Jaxon and I were childhood sweethearts; we had known each other since we were young cubs in the pack. Our families were close, their bond forged over shared bloodlines and the traditions of our wolf kind. From an early age, it was understood that we would one day be mated. So, we navigated our youth with a sense of duty, careful to avoid attachments with others outside our destined pair.

Then came Talia, an unexpected complication.

It had been my idea to help her, when I first met her, she was thin and frail, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of our pack. Despite her circumstances, she had a sweetness about her that endeared her to everyone who crossed her path. I felt an instinctual need to help her escape the shadows of her impoverished life.

I didn’t have much of my own, so I begged Jaxon to join me in sponsoring her. Initially, he was reluctant, dismissing my proposal with a playful scoff. “I don’t have time for these charity games,” he’d said, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Everything changed after my car accident—a serious one that had left my wolf wounded and vulnerable.

Jaxon, desperate and worried, reached out to anyone who could help. He’d never believed in the moonlit prayers of our kind, but in those dark moments, he found himself at the paws of the elders, asking for strength and guidance. It was then he decided to support Talia, hoping to do enough good to tip the scales in my favor.

Eventually, I pulled through, emerging from the depths of despair. When I saw Jaxon again, he joked that Talia was my benefactor and suggested that I treat her like family. I welcomed her into my life, showering her with kindness and affection, believing she was worthy of it. Little did I know I had let a wolf into the heart of my den, only for her to sharpen the very knife that would pierce my heart.

I sat at the table, the weight of betrayal gnawed at my insides robbing me of my appetite. I pushed my plate away after only a few bites, unable to stomach the thought of the meal.

“Is the food not to your liking?” Jaxon asked, concern knitting his brow as he glanced at the spread before us.

I noticed the dishes, spicy and vibrant with chilies, and grimaced. “It’s not that. I just—” My voice faltered as the words of heartbreak lingered in my throat.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Talia’s sweet voice cut through the air, “Jaxon!” She entered the room, her presence lighting up the space like the sun breaking through the clouds. Clad in a pristine white dress that clung to her form, she exuded innocence and charm.

The moment she spotted me, she paused, momentarily taken aback before donning a wide smile. “Oh, Kaia! I didn’t know you were here.”

Her smile was bright, yet I could sense the artificiality behind it. I met her gaze coolly, choosing silence over confrontation.

Jaxon frowned, his protective instincts flaring. “You could’ve knocked before barging in, Talia.”

His tone held an edge that surprised me. It was more a reflection of frustration than anger, a reminder of the tension brewing beneath the surface.

“Sorry! I’ll be sure to remember next time,” she chirped, a hint of mischief in her voice. She turned to me, “Kaia, mind if I join you for lunch? I’m starving after class.”

Her request was directed at me, but her gaze was glued to Jaxon, without waiting for my reply, he gestured for her to sit, his voice warm, “Come on then eat with us. If you want something else, just order it.” She glided over to him, settling in at his right side with a bright smile. “No need! You’ve ordered so many of my favorites already.”

Jaxon’s expression momentarily flickered, a brief glance in my direction revealing uncertainty. I offered nothing but calm indifference, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing my turmoil.

“Eat as much as you want,” I encouraged, my voice devoid of warmth.

After a moment, he turned to me, concern etched on his features. “Kaia, if you want something, just order it.”

I took the menu, forcing a smile that felt more like a mask. “I’m not hungry. I saw something upsetting earlier that’s taken away my appetite.”

He frowned, brows knitting together in concern. “What was it?”

Feigning casualness, I recounted, “A friend of mine, her mate betrayed her, feasting on the meals she lovingly prepared before indulging in the ones cooked by his other lover, she’s at the healers house now, suffering from the consequences of that betrayal.”

“Those without honor deserve to face the consequences,” I added, my gaze steady on Jaxon. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

He hesitated, the weight of my words pressing down on him. “Yes… yes, of course.”

I watched as the reality of our situation dawned on him, a flicker of recognition passing across his features.

The facade of casual lunch faded, revealing the deeper truths we could no longer ignore. I was no longer just a friend; I was a she-wolf who deserved loyalty, respect, and love—qualities that were fading in the face of Talia’s charm. As the meal dragged on, tension hung heavy in the air. I realized then that the past was gone, along with the bond we once shared. We were no longer two destined mates; we were caught in a web of betrayal and unspoken truths.

Talia’s smile faltered as she joined our conversation, her forced cheerfulness evident.

“Kaia, maybe that boy had feelings he had for his girlfriend a long time ago, so it’s not right to judge, right?”

I shook my head, a sneer forming on my lips. “If you don’t have feelings for someone anymore, why not just break up and find someone else? Talia, you’re still young and don’t understand the way things work in our world.

“If he truly cared for that mistress, he wouldn’t be entangled with his girlfriend, dragging her through the dirt while making her look like a fool.”

I noticed Talia's expression darken, a flicker of guilt sparking in her eyes. I relished the moment; she needed to feel the weight of her actions.

