Chapter 1

Elowen's POV

I wiped down the bar at The Red Wolf, sweat trickling down my neck. The place buzzed with heat tonight. Cindy’s bachelorette party packed the house. As her best friend, I had to shine. But I’m also just a part-time server here. My life’s a mess of roles, always juggling who I’m supposed to be.

Casper and Cindy are Alpha kids of Thornwood Pack. I’m Elowen Hartley, Cindy’s ride-or-die. Casper has a twin, Cassian, too. They’re all power and privilege. Me? I’m a Beta’s kid, always overlooked. Still, this bar’s my escape sometimes.

Casper strode in from the back. My heart slammed hard. Those amber eyes pierced me. That scar on his right brow stood out. Red-brown hair gleamed under neon lights. Two she-wolves clung to him. I hated their giggles instantly. His shirt hugged his chest tight. Every muscle flexed as he moved. A fire ignited under my skin. God, why him?

“Everything set, little wolf?” he asked.

His voice cut through the noise. Deep, rough, and dangerous. My stomach flipped upside down. He leaned closer over the bar. His scent—pine and smoke—hit me hard. I had to grip the counter to stay upright.

“Yeah, boss. All good!” I chirped.

I sounded so damn weak. Ugh, why me?

Then Drake Reid, my boyfriend, rolled in. He walked straight to me. His lips pressed my cheek hard. "Busy tonight, my little wolf pup?" he murmured.

I felt eyes on us. Casper's gaze burned from the VIP area. His jaw ticked, lips tight. He didn't like that kiss. Not one bit! His hand gripped the railing. Knuckles turned white.

"Just the usual shift," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Nothing special planned."

Before Drake could say more, Cindy burst over and grabbed my arm. "Come on, babe! Break time!" She practically shoved me toward the break room, her energy infectious as always.

I glanced back and saw Casper in the VIP section, his expression unreadable. Drake remained by the bar, distracted by someone calling his name.

Once inside the break room, Cindy pushed me onto the worn couch. Casper lingered near the doorway. She pulled out a velvet box with a flourish. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and her silver skirt shimmered under the dim lights.

"Wear this, babe!" she squealed. "Drake's gonna lose it!"

Juno, my wolf spirit, growled inside. He better, or I’m done!

“Cindy, seriously,” I sighed. “What’s this even about?”

“It’s tradition, girl!” she laughed. “Show off your power! Drake’s been distant lately. Make him beg tonight!”

I rolled my eyes. “He barely notices me.”

“Then wake him up!” she snapped. “You’re hot, El. Own it!”

I peeked inside the box. A forest green dress stared back. It was barely fabric at all! Sexy, bold, with pack runes stitched in. My cheeks burned red.

“Cindy, this is nuts!” I gasped. “I can’t wear this!”

“You can and will!” she insisted. “Don’t downplay your hotness!”

Juno agreed in my head. Show them your power!

Minutes later, I slipped it on. Casper walked in right then. His eyes widened, raking over me. I felt naked under that stare. My skin prickled as he stepped closer. His breath hit my neck. Too close, damn it!

“Damn, little wolf,” he rasped. “You’re way hotter than back then.”

My face caught fire. I remembered crushing on him hard. Back in school, I adored Casper. Never told him, though. Too many she-wolves around him always. I just stammered now.

“T-thanks, Casper,” I mumbled.

“No uniform tonight,” he ordered. “Just wear that dress.”

His voice dropped low. It sent shivers down me. His amber eyes darkened, hungry. My thighs clenched on instinct. I hated how he did this!

Cindy nodded, grinning wide. “See? Don’t underestimate your charm!”

I felt exposed but powerful. The party roared outside. Music pounded my chest. I served drinks, legs shaky. Casper’s eyes followed me everywhere. He leaned against the bar later. His arm brushed mine. A jolt like electricity shot through me. I nearly dropped a glass!

“Careful, little wolf,” he murmured. “Don’t break anything.”

His smirk killed me. I wanted to scream! Drake kept disappearing, though. Where was he? My gut twisted with doubt.

Hours passed, and I drank too much. Amber liquor burned my throat. My head spun like crazy, and nausea churned in my stomach. I wanted to hurl, the sour taste creeping up my throat. I needed Drake to see me. This dress hugged every curve. My chest pushed against silk. Thighs flashed with every step. I needed his eyes on me! I stumbled through the crowd. My vision blurred slightly.

But Juno sensed something wrong. His scent’s off... follow it, damn it! I’ll rip his throat out if he’s screwing around!

I stumbled out the back door. Cool night air hit me. Moonlight lit the forest path. My wolf senses screamed loud. Every sound felt sharper now. My eyes turned gold slowly. Drake’s musk pulled me deeper. My heart raced with dread, bile rising again.

Then I heard it. Low moans, wet gasps. Flesh slapping flesh. My heart dropped to hell. I crept closer, silent. The clearing revealed pure betrayal. My worst nightmare unfolded.

Drake had some blonde pinned down. Their bodies were a tangled, blurry mess under the moonlight. The sickening rhythm of their movements pounded in my ears, each sound like a dagger to my chest. Her shrill moans pierced the air, grating on my nerves. The air reeked of betrayal, a bitter, suffocating stench that made my stomach churn violently. My vision swam with tears, reducing them to an ugly, indistinct outline. My heart felt torn apart with every disgusting collision of flesh. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think—just felt the raw, searing pain of it all.

“More, Drake, wreck your little wolf pup!” she cried.

My blood boiled over! Rage clawed my chest. How dare she twist my nickname like that? Hearing it from her lips, the name Drake whispered to me, it sliced deeper than anything. Had she heard it from him? Did she dig for dirt just to mock me? It stung worse than the betrayal itself.

“Fuck, yes, take it!” he growled. His voice was thick, lost. Her moans turned to shrieks, each one a fresh wound. I couldn’t look away, even as nausea clawed at my throat. It was revolting. It was heartbreaking.

I stepped into the light. The green dress shimmered. My breath hitched, loud. Drake froze, his movements halting. His green eyes met mine. Fear flashed across his face. The blonde squeaked, scrambling. He pulled away, the scene still burning into my mind.

“Elowen, fuck, wait—” he choked out.

Tears stung my eyes. I couldn’t speak. Pain ripped me apart. My legs felt like they’d give out, my strength draining away. Nausea hit harder now, my stomach churning with booze and betrayal. How could he do this? To me? After everything? Then a shadow loomed behind.

Casper.

His scent hit me hard. Pine, smoke, pure dominance. His chest heaved, shirt open. Heat radiated off him. My body reacted, a flush of warmth I despised myself for feeling. His presence grounded me. But it also scorched me.

“Don’t look, little wolf,” he murmured. His hand blocked my view. “It’ll dirty your eyes.”

His voice was soft, deadly. His fingers brushed my cheek. My tears wet his skin. Drake scrambled, voice shaky. “Babe, I can explain! It’s not what—”

“Shut up!” I snapped finally. My voice broke hard. Tears spilled hot, endless. Casper’s warmth held me still. His other hand gripped my waist. Steadying me, claiming me. My world shattered under moonlight. Juno howled inside, pure rage. I’ll tear his damn heart out, that filthy bastard! What now? God, what now?!

Drake stepped forward, desperate. “El, please, just listen!”

Casper growled low. “Back off, Reid.” His tone was ice. Drake froze, paling fast. I couldn’t stop shaking. Betrayal stung deeper than claws. My chest ached raw. Casper’s grip tightened on me. His heat battled my cold. I wanted to collapse.