I switched off my phone, unable to stare at Giana’s post any longer. The restaurant felt suffocating with its romantic music and sympathetic glances from staff who realized I’d been abandoned.
Without thinking, I walked into a nearby bar with dim lighting and overpriced cocktails. I needed something strong to burn away the night’s humiliation.
“Whiskey, neat,” I told the bartender. “Double.”
Two drinks later, the edges of my pain had dulled enough that I could breathe again. The bar had grown crowded, but I barely noticed until a familiar laugh cut through the noise.
Kane.
He sat in a private booth surrounded by well–dressed wolves, his arm around a beautiful brunette. I should have slipped out unnoticed, but he looked up and our eyes met. His expression shifted from
surprise to amusement as he made his way toward me.
“The future Luna in a place like this?” he said, leaning against the bar. “I’m shocked.”
“Don’t start with me, Kane. Not tonight.”
He studied my red–rimmed eyes and the empty glasses. “What happened?”
“Nothing unusual,” I replied bitterly. “Just Raymond proving Giana comes first. Always.”
I signaled for another drink, but Kane intercepted. “She’s had enough,” he told the bartender.
“I’m not done,” I protested.
Kane caught my wrist. “What did Raymond do this time?”
Everything came pouring out–the birthday dinner, Raymond’s distraction, seeing him with Giana, the
damning social media post.
“It’s my birthday,” I finished, voice breaking. “My birthday, and he couldn’t even pretend to care.”
Kane went still. “Today is your birthday?”
I nodded miserably.
Without a word, Kane paid my tab and signaled to his party that he was leaving. The brunette looked annoyed, but he ignored her.
“I’m taking you home,” he said, steadying me as I stood.
“I don’t need your help,” I insisted, though my wobbly legs betrayed me.
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“But you need someone’s, and I’m the only one here.”
The cool night air cleared my head slightly. “Your friends–your date-”
“Can manage without me,” he replied, opening his car door. “It wasn’t important.”
The drive was quiet except for my occasional directions. I leaned against the window, watching streetlights blur past.
“Why are you helping me?” I asked.
“No one should be alone on their birthday.”
At my house, Kane walked me to the door, steadying me when I stumbled.
“Will you be alright?” he asked as I fumbled with my keys.
I nodded, not trusting my voice. The alcohol made everything too raw, and I feared what I might say if he
stayed.
“Thank you,” I managed, avoiding his eyes.
Kane gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Happy birthday, Aurora,” he said softly before leaving.
I watched him drive away, feeling a strange ache that had nothing to do with Raymond’s betrayal.
***
I woke with a pounding headache and fragmented memories. Humiliation washed over me as I recalled my breakdown and Kane’s unexpected kindness.
What had I been thinking? Venting to Kane–Raymond’s friend, the playboy who’d already seen me vulnerable. I’d handed him more ammunition to mock me with.
The doorbell interrupted my regret. I dragged myself downstairs in my rumpled dress, not caring how I
looked.
Raymond stood on my porch with a small package and apologetic smile.
“Happy belated birthday,” he said. “I’m sorry about last night. There was an emergency with-”
“Giana,” I finished flatly. “There’s always an emergency with Giana.”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“I saw you give her a present, Raymond. I saw her social media post about her ‘surprise dinner.”
He looked ashamed. “I can explain-”
“Don’t bother.” I refused the gift. “Why are you really here?”
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“I tried calling after I left. I was worried. Where did you go?”
I thought of Kane’s gentle touch. “Out,” I replied simply.
“Aurora-”
“I don’t want your gift. Save it for Giana.”
I closed the door before he could respond, leaning against it until I heard his car drive away.
+15 BONUS
Three weeks later, I stood listlessly in front of my mirror. Tomorrow was my wedding day.
The thought should have filled me with excitement, not hollow dread. Even though I knew the marriage
was just a contract, some childish part of me still harbored hope that things might change.
My birthday had killed that last spark of hope.
A knock interrupted my thoughts. Lilly burst in without waiting for an answer.
“Get dressed!” she commanded, tossing a dress onto my bed. “We’re going out!”
“Out? Lilly, the wedding is tomorrow.”
“Exactly! It’s your last night of freedom!” She grinned. “I’ve planned a fabulous surprise bachelorette
party. No excuses!”
Before I could protest, she pulled me into a whirlwind of preparation. An hour later, we arrived at a
private room in an upscale lounge where my closest friends waited to celebrate.
The room was beautifully decorated, a “Luna–to–Be” banner hanging on one wall. Despite my melancholy,
I was touched by their effort.
As wine flowed freely, the conversation turned increasingly personal.
“You’re so lucky,” sighed a pack member who didn’t know the truth. “Marrying your childhood sweetheart, and the future Alpha! A fairy tale.”
I forced a brittle smile. “I am lucky,” I lied, hiding behind my glass.
“Raymond is so handsome,” another added. “Remember how you two would sneak off during gatherings? Inseparable since you were pups!”
These memories belonged to a different lifetime–one where Raymond had looked at me with genuine affection.
“I heard he’s spending a lot of time with that new girl,” someone whispered loudly. “The rogue. Giana?”
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A hush fell over the group. Lilly’s eyes flashed. “That’s enough, Melissa. They’re just friends. Right,
Aurora?”
All faces turned to me. I sipped my wine instead of answering, which was answer enough.
Lilly clapped her hands. “This is a celebration, not gossip! Let’s play Truth or Dare!”
Everyone agreed eagerly. When my turn came, Melissa fixed me with a challenging gaze.
“Truth or dare, Aurora?”
Something in her tone made me hesitate. “Dare,” I said, avoiding questions about Raymond.
Her smile turned predatory. “Kiss a man in this bar. A real kiss–your last taste of freedom.”
The group erupted in giggles. I stared at Melissa in disbelief.
“Raymond’s probably doing worse at his bachelor party,” someone added.
The thought of Raymond with Giana flashed through my mind.
“Fine,” I said, standing unsteadily. “One kiss.”
I scanned the lounge, wondering who to choose, when my phone rang. The Alpha mansion’s number.
“Hello?” I answered, stepping away.
“Miss Aurora,” Bernard’s voice was tense. “Come to the pack house immediately.”
My blood ran cold at his tone. “What’s happened?”
“It’s the Alpha heir,” Bernard said, lowering his voice. “Alpha Marcus caught him and that rogue girl together in the garden. It’s… it’s bad, Miss Aurora. Please hurry.”
I ended the call, my heart pounding. “I have to go,” I told Lilly, grabbing my purse. “There’s trouble at the pack house.”
Her eyes widened in concern. “Do you want me to come with you?”
I shook my head. “Stay with the others. I’ll call you later.”
The drive to the pack house took fifteen agonizing minutes. As I pulled up, I could immediately sense the tension in the air, Raised voices echoed from inside, and several pack members lingered on the porch, their expressions grim.
I rushed inside to find the main hall in chaos. Alpha Marcus stood in the center, his face contorted with rage, while Luna Elena tried unsuccessfully to calm him. And there, looking defiant yet shaken, stood Raymond with Giana cowering behind him.
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The truth was finally out.