Jaxon frowned and interrupted, “This is other people’s business, why are you worrying about it?”

“Yes, I believe you’re not the kind of person who would do that, Jaxon,” I replied with a smile, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Talia didn’t look my way again until we finished lunch. Jaxon offered to take me home, I declined, not wanting to be around them anymore.

“I’ll take Talia back to school then,” he said, as if it were a simple matter.

Talia smiled shyly, though her eyes betrayed her. “No need, Jaxon, you should just take Kaia home, I can take a taxi back.”

Maybe she feared I would discover their secret. After all, if I found out, I would cut off her precious funding.

Before I could voice my refusal, Jaxon’s voice turned cold, layered with an unyielding tone. “Kaia will go back by herself; there’s no need for you to worry about her, you on the other hand, your school is far it’s not safe to take a taxi, I will take you there.”

Talia cast an embarrassed glance in my direction and opened the passenger door without hesitation. “Then I won’t be rude,” she said, sliding into the car. She turned to me and waved, “Goodbye, Kaia! Please be careful on the road.”

I watched them drive away, my heart sinking to its lowest depths, I’d started the day hopeful, only to be crushed by the reality that Jaxon, the boy I thought I knew, was capable of such betrayal I forced myself to laugh, but it felt hollow.

Jaxon came back late that night, the stench of alcohol clinging to him like a shroud. I was sprawled on the sofa, absently flicking through channels when he stumbled in, shedding his coat as he approached me.

“This is for you,” he slurred, tossing a beautifully wrapped gift box onto my lap. “A new bag. I had someone get it, ee if you like it.”

He moved in to hug me, but I dodged, jumping to a nearby chair, surprise flitted across his face. “You’ve had too much to drink. Go take a shower first.”

Jaxon sniffed at himself and nodded, slinking off to the bathroom.

I opened the gift box and found a fresh, light green bag—perfect for the bubbly, carefree girl Talia appeared to be.

My lips pressed into a thin line as I set the bag aside. Bored, I pulled out my phone, only to see a familiar name pop up on the screen.

I paused and clicked through, finding a blogger I recognized.

She posted about her daily life, and even though she wasn’t in the pictures, the backdrop looked eerily familiar.

When Talia started college, I had helped her move into her dorm, learning the layout well. I continued scrolling and, to my horror, recognized parts of my own home in her videos.

My heart raced as I recalled the phone call Jaxon made earlier, asking someone to help Talia find an apartment

. My fingers trembled as I flicked through the posts one by one, each a painful reminder of what I had lost.

He’d given her everything he had given me, as if my heart didn’t matter at all. I stumbled into my cloakroom, desperately comparing my belongings to those in the videos, my stomach turning as I realized the truth.

Jaxon had bought me those things only to gift them to Talia later, duplicating everything I owned in a sick game of deceit.

I couldn’t hold back the laughter the hysterical bubbled up, it quickly turned to tears.

How could he do this to me?

I clenched my fists, fighting against the wave of rage that threatened to consume me. Instead of lashing out, I calmly took pictures of everything—every lie, every betrayal. I saved the videos Talia posted, documenting the proof I needed.

My relationship with Jaxon wasn’t just about love; it was a web of intertwining families, expectations, and corporate interests. Breaking up wouldn’t be easy, but I had the ammunition to make it simple. I took a deep breath and walked back into the main room.

Jaxon rushed out of the bathroom, still changing clothes. “There’s an exhibitionist at Talia’s school, she hasn’t been found yet; it’s not safe for her, I’m going to pick her up and let her stay the night.”

His tone was not a discussion; it was a command.

I crossed my arms, glaring at him coldly. “Jaxon, if you walk out that door, we’re done.”

He paused, anger flashing in his dark eyes. “Kaia, what do you mean?”

“I think I made myself clear,” I replied, a smirk playing on my lips.

His expression twisted into one of fury as he laughed harshly. “Don’t be unreasonable. I have something important to do!”

He stormed out, slamming the door behind him, he didn’t realize I wasn’t trying to keep him; I was gambling on my heart—and I had lost to Talia.

Once he was gone, I began to pack my things, taking with me everything he had ever given me. This would be my compensation for all the years I had wasted on him. With my belongings stowed away in the car, I drove straight to my parents’ house, thankful they were still abroad. The solitude allowed me to think clearly.

I gathered all the evidence of Jaxon’s betrayal and posted it in our family group chat. My family had always had a close relationship with Jaxon’s parents, I knew the news would spread quickly.

My phone buzzed as night owls in the chat reacted to the scandal, b I ignored their questions, simply stating, “Jaxon and I broke up. The wedding is canceled.”

Moments later, Jaxon slid into my private messages.

Jaxon: Kaia, withdraw the message! What are you planning to do? Where are you? I’ll come find you, and we can talk about this.

I did not reply. Instead, I blocked and deleted him from my life

Almost immediately, Talia messaged me.

Talia: Kaia, I know I’ve hurt you. I’m sorry, Jaxon and I really love each other, If you have any dissatisfaction, just come to me and don’t hurt Jaxon.