The entire Moonclaw Pack knew that Alex loved me. When I was twenty years old, I was captured by vicious rogues. Alex ventured alone into the terrifying forbidden forest to rescue me. I thought I'd never meet anyone who loved me more than he did, not even a so-called fated mate. So we got together. In his younger days, he was wild and had many lovers. I knew this. During our first few years together, women constantly tried to seduce him. But those women would vanish the next day, as if they'd evaporated from existence. I thought I was the only one in his heart. But I was wrong. Before our Mark ceremony, Chloe appeared at Alex's side. On her first day, Alex participated in a death match at the underground fight ring, all because Chloe wanted the necklace offered as a prize. On her seventh day, they slept together. On her twentieth day, he brought her back to what was supposed to be our home. So I decided to cancel my union with Alex and marry his brother instead—the former Alpha of Moonclaw Pack.
Lily POV This morning, Alex told me he was hosting a barbecue party with his friends. So today I left work early to help Alex entertain his friends. But when I reached the garden, I only saw a barbecue grill with no one around. Looking a bit further, I saw Alex pressed on top of a woman, their moans piercing my ears with each gust of evening breeze. My breath hitched. I strode over quickly. Then I violently flipped over the entire barbecue grill. "Ahhh—!" The searing coals scattered across the cobblestone ground with shrill screams. I watched as Alex whipped around, using his entire back to shield the woman, blocking most of the flying sparks. In that instant, my heart felt like someone had viciously squeezed it. He would actually protect her like this. "Chloe, are you okay?" His tone was so gentle it nearly made me sick. The woman called Chloe trembled as she grabbed his reddened, burned arm, sobbing softly. "I'm fine. But you... does it hurt?" I laughed coldly. "Stop acting. Get out." Chloe's face went pale as she shrank back. But Alex stepped in front of her, looking down at me from above, his voice cold as ice. "Apologize." The Alex I'd known for seven years had never shown me such a cold expression before. I clenched my fists, my knuckles turning white. "In your dreams." I ground out the words through gritted teeth, then turned and walked toward the house. The moment the door closed behind me, I could no longer pretend to be unaffected. Tears fell. I never imagined he could be so gentle with someone else. He betrayed me, yet demanded an apology from me. And I had to witness it today, in our home. I knew he'd been getting close to that woman recently. But she was just an Omega working as a waitress. I thought he was just fooling around. But I was dead wrong. He brought her home, right in front of me. He probably didn't expect I'd accidentally discover them. Of course he didn't expect it. He'd hidden it so well. Maybe his refusal to Mark me was precisely for this reason. He didn't want to remain faithful to our relationship. I collapsed onto the bed that once belonged to both of us, tears dropping onto the pillow. I don't know how much time passed before I was violently pulled from the bed and thrown onto the floor. Looking up, I saw Alex's cold face. His shirt still bore traces of coal burns on the back, though the wounds had already healed. "What are you doing?" I asked hoarsely. He didn't answer, just grabbed my shoulder. "The coals burned her just now. With such a serious wound, an Omega like her can't guarantee it'll heal on its own." I froze, then laughed. The sound was particularly jarring in the quiet room. "So what? Are you going to burn me back now?" He was silent for a long time before sighing. "Lily, why do you have to target her? I promise you, in a month I'll still become your mate. But for what happened today, you must make amends to her." "Alex—" Before I could finish, I felt a sharp, searing pain in my shoulder! He actually burned me with a piece of coal he'd gotten from somewhere, its heat still lingering! I gasped for breath, the pain making my vision go black. I nearly laughed up blood. "You want me to apologize? Screw you!" His expression turned completely grim. