Marissa’s heart was breaking, but she refused to let it show. Caleb, her childhood sweetheart and Alpha—the man she’d loved for eight years—stood across from her, his expression cold. Ivy, the breeder he’d brought into their lives just a month ago, nestled against him, her eyes wide and deceptively innocent.

“Maybe if you were capable of giving me an heir, we wouldn’t be here,” Caleb spat, his gaze never meeting hers.

As the sounds of the celebration echoed from downstairs, her mother’s earlier words repeated in her mind: "We’ve arranged a suitable mateship for you." 

A month ago, she would have refused, clinging to the hope that Caleb might change. But now, standing in front of a man who had so easily discarded her, the decision felt crystal clear.

Marissa lifted her chin, masking the pain behind a steely resolve. Without a word, she turned away. Leaving him would hurt, but staying in a place where she was so easily dismissed would destroy her.

--

“Marissa, we’ve arranged a Mateship Ceremony for you,” her mother’s voice echoed through the mind link. “Your blood is becoming more volatile every day. Only the strength of an Alpha mate can keep your blood stable and keep you safe.”

Marissa sat alone in her dimly lit room, her gaze fixed on the shadowy corners. Silence stretched between them, filling the air with an unspoken weight. She knew her mother was about to speak again, offering her a way out as always.

“If you don’t want this, I’ll speak to your father and cancel everything. We won’t force you,” her mother finally said, her voice softening.

But Marissa’s lips parted as she answered, her voice steady and unyielding, “I’m willing, Mom. I’ll go through with the arranged mateship.”

There was a stunned silence on the other end, and then her mother stammered in disbelief. “You… you agreed?”

“Yes, I agreed,” Marissa repeated, her voice calm and devoid of any visible hesitation. “But I need time to wrap up some things in the Shadow Pack first. Please start preparing for the Mateship Ceremony.”

She ended the mind link without asking a single question about the Alpha her parents had chosen. She didn’t care who he was or what he’d heard about her fragile health, only that he was willing to mate with someone everyone believed was dying.

Though, Marissa wasn’t dying. Not yet. Her blood, the powerful Lycan bloodline coursing through her, was more than her body could handle without a mate’s mark to stabilize it. She was growing weaker every day, struggling against the surging strength within.

The truth was, her mother had practically been begging her to find another Alpha to mate with for so many years. Since she had been in a relationship with Alpha Caleb for years already and he refused to mate with her yet, it was making it harder for her to control her blood.

"I won't mate with you unless you give me an heir. We already agreed on that, did we?" That was his only condition, but it seemed like, even after years of trying, she could not give him a child, and she had been struggling with her unstable blood.

Yet, a month ago, Caleb suddenly announced that a breeder had come to their pack. She was Ivy, the woman with a tragic past—her parents had already passed, and she was now alone in life. She had to live as a breeder.

Marissa pitied Ivy. She had to live such a life because her past was too dark, but she never expected what would come next.

An hour ago, before her mother's mindlink, Alpha Caleb made an announcement:

"Ivy is now pregnant with my baby! My heir!"

She never expected this. She thought Ivy was a breeder for the pack members who could not conceive a baby. However, she didn’t know that Ivy had already been involved with the Alpha—her boyfriend.

Just as she ended the mind link with her mother, loud music from the packhouse carried up through her walls. The faint sound of glasses clinking and laughter filled the air. Downstairs, Alpha Caleb—her childhood sweetheart and the man she’d loved for eight years—was hosting a celebration for Ivy, the breeder who was now pregnant with his heir.

A soft knock at her door interrupted her thoughts, followed by the quiet creak of it opening. Ivy entered with a smug smile, her eyes sparkling with triumph. She stepped closer, her hands resting on the slight swell of her belly as if to remind Marissa of her failure.

“Marissa,” Ivy began in a sweet, honeyed voice, “won’t you come down and join us? We’re celebrating my pregnancy, and I’d really love to have you there.”

