Forbidden Mate

ror. The reflection stared back, and I straightened out the already perfect lines of the gown Jenna had pick

ess that lingered just beneath the surface. There was no need for my broken self to resur

It felt liberating to shed that weight, and I slipped into my casual clothes-a simple shirt and je

that was anything but innocent. The hollow feeling stirred in my gut, twisting like a knife. I shouldn't have c

jealousy that surged through me. I barely knew him, and for the sake of lo

ing inside me. The laughter and chatter of the party faded into the background as I tried to compr

olish for even allowing my thoughts to spiral. I was better th

r. Their laughter echoed, light and carefree, and something tightened in my chest. I pushed the thought

e than a passing fancy, more than someone's momentary distraction. I was reclaimi

s it about Lucas that made me question

g on Lucas driving her back to the pack house and her mot

-

Lucas, who was focused on the road. The streetlights cast a soft glow on his face, and I coul

ed it aside, reminding myself that I didn't have any clai

, trying to shake off the hollow feeling that had settled in m

adiating through her as she comes towards me and snatches the bag from my hand and tak

, step father smiles and shakes his head. But

is looks

smile as she rushed me into the pack

, taking my hands in hers. "That color is just perfect for your skin tone. You

f embarrassment and warmth. "I just... I don't know i

ering. "You will look like a princess! Just wait unt

The familiar scents of home enveloped me, a mix of sweet vanilla an

led back into a sleek ponytail. "Hey! I heard you're going

arted to say, but she was alread

ly flawless. This is a big night!" she ins

es. "Okay, first things first. We need to do something about your hair," she

o relax, letting the familiar banter between us fill the air. "So, what do you

e's... nice," I said, trying to d

layful. "I saw the way you looked at him whe

s nothing, really. Just a crush," I insisted, tho

to face the mirror. "Wow! You look amazing! Now, le

way with a long silver necklace and matching earrings. "These will be perfect,

uches. I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. The girl staring back at me

the show tonight!" Jenna sai

s night could be a turning point for me. Maybe tonight would be the n

building. The ball was going to be magical, and for th