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.

it. This wasn’t happening.

bedroom door hung slightly open. Like a cruel invitation to witness my destruction.

body beneath him. Her

no

so much better than I

into a thousand pieces. Each word

knew so well. “Better than that pathetic omega sister

know what to do

left my lungs. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Could only feel the agony ripping

rough. “Don’t mention her when

fingers traced his spine like she owned him. “After tomorrow, she’ll know exactly

never

I stumbled backward, gasping for air. My shoulder slammed into the wall. The sound

gunshot.

was that?”

I’d never felt before. My foot connected with

THE HELL IS

off the bed scrambling for his pants. Valerie just

Gabriel went white.

“Explain how you’re

“It’s not what you

think-”

I THINK!” Tears streamed

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

sympathy. “How cute.”

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

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 by their precious Alpha

spun. “You’re

her hair. “Why don’t you go home and ask

with our

his pants on. “This doesn’t have to change

toward him.

he said. His grip was tight. Bruising. “Think about your position. Your

worse.”

eyes. Eyes that had whispered promises just

of

“Sera-”

“LET GO OF ME!”

our front door. Victor and Elizabeth sat calmly in the living

coffee table between

surprise at my

already knew?” My voice was barely a

down.” Victor’s voice was ice. “Yes, we

up the invitation. Held it out. “This is their engagement announcement. Tomorrow at the Lunar Assembly,

They hope you’ll attend as

Gabriel and Valerie’s names in gold. The silver Nightshadow crest. It was all

“Why would you do

the face. Hard. I

abandoned child we took in out of pity. What right

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