Marissa’s gaze hardened. Beneath Ivy’s innocent expression, she saw the cunning behind those eyes—a slyness that was impossible to miss. “I have work to finish, Ivy,” she replied, her tone icy. “Go enjoy your party.”

Ivy’s smile didn’t falter. Instead, she took a step closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I suppose you wouldn’t want to be there. After all, I’m giving Caleb something you never could. He’ll finally have the heir he deserves.”

The taunt sliced through Marissa’s resolve. Her fingers curled into fists, but she refused to let Ivy see the hurt. Instead, she met Ivy’s gaze with steely determination. “Is that what you need to feel secure? Rubbing your pregnancy in my face? Pathetic.”

Ivy’s eyes narrowed, her mask of sweetness slipping. “Maybe Caleb wouldn’t have looked elsewhere if you weren’t so... defective and barren.”

The slap cracked through the air before Marissa even realized she’d moved. Ivy’s head snapped to the side, a red imprint blooming on her cheek. For a moment, there was stunned silence.

Then the door burst open, and Caleb strode in, his eyes blazing with fury. He immediately went to Ivy, who clutched her cheek and whimpered.

“Marissa!” Caleb’s voice was like a whip. “What is wrong with you?”

Marissa stood tall, her face expressionless. “Ask her what she said to me.”

“I don’t need to ask,” Caleb snapped, his eyes cold as they bored into her. “I know you. I know your bitterness. You can’t stand that Ivy is giving me an heir, something you failed to do.”

Her heart twisted painfully, but she refused to let the tears fall. “If that’s what you believe, Caleb, then you never knew me at all.”

He didn’t respond, his attention already on Ivy, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. The sight was more painful than any of his words. The man she had loved, the one who had promised to be by her side forever, had chosen someone else—and in doing so, he’d torn their history apart.

As Caleb led Ivy away, whispering reassurances, Marissa closed the door behind them. She leaned against it, her memories flashing before her eyes—of laughter, of loyalty, of promises that now lay in ruins.

Chapter 2

It was late in the evening, and Marissa closed her door, pulling on sound-dampening earplugs, shutting out the celebration’s music below. The decision to return and accept her arranged mating to a powerful Alpha was final. But leaving Shadow Pack wasn’t something she could just rush; she had duties to complete, things to set in order, all without raising suspicion.

She turned to the tall window, where the forest stretched beyond the pack's territory. Hours later, satisfied she had finished everything she could, she stretched and took out her earplugs, feeling the peaceful quiet settle around her.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. Ivy.

“Why don’t you ever like my stories?” it read. A minute later, another message popped up, “Oh, I’m sorry, Marissa! That was sent by mistake. Don’t be mad?”

Marissa shook her head, sensing the hidden jab. She knew Ivy wanted her to see something. Curiosity piqued, she tapped open Ivy’s pack stories, letting the images fill her screen.

The first image was Ivy surrounded by gifts from Caleb. Her grin was wide, eyes glistening with innocence, her hand resting gently on her slightly rounded belly. She wore a flowing maternity dress in soft pink, delicate as rose petals. Beside her, Caleb stood protectively, his arm around her shoulder.

There was more: Caleb’s gift, a handcrafted silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon cradling a tiny wolf pup, meant to symbolize their unborn child. Another image showed a set of plush baby blankets embroidered with the pack’s crest and a carved wooden cradle Caleb had commissioned, sturdy and elegant. The final image held Marissa’s attention. Ivy, framed by Caleb, with the caption, “Feeling so loved as we prepare for our little miracle!”

Marissa felt an old bitterness rise but quickly quelled it. Ivy could have it all if that’s what he wanted. In a week, none of this would matter.

She tapped a heart emoji on the story, feeling oddly light. From now on, her ties to Caleb and Ivy would mean nothing.

The next morning, Marissa wrapped up her duties at the pack’s intelligence office, making sure her work was in good order. When she returned home, she opened the box of photos that chronicled years of memories with Caleb. She sorted through the worn edges and faded faces. They’d shared everything together—school adventures, their first shifting ceremonies, even holidays and family trips. Memories from a past she could no longer cling to.

