When I went to pick up my bonding pearls, I discovered that there were two custom-made sets waiting for me. One set was mine, a symbol of my connection to Braxton Cole, my fiancé, while the other set was for Lila Darrow, my sister. She was a young wolf, just starting her journey in the pack, and I thought she was happy for me.
I felt a lump in my throat as I took the pearls. The bonding pearls were not just pieces of jewelry; they were a representation of our souls intertwined, blessed by the goddess of our kind. I was supposed to feel excited, but instead, dread washed over me. I decided to confront Braxton about it, but when I approached him, I overheard him talking on the phone.
“Please help me buy a house for Lila in your name. Don't let Calla find out,” he said, his voice low and tense, laced with urgency.
My heart sank. I couldn’t hear the reply, but the disappointment crushed me. How could he betray me like this? When I finally asked him about it, his words shattered my heart.
“I love her. I can’t give up Lila,” he admitted, his gaze avoiding mine.
In that moment, I felt the world tilt. I had to let him go. I had to let them be together.
***
After discovering there were two identical sets of blessed pearls, it felt like my heart was being stabbed repeatedly. I had designed my set with care, embedding symbols of our wolves and the date we met into the elegant pieces. The inner part of each pearl held our names, something I thought was special between us. Now, to find out that Lila had the same set? It made me feel foolish.
I bitterly smiled as I put their set back down. How could I have been so blind? I turned away, walking out of the shop, and tossed my own pearls into a trash can. I was done with them. The cool breeze hit my face, bringing some clarity to my confused mind.
Just as I was about to call Braxton and demand answers, I saw a message from him. “I’m waiting for you at the Silver Moon Inn,” it read. I hesitated but eventually made my way there, unease gnawing at my stomach.
When I arrived, I followed the waiter’s instructions to find him. He stood by the window, his back to me, still on the phone.
“Please help me buy a house for Lila in your name,” he repeated, his voice tense. “I can’t let Calla find out.”
My heart shattered into pieces as I processed his words. So this was it. My fiancé had been keeping secrets, and I was nothing but a fool. Who was I to him? I looked at his familiar figure, disappointment flooding my veins. Even without hearing the other side of the conversation, I knew whatever was said would crush me further.
He continued, “I love her. I can’t give up Lila.”
His words fell like ice water over my heart. I stood frozen, the weight of his confession crushing me. This was more than I could bear. If he loved Lila so much, then I had no place in his life.
I took a deep breath and walked up to him, knocking lightly on the table. He quickly hung up, turning around with a look of panic in his eyes.
“When did you get here?” he asked, feigning surprise.
I forced a smile. “Just arrived. Who were you talking to on the phone?”
He scrutinized my expression, his relief palpable when he saw no signs of emotion on my face. He walked toward me and pulled out the chair closest to me. “Just a work call. They wanted to remind me about a meeting later.”
I nodded, not calling him out on his pathetic excuse.
“Let’s eat. You can leave early after lunch,” I suggested, trying to sound casual.
He waved over the waiter to serve our food, then turned back to me. “How are the pearls? Did they meet your expectations?”
My smile faltered, but I nodded. “They’re nice, but I was surprised to find out I have another set exactly like my custom-made pearls.”
I let my words hang in the air, watching as his expression shifted slightly.
“Maybe there was a mix-up. I can check this afternoon,” he said, but his eyes darted away.
I felt my heart turn to ice, knowing it was all lies. He looked at me, probably wondering why I was so quiet. I had always been the one to fill the silence, to share my thoughts and dreams with him.
At first, he was patient, even engaging. But ever since Lila came back from her training, he grew more distant. He’d interrupt me or change the subject entirely, saying, “Girls are cuter when they talk less. Just be quiet, Calla.”
His comments stung, but I’d brush it off, thinking he was joking. I didn’t realize how obvious his disinterest had become until now.
Looking back, I felt foolish. How could I have ignored the signs?
