George's Point of View

I set the box aside, picked up Scarlet's phone, and handed it to her. "I accidentally read the message your friend sent you," I admitted.

Scarlet snatched the phone from my hand, her movements sharp. Her eyes darted across the screen, and as she read the message, her face paled.

"Are you planning to finally introduce me to your friends?" I asked casually.

The room fell silent.

Scarlet's lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. Her hesitation said everything I needed to know. She wasn't planning to introduce me—she was planning to bring Kirk.

My chest tightened. I clenched my jaw and turned away from her. "Tell them I can't make it. I have a lot of work to catch up on this Saturday."

The tension in the air eased as relief washed over Scarlet's face.

"Ah, damn," she said with an awkward laugh. "I was just about to invite you. But it's fine. You can meet them some other time."

Saturday came.

Scarlet had already left for the gathering, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The truth? I didn't have much to do today, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at me, urging me to go to the venue. I needed to know if my instincts were right—if she really brought Kirk and introduced him as her boyfriend.

When I arrived, I blended into the crowd to avoid drawing attention. I hadn't seen Scarlet yet, but I could hear her friends talking nearby.

"I can't believe Beta Kirk is Scarlet's boyfriend! He literally just severed his mating bond with Jane, didn't he?"

"Right? But who are we to judge? Beta Kirk is such a great catch."

Their words hit me like a punch.

So, it was true. She brought Kirk and proudly introduced him to her friends—something she could never bring herself to do with me.

I had already decided to leave the venue when something stopped me in my tracks. My gaze shifted to the dance floor, and there she was, dancing intimately with Beta Kirk. Their bodies pressed together, swaying in sync as if no one else existed.

Then, unexpectedly, Scarlet's eyes met mine. For a moment, I thought she would pull away. But instead, she pulled Kirk even closer. And without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed him, her lips tenderly lingering on his.

It wasn't just a kiss. It was deliberate, as if she were flaunting their connection in front of me.

Confusion and pain surged through me. Why was she doing this? Why would she want me to see?

Not wanting to witness the scene longer, I turned away, only to collide with someone. I stumbled back slightly, looking up to see one of Scarlet's friends staring at me, her eyes wide with recognition.

"Young Master George?" She said, her voice was curious and surprised. "What are you doing here? Are you with someone?"

At this point, the commotion had already captured the attention of the other guests. Even Scarlet and Kirk turned their gaze toward us, her arm wrapped tightly around his, as if she were staking her claim.

If I were a different man, perhaps I'd storm over to Kirk, knock him to the ground, and declare in front of everyone that I am Scarlet's husband—her mate—and that she's having an affair with him. I could expose her for what she's done, ruin her reputation as a respected pack lawyer, and destroy her life in an instant.

But I didn't want that.

I don't want my anger to be someone else's pain.

"Scarlet invited me," I said casually.

I caught her reaction immediately—a sharp gasp, her eyes widening in panic. The fear in her expression was like a silent plea, begging me not to say anything more.

"She's my friend," I continued smoothly. "And since I was nearby, I decided to drop by."

"Gosh, Scarlet! Why didn't you tell us you're friends with him?" One of her friends exclaimed. "Young Master George, you should join us! Come on, let's eat!"

Her invitation left me with little choice but to agree, so I nodded and followed them.

As I turned my back to Scarlet, her voice, irritated, cut through my mind-link. "What are you planning to do, George? You told me you weren't coming!"

"You invited me. Now I'm here. What's the matter? Does Beta Kirk not know you extended the invitation to me too?" I shot back.

The night wore on, and I had downed at least five glasses of liquor. Sitting alone at one of the tables, I didn't expect anyone to approach me—least of all Beta Kirk.

But he walked over, a bowl of steaming seafood broth in hand. He placed it on the table in front of me with an easy smile. "It's good for curing hangovers," He said, his tone friendly.

"Thank you," I replied. Without hesitation, I picked up the spoon and began eating the broth, the warmth settling uneasily in my stomach.

"For how long have you been friends with Scarlet?" Kirk asked casually.

I paused, considering my response. "Just recently. How about you?" Of course that was a lie.

A faint smile curved his lips. "We've known each other since we were kids. We've been good friends ever since." He leaned back slightly, his gaze softening. "George, I hope you know how kind and genuine Scarlet's heart is. She's the type of person who would sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of others."

His words made my brows furrow. "What do you mean by that?"

"You'll understand when the time is right," Kirk murmured.

Kind?

Genuine?

Since when did Scarlet embody those traits?

I didn't press further, sensing I wouldn't get a clear answer.

To my surprise, Kirk and I continued to converse. Our conversation flowed easily, and for the first time, I saw a different side of him—a side that was thoughtful.

Kirk was a good wolf.

When my mating bond with Scarlet finally ended, and she chose to be with Kirk, I could only hope she loved him right. Because from what I could see, Kirk would undoubtedly do that for her.

"Do you love Scarlet?" I asked suddenly.

Kirk didn't hesitate. He nodded confidently. "I mean, who wouldn't fall for a she-wolf like her? She's beautiful, kind… She's just so easy to love."

His words hit me harder than I expected, and I instinctively reached for my glass, downing another shot of liquor.

Before long, I decided it was time to leave.

I got into my car and sped off, pushing the vehicle to its limits. But no matter how far I went, I couldn't outrun the thoughts in my mind. Kirk's earnest confession replayed over and over, mingling with the images of Scarlet in his arms—their kisses, their embraces.

