The pack elders approached Marcus through the crowded hall, relief radiating from their expressions.
But their words struck like pure silver to his heart, burning deeper than any physical wound.
“Now that Sarah’s gone, you can finally claim Rachel properly,” his mother said, satisfaction dripping from every word. “No need
to keep up these tiresome pretenses anymore.”
She adjusted her ceremonial robes with practiced elegance. “That Omega was worthless anyway. An Alpha can’t have a mate
without a wolf – it’s unnatural. The pack would never have truly accepted her.”
“Choose a date soon,” his father added eagerly. . “Make your mating official. The pack hasn’t had such cause for celebration in years! After the ceremony, we’ll have Sarah’s rooms cleared out immediately. Rachel can move in tonight – no point in waiting.
now.”
Marcus stood frozen, staring at his parents” jubilant faces. His claws dug into his palms, drawing blood that he barely felt.
For the first time in his life, he felt pure revulsion toward his own pack elders. His wolf snarled beneath his skin.
“What are you talking about?” he managed through clenched teeth. “Rachel already has a mate an Alpha from the Northern
territories. She told us herself.”
His mother’s laugh was sharp enough to cut. “Oh, my naive son. That was just a convenient story. Surely you didn’t actually
believe it?”
“Rachel was willing to damage her reputation to bring Oliver home properly. You were so strangely fixated on that Omega, we had to find a way around your… attachment. The foreign mate story was perfect – who could verify it?”
“Now that the scarred one is gone,” his father interjected smugly, “Rachel doesn’t need to pretend