Chapter 2Braxton Cole and I were childhood sweethearts, our lives intertwined since the first day of kindergarten. Our families had always been close, their bonds strong and unbreakable. When we were young, our parents arranged a marriage for us, solidifying our fates together. Braxton and I grew up knowing we would eventually marry, and that knowledge made us cautious, almost afraid to get too close to anyone else.
But then there was my sister, Lila . Lila and I had always been different. While I thrived in the comfort of our family’s love and support, Lila often felt overshadowed by me. She was beautiful and smart, but that only seemed to deepen her resentment. She felt like she could never measure up, and her jealousy simmered beneath the surface.
When I decided to help her with her studies, I thought it would bring us closer together. I wanted to show her that I believed in her, that I would always be there for her. But instead, it pushed her further away. The more I tried to lift her up, the more she seemed to pull away, believing that my kindness was a reminder of her inadequacies.
When Braxton and I discussed how we could help those in need, I suggested Lila. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to mend our fractured bond. But I underestimated the resentment she felt. I wanted to bring a little light into her life, but Lila only saw my efforts as a threat to her independence.
At first, Braxton was reluctant to get involved. “I don’t have time to play these charity games, Calla,” he said, his tone dismissive.
But my heart was set on helping her, and I pushed him to reconsider. I wanted Braxton to see Lila as I did: not just my sister but a girl full of potential and promise, deserving of support.
–
Then everything shifted in an instant. I faced a difficult time when my parents unexpectedly fell ill. Braxton, usually confident and unwavering, became a pillar of support. He rallied our friends and family, doing everything he could to help my parents during their recovery. Though he had never been one to rely on faith, he
encouraged me to find strength in our pack and its traditions, believing the goddess would guide us through the storm.
As he sought ways to lighten my burden, he decided to support Lila in her dreams, believing that helping her would bring some positive energy back into our lives. It was a simple act, but it felt profound in that moment.
When my parents began to heal, Braxton joked that Lila was the light that brought us all together. He encouraged me to treat her like family, and I welcomed her into my life with open arms, sharing everything I could. But I had unknowingly let a wolf into my heart, one who would ultimately sharpen the knife that would stab me from behind.
The thought of that betrayal gnawed at my stomach, and I lost my appetite, setting down my fork after just a few bites.
“Is the food not to your liking?” Braxton asked, concern etched across his face.
I glanced around the table, my gaze falling on the spicy dishes that overwhelmed the senses. My stomach churned at the sight of the fiery peppers, and I shook my head. “It’s fine,” I replied, though I could barely muster the strength to sound convincing.
“Sorry, I forgot you can’t handle spicy food,” he said, his voice laced with regret.
I opened my mouth to suggest we talk about us, about breaking things off, but then a familiar voice floated through the door. “Braxton.”
Lila stepped in, her presence filling the room with an air of uncertainty. She wore a stunning white dress that hugged her curves perfectly. As she entered, her radiant smile lit up the room, but when she saw me, her expression faltered for just a heartbeat before returning to its charming facade. “Oh, Calla, you’re here too,” she said, feigning surprise.
Her smile didn’t hold the same warmth for me. If you looked closely, you could see the forced nature of it, a mask that barely concealed her true feelings. I met her gaze with silence, my heart heavy with unspoken words.
Braxton frowned, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Why can’t you knock before coming in?” he asked, his voice a mix of annoyance and resignation.
Lila flashed a playful smile. “I forgot! I promise to be more careful next time.” Then she turned her attention back to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Calla, mind if I join you for lunch? I’m absolutely starving after class.”
She directed her question at me, but her eyes were glued to Braxton, as if seeking his approval. Before I could respond, he said, “Of course, come eat. If you see anything else you like, feel free to order it.”
With a bright smile, Lila glided over to sit at his right side, her laughter bubbling over as she said, “No need! You ordered all my favorites.”
Braxton’s expression froze momentarily, and I caught the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as he glanced between us. I kept my demeanor neutral, my heart steady despite the storm brewing inside.
“Eat more if you like,” I offered, trying to keep the peace.
