heal, connecting me to someone who saw me as nothing more than an obstacle to his happiness. I turned and melted back into the shadows of the forest, leaving behind the life I'd built around a promise that meant nothing. I fumbled for my phone with stiff, cold fingers. I needed to talk to Alex, to scream and demand answers, to make sense of all this. But what was there to make sense of? Alex had been sitting right there. He'd heard Ethan's plan. His silence in that clearing spoke louder than any words could. He knew Ethan was serious about Victoria. He knew Ethan would break my heart, and he'd let it happen. Maybe he even agreed with Ethan's approach. Maybe I was just the annoying little sister. Chapter 2 A mindlink buzzed against my mental barriers. Unknown sender, but my chest tightened. I knew who it was. Ethan. His voice echoed in my head, cold and dismissive: "Heard you were in the woods tonight. Sorry if you overheard something. Victoria and I are serious. You should move on." Not an apology. A dismissal. My carefully constructed fantasy life shattered into a million pieces. Move on. Yes. I slammed my mental barriers shut, blocking his mindlink completely. Then I reached for Alex's connection too. Blocked. I stumbled back to my small room in the pack house, water dripping on the worn wooden floors. My gaze fell on the velvet box on my dresser. The silver dagger. I picked it up. It felt cold against my palm, foreign somehow. A symbol of a lie. With sudden fierce determination, I hurled it into the trash bin, burying it under discarded sketches and coffee grounds. I didn’t want it anymore. Ethan sensed my wolf nearby and quietly moved away, but he didn't care. Ethan thought my silent departure from the woods was some kind of strategy. He thought I was being clever, playing hard to get after overhearing his words. He really didn't get it. He couldn't imagine how deeply I was hurt. What irritated him more was that I'd nearly ruined his pre-ceremony mood with Victoria. "See? Complete psycho," he muttered to his pack members after she'd gone. "Good thing our Alpha has a plan," said Marcus, his Beta, always eager to agree with Ethan's words. "Yeah, babe, let's just go through with the marking ceremony. That'll scare her off completely," Ethan said, trying to appear confident for Victoria's sake as she raised an eyebrow at him. But Victoria seemed somewhat hesitant. "Darling, but everyone in the pack will object to you rejecting your true mate to mark me..." "Can you invite Sylvia to publicly bless our mating ceremony? If your 'true mate' gives her blessing, no one in the pack will dare say I don't deserve to be Luna, or that the Moon Goddess will curse our union." A few hours later, after their pack meeting ended, Alex found me. I was curled up in my room, tear-stained and shivering despite the heater running full blast. "Sylvia," he began, his voice hesitant, "Ethan told me you were in the woods tonight." I didn't look at him. "He's an asshole, Sylvia. What he said, his plan... it's awful." "You didn't stop him," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "I tried talking to him before, when he first mentioned the idea of 'scaring Sylvia away' with Victoria's pregnant. But he wouldn't listen." He ran his hands through his already messy hair. "He's completely obsessed with Victoria." I remembered Ethan in that clearing, the way he looked at Victoria, with an expression I'd never seen him give anyone. The kind of look I'd always dreamed he'd give me. "He's really with her, isn't he?" I asked, needing to hear it out loud to make it real. Alex nodded slowly. "Yes, Sylvia. He's serious about her. Has been for a while now, very serious." He was about to say something more, about how Ethan was an idiot, about how I deserved better. But then my phone buzzed with a notification. I'd set Ethan's social media to special alerts—a pathetic habit I suddenly regretted. Even Alex could hear the notification sound in the quiet room. "Don't look at it, Sylvia," he warned, but I was already reaching for my phone. Instagram. Ethan had posted something new. The photo made my blood freeze. A woman's hand adorned with a massive diamond ring—clearly a Luna ring, with the traditional moonstone centerpiece surrounded by diamonds. The caption read: "Victoria deserves nothing but the best. #mylunamate #forever" The post was barely five minutes old. While Alex had been here trying to comfort me, Ethan had been somewhere else, celebrating with her. Planning their future. Making it Instagram official. "Jesus," Alex muttered, seeing my face. "He's completely lost his mind." Alex sighed heavily. "See? He's obsessed. I tried telling him you're not some kid with a crush, that you genuinely love him. But his buddies, Marcus and Leo, they just egg him on. 