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "Think about your Pack. Think about your broken father. Now answer me—will you apologize or not?" I felt thunderstruck, tears instantly blurring my vision. "You know what I care about most, and you're actually using them to threaten me?" Yes, my pack wasn't doing well right now. After my mother died, my father was devastated and never recovered. He no longer dealt with pack matters, and no longer had the ability to, because his wolf suffered every moment from the pain of losing his mate. A pack without an Alpha could hardly resist erosion by those with ambition. Even though I tried hard to maintain everything, to become the new leader, I couldn't do it. That's why I was here. Alex was the Alpha of the world's most powerful Moonclaw Pack. My pack needed Moonclaw Pack's protection. Fortunately, Alex loved me. At least that's what I used to believe. A complex emotion flashed through his eyes. His tone softened, though it remained cold. "Lily, Chloe is different from you. She's a poor Omega who's been looked down on since childhood. You have things she never had. Why must you argue with her?" "So," my voice trembled, "I should give her my man too?" He paused, avoiding my gaze. "No matter what I do this month, you'll still be my mate. The Luna position will always be yours." I closed my eyes, feeling dead inside. The burning pain in my shoulder intertwined with the coldness in my heart. "Fine. I'll apologize." He dragged me downstairs to the living room. Chloe was already waiting there, wearing my silk robe that she'd found somewhere. I lunged forward, trying to tear the robe off her. "That's mine!" But Alex blocked me, his tone impatient. "It's just a piece of clothing. I'll buy you a new one. Hurry up and apologize!" His large hand gripped the back of my neck with force that nearly suffocated me. Only when I squeezed out "I'm sorry" through gritted teeth to Chloe did he finally release me with satisfaction. Watching the relieved smile at the corner of his mouth, my heart felt torn to shreds—a hundred times more painful than the burn on my shoulder. If he were my enemy, I would have bitten through his throat. But he wasn't. He was my lover. And I still needed to rely on him to protect my pack. I thought this terrible farce had finally ended. But the next day, his people escorted me to the Pack medical center. He didn't even look at me, just said to the doctor: "Take her in." The cold operating table, the blinding surgical lights, the doctor expressionlessly preparing instruments, the needle gleaming with cold light. Before I fully understood what was happening, I heard him outside the door, speaking in the casual tone one might use to discuss the weather— "Chloe is very upset about the scar on her shoulder. Use your skin for her regeneration treatment." The anesthetic needle pierced my skin with a sharp pain. I struggled in horror, but was held down firmly. Before I could resist or cry out, my consciousness rapidly sank into endless darkness. When I woke up, the white ceiling made me dizzy. Alex's beta Evan quickly came forward to help me up. "Lily, you're awake? Thank god. I'll get the doctor." Beta Evan hurried off to find someone, leaving his phone on a nearby stool. The screen was lit, and a conversation in the chat group between Alex and several of his close friends popped up. "Alex, what's going on with you and Chloe? Are you really not going to be with Lily anymore? Your Mark ceremony is in a month." "I didn't say I wouldn't. But this is the first time I've met someone like Chloe. She's really sweet, really innocent. I feel soft every time I see her." "Then what about Lily? She can't tolerate any grain of sand in her eyes." "Don't worry. Her Pack is falling apart right now and needs my protection. She won't leave me." I gripped the phone tightly, my knuckles turning white from the pressure. The cold metal edges dug painfully into my palm. In that moment, the last trace of hope and doubt lingering in my heart was finally shattered by these naked words. So in his eyes, I was nothing more than someone begging for his protection, someone who could be discarded and used at will. I pulled at the corner of my mouth, wanting to laugh, but my throat felt bitter. Then I took out my own phone and calmly dialed the number of Alex's mother. "Eleanor," my voice sounded unnaturally calm, "I don't want to marry Alex anymore." Eleanor on the other end anxiously inquired. I answered softly, each word clear and terrifying. "No, I'm not refusing the union with Moonclaw Pack." "I just... want to change the person." "I want to become mates with Alex's brother—Sebastian Sterling."