His face relaxed, but I could sense the lingering questions in his gaze. “Calla, if you want anything, just order it.”
He handed me the menu, and I smiled politely, shaking my head. “No, I just heard something awful this morning, and I can’t shake the feeling. My appetite’s gone.”
His frown deepened. “What happened?”
Feigning nonchalance, I replied, “It’s about my friend. Her boyfriend cheated on her, indulging in her home-cooked meals while sneaking bites from his mistress. He was driving drunk this morning and got into an accident. They say he might not make it.”
I leaned in closer, my voice dropping as I added, “People with such low morals deserve to be punished, don’t you think, Braxton?”
My wolf snickered Cheating asshole.
I wore a smile, but Braxton’s face turned dark. He seemed momentarily lost for words before finally managing a response. “Yes… yes, they do.”
As the weight of my words sank in, I wondered if he understood the parallel I drew.
Chapter 3Lila’s entrance was like a quiet storm, bringing tension with her that I couldn't ignore. I could feel the shift in the air as she joined the conversation, her smile faltering a bit. Something unsaid lingered between us, heavy and uncomfortable.
"Calla," Lila said slowly, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation, "Maybe that guy... he doesn’t care about his girlfriend anymore. So it’s not fair to say he’s stringing her along, you know?"
I scoffed, shaking my head as frustration bubbled beneath my skin. I didn’t hold back this time. “If he really didn’t care, Lila, then why stay with her? If he’s moved on, why not just end it? Or maybe," I added, glancing at her pointedly, "he’s trying to keep his options open. You ever think of that?"
My wolf, Nova, growled softly in my head. *Always leaving crumbs for everyone, huh? Men like that think they’re so clever.* Her voice was biting, dripping with sarcasm.
Lila shifted uncomfortably, her eyes flickering with something close to guilt. I pressed on, unable to stop myself.
"If he really cared about her, he wouldn’t be keeping someone else on the side, making her look like a fool. You don’t play with people’s feelings like that."
I could see her expression tighten, guilt now flashing clearly across her face. I wasn’t sure if it was because of what I was saying or because she knew exactly who I was referring to. The truth was staring her in the face, and she didn’t like it.
*She’s getting squirmy,* Nova purred in amusement. *Maybe she’s finally realizing she’s not the only one who can play this game.*
Before I could push the topic further, Braxton jumped in, his tone laced with irritation. “Why do you care so much about other people’s problems, Calla? You don’t know what’s really going on.”
His comment was like a slap to the face, but I didn’t flinch. I gave him a tight smile, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I care because people deserve better. But of course, not everyone thinks that way.” I didn’t need to say more; the unspoken words hung heavy in the air.
Braxton’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t reply. His silence told me all I needed to know.
The tension stayed thick between us as we finished our meal, but Lila barely looked at me after that. I could tell she was trying to avoid my gaze, probably afraid I’d say more. I wouldn’t have minded, honestly. But there was something else gnawing at me, something that made me feel uneasy.
When we were done, Braxton offered to take me home, but I waved him off. “I’ll walk,” I said coolly. “Need the fresh air.”
Lila’s relief was obvious, though she tried to hide it behind a tight smile.
Braxton glanced between us before speaking again. “I’ll take Lila back to the packhouse, then. Be careful, Calla.”
Lila hesitated. “Braxton, you don’t need to. Calla lives closer. You should take her home.”
I narrowed my eyes at her, sensing something off. Why did she care so much about him taking me home?
*She’s hiding something,* Nova growled softly in my head. *They’re both hiding something. He’s too eager to leave with her.*
Braxton didn’t give me a chance to respond, his voice hard. “Calla can handle herself. Your place is farther, and it’s not safe at this hour. I’ll drop you off.”
I watched Lila closely as she nodded, clearly reluctant but not willing to argue further. “Alright, if you insist. Take care, Calla,” she said, throwing me an awkward smile.
I said nothing as they left, my mind racing. Something was definitely wrong, and the sinking feeling in my stomach wasn’t going away.
