Awakened by My Mate's Betrayal

beth'

ittle, so it's been just me and my dad for as long as I can remember. My father, Beta Oscar, died a hero during a sudden attack, sacrifici

always looked after me, perhaps to ease his own guilt. Despite not having parents, I have never fe

always protected me like an older brother-though at the time, I

always create vivid pictures. I would sit and watch him, quietly de

ll day and still feel content and comfortable. Such is the p

coming-of-age day. Alpha Hugh threw a big party for me, as he did for every wolf

ight, I could not shif

owd, hands slipping into pockets to

ad, fixing my gaze on the ground, ashamed to meet the crowd's

an eternity, unaware when the pack members silently dispersed. Then, a gentle tap on my shoulde

rincess?" His voice was gentl

is embrace and stammering between sobs, "

id, patting my back. "A

ed, my eyes widen

ug. "Wolf or wolfless, lif

it was a white lie. I stepped back, scrutin

his chest as he nodde

eone mocks m

keep their filthy mouths shut," Alpha Hugh drawled, maki

or being wolfless. Ending up as a rogue and on the "to b

onal maid-though between you and me, it's unclear who serves whom most days. Barry, a benevolent Gamma in his for

ad, I was showered with attention, which is great if you're pl

for not contributing as much as other wolves. Without a wolf, my strength is

nates while I'm standing there like a human who's lost his Wi-Fi connection. Generally, it ends wi

But if I'm honest, anyone with a soothing voice and a knack for bedtime stories co

ing to convince me that I could have a fun, happy life like all the other she-wolves. "You deserve to be happy, Elizabeth. Go

entertaining than small talk. Sometimes I'd bump into Alpha Hugh at the library entrance. It was almost as if he had

ddenly, boom-I'm 21. According to Alpha Hugh, it's p

grew older; nope, instead, it simmered like a pot on the back burner. The dilemma?

when he announced that Aiden would marry me. I was beyond thrilled at the idea of marrying the boy I'd been crushing on since forever. But, naturally, I worried Aiden might not be on board with this surprise arran

trying on wedding dresses and experimenting with makeup. Ev

my big da

my dress like it's a lifesaver. It feels like

urora assures me with a smile. "Relax. You're goi

As I put on my pearl earrings, Aurora helps me with a necklace, its pendant a rose made of ruby. I'm not particu

ch rather go barefoot. There's something magical a

they see the bride waltzing down the aisle shoe-less,"

p out the door, ready to embrace this new chapter in my life... onl

pha Aiden," Aurora c

an awkward smile. "Could you give us

the desserts," Aurora says, retreatin

" I ask Aid

r be anywhere but here. "Uh, where do I even begin

me, and we'll face it together," I assu

, pulling away

u

ng must

at the ground like it's the most fascinating

my breath, bra

else. Cherry Bloom, you know her.

memory and vaguely recall her being an orp

to scream. Instead, I ask calmly, "Why didn't you tell me soone

as going to go through with it, but it felt u

ask, trying to pr

nd I... I think I need to check on her. Can we dela

nd of bride wouldn't mind

ose, I say, "Aiden, I think

n stares at

ime, let me know sooner-though hopefully there won't be a next time for something like this." I pause, attempting a half-hear

says softly.

it derails completely." I clear my throat and try to swallow the dryness

bitter laugh and says, "I, Aide

at's une

I murmur, thoroughly

in a puddle of tears? I let myself think that just for

ous. "My father, well, he doesn't like Cherry. If he find

my tender heart-it's a

s the kind you hear in a tragicomedy right before someone gets hit with a p

a cape for your superhero act?" I ask,

rything's peachy," Aiden

gin, but he's qui

so disappointed if our marriage doesn't go through. Just go through with it for his sake, I'm begging you," Aiden pleads. "After w

feeling the chains

with his sleeves like they're causing him personal offense. "Gotta run,"

shining brighter than ever. It's like my bones can feel the chill.

Elizabeth, yo

r his return, or do I pack my luggage and disappear b

t back then, something kept me rooted, something stupid, that stopped

ite brave enough to emb

cowardice? It is

e makes his grand entrance, striding to the altar like he's the hero of

can feel is a biting bitterness, a taste that lingers like burnt coffee. We wear smiles for t

leeting moment, I wish I could lose myself in his promises, to savor the simple joy of being a happy bride. But reality tugs at me fiercely, reminding me

ck after half an h

ke care of Cherry Bloom.I can't help but wonder how much time

nd with a voice that sounds more like a bad joke than a rom

nami of applause and

, and Aiden leans in, and his lips meet mine. T

eels like drinking expired milk. I have to sum

baff

y ba

n on the day I was supposed to be pran