when Olivia's fiancé walked out of their wedding for another woman

she ran into the pouring rain in her wedding dress💔...

Her bf's Alpha brother took her home.

"I make the rule, dear.Just say yes. l would bury him six feet beneath the ground. In Pieces."

Olivia's POV

“I, Aiden Virek, take the title of Mate to Luna Olivia Hartwyn, joining Thorne Ridge Pack. I pledge my loyalty, power, protection and lifeblood.”

Aiden lowers to a knee and presses his forehead to my stomach, exposing the nape of his neck in the traditional show of submission to a Mate.

I can’t wait to finally mark Aiden, to feel the bond snap into place and start a future together. It’s been a whirlwind since we met at the Pack Summit last Fall. He looked at me like I was the only person in the room, and everything just… clicked. And now I get to make him mine.

Everything is perfect, just like I imagined. Today is the day. My day.

I place my hand on his head, threading my fingers through his tawny hair, and recite the reply by memory. “I, Olivia Hartwyn, receive Aiden Virek of Jasper Pack as my Mate. I accept your pledge of loyalty and protection and offer you a place by my side in the Thorne Ridge Pack.”

“You may now mark your Mate!” The Priest declares, and Aiden rises to his full height above me, grinning like he’s won the lottery.

Normally, Mates mark each other instinctually, and in an uncontrollable fit of passion, but as the Luna, my Pack needs to know this is properly sealed; I’d rather have him to myself.

Aiden’s fingers trail down the side of my throat, pulling aside the lacy collar to expose the crook of my shoulder. Tilting my head to give Aiden more access, he leans in, scenting me, and causing a shiver to run up my spine in anticipation of his bite. I feel Aiden’s warm breath against my skin just before he –

– “I’ve been tired of her reclusive ass for months. If she wasn’t an Alpha’s daughter, I wouldn’t be marrying her. You know that.”

What the hell? That’s Aiden’s voice.

The speakers crackle and Aiden rears back in shock. My brow creases in confusion and I look around to see where that recording is coming from.

“Then who do you love, baby?” that’s Amelia, from my Pack.

“Of course, it’s you, it’ll always be you.”

Aiden’s voice rises again, this time it’s not the recording. “That’s fake, obviously someone is trying to hurt us! Olivia, sweetheart, you know this is fake.” His eyes turn pleading.

Whispers and growls ripple through the Packs; someone yelps from behind me and my bridesmaid Mia cries out, “Amelia’s fainted!”

My head whips around and I’m hit with a wave of jealousy... from Mia.

I know from experience that unconscious people don’t project emotions. And Amelia is an absolute beacon right now. I don’t know if she’s the one who set this recording, but she’s not upset it happened. Far from it.

What’s going on?

Aiden whips his head between me and Amelia. “I... someone needs to help her.” He moves past me to crouch down next to Amelia.

And my entire body heats with rage. I lower my voice and seethe at him, “You can’t be serious right now. This is our mating ceremony! And you’re going to coddle a woman pretending to faint?”

I feel a spark of anger and… guilt? “Stop it, Olivia, it’s our duty to care for the members of our Pack. I’ll handle this.”

Aiden lifts Amelia and cradles her against his chest. Her eyelids flutter as he storms away down the aisle to care for my maid of honor.

I need to salvage something of my pride, maybe of this relationship and alliance too. I pick up the hem of my gown to rush after them. Running through the forest, my foot catches on the train of my dress, and I crash down onto the well-worn path. “Aiden!”

I feel myself crashing in a wave of exhaustion. And all I can do is watch Aiden leave our Mating Ceremony with Amelia, not bothering to look back.

My luck with the weather runs out, as the sky picks that moment to darken, fat drops of rain falling through the canopy.

***

“What are you doing?” I love Mia, but this is not a good time for a lecture. Protectiveness. Hurt.

“I’m drowning my sorrows, dear Mi – hey!” My glass disappears I glance to the bar table and count eleven empty glasses. I know I should cut myself off but instead I pour another.

“Mia, my Miiiiiia, this is not a good time. You can see I’m very busy.”