As I walked home, the chilly evening air did nothing to soothe my growing unease. Nova paced restlessly in my mind, her sharp eyes always watching, always judging.
*I never liked him, you know,* she said, her voice bitter. *He was always too perfect, too controlled. No real wolf acts like that.*
“I know,” I muttered under my breath. “But you liked him enough to stick around.”
She let out a low growl. *I didn’t stick around for him. I stuck around because you did. You were blind, Calla. Still are.*
Her words stung, but I couldn’t deny the truth in them. I had been blind. I had let myself believe that Braxton was something he wasn’t. But now, the cracks were showing, and it was only a matter of time before everything fell apart.
Later that night, Braxton came home, reeking of alcohol. I could smell it the moment he stepped through the door. His clothes were rumpled, his eyes unfocused, and he was holding a small gift box in his hand.
“Here,” he slurred, tossing the box onto the coffee table. “Got you something... a bag. Thought you’d like it.”
I stared at the box, then back at him as he stumbled toward me, arms outstretched, trying to pull me into a clumsy hug. I slipped out of his grasp, my patience running thin.
“You’re drunk,” I said flatly. “Go take a shower.”
Braxton blinked at me, surprised, but I didn’t give him a chance to argue. My tone was sharp as I added, “I mean it, Braxton. Go clean up. I don’t want to deal with you like this.”
He grumbled something under his breath but stumbled off toward the bathroom. As soon as he was gone, I opened the box, revealing a light green handbag inside. It was cute, delicate... and utterly meaningless now.
Nova snorted. *He thinks he can fix everything with a stupid bag? Pathetic.*
I placed the box aside, shaking my head. “He thinks I’m a fool.”
*He’s not just fooling you,* Nova growled. *There’s someone else. Lila.* Her voice was harsh, but I knew she was right. Deep down, I had always known.
As I scrolled through my phone, my heart skipped a beat when I came across Lila’s social media account. Her latest posts were casual, just random clips of her day, but something about them gnawed at me.
I clicked on one of the videos, watching closely as she showed off her outfit of the day. Then I saw it—the room behind her, the bed, the window. It was all too familiar.
“That’s my house,” I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief. “She’s been here.”
*She’s been here while you were gone,* Nova snarled. *She’s been right under your nose this whole time.*
I scrolled through more of her posts, and my blood ran cold when I noticed the little details. The handbag on her arm, the bracelet around her wrist, even the hair clips she wore—they were all things Braxton had bought for me.
“He’s been giving her my things,” I muttered, my hands shaking with anger. “She’s been taking everything.”
*She’s been taking more than that,* Nova whispered, her voice full of venom. *She’s been taking him.*
Tears stung my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away. “He’s not worth it,” I said aloud, more to myself than to Nova. “He never was.”
*Maybe not,* Nova agreed, though her voice was laced with pain. *But it still hurts. Even for someone like him, it still hurts.*
When Braxton came out of the bathroom, I was ready. I sat there calmly, waiting for him to make the first move. He dressed quickly, avoiding my gaze, and mumbled something about Lila needing help.
“I’m going to her place,” he said hastily. “There’s trouble close to her , and she’s not safe.”
I raised an eyebrow, my voice cold. “If you walk out that door, Braxton, we’re done. Don’t come back.”
He froze, turning to me with wide eyes. “What the hell are you talking about? You’re being crazy, Calla.”
“I’m not the one sneaking around with my sister behind my back,” I shot back. “So go ahead. Walk out that door. But we’re done.”
His face twisted with anger, but he said nothing. Instead, he grabbed his keys and slammed the door behind him.
*Good riddance,* Nova growled. But there was a note of sadness in her voice that echoed in my heart.
As soon as he was gone, I started packing my things. I wasn’t going to wait around for him to come crawling back with more lies. I was done with Braxton, with Lila, with all of it.
By the time I was finished, I had blocked both of them from my phone. I wasn’t going to waste another second on either of them.
---