Chapter 1
+ 5 Points
Maeve blinked repeatedly, her vision blurred as she stared at the screen of her phone. A tight knot twisted in her chest.
The image displayed was a polished, tastefully designed invitation.
“Alpha Gideon Cole and Wren Adler invite you to honor their bond at their mating ceremony…”
Her mouth went dry. A faint ringing filled her ears. She read the words once. Then again. And again.
No. This had to be some kind of sick joke.
Wren–wasn’t she just the cousin of the Gamma? The same Wren that Gideon had always insisted was merely a friend?
Maeve’s hands trembled as she checked the sender. It was from Wren.
Chapter 1
+ 5 Points
Of course. Wren had never liked her. This was probably just another malicious trick, a cruel attempt to rattle her.
But why did it feel so painfully real?
Her heart pounded in her chest, a creeping dread spreading through her. No, she told herself. Gideon was her mate. He would never betray her like this. He just needed to explain. One word from him and this whole thing would be cleared up.
She slipped out of the meeting hall and hurried into the bathroom, quickly pulling up his number. Just as she was about to press call, her screen lit up with an incoming call.
It’s from Gideon.
Relief surged through her. He must be calling to deny everything, to tell her it was all a lie.
She answered quickly, her voice catching. “Gi she began, but stopped cold at the sound
Chapter 1
+ 5 Points
“…Maeve? That pathetic omega?” Gideon’s voice cut in, dripping with derision. “Come on. She’s just convenient. As if I’d ever make her my Luna.”
Maeve went still, her breath caught in her throat.
“She hasn’t figured it out yet?” another man asked, chuckling.
“She thinks I’m hers” Gideon replied, his tone laced with disgust. “It’s almost funny how clingy she is. She does everything–cleans, cooks, takes over most of my work. As long as she’s useful, she can stick around”
Maeve slapped a hand over her mouth, trying to muffle the rising sob in her throat. Her vision blurred with tears. This couldn’t be happening.
“She’s off at that stupid conference, right? Because you told her to go?” someone else asked.
Chapter 1
+ 5 Points
“Exactly” Gideon said, amusement clear in his voice. “Told her to stand in for me, and she lit up like I gave her the moon. She’s so easy to fool.”
Laughter followed again.
“Damn, man. That’s cold.”
“Nah,” Gideon replied. “I’ve been waiting years for Wren. Maeve was just something to pass the time.”
Maeve’s knees buckled. She collapsed to the floor, barely aware of the tears streaming down her face.
“I made sure she stayed clueless, Gideon continued. “After the ceremony, I’ll figure out a way to keep her working for me.”
“What if she finds out before then?” someone
asked.
“She won’t. She’s too in love to see straight.
Chapter 1
+ 5 Points
She’ll believe anything I say,” Gideon sneered.
Every word struck her like a blade. And the worst part was–he was right. She would have believed him.
“She’s still useful,” Gideon concluded. “But love? No. I could never love someone like her.””
Click.
The call ended.
Maeve lowered her phone, her hands trembling uncontrollably.
She stared into the bathroom mirror. Her eyes were swollen and red. Her lips quivered. She looked every bit as pathetic as they said she was.
She had given up everything for him. Endured the insults, stayed low–ranked for his sake, devoted herself fully to him. All
believed th
Chapter 1
+5 Points
She had allowed herself to think they were destined to be together, all because of his charming words. But now… she saw the truth plainly. It was never love. She had simply been used and deceived, like a fool.
A single tear trailed down her cheek. She didn’t bother wiping it away.
Slowly, she sank to the cold tile floor, a hollow ache spreading through her chest.
Her mate was preparing to mark another.
He had been planning the ceremony behind her back.
He’d laughed while mocking her. Called her useful. Disposable. A convenience.
Maeve stood shakily, wiped her face, and drew in a slow, deep breath.
Her fingers curled tightly around her phone Was she scrolled to a familiar number
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
She paused, just for a second. Then she pressed Call.
“Alpha Maxwell,” she said, her voice steady and clear. “I’m ready to accept your bond.”
A moment passed before he responded, his voice low and reassuring.
“Good,” he said. “And Maeve, just call me Maxwell.”
