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Marissa always knew something was wrong with her. She suffered endless rejection despite looking like she stepped out of a magazine. But at the annual festival, fate finally plays its hand. She locks eyes with Justin, the ruthless heir to the Lycan throne. Her mate and salvation. Or so she thinks. Rejection would be too easy. Instead, he does something far worse-he ignores the bond entirely, treating her like nothing more than a plaything at his mercy. But Marissa isn't the type to kneel. If her mate wants to act like a heartless bastard, she'll give him a reason to suffer. She'll unravel him, break past his stone-cold defenses, and make him regret ever underestimating her. If he wants a game, then he better be ready to lose.
Chapter 1 One
The border guards didn't pretend to be gentle. They blocked my car and immediately informed my dad that I'd been found trying to escape.
"The Alpha doesn't approve your exit."
The head guard spoke like I was a spoiled brat and not a grown woman desperate to escape a suffocating life.
My fingers curled around the steering wheel. I tried not to scream.
"Name your price," I said, pulling out my phone. "I'll pay."
He remained by my window, but when I opened my banking app, I was met with another shock.
Account blocked.
Transaction failed.
Panic set in fast. My dad had cut off my money too.
"You've got to be kidding me."
The head guard lowered his voice like he was being kind. "Running won't solve your problems, princess. Find a husband. That's all your father wants."
Another guard smirked. "The only reason anyone would be interested in you is that you're the Alpha's daughter. You're past the approved mating age."
My chest burned with shame and rage. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't let them see me break. I started the car and drove faster than the speed limit.
I was tired.
So damn tired.
At twenty-five, I had nothing to show for my life but whispers and pity glances. A failed relationship, a suffocating pack, and a father who cared more about control than happiness.
If I'd been born male, no one would care. I'd be allowed to leave, allowed to fight, allowed to choose.
When I reached the packhouse, the driveway was full. People in colorful clothes moved around with smiles on their faces.
They always had something to celebrate. Engagements, titles, partnerships. Anything to ignore the actual problem.
I parked far off. My leggings were dusty. My shirt stuck to my back. My hair was tied in a bun, and I didn't even have lip balm on.
The moment I stepped out, eyes followed me like I was a scandal.
I ignored them and walked straight toward the back entrance. My father met me at the door.
Dressed in matching colors with his wife, he looked like he was heading to a fancy gala.
"Marissa, just when I think you've hit rock bottom, you dig deeper," he snapped. "You try to run, and now you show up at a major event looking like this?" He gestured at my clothes like I'd rolled in filth.
"Then make it simple. Unfreeze my account and let me leave. If I'm so useless, stop holding me hostage."
His wife. Lilith gasped. "Marissa! That's no way to talk. Your dad wants what's best. The Lycans are on their way. This could be your shot to prove you're still relevant."
I turned to her slowly. "Stay out of this. You're not my mother."
Guests were already glancing our way, hungry for gossip. By morning, my news would be all over social media, just like when my ex married my best friend behind my back.
My father noticed the curious stares and laughed loudly, pretending I was just joking. He was always good at saving face.
"Go change," his wife whispered, a fake smile in place.
I walked off without a word, went upstairs, and sat in front of my mirror.
Now I was supposed to play dress-up for the Lycans. Knowing they'd be late, I took my time. I chose a dark green one-shoulder sheath dress. I didn't care to impress anyone. I just needed to escape this misery.
When I came back down, the Lycans were already entering. The King and his Queen walked like they owned the air. My father bowed so low I thought his back might snap.
Behind the Lycan king and queen was their son, Justin.
Arrogant. Powerful. Off-limits.
He was ridiculously attractive. Tall, dark hair, golden brown eyes, effortless authority. The kind of man werewolf girls dream of.
I was about to turn away when it hit me.
A sharp, burning heat across my chest.
My wolf, who'd been silently watching me go through the bouts of disappointments, suddenly sprang alive.
"Our mate is here," she howled.
I sniffed the air, and it was undeniable.
Pine. Musk. Rain on warm earth. It wrapped around me and wouldn't let me go.
My heart slammed against my ribs.
My mate. My way out. My hope.
I moved before thinking, following the scent like I was drunk on it.
I crashed into a hard chest. His hands steadied me.
I looked up, right into Justin's eyes.
My breath vanished.
"That's him," my wolf exclaimed. "He's ours."
But then-
"Do you go around falling on males just to be caught?"
Justin's voice wasn't teasing. It was cold.
His arm dropped away, and something inside me shattered.
Was my mate also going to reject me?
A female linked her arm with his.
Wendy. His fiancée and one of the most admired female Lycans.
Her diamond ring sparkled so brightly it stung.
She glanced at me and smirked.
"Even werewolves are desperate to level up? How cringe."
For one breathless second, I thought Justin would defend our bond.
He didn't.
He walked away with her like I was invisible.
My wolf whimpered. "Go after him."
But my legs wouldn't move.
My mate looked through me like I was nothing.
And just like that, the heartbreak from my ex felt like child's play.
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