'She's still just a pup, what does she know about love, Ethan. Victoria's a real woman.'" It was obvious. I was a problem. An inconvenience. The next day, I walked to the my healing instructor’s office. I steadily filled out the application for the European Royal Healing Academy. My healing instructor had been encouraging me to apply for months. She said I had a rare gift, that I could be one of the most powerful healers of my generation if I trained properly. I'd turned down the opportunity earlier this year because it would mean leaving the pack. Leaving Ethan and Alex. Now, it felt like a life raft. Europe. A new continent, a new life. As far away from Ethan as I could possibly get. The application asked for my reasons for wanting to study abroad. I stared at the blank space for a long moment. Then I wrote: "To discover my true potential without the limitations of my current environment." It was honest enough. I sealed the envelope and walked it directly to the expedited processing office. A few days later was Alex's 26th birthday. There was a party at the pack house's main gathering hall. I didn't want to go. The thought of seeing Ethan, seeing them together, made me physically sick. But Alex pleaded with me. "Please, Sylvia. It's my birthday. Just for a little while." So I went, trying to put on a brave face. The hall was crowded and loud, packed with pack members trying too hard to look important. Then I saw them. Ethan, with Victoria on his arm. She was beautiful in that sharp, polished way. Perfectly styled blonde hair, designer clothes that hugged every curve, and a smile that never quite reached her eyes. But what struck me most was how... developed she was. Curves in all the right places, the kind of mature feminine figure that screamed "woman" while I still looked like I was playing dress-up. They walked straight toward me. My stomach lurched. "Sylvia!" Ethan's voice was a bit too cheerful. "So glad you could make it. I want you to meet someone." He gestured to Victoria. "This is Victoria. My fiancée." Fiancée. The word hit harder than I'd expected, even though I knew it was part of their plan. Victoria extended a perfectly manicured hand. Her grip was firm and cold. "Ethan's told me so much about you, sweetheart," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Such a cute little crush you had on him. I heard the Moon Goddess even paired you as mates initially. But Ethan explained it was just a mistake. We're even considering having pups soon." She patted her flat stomach meaningfully, then let her gaze drift over my body with obvious judgment. "You're still so... petite. Like a little girl playing dress-up. I'm sure you'll find a nice second chance mate your own age when you fill out a bit more." The insult was wrapped in false sweetness, but it cut deep. Standing next to her abundant curves, I felt like a child pretending to be an adult. I forced a smile. "Congratulations to both of you. I wish you all the best." My voice sounded strangely steady. Chapter 3 Ethan looked relieved. Victoria's smile tightened slightly. "Thank you so much for your blessing, sweetheart," Victoria said sweetly. "Actually, that reminds me. I have a little favor to ask." She looked at me with those perfectly lined eyes, her expression taking on a fake troubled look. "You see, while the Moon Goddess's arrangement was just a small mistake, it has caused Ethan some... complications within the pack. Some people are questioning our bond." She moved closer to Ethan, pressing against his side possessively. "If you could attend our marking ceremony and give us your public blessing, it would silence all the doubters. Show everyone that even his former... connection... supports our union." The request hung in the air like a trap. I opened my mouth to refuse, but Marcus spoke up first. "Come on, Sylvia. After everything Ethan's done for you? He saved your life when you were just a kid." "Yeah," Leo chimed in. "Now you want to mess up his whole future because of some childhood crush?" "That's really selfish," someone else added. "He gave you years of protection and friendship." "Ungrateful," another voice muttered. "Like a parasite that won't let go." The words hit me like physical blows. Everyone was staring, waiting for my response. I looked at Ethan, hoping he'd say something. Anything. He was silent for a long moment, his jaw tight. Finally, he spoke. "If I love Victoria, I have to protect her. I have to take responsibility for her happiness." He looked directly at me. "I'm sorry, Sylvia. I was just trying to comfort you back then. I never expected the Moon Goddess to make us true mates. I apologize for the confusion." Then he turned to the pack members who'd been attacking me. "But that's enough. Don't talk about her like that. This situation isn't her fault." His protection felt hollow. Too little, too late. The damage was already done. Everyone was looking at me like I was the