Mia snorts and flops into the chair next to me, giving side-eye. “Well, that was a shitshow. You need to sleep this off and get a clear head for tomorrow. You look terrible.”

“Gee, thanks. I just don’t ge tit. Get it. Tits are good too.” A tear trails down my face. “Aiden has always been sweet to me. We’re under the same pressure. His father’s the leader of the Alpha Council, mine is – was – the Alpha of Thorne Ridge Pack. How didn’t I feel this coming?”

Only my family and our Beta’s family, which includes Mia as his daughter, know about my Power. Empaths are rare and coveted. We can’t technically scent a lie, but with the guilt, anxiety, relief, shame, or a dozen other emotions associated with it, we might as well be able to.

Mia mutters, “I could have told you that.”

“Look, Liv. Aiden and Amelia are power-hungry, and you were dickmatized. I get it. That, and you’re... you. Sweet, trusting, loyal. You see the best in everyone. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Maybe there is.” I mumble into my glass.

Mia plucks the glass from my hands and sets it on the table with a bang. “C’mon. Let’s get you upstairs.” She hauls me to my feet and drags me to the elevator.

Eight floors later, Mia is half-carrying me down the hall while I search for the keycard trying to remember my room number.

Sexual frustration. Jealousy. I bump into someone rushing past us. “Watch it!” she snaps and keeps on going.

“Bitch, you watch it.” Mia mutters under her breath and grabs the room key from the floor.

We try doors with the card until one lights green and it swings open into a dimly lit suite. Mia pulls me into the room and tosses me on the bed, dress and all. “Get some sleep, girl. It’ll get better in the morning.”

***

The soothing darkness is broken with a bright sliver of light. I crack my eyes open, to find a figure silhouetted in the doorway. A tall, well-muscled, well-dressed figure. I don’t remember ordering room service, but my stomach rumbles at the thought.

“Who let you in here?” He growls. Oh, fuck, that voice.

I let out a growl of my own at the man’s scent. Earthy, minty, a hint of jasmine. Who knew this hotel had such delicious staff?

I shouldn’t be lusting after the staff, I’m a married – no. We didn’t mark each other. I’m too cloudy headed to remember if any of it real; to know if any of this real. But there’s no harm in having fantasies.

I sit up and slip the engagement ring off my finger, making my very unsteady way over to the handsome stranger in my dream-room. I drag in his intoxicating scent again and stumble into him.

“You can charge the food to the room. I don’t have any extra cash but serve me well and this”, I take one last look at the glittering diamond and drop it into the man’s shirt pocket, “will be your tip.”

Olivia's POV

Strong arms lock around me and the man mumbles something that might be a curse.

“I could be convinced to give you a bigger tip... but I’d rather have yours.” I inwardly cringe at the terrible line.

“We should probably behave” I mumble, “but I don’t want to.” I want to let go and feel something other than hurt. I want him and I’m coherent enough to know it.

He wants me too, if the hard length of him pressing against my stomach is any indication.

My fingers threaded through silky hair, gently pulling him towards me so I can whisper in his ear, “Make me feel good, I need you.”

His nostrils flare against my neck – right where my mating mark should have been – and his restraint snaps.

Strong hands tear open the back of my gown as his mouth blazes a trail down my chest and suddenly, I’m on the bed, arms pinned above my head.

I love being held down, dominated, but everyone’s afraid of hurting the Luna.

My back arched, seeking friction. But this man wouldn’t let me have it. Instead, he palms between my breasts to hold me still, freeing my breasts.

And he was on me in an instant, latching onto my nipple, lapping with his tongue and sucking hard.

This time he let me bow off the bed, squeezing my wrists to keep me right where he wanted. I couldn’t help the moan that escaped. I needed more.

“Let me touch you.” I was shamelessly panting now.

“No, this is just for you.” Teeth nipped at the underside of my breast in reprimand, quickly followed by a soothing lick.

Nine hells if I didn’t think I would die a little death right then.

He drew my arms by my sides and laced his fingers with mine. I was still pinned, but this felt vulnerable.

