The Beta’s Regret

Chapter 166

(Rose: Eden’s mom Pov)

Memories flashed, and I remembered how it all began…

The Silvermoon Pack wasn’t far from mine, it felt like crossing into another town. As soon as I arrived, I made my way to Belle’s parents‘ house, hoping for a familiar, comforting face. Belle had always been my safe haven, the friend I could lean on.

“Hey Rose! Belle’s at the Alpha’s house,” her mother said, wiping her hands on a cloth as she stood by the door. “There’s a small gathering there tonight.”

I thanked her and made my way toward the Alpha’s residence, thinking it would be a quiet chance to share the news with Belle. I hadn’t told anyone yet. Not even my own family knew I was pregnant. I needed to share this with someone I trusted.

When I finally found her at the gathering, Belle’s face lit up as soon as she saw me. “Rose!” she squealed, pulling me into a tight hug.

Just then, the delicious earthy musk, like the smell of a forest after a heavy rain–raw flooded my senses. My wolf, Izza, reared her head, howling,

“Mate.”

I turned in the direction and saw him. Griffin–the young heir to the Alpha position. The man I’d heard so much about from Belle, but never met in person. He was striking, with a presence that commanded attention, and I could feel the unmistakable pull of the mate bond between us.

My heart raced. Was this truly happening?

Griffin’s eyes locked on mine, and he seemed just as stunned. Within moments, he walked over and took my hand to lead me away from the gathering. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.

ourselves outside, the evening air cool and quiet around us. My heart was pounding, but I barely noticed anything but him. When he

his whole expression changed. His eyes suddenly darkened, and his gaze shifted down toward my stomach. His wolf stirred, and a look of

I can smell a small pup growing inside you,” he whispered, the words

chest tightened. “Yes… I came here to tell Belle.

here, carrying someone

onto him, to explain,

You… you betrayed me before we even met,”

“Rose… Rose, Willows,”

at his words and I could feel the bond weaken. It took me a lot not to fall to the

“I won’t accept your rejection. Please forgive me. I would fight and even stay till I

stay. Let’s see

onto the hope that

matter how I tried. And eventually, Belle’s behavior toward me changed too. My best friend became distant, her smiles

“I’m marrying him,” she

felt my heart drop. “Belle… he’s my mate. You

laced with triumph. “He’s made his decision, and it

But when the day came, I stood there, watching my mate marry my best friend. My heart shattered with every vow they exchanged. And as if that

weight of what I’d lost. But I clung to the hope that one day Griffin would come to his senses, that the bond

1. me.