With a deep breath, she took the stack to the old stone fireplace, where she placed each photo onto the flames, watching as their edges curled and blackened before crumbling into ash.

She’d just tossed the last picture onto the fire when Caleb entered, stopping dead at the sight. His eyes flashed, and he crossed the room in a heartbeat, gripping her wrist.

“Marissa, what are you doing?” he growled, his gaze darting from her to the burning memories.

His brows knitted with distress as he reached to rescue a half-burned photo, only to pull his hand back as the flames hissed up.

“Why would you burn them? These are our memories!” Caleb's voice cracked, red creeping into his eyes as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Marissa met his look calmly, slipping her wrist from his hold. “They’re old memories, Caleb. Time to let go.”

Caleb’s icy glare shifted, softened by a flicker of uncertainty. He was like this now, but she knew that one of these days, he would choose Ivy over her again—as if he didn’t know her first. Ivy, who had wormed her way into every corner of their lives. He could wound her for Ivy’s sake, but when a few photographs went up in flames, he suddenly cared.

She almost wanted to laugh. But instead, she lifted her chin, knowing she was making the right choice.

Now, she wondered how he would react the moment he learned about her arranged mateship.

Chapter 3

“It’s just a photo. We don’t need any more photos together.”

Her tone was so final, it left no room for questions, but Alpha Caleb, always the one trying to bridge gaps, suggested softly, “Well, the skies are clear tonight. We could still take a few later if you’d like. Besides, it’s been a while since we left the pack grounds. It might be good for all of us.”

He added quickly, his voice holding a hopeful note, “And we could bring Ivy along, too. She’s always wanted to see the northern forest.” As if this trip could somehow keep things as they were.

The mention of Ivy—sweet, sheltered Ivy—brought a faint smile to Marissa’s face, though it was more in resignation than joy. She didn’t let the moment linger, but Caleb took her silence as agreement, a tiny reprieve from the weight pressing down on them.

They started toward the den, their relief visible, but the Alpha halted abruptly as he noticed the stacked boxes by the door.

“What’s all this?” he asked, bewildered.

Marissa didn’t meet his eyes, just glanced at the boxes before replying, “I resigned from the pack’s intelligence division. General Nathan already approved it.”

Caleb’s brow furrowed, shock and disbelief crossing his face. He knew what her position in the intelligence division meant to her—she’d fought to keep it, refusing to let even her health stand in the way. His mouth opened slightly as if to question her, but no words came.

He stood there, flustered and at a loss for what to say, the faintest flicker of panic in his eyes. Finally, he moved his lips as if to speak. But before he could, Ivy’s soft, anxious voice floated down from upstairs, fragile as glass.

“Alpha? The power’s out in our room, and it’s… so dark. I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.”

His expression shifted instantly to concern, the tension in his jaw softening. Without hesitation, he turned and rushed upstairs, his footsteps quick and purposeful. Marissa watched him go, the urgency in his movements evident.

Bits of paper and dust from her carefully packed boxes stirred in his wake. The silence settled into the room like an exhaled breath, filling the empty spaces he left behind.

Once he was gone, Marissa reached for her phone, dialing a familiar number. The call connected after a couple of rings, and Anna’s warm voice came through. Anna, the healer, was more than just a pack member; she had fostered Marissa during her early years, providing the warmth and care of a mother when circumstances had left her alone.

“Marissa?” Anna’s voice carried the soft, gentle strength that had been her comfort as a child.

Marissa’s own voice softened in response. “I’m calling to let you know I’ll be leaving soon. I’m heading to join my mate… a match arranged by my parents.”

Anna was silent for a moment, absorbing the news. When she finally spoke, her tone held a tinge of sadness. “Have you told Alpha Caleb?”