villain in this story. Like I was the one standing in the way of true love. I mumbled some excuse and turned to leave, needing to escape before I completely fell apart in front of everyone. Grief pressed down on my chest like a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe. I found a quiet corner near a large window that overlooked the pack territory. "Rough night?" Victoria appeared beside me, holding two glasses of champagne. She offered me one. I shook my head. "No, thank you." "Listen," she said, her voice softer now, almost conspiratorial, "I wanted to apologize privately. What happened back there wasn't fair to you." I just looked at her. "I mean it, really. I'm happy for you both. I'm starting my own new life anyway." She sipped her champagne, studying me with calculating eyes. "Are you? You know, Ethan talks in his sleep sometimes. He used to say your name. A lot." My breath caught. What game was she playing? "I think he feels guilty. Leading you on with that whole 'wait until you shift' nonsense." She shrugged. "Or maybe he actually enjoyed having a devoted little admirer following him around." Her smile returned, sharp and knowing. "It's been quite annoying, actually. He still buys gifts for both of us on holidays. Makes cakes for your birthday. Even refused to let you attend our marking ceremony to clear things up." She took another sip. "But don't worry. In the end, I'll be his Luna. Not you." Before I could respond, howls erupted from outside the hall. Rogue wolves. The sound froze my blood. Memories of my childhood attack came flooding back—claws, teeth, the smell of blood. I couldn't move. My body locked up completely as the pack house erupted into chaos. Through the windows, I could see dark shapes moving fast toward the building. Ethan appeared instantly, his protective instincts kicking in. But he didn't look for me. He grabbed Victoria, pulling her toward the safe room. I stood frozen as windows shattered around us. Other pack members were shifting, fighting, protecting their families. But I was alone. Paralyzed by fear. A massive black rogue burst through the window near me. Its eyes were wild, foam dripping from its jaws. I couldn't even scream. More rogues poured in. I was surrounded, defenseless, still unable to move. Just as the first one lunged, I heard Ethan shout from across the room. "Sylvia!" He started toward me, but Victoria grabbed his arm. "Ethan, I'm hurt! The glass cut me deep. I'm bleeding!" She collapsed against him dramatically, clutching her arm where a small scratch was barely visible. Ethan hesitated for one crucial second, looking between us. Then he lifted Victoria in his arms. "I need to get you to the healer. Now." He ran out with her, never looking back. The rogues closed in on me. Claws raked across my arms as I finally found my voice to scream. Everything went black just as I heard Alex roar in fury, charging toward me. I woke up in the pack hospital. Alex was there, his face pale and his eyes red-rimmed. "Sylvia? Oh god, Sylvia, I'm so sorry." He looked ready to cry. "What happened?" My voice was rough as sandpaper. "Rogue attack. You were nearly killed. Three of them had you cornered." His hands shook. "If I hadn't found you when I did..." He looked furious. "Ethan... that bastard just left you there. Ran off with Victoria for a scratch that didn't even need healing herb." I understood. Ethan had saved Victoria. Of course he had. She was his fiancée, his future. And I... was just Sylvia. The realization didn't even hurt anymore. It was simply a fact. "It's okay, Alex," I whispered. "He made his choice. It's fine." This made everything clear. My resolve to leave solidified completely. Alex stared at me, his eyes filled with the same pain I felt, plus a simmering rage. "This isn't okay, Sylvia. None of this is okay." But I was completely certain that everything was over. Whatever I thought existed between Ethan and me, whatever future I'd dreamed of, was gone. And I was strangely calm about it. I was going to the European Royal Healing Academy. I would heal. I would start a new life. I began secretly making real plans—the kind involving plane tickets and one-way journeys. The next day, Ethan appeared at the hospital with Victoria by his side. I was propped up in bed, my leg in a heavy cast, throbbing pain radiating from my arm where the rogue's silver claws had torn through flesh. "Hey," he said awkwardly, hovering in the doorway. He looked tired, maybe even a little guilty. I kept my expression blank. "What do you want, Ethan?" "Alex told me what happened. You got hurt. Victoria feels terrible about it." Victoria stepped forward, her face a mask of concern. "I'm so sorry, Sylvia. I was just so panicked that night because... well, I'm pregnant. I needed to get to the healer immediately." The words hit me like a physical blow. Pregnant. My heart