Lily POV I knew that my Evans Pack was currently in a precarious position. If I lost Moonclaw Pack's protection, those loan shark rogues would be the first to rush in and kill us all. But Eleanor didn't only have Alex as a son. As long as I married into Moonclaw Pack, no matter who the partner was, Evans Pack could get a chance to breathe. Moreover, Alex's brother Sebastian was the previous Alpha. However, during a hunt, he was ambushed and poisoned with something even witches were helpless against. His wolf was sealed, and he became extremely weak. On the other end of the phone, Eleanor's voice carried surprise and hesitation. "Lily, you... have you thought this through? I know what Alex has done recently has hurt you, but the poison in Sebastian... if he Marks you, you might be affected by the poison too." I closed my eyes, my voice calm. "Lady Eleanor, you know me. I've never been a magnanimous person. Since Alex likes that woman so much, I might as well fulfill their wishes." I thought for a moment and added, "Besides, you should know my bloodline is pure enough. Maybe the final result will be that Sebastian's poison gets cured." I couldn't guarantee this plan would be completely successful. But what if? My mother once said she had Lycan blood, though I didn't know if it was true or not. My father used to be a powerful Alpha. My wolf was strong enough too. Marking a sufficiently powerful mate could always bring benefits. I believed Eleanor wanted Sebastian to recover more than anyone, not just because Sebastian was her son. But also because Alex wasn't a responsible, qualified Alpha—he only knew how to sleep with women. Eleanor on the other end hesitated before finally agreeing. "Since you've made up your mind, I won't try to persuade you otherwise." After hanging up, I stared at the white hospital ceiling, feeling hollow inside. Just then, Evan came in with two nurses to change my dressing. No matter how strong a werewolf's healing ability was, having a piece of skin removed still required time to recover. If treatment was neglected and infection occurred, healing would be even slower. The two nurses chatted while working. "Hey, that Omega in the next room is so lucky. It's just a tiny wound from the skin graft, but Alpha Alex had all the doctors from the medical center go see her." "Yeah, making such a big fuss. Said he was worried about her wound getting infected." I sat on the bed, listening to those casual remarks, and actually laughed. So Alex knew wound infections were dangerous. He just didn't care about me. I couldn't help but think of a year ago, when Alex and I were still deeply in love. I got a minor injury during a hunt. At that time, Alex did the same thing. He brought in all the doctors from the medical center, looking tense, as if I had suffered some life-threatening injury. I found it both funny and sweet then. But now, he gave the same tenderness to another woman. Back then I thought it was ridiculous but also touching. Now he was giving that same gentleness to another woman. After the nurses left, beta Evan seemed like he wanted to say something. I raised my hand to stop him. "Don't bother. You can go. My injury isn't serious. I don't need care." He hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying softly, "Then get some rest." After I was alone in the hospital room, I braced myself against the bed and slowly stood up. The anesthesia hadn't worn off yet, making my steps unsteady. I had just reached the bathroom door when I heard Evan's voice in the hallway: "Alpha Alex, shouldn't you go see Lily? She's all alone, it's kind of pitiful..." "What's pitiful about her?" Alex's voice was very impatient. "Chloe is the victim. She's the perpetrator. What's happening to her now is what she deserves." I froze in place, my chest feeling tight. The next second, I pushed open the bathroom door and locked it behind me. I didn't want to hear another word from him. I suddenly remembered the night I fell in love with Alex. I had gone to an upscale nightclub to meet a strange Alpha, hoping to find aid for my Pack. That bastard actually had the audacity to slip his hand under my skirt. I angrily threw my drink in his face. Just as the guy grabbed my hair and was about to hit me, Alex appeared. Without a word, he pressed the man to the ground, his fists pounding down again and again, so viciously it frightened me, but also made my heart race. From that day on, I accepted Alex's help and obtained the promise of protection from Moonclaw Pack that he represented. And I secretly decided in my heart that I was willing to give everything for this man. I knew he liked "pure" women. So I changed my style of dress, my makeup, my way of speaking. I became the "model of gentleness" in everyone's eyes, became what he liked. Only when I saw Chloe did I finally understand. He didn't like me. What he liked was that "fragility" that could stir his compassion. No matter how much I imitated it, I was only pretending. But her—she was naturally like that. Thinking of this, I laughed. Laughed at myself for diving headfirst into a trap I knew was there. Since it was like this, letting go was fine too. At least this time, I was the one who said goodbye first.