Then this gorgeous man settled between my thighs. “I’m going to fuck you with my tongue, and you’ll come when I say. Tell me yes or we stop now.”

“Gods, yes.” I breathed.

In a flash he tore my panties with his teeth and buried his tongue deep inside. “Fucking ambrosia” he growled.

I whimpered and ground my pussy against his face. He finally showed mercy by sinking two thick fingers inside me and swirling his tongue around my throbbing clit.

“Oh yes…please!” I practically begged.

Those fingers curled in just the right spot. “Come.” He demanded; then bit down on my clit.

Stars exploded behind my eyes, and if I knew his name I would have screamed it. But the sound I made was feral, barely recognizable.

Waves of pleasure hit me, then everything went dark.

***

I was going to kill the tiny hangover creatures hammering inside my brain. All I needed was sleep, but the pounding headache had other plans. I wanted to get back to the alternate reality where my heart wasn’t broken into a million pieces.

The bed dipped and I felt warm breath against my cheek. My eyes slowly cracked open and came face-to-face with the room service guy. Tousled charcoal hair, thick lashes, strong jawline with a sexy morning scruff, and full lips that made my nipples tingle at the memory of them and what we did. I gently shifted away to bring all his features into focus and bit back a scream.

Ethan Blackford. Holy shit, not staff at all, but the fucking Alpha of Storm Haven Pack. My father’s death had left a vacancy on the Alpha Council and Ethan’s name was high on the list to fill the seat. Not to mention, he was Aiden’s brother. How’d I miss this, even tipsy as I was?

This was bad. Regret. I slammed the walls down on my emotions before they added to the headache. I needed to get out of here before he woke up.

I inched my way out of the bed and spotted my dress – my crumpled wedding gown – lying over the chair. Torn panties on the side lamp, bra under the desk, shoes tossed at the foot of the bed. Ok then, that was hot.

Quietly as I could, I dressed and chanced a look at Ethan.

His deep amber eyes danced with humor and interest, like he had been enjoying the show. I felt my cheeks flush but could only glare back in annoyance.

In a flash, the interest I saw was replaced with a cold demeanor. “How much?” his gravelly voice broke the silence of our starting.

“For what?” My brow creased in confusion until he grabbed his wallet from the bedside table and pulled out a thick wad of cash.

When my brain caught up, I folded my arms and snorted a laugh. “Sex work is real work but fuck you for assuming.”

“I’d rather keep last night between us. Especially since you’re Aiden’s or were. Take it.” Ethan leaned forward, still half dressed, pressing the cash into my hand.

So, it was hush money. My earlier flush of embarrassment turned to anger, and I threw the money back at him. “Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

I turned to go, but Ethan clasped my wrist a frown. “Your ring, here –”

“Keep it.” I shook off his grip. “Consider it the tip I promised, or hush money, even payment if you prefer. Do what you want with it.”

I slammed the door on my way out.

***

I cranked the shower to scalding and wiped steam from the mirror, recoiling at my reflection. “Shit. I’m a hot mess.” I muttered. The smokey eye makeup was full-on raccoon style now with dried-up rivers of black mascara streaking down my face. Ugh, what Ethan must have thought.

Ethan. It just had to be Ethan. My traitorous body heated up at the memory of his tongue lapping up my juices. I could practically still smell him.

I sniffed the air and caught the strong scent of jasmine and mint with a hint of damp earth. “That fucker!” My eyes went wide with the knowledge I could actually smell Ethan. All over my skin, like he had marked me.

Shaking off that thought I hopped into the shower and desperately tried to scrub away any traces of last night. Satisfied that the lavender body wash had done its job, I shut off the water and toweled off.

I had to get back to reality. A new wave of hurt and betrayal washed over me as I stepped into my bedroom to get dressed.

Heavy footsteps came down the hall and my door swung open. Aiden took three long strides to cut me off before I reached my closet. “Olivia, sweetheart, I can explain.”

He dropped to his knees in a mockery of the Mating Submission and my body heated being reminded of Ethan down there mere hours ago. Shutting that out, I glared down at Aiden.

His nostrils flared and the pleading expression on Aiden’s face turned to a snarl.