shattered completely. He'd moved on so fast. They were having a child together. "I see," I managed to whisper. Victoria moved closer to my bedside, reaching out as if to comfort me. "The pregnancy makes me so emotional. I didn't mean for Ethan to leave you like that." Chapter 4 Her hand brushed against my shoulder, right where the silver wounds were still healing. But instead of comforting me, her perfectly manicured nail pressed down hard against the tender flesh. I cried out in pain, the silver-inflicted wounds screaming in agony. "Oh no!" Victoria exclaimed, pulling her hand back. "Your wounds look terrible! Ethan, maybe you should get the healer to check on her." "Yeah, I should," Ethan said, already moving toward the door. "I'll be right back." The moment he was gone, Victoria's concerned expression melted away into a cold smile. "Yes, I'm pregnant," she said casually. "But here's the thing, sweetheart. It's not his." My blood ran cold. "What?" "Ethan's just a toy to me. A powerful Alpha who'll give me status and protection. But the baby? That belongs to someone much more... useful." Rage boiled up inside me. "You're lying." "Am I? You think I'd tie myself to one man when I could have so much more?" I tried to sit up, fury giving me strength despite my injuries. "You can't do this to him. He deserves to know." "He deserves nothing," she hissed. "And neither do you." I lunged forward, grabbing her wrist. "I'm telling him the truth." She screamed dramatically just as Ethan returned with the healer. "She attacked me!" Victoria sobbed, cradling her wrist. "She's completely lost it!" Ethan's eyes blazed with fury as he looked between us. "What the hell is going on?" "She's pregnant," I said desperately. "But Ethan, the baby isn't—" "I know she's pregnant," he cut me off sharply. "What I want to know is why you're attacking her." "The baby isn't yours!" I shouted. Ethan's face went deadly still. Then his body began to shake with rage. His eyes flashed gold as his wolf surfaced. In one fluid motion, he shifted into his massive Alpha form, placing himself protectively in front of Victoria. "How dare you," he snarled, his wolf's voice echoing through the room. "How fucking dare you try to destroy what we have with your lies." He moved toward me, power radiating from every muscle. "You're pathetic, Sylvia. Desperate and pathetic." With one powerful motion, he shoved me backward. My injured body slammed into the hospital wall. The silver wounds that couldn't heal properly tore open, blood immediately soaking through my bandages. "Everything between us was a mistake," he growled. "Every moment I spent protecting you, every kindness I showed you. You're nothing but a delusional child who can't accept reality." Pain exploded through my body, but it was nothing compared to the agony in my chest. He stood there, his massive wolf form protecting Victoria, looking at me like I was something disgusting he'd scraped off his shoe. "Stay away from us," he commanded. "Stay away from my mate and my pup." I slumped against the wall, blood pooling Alexeath me, watching the man I'd loved my entire life choose someone else completely. My heart died in that moment. Whatever foolish hope I'd been clinging to finally shattered into nothing. I lay on the cold hospital floor, blood seeping from my reopened wounds, still coughing up water. Victoria was sobbing dramatically beside Ethan, her voice shrill with fake distress. "She cursed my baby!" she wailed. "She said the Moon Goddess would never let a bastard like this be born! She wished for my child to die!" I tried to speak, to deny her lies, but only a weak croak came out. Ethan's eyes flashed with renewed fury. His wolf was barely contained Alexeath his skin, muscles rippling with barely restrained violence. "You sick, twisted—" he snarled, taking a threatening step toward me. His Alpha power filled the room like a suffocating wave. I could feel it pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe. "Ethan, don't," I whispered, trying to crawl backward. But he was beyond reason now. His wolf wanted blood. Just as he lunged forward, Alex burst through the hospital doors. "Get away from her!" Alex roared, throwing himself between us. The two Alphas faced each other, power crackling in the air like electricity. "Your sister is psychotic," Ethan spat. "She attacked my pregnant mate and cursed my unborn child." "You lying piece of shit," Alex growled. "I know exactly what kind of man you are." "Alex, don't," I pleaded weakly. "Please, just get me out of here." But it was too late. Alex's wolf erupted forward, slamming into Ethan with bone-crushing force. The two massive Alphas rolled across the floor, claws and fangs flashing. Their combined power was devastating—medical equipment shattered, windows cracked, the very foundation of the healing center seemed to shake. "Stop!" I