Lily POV On the seventh day at the medical center, he finally called. "How long are you going to keep this up? It was just one treatment. Are you planning to stay at the medical center forever? Chloe's already gone home. When are you planning to come back?" I leaned against the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling and laughing coldly. "Home? Alex, that's not my home anymore." The other end went quiet for a moment. His tone seemed to soften slightly. "Lily, stop making a scene, okay? That's your home, and our future home." I had no interest in listening to his high-sounding lies and simply hung up the phone. But the next second, the screen lit up again. "Lily, you hung up on me?!" The anger in his voice nearly burst through the receiver. "Is there anything else? I need to sleep." I was too lazy to deal with him. "If you dare hang up, I'll withdraw all aid promises." He said this through gritted teeth. The smile on my face instantly vanished. "Alex," I said coldly, "you're threatening me with this again? Are you addicted to it?" Silence for a few seconds. "It's because you won't talk to me properly." I took a deep breath, suppressing my rising anger. "What do you want?" "There's a charity gala the day after tomorrow. I'll send you an invitation." He said, "You must come. Consider it... my compensation to you." The word "compensation" coming from his mouth was ironic. But I knew now wasn't the time to tear off the facade. My Pack was teetering on the edge. Once he reneged on his aid promise, everything would be over. At least for now, Alex was still the Alpha. But I swore, after Sebastian and I held the Mark ceremony, he wouldn't be anymore! So I answered, "I understand. Can I hang up now?" He wanted to say something else, but Chloe's soft voice came through the phone. He quickly hung up. I watched the screen go dark, a hint of self-mockery on my lips, then turned off my phone. Two days later, Alex had someone deliver a gown to the medical center. The moment I opened the box, I froze. It was a white gauze dress—gentle, pure, respectable. Exactly the "look" Alex liked. I picked up scissors and cut it to shreds without hesitation, throwing the pieces in the trash. Then I made a call and had someone send over a red strapless gown. Confident, bold, sexy—that was me. After applying heavy makeup, I smiled at myself in the mirror. During those years with Alex, my clothes were always muted colors, my makeup so light it was nearly transparent. But I never liked muted colors, and I never liked pretending to be docile. Since I'd already decided to leave him, I didn't need to pretend anymore. The charity gala venue was brilliantly lit. The moment I entered, I felt countless gazes focus on me. That kind of attention gave me a long-lost sense of satisfaction. After all, no one had seen me look like this. "Isn't that Lily? Why is she dressed like that?" I heard someone's surprised voice. The moment Alex turned around, I saw him visibly freeze. I smirked, raised my champagne glass, and toasted him from afar. His face darkened a few shades. Someone nearby teased, "Did you two break up? Does that mean I can pursue her now?" Alex laughed coldly. "She and I haven't broken up. She's probably jealous that I've been too close to Chloe lately, so she's dressed like this to win me back." Win him back? I laughed softly, the sound more bitter than wine. He continued socializing with others while I held my glass, drinking one after another. Until someone approached me, a hand reeking of alcohol trying to rest on my shoulder. I frowned in disgust and warned coldly, "Back off." But the man grinned lewdly and still tried to touch me. I grabbed a wine bottle from the table and smashed it hard against his shoulder. The sound of shattering glass was deafening. He screamed and fell to the ground. I looked down at him, bared my fangs, my tone as cold as ice. "That's a warning. Touch me again and I'll bite through your throat!" The security warriors came and dragged him away. I picked up another glass of wine and continued mingling. Glass after glass went down, and my consciousness began to blur. I staggered toward the restroom, but just as I entered, I heard ambiguous panting sounds. That sound—I recognized it immediately. Alex. I froze in place, my fingertips going cold. For my "compensation," he specifically called me here, yet turned around to embrace another woman. How absurd. I calmly washed my hands. The face in the mirror with red lips and heavy makeup looked cold and unfamiliar. The place in my chest that once held feelings now felt only numb. As the charity gala was ending, I finally understood his real purpose in calling me here. A thick stack of cooperation agreements sat on the table—all projects I wanted. At least tonight, I got what I wanted. "Wait for me at the parking garage," I told the driver. I walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the basement level. The elevator doors opened. I had just stepped out when everything went black— I lost consciousness completely.
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