“Who the fuck were you with last night, Liv?” Aiden growled at me as if he had any right and stood to tower over me. “Who!? Who did you sleep with?”

I guess my near-boiling shower wasn’t enough to get Ethan’s scent off me. I should have known since powerful Alphas leave a lasting impression. In more ways than one. I was likely going to smell like Ethan for at least another 12 hours.

But none of that was Aiden’s business anymore.

“Not your business who, or if, I sleep with anyone. Our engagement is off.”

“You’re going to throw us away because of some misunderstanding with Amelia. Everything is my business, Mate, and –”

“Don’t. Aiden.” I cut him off. “Leave my key and get out. Go back to Jasper Pack with your tail between your legs.”

Aiden pulled my key from his pocket and threw it on the bed. “You’re making a big mistake, Olivia. One you’ll regret.”

Three strides back to the door and Aiden slams it shut behind him. And I’m alone – again – and more exhausted than before.

I crawl into bed and silently beg for sleep. But my temporary zen is interrupted with Paint the Town Red by Doja Cat.

Groaning, I roll over and grab my phone, pressing the answer button. “Tell me it’s something good, Mia.”

The brief pause was answer enough that it wasn’t good. “Where are you? I’ve been calling for like an hour. There’s trouble at L.B. and you need to get here now.”

Olivia's POV

The pit of dread I’ve had since I hung up the call with Mia just kept growing. I knew whatever was waiting for me was going to be bad.

Lunera Beauty was my passion. I knew there were those in the Pack that thought I shouldn’t have a career, that being the Luna should be enough. I also knew people thought makeup, fragrances, and other high-end beauty products were frivolous compared to Pack business.

But to me, it was my one freedom.

Mia waved me into the conference room, and I blanched at the grim look on her face.

“Our accounts show a massive deficit. Babe, we’re a debt-ridden shell of a company. And…” She hesitated and my stomach dropped. “… and the Pack’s accounts are the same.”

“That’s not possible.” I shook my head in denial. “We’re set for our most profitable quarter yet, and the Pack is completely separate from L.B. There’s enough money in both.”

“Look, it’s all here.” Mia passed me a file and I felt my blood boil looking at the proof.

Aiden’s signature was on everything.

I was seeing red. “How the fuck did this happen?!” I knew it wasn’t Mia’s fault, and yelling at my best friend wasn’t helpful, but I was past reason.

“It’s legit. Last quarter we restructured so you could focus on product development and brought Aiden on to run the operations and prep for him stepping up as Alpha, as… your Mate.”

Mia’s tone had softened, but her eyes were hard with anger and betrayal.

A wave of emotion hit me with the realization that Aiden’s betrayal had gone beyond breaking my trust by cheating with Amelia. Now he betrayed my Pack and my business. And I let it happen.

The weight of guilt and responsibility pressed down like a physical thing. My body collapsed into a chair as my mind raced with the consequences of Aiden’s actions.

If Lunera Beauty couldn’t cover the financial gap in Pack funds, the Alpha Council would disband Thorne Ridge Pack as weak. My people would be divided among other Packs, assuming they would welcome new members.

No Pack would welcome a disgraced Luna. I would be a lone and vulnerable wolf. Or I’d be in servitude to the Alpha Council to be married off and bred to some asshole Alpha… like Aiden.

Did Aiden plan to take over my Pack without me? Or with Amelia? That thought was gasoline on my burning anger.

“Mia, I’m sorry. I should have listened to you. I shouldn’t have trust –” My apologies were cut short as Amela strode into the room and sat herself next to me, ignoring Mia completely.

“Oh, Olivia, I'm so sorry you felt hurt by all of this. I'm sure you'll understand I never intended to cause any rift between us. Aiden was just so worried about me that he had to pause the wedding and take me to the hospital..."

Mia rolled her eyes before she snapped at Amelia “Get out!”

I saw the crack in Amelia’s arrogant mask before she leaned in to whisper into my ear, “If you beg me, I might help you out of this whole mess.”

My wolf forced herself to the surface with a low growl and I snapped my teeth next to Amelia’s throat. “Get used to disappointment, Amelia.”

