Chapter 1

Seraphina’s POV 1

9:00 P.M.

I dragged myself down the cobblestone path. My body ached. My feet hurt. But my heart was singing.

“Just a few more hours,” I whispered. “Until tonight.”

Tonight was everything. No more going back to that house. No more pretending they were family.

I’d already asked for time off work. My boss spat at me. Called me lazy. Typical. Omegas always got the worst treatment.

But I didn’t care tonight.

I was going to Gabriel’s. My boyfriend. Soon-to-be fiancé.

Tomorrow was the Lunar Assembly. Sacred ceremony. Wolves finding their mates under the Moon Goddess. Tomorrow was also my

eighteenth birthday. Finally old enough.

Gabriel promised we’d bond tomorrow. I could escape forever.

Gabriel. Rich. Gorgeous. An Alpha’s brother. Sure, I was just an omega. But Gabriel said bloodlines didn’t matter. Love mattered.

I practically skipped toward his house. My heart hammered with excitement. Beautiful stone building in the center of town. So much

better than our pathetic wooden shack. Soon I’d live here. With Gabriel. Forever.

I knocked eagerly.

Nothing.

My smile faltered. That’s… odd. Gabriel said he’d be waiting. He promised.

I tried the handle. Unlocked. Relief flooded through me. He must be inside. Maybe preparing a surprise?

“Gabriel? It’s me!” I called out cheerfully.

Silence.

Wait. What was that? Sounds from upstairs. My heart lifted again. He was home after all.

Then I heard it clearly.

Laughter.

Female laughter.

Moaning.

My world stopped spinning. No. No, that couldn’t be-

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The sounds grew louder. Clearer. Destroying me with every breath.

Gasps. Bed springs creaking. A voice that made my soul shatter.

Gabriel…

Valerie. My stepsister.

wasn’t happening. This

a cruel invitation to witness my destruction. I saw

him. Her golden

no no

much better

exploded into a thousand pieces. Each word was a

laughed. That cruel, sharp sound I knew so well. “Better than that

know what to do with a real

breathe. Couldn’t think. Could only

“Don’t mention her when we’re like

spine like she owned him. “After tomorrow, she’ll know exactly where

could never satisfy

air. My shoulder

gunshot.

was that?” Valerie

surged forward. Rage I’d never felt before. My foot connected with the door. It crashed against

HELL IS

the bed scrambling for his pants. Valerie just

went white.

cracked. “Explain

“It’s not what you

think-”

I THINK!” Tears streamed down my face. “You

stretched. Finally reached for Gabriel’s shirt. “Oh, sister dear. You really thought he’d choose you?” She tilted

sympathy. “How cute.”

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don’t,” Gabriel warned. But his voice was

Tell her the truth?” Valerie stood up slowly. “That Mom and Dad have known about us for months? That they practically threw me at Gabriel because they were embarrassed

world spun. “You’re

Ran her fingers through her hair. “Why don’t

with our engagement

on. “This doesn’t have

him. He caught my

His grip was tight. Bruising. “Think about

worse.”

stared into his eyes. Eyes that had whispered promises just days

go of me,”

“Sera-”

“LET GO OF ME!”

front door. Victor and

coffee table between

no surprise at

My voice was

sit down.” Victor’s voice was ice. “Yes, we know about Gabriel and Valerie. We

invitation. Held it out. “This is their engagement announcement.

They hope you’ll

beautiful invitation. Gabriel and Valerie’s names in gold. The silver Nightshadow crest.

voice cracked. “Why would you

shot to his feet. Backhanded me across the

child we took in out of pity. What right do

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