Chapter 1

Three years ago, my brother left me with his most trusted friend, Kaden.

That "trustworthy" Alpha had me pinned beneath him on my third night in the Shadow Pack.

Since then, I played his obedient little "sister" by day and spread my legs for him by night. Three years of sneaking around—I was done.

My ultimatum: make it official or we're done.

Hours ago, with me pressed into the mattress, he swore between thrusts, "Tomorrow. I'll tell everyone tomorrow."

Then his first love Chloe came back.

He dropped everything and ran to her. I followed. Watched him gently wipe her tears—the same hands that had gripped my throat just hours before.

"Kaden, you promised—"

"Shut up." He turned on me, voice lethal. "Don't say another word in front of Chloe. There's nothing between us. I'm doing Seth a favor, looking after his bratty sister. Clear?"

My hands trembled. Three years. All of it—a fucking joke.

I pulled out my phone and texted my brother: "The Silver Moon marriage. I accept."

---

Lyla's POV

"Really? Lyla, you really agreed?"

My brother Seth's voice crackled through the phone, disbelief mixed with relief.

I leaned against the corner wall, watching the elaborate welcome ceremony being held for Chloe in the center of the crowd. A bitter smile tugged at my lips. "Yeah. I'll get the transfer paperwork done soon."

"FINALLY!" Seth let out a breath. "I've been wanting you OUT of that hellhole for ages. You know what kills me? Watching you get hurt over and over these past three years, and I don't even know who the BASTARD is—"

His voice shook with rage. "That piece of shit stood you up again yesterday, didn't he? Said he'd finally meet us, then VANISHED! If you hadn't stopped me, I would've flown over and beat the shit out of him!"

He paused, growing angrier. "And Kaden—I trusted him to look after you, and what does he do? Watches you get treated like garbage! When I see him, I'm going to rip him a new one!"

I closed my eyes.

If only he knew the "asshole" was Kaden himself—his most trusted brother.

"Let it go, Seth." I cut him off, my voice hoarse. "It's over. I just want to leave now."

I hung up and lifted my head, gazing toward the lavish party scene.

Kaden had his arm wrapped around Chloe's waist, introducing her to the Elders one by one. The Shadow Pack had spared no expense—crystal chandeliers, champagne towers, imported wines. All this luxury, celebrating her return.

Three years ago, Chloe left the Shadow Pack to chase her art career in Europe, abandoning Kaden. Rumor had it she'd gotten engaged to some powerful Alpha over there. Everyone assumed she'd never come back.

Kaden had nearly lost his mind then.

He'd destroyed everything that reminded him of her, forbidden anyone from mentioning her name. He'd started drinking heavily, isolating himself, even—

Now Chloe was back, crying about how that Alpha had abused her, how she'd been forced to stay, how she'd missed Kaden every single day.

And he BELIEVED her. Every word.

In the center of the crowd, Kaden held Chloe close, accepting everyone's congratulations. He was smiling—really smiling—in a way I'd never seen in our three years together.

My wolf screamed inside me, clawing at my insides, threatening to tear me apart.

I'd been running a fever since this morning—last night I'd chased him through half the city in the pouring rain, only to watch him drive off to the airport without looking back. Yet he'd insisted every Shadow Pack member attend tonight, including me, "the guest sister."

He wanted me to watch.

I turned to leave. The tattoo parlor still needed me, and I couldn't stand another second here.

"Lyla."

Kaden's voice stopped me cold.

I froze. After last night's bitter parting, this was the first time he'd said my name.

I turned around to find him approaching with Chloe on his arm.

"Go to the kitchen and make Chloe a well-done steak." He looked down at me, his tone commanding. "She has a sensitive stomach. She can only eat it well-done."

My heart clenched violently.

For three years, I'd secretly prepared late-night meals for him. I'd been so careful with the steaks, getting them exactly medium-rare with red wine reduction—the way he liked them. Every time, he'd say "I only like the way you make it," then pull me into his arms and kiss me.

Now he was ordering me to cook for HER?

"Kaden, don't trouble Lyla." Chloe pulled delicately at his sleeve. "I'll just have a salad."

"No, you need to eat more protein." Kaden stroked her hair tenderly, then turned back to me, his eyes instantly cold. "Just do it. It's not like you have anything else to do anyway."

Not like I had anything else to do.

Like some on-call servant.

My nails bit into my palms, the pain keeping me grounded. "Fine."

The kitchen was empty.

I leaned against the counter, splashing cold water on my burning face. The fever made my hands shake, but I forced myself to cook the steak anyway.

One last time.

I carried the plate out, searching the party for them.

They weren't in the main hall.

Finally, I stopped outside a half-open lounge door at the end of the corridor.

Through the gap, I saw Kaden pinning Chloe against the wall, kissing her savagely. His hand slid up her dress, rough and urgent, like he wanted to consume her.

Chloe opened her eyes and looked straight at me over Kaden's shoulder.

She smiled—triumphant and vicious. Then she hooked her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss obscenely. She let out deliberate moans, each one a knife to my chest.

"Kaden..." she gasped. "Not here... someone might see..."

"I don't CARE who sees." Kaden's breathing was ragged. "I need you right fucking now."

Chloe's fingers worked his belt loose. "So... compared to all those girls you've been with these years, who makes you feel better?"

Kaden's breathing grew heavier. "Them? I never bothered learning their names."

Chloe paused, her smile turning cruel. "Really? I heard you've had a little plaything keeping you company. Is she... good in bed?"