I let my Luna energy seep out as I rose to stand above her “Now, get out of my sight.”

Amelia’s face contorted into a sneer as the power of my command forced her to lower her head into submission. And she obeyed.

***

In the last week I’d exhausted every available option that Mia and I could come up with to raise funds. From bank loans to calling in favors, it was all dead-end. Meeting Kelvin at his office was my last hope.

“I’m really sorry, Olivia, but I can’t loan you the money. I just can’t afford to cross Aiden." Regret dripped from Kelvin’s every word.

I sighed and offered him a bitter smile. “Come on, Kelvin, you knew my father, and you know Aiden won’t take his seat on the Alpha Council.”

Truthfully, nobody knew that, but I just wouldn’t believe it. I was trying to manifest here.

“And you know I have to be hands-off. Until that leadership seat is filled any member acting for or against any candidate is tantamount to favoritism. And I’d have to recuse myself from voting.”

My laugh was bitter “Yeah, and potentially piss off the next leader. I get it, Kelvin. Thanks for seeing me anyway.”

“I wish I could help, Liv, I really do.”

I believed him, but still let my frustration show in the way I slammed the door on my way out.

The crisp Autumn air was soothing as I walked towards Witches’ Brew, the local coffee shop, to meet with Mia and figure out if we had any next steps.

Caught up with my thoughts, I barely registered my phone ringing, answering it on autopilot. “Hello? This is Olivia.”

“Hey sweetheart, how have you been?” Aiden’s voice dripped with mock concern.

“Don’t hang up,” I hated that he knew me at all, because that was exactly what I was about to do. “I still have feelings for you, and I want to work something out.”

My brain short-circuited and I stopped in my tracks.

“If you agree to be my mistress, I’ll let your Pack off the hook.” I couldn’t believe the nerve of this man. I couldn’t believe I ever loved and trusted him.

“Go to Hell, you bastard!” I seethed through the line, hung up on him, and threw my phone back in my purse.

The chime above the shop door jingled and my head shot up in fight or flight mode. I’d made it to Witch’s Brew and Mia was holding the door open for me with a look of concern on her face.

“Heyyyy, Liv. Everything okay?”

Nothing was okay, but I needed to focus. “Yeah, just Aiden trying to extort me into being his Mistress in exchange for helping the Pack. Asshole.”

Mia’s eyes went wide in surprise, and I noticed the newspaper in her hand.

“What’s that? You never read a physical paper.”

“Well, I have an idea, but it’s absolutely insane.” Mia grabbed my elbow and pulled me around the corner for some privacy. “There’s one more person who could help us, so hear me out.”

She shoved the newspaper into my hands and pointed one perfectly manicured nail at the image on the front page featuring Alpha Ethan Blackford at a charity event two nights ago.

My mouth watered remembering the wildness of his kisses. He looked really good dressed in a tailored tuxedo.

“We have no direct ties to the Storm Haven Pack, no ties to Ethan himself, and since he’s on the list for the empty Alpha Council seat, he can’t vote. There’s no conflict if he works for or against Aiden…”

Mia kept on about the virtues of the Storm Haven Alpha as an ally, oblivious to my internal conflict and traitorous body’s reactions. I never planned to see him again, but my clenching pussy clearly had other plans.

“... Olivia, are you listening? Ethan’s perfect!”

“Yeah, I’m listening. But I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Bullshit, it’s a great idea!” To prove her point, Mia pulled out her phone and started to g****e info on Ethan while I mentally calculated the merits of being a lone wolf.

Mia’s gasp pulled my attention to the article headline she had found online.

“So much for not having ties, Liv. What’s this?”

‘ELIGIBLE BACHELOR ETHAN BLACKFORD FINALLY CAUGHT?’

My eyes tried to scan the article, but I couldn’t tear them away from the blurry clickbait photos taken through the opening through familiar hotel curtains.

Splashed across the national gossip news for all to see were my legs wrapped around Ethan’s waist, him palming my ass while we’re locked in a passionate kiss. Like we were lovers who had been starved of each other’s touch, desperate for it and desperately in love.