“No,” Marissa replied, voice steady. “He’ll find out in time. For now, I just need things to stay… uncomplicated. Please, Anna, don’t tell him.”

Anna let out a slow sigh, and Marissa could almost picture the healer shaking her head, her heart torn between understanding and sorrow. “You’ve always been his anchor, Marissa. He’s guarded you fiercely since you were a child. I always thought… well, it’s hard to see you going elsewhere.”

A faint, wistful smile played at Marissa’s lips. “There’s no pity in it, Anna. We weren’t even fated mates, not for sure. He’ll understand.”

Another pause, and when Anna spoke again, her voice was quieter, almost wistful. “Promise me you’ll come see me before you leave, Marissa. It feels so sudden… and who knows when we’ll see each other again?”

“I promise,” Marissa replied, warmth creeping into her tone. “I have something for you, anyway. I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

They exchanged a few more words before ending the call, leaving Marissa alone once more. But the silence barely settled before another communication filled her mind—this time, it was General Nathan, his voice authoritative and decisive, reaching her through the pack’s mind link.

“Marissa, your work in the intelligence division has served the pack well. As a reward, I’ve arranged for a crystal trophy to be crafted for you. It’s already been delivered to your home.”

The link went quiet as quickly as it had begun, and before she had a chance to consider his words, the doorbell rang. When she opened it, Ivy was standing there, holding a small box with the crystal trophy inside. Her expression was a mix of gratitude and something else—something deeper that Marissa chose not to analyze.

“It’s your reward,” Ivy said softly, holding out the box.

Chapter 4

Ivy held the crystal trophy in her hands, her gaze flickering with a hesitant, almost pleading expression. But the innocence on her face didn’t match the cunning gleam in her eyes as she addressed Marissa.

"Marissa," she began, her voice low and soft, almost pitiful. "General Nathan asked me to bring you this reward since I'm about to go back here in our shared residence. It's incredibly precious… you’ve earned something so special. You’re… amazing."

Marissa met her words with a raised eyebrow, sensing that Ivy was only just warming up to her real request. The air between them grew tense, electric, as Ivy bit her lip and took a shaky breath.

"I know this award isn’t mine," she continued, glancing up through her lashes. "But could I… well, borrow it? Just for a few days?"

Marissa felt her wolf stirring, the fierce protector within her bristling at the audacity of Ivy’s request. Borrow her reward? The reward Marissa had worked tirelessly to earn after years of service and sacrifice? The very idea was insulting, as if Ivy had no understanding of what it meant to honor hard work, commitment, and loyalty.

A dangerous smile crept onto Marissa's lips, a smirk that was all teeth, and none of them gentle. "Wow, you really are shameless, aren’t you?" she replied coldly, her voice sharp. "If you’re so desperate for a crystal trophy, why don’t you go work for it? Talk to the intelligence division, Ivy. Maybe, after years of dedication, you’ll earn one too."

She reached for the crystal trophy, expecting Ivy to hand it over with at least a hint of respect. But Ivy clutched the box tighter, her face twisting into an expression of shock and wounded pride.

"Why are you being so mean?" she whispered, her voice laced with false hurt. "I’m not trying to take it from you. I just… I just wanted to keep it with me for encouragement. To remind myself of what’s possible."

But Marissa’s patience had worn thin. She extended her hand, her fingers curling as she demanded, "Hand it over, Ivy. Now."

But Ivy’s grip only tightened, her arms wrapping around the box as if her very life depended on it. Marissa felt her temper rise, the anger rolling through her like an incoming storm. Just then, as they struggled, the box slipped from Ivy’s hands, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

The delicate crystal trophy shattered, its pieces scattering across the floor like shards of ice. A chill silence fell between them, the soft glow of the crystal now gone, replaced by fractured bits.

In the midst of the stunned silence, a shadow stirred at the door. Marissa looked up, only to see Alpha Caleb entering, his expression morphing from confusion to horror as he took in the scene. Ivy, ever the master of theatrics, let out a wince of pain, clutching her leg where a thin line of blood trickled down, courtesy of a jagged crystal shard.