screamed. "Both of you, stop!" Other pack members rushed in, trying to separate them, but these were two of the most powerful Alphas in the northern territories. Their rage was beyond control. Finally, I managed to stagger to my feet, ignoring the agony shooting through my body. "ALEX!" I shouted with every ounce of strength I had left. "PLEASE!" Something in my voice cut through his fury. He froze, still pinning Ethan to the ground. "We're leaving," I said firmly. "Now." Alex slowly released Ethan, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from cuts on both their faces. He came to me, carefully supporting my weight as we headed for the exit. Behind us, Ethan's voice was cold and final: "Stay away from us, Sylvia. I mean it. You're nothing but trouble." In Alex's car, my brother was still shaking with rage. "I should have killed him," he said through gritted teeth. "I should have ripped his throat out." "No, Alex. Please," I said wearily, leaning against his shoulder. "Let it go. For the pack's sake." He looked at me in disbelief. "For the pack? After what he did to you?" "Your pack and his are the two strongest in the northern territories," I said quietly. "If you start a war over this, innocent wolves will die. Children, families—" "Sylvia—" "I see him clearly now," I interrupted. "Finally. And he's not worth destroying everything for." Alex's hands tightened on the steering wheel, but he nodded slowly. "You're too good for this world, sis," he said softly. "Too good for any of us." "I should have told you, Sylvia. I should have told you the true nature of Ethan. How ruthless he would be when he wanted something, or someone." He let out a heavy, broken sigh. "He's always taken advantage of others. I just... I don't want to believe he could be so cruel to you. You've been so good to him, always have been." I closed my eyes, feeling the last pieces of my heart crumble to dust. I had finally seen the real Ethan. And he was exactly what Alex had always known he was—a selfish, cruel man who would destroy anyone who got in the way of what he wanted. The boy who gave me that silver dagger and taught me how to protect myself had never really existed at all. "I'm going to be okay, Alex," I told him later in my quiet hospital room. My voice was stronger now. The tears had dried up. A strange calm had settled over me. It was the calm of acceptance. "My application to the Royal Healing Academy has been approved. I'm going to Europe." Alex looked at me, surprise flickering in his eyes before being replaced by understanding. "Good," he said firmly. "That's good for you, Sylvia. You deserve to get out of here and find happiness." He squeezed my hand. "I'll support you. Whatever you need." Chapter 5 The next morning, my phone buzzed with a text message. It was from Victoria. The first message was a photo of an enormous venue decorated with white roses and crystal chandeliers. The caption read: "Marking ceremony preparations! Ethan spared no expense ??" Then another photo appeared. This one showed a massive ice sculpture in the shape of wolves, surrounded by what looked like hundreds of candles. "He mobilized the entire pack's resources for me," she wrote. "The Alpha Council even approved special funding. I'm so lucky to have a mate who loves me this much!" More photos followed. A custom-made altar made of rare moonstone. Professional photographers setting up equipment. Catering trucks from the most expensive restaurant in the territory. "The marking ceremony is going to be the event of the century," her final message read. "Too bad some people will never experience this kind of devotion ??" I stared at the messages for a long moment, waiting for the familiar stab of pain. But it didn't come. Instead, I felt only a distant sort of numbness. Like watching a movie about strangers. I didn't reply to any of her messages. There was nothing left to say. That afternoon, my phone rang. A local number I didn't recognize. It was Marcus, Ethan’s Beta. "Sylvia? Hey, it's Marcus. Uh, Alex's not answering his phone." His voice was hesitant and awkward. "Is he okay? Ethan's worried. They had a... uh... disagreement yesterday." Disagreement. That's what he was calling that brutal fight. "Alex's fine," I said, my voice flat. "Look, we're all worried about him and Ethan. They're like brothers, you know? This whole thing... it's affecting the pack. We have the Alpha Council meeting next week." He paused. "If Alex doesn't show up with Ethan as the northern territories' representatives, the Council might think there's instability in our region. The Alpha King could send in royal forces to intervene." He wanted me to mediate. To fix Alex and Ethan's relationship. The audacity was breathtaking. After they'd all stood by and watched me get humiliated. After what Ethan had done to me... But I thought about Alex. His loyalty to