The distractions consumed me, pulling my focus away from the road. I didn't realize how far I'd drifted until the headlights illuminated a huge oak tree.

I hit the brakes, but the car skidded on the pavement, refusing to stop in time.

The next moment was a blur.

And then—impact.

George's Point of View

I mustered what little strength I had left and pushed myself out of the car. Every movement was a battle, but I forced myself to shift into my werewolf form. The transformation was excruciating, yet somehow, I managed to do it.

Ignoring the searing pain coursing through my body, I staggered toward the nearest infirmary. As soon as I crossed its doorway, my strength gave out. I shifted back into my human form just before collapsing into the ground.

…

When my eyes fluttered open, the sterile light of the infirmary greeted me. A healer rushed to my side, her face etched with urgency.

"George, you're awake. Will any of your family members be coming to see you?" She asked.

I shook my head weakly. "The Alpha's too busy, and he's out of town. Why do you ask?"

Her expression darkened. "You need to take the Black Stone medicine—a powerful remedy—before we can proceed with your knee surgery. But the surgery has to be performed within the next twenty-four hours, or…" She hesitated before delivering the blow. "Or you'll never be able to walk again."

"Then let me take the Black Stone medicine now. Why do you need my family members to be here?" I suggested.

The healer shook her head. "George, you know the rules. No one can take that medicine unless a family member or spouse has signed the infirmary agreement. It's too powerful to administer without consent."

I nodded, resigned but understanding.

Scarlet was the nearest wolf I could think of who might help. I had no choice but to reach out to her through a mind-link.

"Scarlet, it's urgent. I need you at the infirmary to sign something."

Minutes passed with no response. I tried again.

"Scarlet, please. I'm running out of time."

Still nothing.

Frustration clawed at me.

Remembering I had my phone with me, I tried calling her. The line rang, but there was no answer. I switched to texting.

George: [I'm at the infirmary. I need you to come sign something.]

George: [Please, Scarlet, I need you more than ever right now.]

All of that—ignored.

An hour ticked by.

The same healer approached me again, her expression grim. "George, we need a family member here now. We're running out of time."

I clenched my jaw. "They won't come," I said, my voice tight. "Can't a friend sign the agreement instead? I have no other choice."

The healer hesitated but eventually nodded. "It's against protocol, but given the circumstances, we'll allow it. Who can you call?"

Relief washed over me. "Healer Derek." I said, and Derek arrived quickly to sign the infirmary agreement.

Without wasting another moment, the healers prepared the Black Stone medicine for me to take. After that, they administered the sleeping anesthesia, and the world around me faded to black.

When I woke up hours later, the surgery was over. The healers informed me it had been a success, but they insisted I remain in the infirmary for at least a week to recover.

Two days passed. It was only then that Scarlet decided to show up.

"George! Why didn't you tell me about the accident? I'm still your wife—your mate! I deserve to know everything that happens to you, especially something like this!" Scarlet's voice rose as if she cared deeply.

"I tried, Scarlet," I replied evenly. "I mind-linked, called, and texted you—repeatedly. You ignored every single one."

Her expression shifted as she quickly checked her phone.

"Oh… Damn." Her voice softened as realization dawned. "How did I miss all of this?"

I allowed a small smirk to curl my lips. "It's fine. Besides, I wouldn't want to waste your precious time. I know you've got more important things to do… like spending time with Beta Kirk."

The mention of Kirk struck a nerve. Her eyes widened, guilt flickering. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated, clearing her throat.

"Fine," She said, steadying herself. "I'm sorry, George. You're right. I messed up. But I'll make it up to you. I'm staying here until you're discharged. I'll take care of you and make sure you have everything you need. That's a promise, and I won't take no for an answer."

"I'm not forcing you to do it, Scarlet. I'll be fine here on my own," I said. But Scarlet insisted, so I just let her stay.

However, after only two hours, I overheard her talking to someone on the phone. From the tone of her voice and the bits I caught, it was easy to assume it was Kirk.

"George… I really want to stay here, but something came up at the law firm and—"

I cut her off, unwilling to listen to more lies and excuses.

"I told you, it's fine," I said flatly. "Go ahead and do whatever you need to do. I already expected this to happen, anyway."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Come on, George. You know it's work. Just text me when you're ready to leave, and I'll come pick you up. That's a promise," She said, her tone softening as if to repair the damage.

I met her gaze, unflinching. "Yeah, sure. That would be nice. But don't bother pretending you care—I know you don't."

Her brows furrowed.

"What? Beta Kirk's the only wolf who matters to you, isn't he? Am I wrong?" I snapped, my voice rising despite my best efforts to stay calm. "You'd be there anytime, anywhere he needs you. Why is that, Scarlet? Why do you glorify him so much that you've forgotten to care about or even respect your own husband—"

Her hand connected with my face before I could finish. The sting of the slap echoed as she stormed out of the infirmary room without another word.

Left alone, I let out a bitter laugh, "A few more weeks and you'll finally be free..."

…

Later that day, boredom led me to scrolling through Wolf Trend—a social media app. As I scrolled mindlessly, a post stopped me cold.

It was Beta Kirk.

A photo of him and Scarlet at Seashell Beach. The caption? A single red heart emoji.

I stared at the screen for a while. She said she had urgent business at the law firm.

A smile crept onto my lips—not of joy, but of pain.

Spaced out, my fingers hovered over the keyboard and typed a comment:

[What a perfect match.]