Caleb’s eyes darkened, his gaze shifting from Ivy’s wound to Marissa, accusation heavy in his eyes. Without a second’s hesitation, he knelt by Ivy’s side, lifting her skirt just slightly to inspect the cut on her calf. The sight of blood made his eyes narrow with worry, and he shot Marissa a look of reproach as he stood.

“Are you hurt?” Caleb murmured to Ivy, barely sparing Marissa a glance. They leaned closer to Ivy, their focus solely on her and her slight wound.

Caleb, not waiting for Ivy’s response, scooped her into his arms, his protective instinct overshadowing all else. “I’ll have someone escort you to the healer,” he said gently. 

Ivy nodded and left with a pack warrior.

Then, the Alpha turned to Marissa, his face clouded with disappointment and anger. "Marissa, how could you?" He said, his voice low but sharp. "You know that Ivy is pregnant! What if something happened to my child?"

Marissa clenched her jaw, staring at him with a coldness in her eyes. She wasn’t surprised, not at all. Of course, he would jump into conclusion and blame it all on her.

"I know, Alpha," she replied, her voice tight with restrained emotion. "But that doesn’t mean she gets to waltz in here and take what’s mine."

His expression shifted, fury flashing in his eyes. "Ivy is carrying my heir, Marissa. You knew that! You should have been more careful." His words were sharp, accusing, the disappointment thick in his voice.

Without another word, the Alpha turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving Marissa standing alone, her wolf's outrage resonating deep within her. Her pulse thundered in her ears, and she stared down at the ruined crystal trophy, the last remnants of her reward scattered in pieces on the floor.

Caleb expected her to apologize? To the one who'd taken what was rightfully hers and destroyed it?

Marissa clenched her fists, her breath quick. Her chest ached, and she only then noticed the sharp, searing pain in her own leg. She looked down to find that her own calf was bleeding, far more than Ivy's shallow cut. The shattered crystal plaque's shards had pierced her leg deeply, cutting through muscle and leaving the skin raw and bleeding.

Her lycan blood, although strong, was very unstable, and it wasn’t enough to seal wounds. Unlike Ivy’s cut, which would heal in a few minutes, her wound would fester. Gritting her teeth, Marissa bent down, carefully picking up the fragments, each shard sharper and colder than the last. She’d take care of the mess herself—she didn’t need anyone’s pity or misguided protection.

As dusk settled into night, Marissa cleaned the wound as best she could and bandaged it with steady hands, refusing to let herself wince from the pain. Just as she finished, her phone buzzed, and her mother’s name flashed on the screen.

She answered, her voice softening as she greeted her mother. “Hi, Mom.”

Her mother’s warm tone washed over her like a balm. “Marissa, I’ve sent over some Mateship Ceremony dress options. Tell me which ones you like, darling. We don’t want anything less than perfect for you.”

Marissa’s heart ached at her mother’s excitement, at the love so evident in her voice. She scrolled through the photos, each dress more beautiful than the last, her mother’s enthusiasm bringing a lump to her throat.

“Mom…” she started, her voice barely a whisper, betraying her fatigue.

Her mother picked up on it instantly. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” she asked gently. “Are you alright?”

Marissa swallowed hard, biting back the bitterness and the resentment that simmered within her. Instead of answering, she redirected the conversation. “I’ll be ready soon, Mom. Just another week, and then it’ll all be settled. How are the preparations on your end?”

Her mother’s voice grew lighter, her excitement palpable. “Everything is coming along wonderfully. Soon enough, you’ll have a new life waiting for you.”

“About the Mateship Ceremony—”

Just then, Marissa heard the familiar sound of Caleb entering the house. His footsteps echoed down the hallway, and she felt her wolf stir uneasily within her, the instinct to protect herself flaring up as they neared.

The Alpha paused as he caught the last word of her conversation.

“Mateship Ceremony?” He asked, his voice laced with shock.