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.

anything

and his gaze shifted down toward my

growing inside you,” he

I came here to tell Belle. I didn’t

here, carrying someone else’s child, and you expect me to accept you as my

to hold onto him, to explain, but he

met,” he spat, turning away from me. “What’s

“Rose… Rose, Willows,”

my heart shattered at his words and I could

“No,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I won’t accept your rejection. Please forgive me. I would

“Then stay. Let’s see how long you can

the first time, I felt truly lost. I should’ve gone back to my own pack, but I couldn’t leave. I felt bound to him, and held onto the hope that he’d see reason, that he’d forgive me. I moved into Belle’s parents‘ house, determined to

and less, no matter how I tried. And eventually, Belle’s behavior toward me changed too. My best friend became distant, her

into my room “I’m marrying him,” she announced,

my mate. You know that.

laced with

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 wasn’t enough, they made me serve as the lead waitress

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

1. me.