me was costing him everything. "Alright, Marcus," I said slowly. "I'll talk to Alex. Maybe we can arrange a meeting to clear the air. For Alex's sake." My brother deserved to have his pack and his position intact. I could do this one last thing. Then I would leave. I convinced Alex to come. A few days later, in the pack house, we attempted an unwilling reconciliation. The air was thick with unspoken tension. Ethan was there, with Victoria clinging to his side, her face a mixture of triumph and false concern. Alex stood rigid, refusing to look at Ethan. The argument started almost immediately. "Ethan needs to apologize to Sylvia," Alex said firmly. "For pushing her. For everything." Ethan scoffed. "Apologize? She should apologize to Victoria for cursing our child! She said the Moon Goddess would never let a bastard be born!" "That's bullshit and you know it," Alex snarled. "After all these years, don't you know what kind of person Sylvia is? She would never curse anyone's child." Victoria stepped forward, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "Alex, honey, please don't blame Ethan. I'm pregnant, and he was just so worried about me. The stress made him react badly." She skillfully deflected blame, painting Ethan as a protective hero and me as some unstable threat. Alex wasn't buying it. "She's my sister. I know her better than anyone. She's not capable of the things you're accusing her of." "Your sister has been obsessed with me for years!" Ethan shot back. "Following me around like a lost pup! She attacked Victoria out of jealousy!" The old accusations flew, and the argument escalated quickly. Marcus and the other pack members intervened, always the peacekeepers when pack unity was threatened. "Hey, guys, come on," Marcus said. "Let's not fight. How about a truce? For the pack. For the northern territories." Marcus suggested something ridiculous to break the tension. "Let's do a hunting competition. See who can bag the most game. Get some of that Alpha aggression out in a healthy way." So we found ourselves in the pack's hunting grounds, with bows and arrows. The hunt began, and Marcus took aim at a deer in the distance. His arrow flew wide, completely missing the target. Instead, it sailed directly toward where Victoria was standing. She let out a piercing scream. In a blur of Alpha speed, Ethan appeared in front of her, catching the arrow with his bare hand just inches from her face. Victoria looked up at him with pure adoration. "Oh my god, Ethan! You saved me!" Ethan tossed the arrow aside and glared at Marcus. "Watch where you're shooting, you idiot." Marcus just laughed. "Come on, man. I gave you a perfect hero moment. You should be thanking me." They all burst into laughter, and I watched it all with detached calm. Later, Victoria played up her helplessness dramatically. "I can barely even hold this bow," she said with exaggerated weakness. "Ethan, can you teach me? I need your strong hands to guide me." The display was nauseating. Ethan positioned himself behind her, his arms wrapped around hers as he "taught" her to aim. "Like this, baby," he murmured into her ear. "Feel the power flow through you." She giggled and pressed back against him. "You're so strong. I feel so safe with you." Their public affection was over the top, theatrical. But everyone seemed to eat it up. I couldn't stand it anymore. I slipped away from the hunting party and found a quiet spot near the edge of the woods to rest. The silence was a relief after all that forced cheerfulness. Then I heard voices carrying on the wind. Ethan's voice, loud and slightly slurred from the drinks they'd shared after the hunt. He was talking to Marcus, and they must have been just around the bend in the trail. "I've been in love with her for years, man. Victoria. From the moment I first saw her." My blood turned to ice. "She's everything I want in a mate. Smart, ambitious, sexy as hell. She gets me, you know? She's not some... some little pup following me around with puppy dog eyes." The casual cruelty in his voice hit me like a physical blow. He continued, his voice filled with an emotion I'd never heard from him before. "Everything I do is for her. This marking ceremony, the pack resources... I'd give her the world if she asked. She's a real woman, Marcus. Not some kid who doesn't know anything about life." The raw, unfiltered sincerity in his voice was undeniable. He genuinely, deeply loved Victoria. And he always had. All my years of waiting, all my carefully planned dreams around his careless promise... It had all been meaningless. Worse than meaningless. It had been a complete waste. The last tiny ember of hope in my heart finally died. Ethan was still talking, his drunken confession pouring out. "I used to send her flowers anonymously when she worked at her old pack, before she even knew who I was." Chapter 6 My goddess. He wasn't incapable of that kind of devotion. It just wasn't for me. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I swallowed it anyway. Beyond a numb, dull ache of acceptance, I felt nothing else. My love for Ethan had always been nothing but a one-sided fantasy. It was time to wake up. I was about to leave when I heard footsteps approaching. Alex appeared through the trees, his face dark with anger. He'd heard everything too. "So that's how you really feel about my sister," Alex said, his voice deadly quiet. Ethan spun around, his face flushing with embarrassment and alcohol. "Alex, I—" "If this is how you've always felt, you should never have given her hope," Alex continued, his Alpha power radiating outward. "All these years, letting her believe there might be something between you. That was cruel." "Look, man, I never promised her anything—" "Get out," Alex said simply. "Take your mate and get the hell away from my sister. Don't come near her again." Ethan opened his mouth to argue, but something in Alex's eyes made him think better of it. He nodded curtly and walked away, calling for Marcus. I stepped out from behind the trees, and Alex's expression immediately softened when he saw me. "Sylvia, I'm sorry you had to hear that." "It's okay," I said, and surprisingly, I meant it. "I needed to hear it. I needed to know." We were halfway back to the pack house when we heard screaming. Smoke was rising in the distance, thick and black against the sky. "Fire!" someone shouted. We ran toward the pack house, and my heart stopped. The entire east wing was engulfed in flames, the fire spreading rapidly through the wooden structure. Pack members were running everywhere, some carrying belongings, others just trying to get clear of the building. The heat was intense, even from a distance. The flames roared like a living thing, hungry and destructive. "Everyone get back!" Alex shouted, using his Alpha voice. "The whole building could collapse!" That's when I saw Ethan pushing through the crowd, his eyes wild with panic. "Where is she?" he was shouting. "Where's Victoria?" Marcus grabbed his arm. "Ethan, calm down. She's probably already out." "No, she went back for her jewelry!" Ethan's voice cracked with desperation. "She's still inside!" He tried to run toward the burning building, but three pack members tackled him. "You can't go in there!" one of them yelled. "Even an Alpha won't survive those flames!" Ethan fought against them, his eyes blazing. "She's my mate! I have to save her!" Before anyone could stop him, he shifted into his massive black wolf. His Alpha strength broke through their hold easily. He bounded toward the inferno without hesitation. "Ethan, no!" Alex shouted, but it was too late. The wolf disappeared into the flames, and for a moment, there was only the roar of the fire. Then we heard it—a terrified scream from inside the building. Minutes that felt like hours passed. The heat was unbearable, even from where we stood. Finally, a figure emerged from the smoke and flames. Ethan, back in human form, was carrying an unconscious Victoria in his arms. His skin was blackened with soot and burns, his hair singed, but he kept moving. He collapsed just outside the building, still clutching Victoria protectively against his chest. Most of his back and arms were severely burned, the flesh angry and raw. But he'd shielded her completely—she was barely singed. --- The pack healer arrived within minutes, taking one look at Ethan's injuries and immediately calling for an emergency transport to the healing center. "Third-degree burns over forty percent of his body," she said grimly. "His wolf is barely conscious. We need to move him now." They loaded him onto a stretcher, and he was still semi-conscious, still reaching for Victoria. "Is she... is she okay?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. "She's fine," the healer assured him. "You saved her." A weak smile crossed his burned features before he lost consciousness completely. As the ambulance pulled away, I stood there watching, feeling strangely empty. Even facing death, even burned and broken, his only thought had been of her. That was real love. Devastating, all-consuming, reckless love. And I finally understood that I had never been, and would never be, the recipient of anything like that from Ethan. I looked at Alex. Despite everything, his face was etched with worry for his friend. "Alex," I said, my voice remarkably firm. "Go home. Get some rest. We can't help much here." He tried to protest. "Please, Alex. I need you to do this. I... I'm fine. I just need..." I needed to leave. He finally agreed, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion. After he left, I went home alone. I unpacked my suitcase. I began packing. A few hours later, Alex found me, a duffel bag in hand, ready to stay with me. He paused