Chapter 3

My eyes stung. I knew this was just the reality of a fated mate bond. I was just a Beta's daughter; I had to make way for his true mate. But it still hurt to see our years of friendship trampled so easily.

I bent down, picked up all my old belongings, and threw them straight into the outdoor trash bin. Then, I turned and walked away.

Just as I stepped out of the villa, my best friend Catherine called, sounding frantic.

"Emily! That bastard James is getting mated!"

The news was spreading like wildfire on the Stoneback Pack's private Snapchat groups. I wasn't surprised she had already seen it.

Hearing it again, I felt completely calm.

"Yeah. I just found out too."

"Have you seen his Instagram? We're all losing our minds! He never posts anything, and suddenly he uploaded a whole album of photos! We all thought the bride was going to be you! But it's..."

I didn't want to hear it. I cut her off.

"Do you want to hear something even more shocking?"

Catherine gasped. "What?"

A soft smile warmed my face. "I'm getting married next month. And you're going to be my maid of honor."

"WHAT?!"

"I’m serious. Next month."

I sent her a photo of Ethan. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

"Oh my god, Emily! I thought you were going to waste your whole life chasing after James. I was literally calling to tell you to move on, but look at you! You're getting married! This is amazing!"

"Tell me everything! Who is he?"

"I’ll keep it a secret for a few more days," I said playfully. "Once he finishes up his pack duties at Ridgefield and comes back, you’ll be the first to meet him. I’ll be moving to his pack soon after, so we won't see each other as often."

She promised to help with all the preparations before we hung up.

As I sat down by the training grounds, Catherine posted a quick update on Snapchat:

*[Thank god! My bestie Emily is getting married, and I’m the maid of honor!]*

I was about to text her to keep it low-key.

But the next second, James, who had been completely silent, left a comment:

*[? You're getting married? To who?]*

Catherine immediately clapped back: *[Single people shouldn't worry about those of us who are happily taken!]*

Seeing her response instantly lifted the weight in my chest.

I hummed a tune and spent a peaceful afternoon organizing the training schedules.

Later, I took a picture of the gorgeous diamond engagement ring Ethan had given me and posted it on my Instagram story.

*[It feels so good to be cherished.]*

For the first time in his life, James replied to my story:

*[You've lost your mind.]*

In his eyes, my happiness had nothing to do with me. It was always just a ploy to get to him.

I didn't reply.

When training ended, a familiar black SUV pulled up right in front of me.

James rolled down the window, looking incredibly annoyed. "Get in."

I stood my ground. "I have plans."

"I wasn't asking, Emily. Get in."

Sighing, I quickly texted my ride telling them not to pick me up.

I habitually walked toward the passenger side, but after catching his cold glare, I quietly opened the back door and sat in the rear.

James slammed on the gas, driving so fast the wind whipped violently against my face through the cracked window.

At a red light, he habitually pulled out a cigarette, caught my reflection in the mirror, and threw it away in frustration.

"You can't get married, Emily. I don't care who you slept with that night, but this marriage is not happening."

I clenched my fists, a sharp pang hitting my chest.

"I already told you, James. The groom isn't you. You have no right to interfere."

James cursed under his breath and slammed his hand on the steering wheel, honking the horn loudly.

"Stop acting! I know you, Emily. You don't have the kind of charm that would make any decent Alpha want to marry you."

He looked at me through the rearview mirror, his eyes dripping with mockery.

The window reflected my pale face. I didn't argue with him.

Since we were kids, James had been the golden boy of the Stoneback Pack. He was tall, handsome, and excelled in every single combat trial.

The Omegas and Betas chasing him could line up from his front door to the pack borders. Even my breakfasts were constantly bought by his secret admirers.

Because I was plain-looking, those girls assumed I was no threat to them.

When I first started passing their love letters to him, James had looked at me in shock.

*"Hey, why are you giving me this? I don't like you, Emily. Don't get any ideas."*