Chapter 1 Shattered Dreams
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Nevea
On the morning of our mating ceremony, the entire Fireblood Pack buzzed with excitement, especially me. I had been dreaming and waiting for this moment for a year. But four hours before the ceremony, Kai suddenly canceled it.
The reason? Claire. His angelic face, innocent eyes, and sweet Omega crush, who faked an injury during training.
The news didn‘ t even come from him. I found out through a pack group chat, where Claire’s story spread like wildfire.
“I’m so sorry, everyone, but I don’t think I can make it to the ceremony… I injured my leg pretty badly today in training. Alpha Kai is with me, making sure I’m okay.”
Claire flooded the group chat with pictures, attempting to gather sympathy. There was even one where she was lying on a
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stretcher while Kai hovered beside her with a look of concern on his face.
I gripped my phone so hard it almost cracked. This had to be a joke, right? That concern was supposed to be for me. Kai couldn’t just cancel the ceremony we had planned for a year. And just for Claire faking a damn injury?
I was fuming, especially when my mind kept telling me I couldn’t win over Claire. I was always the second best. Suddenly, my phone vibrated, and it was a message from Kai.
“Nevea, something‘ s come up. Claire‘ s hurt. I can’t go through the ceremony now. We’ll have to reschedule it. Don’t wait up for me.”
I blinked at the screen, and my chest tightened as anger rose. Kai didn’t even bother to call and just sent a text as if it was not a big deal. We had been together for five years. Five years of loyalty and being
his rock despite having people talk behind
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my back. And now, this?
I didn’t respond. What should I say? My fingers trembled. I wanted to scream at him for choosing her… again. But instead, I swallowed my rage and just tossed the phone to the bed.
I paced around the room, hoping to clear my head and calm my nerves. Kai and I had built a life together here in this lavish apartment he owned, but lately, I felt like I was living in his shadow and left alone almost all the time.
A knock on the door stirred my thoughts. Nana Lolita, one of the pack‘ s elders, stood there with her weathered face filled with sympathy.
“I heard what happened, child,” she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.
“You deserve better than this.”
I bit my lip to keep from crying. Nanal always knew, because she was sharp, that I
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couldn’t hide my pain from her.
“I thought… I thought today would be different. I thought he’d finally choose me over her,” I muttered as I sank into. chair.
Nana’s eyes darkened.
a
“Kai is a fool because he can’t see what he’s losing. But I know that Claire isn’t ast innocent as she seems.”
I stared at her with my mind racing. Everyone in the pack adored Claire – the sweet omega who always smiled, demure, and had always had an eye for Kai. But Nana, aside from me, had never trusted her.
“That injury? It’s a fake. Convenient. timing, don’t you think?”
My heart raced, knowing that it was not only me who thought of this.
“You think… she did this on purpose?”
Nana scoffed.
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“Oh, child. Of course, she did. She‘ s been playing this game for years, pulling Kai closer every chance she gets. You think she’s helpless, but I see right through her.”
I clenched my fists.
“Then, how come Kai doesn’t?”
“That idiot is blinded because he had a crush on her. But you know, so you be strong in facing it.”
I nodded, even if my stomach churned. I didn’t want to be strong. I wanted Kai to comfort me and make it up to me.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something. I know you are strong and wise,” Nana said. Then, she bid farewell after giving me a comforting hug.
My phone vibrated again, and I jolted from my thoughts. It’s Ivar, my childhood friend, and the beta of our pack.
“Nevea, I heard the news. Don’t be so
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disappointed. Kai had to do this as an Alpha. He needed to ensure the safety of every member.”
“Yeah, right!” I yelled and didn’t bother to reply to him.
Two minutes later, the group chat buzzed again. Claire had sent some more pictures. It was Kai alone with her, spoon–feeding her, checking her temperature and her bondage as if she were his sick wife.
“Guys, I am sorry for any trouble, especially to Nevea and Kai. I didn’t mean to ruin the most important day in your life. Kai, thank you for being the best Alpha I could ever have. You always made me feel like the
number one.”
Most of the group chat members liked and sent heart emojis. Some were even bold in saying they looked like a couple, or they could have been a good pair if the moon goddess allowed it.
Claire, Claire. It was always Claire that
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everyone favored.
Tears fell from my eyes. I felt like I had waited five years to realize a mistake. It was time to correct it and choose myself.
“Call me.”
I sent a message to Kai. I knew he wouldn’t call if I wouldn’t ask him. I sat and waited for a call or even just a response. Thirty minutes had passed, and still nothing. I was about to stand when my phone suddenly rang.
“Anything happened, Nevea?” Kai said, a little irritated.
“Is that all what you have to say?” I retorted, hurt when I sensed his irritation.
“Sorry. I couldn’t think clearly. Claire got hurt. I needed to ensure she would be okay.”
“Right! As expected from Alpha Kai.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
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“It means we’re over.”
I ended the call, not giving him the chance.
to reply.