at the door, seeing the open suitcase and the piles of clothes. "Sylvia? What are you doing?" His voice was soft, filled with a growing understanding and a deep, unconcealed pity for me. "I'm leaving, Alex," I said, looking down at a folded sweater. "My flight to Europe leaves tomorrow morning." "But... your silver dagger wound. And Ethan..." "My wound will heal. And Ethan... Ethan has Victoria." I finally looked at him, offering a faint, sad smile. "It's time to have your own life, brother. Get away from all this." The next day, I spent my time making final arrangements, wrapped in a kind of self-imposed isolation. I carefully packed my collection of healing herbs into protective cases, along with my research notes on werewolf medicine. Then I picked up a small USB drive from my desk. Ever since Victoria had let slip at the hospital that the child she was carrying wasn't Ethan's, I'd had someone investigate her background. What I'd found was damning. She'd been involved with rogue wolves, dangerous outcasts from various packs. The pregnancy was a calculated move - she wanted to pass off a bastard child as Alpha bloodline. Even though I no longer loved Ethan, I couldn't stand by and watch the northern territories fall into chaos when the truth eventually came out. I placed the USB drive in a small wooden box, the kind used for precious pack heirlooms. My phone buzzed. It was Alex. "Sylvia? Can you... can you come pick me up? I'm at Ethan's place. It's his bachelor party tonight." His voice was slurred with alcohol and something else... despair? Bachelor party. Of course. Even with Ethan still recovering from his burns, his friends would celebrate. The thought of going to Ethan's apartment - the place he now shared with Victoria - made my stomach clench. But Alex needed me. "I'll be right there," I said, picking up the small box. Chapter 7 When I arrived at Ethan's house, the door was slightly ajar. Music and drunken laughter spilled out. I walked inside and stopped short. The place had been completely transformed. Gone were the scattered silver dagger and other weapons I remembered from years ago. Now everything was sleek, minimalist furniture arranged with artistic precision. Expensive taste, expensive pieces. Victoria's influence was everywhere. A large framed photo of her and Ethan sat prominently on a side table, both of them grinning with nauseating happiness. A woman I didn't recognize was cleaning up empty bottles. She noticed me looking around. "Luna has excellent taste, doesn't she?" she said politely. "Alpha has changed so much since she moved in. He adores her. Renovated the entire place just for her." Adoration. Change. All for her. I found Alex slumped on a leather couch, looking miserable. He was drunk, but not happy drunk. Sad drunk. "Sylvia," he said blearily, looking at me with unfocused eyes. "You came." "Let's go home, Alex." As I helped him to his feet, Ethan emerged from the back room, leaning heavily on a cane. He was pale and thinner than before, but his eyes were sharp. He saw me. His expression tightened. "What are you doing here, Sylvia?" Alex swayed, one arm draped over my shoulder. "She's my sister, Ethan. She came to take me home. She's... she's leaving, you know. Going far away." Something flickered in Ethan's eyes. "Leaving?" "Yeah," Alex mumbled. "European pack. Never coming back." Ethan looked at me with a strange expression I couldn't decipher. "I hope you'll be happy," I said quietly, my voice steadier than I expected. "I really do." I paused, then held out the small wooden box. "This is for you. A farewell gift." Ethan's eyes flashed with something - surprise? He reached for the box, his fingers just touching the wood when his phone rang. The ringtone was bright and cheerful. Victoria. He turned away, his attention immediately diverted. "Hey, baby. Yeah, the guys are still here... No, I'm fine... I miss you too." He didn't open the box. He'd already forgotten about it, about me. I didn't mind. This was my final warning to him. After this, whatever happened to him was no longer my concern. Alex and I left quietly. In the taxi, Alex was mostly quiet, leaning against me. The next morning, when we stopped in front of the airport terminal, he hugged me tightly. "Be happy, Sylvia. Please. Be happy." "I will be, Alex. You too. And... go to the marking ceremony. For yourself. Not for him." He nodded, his eyes suspiciously bright. I walked toward the gate, my carry-on light, my heart lighter. My phone vibrated. It was Ethan. I didn't answer. I turned off the phone. Then, methodically, I blocked his number, Victoria's number, and the numbers of everyone in the pack. Everyone. Complete severance. As the plane taxied down the runway, I took one last look at Northern territory's skyline, the city of both broken dreams and new beginnings. Then I closed my eyes. No looking back.