Lanie’s Story 1
Why is it that as an Alpha, I can’t compare to a newly arrived Omega?
She’s taken away all the love from my two closest friends.
So I’d secretly accepted the proposal to rejoin the Blood Moon pack, a desperate attempt to escape my two childhood best friends, Benjamin and
Adam.
I figured they wouldn’t care, after all, their attention was consumed by Qiana, the Omega intern.
I’d imagined their reactions-the hurt, the pleading, maybe even a little anger.
Instead, they just stared, cold and unimpressed.
Their wolfish senses seemed dulled to my distress.
They were certain I wouldn’t leave them.
But my wolf was drowning in disappointment.
I bought a ceremonial dress, claiming it was for a pack ceremony back home.
My two best friends called it a manipulative tactic.
I burned every photo we’d ever taken together.
They thought I was trying to get their attention.
I showed them the blood bond invitation.
They said I was overreacting.
They were practically glued to Qiana, completely unconvinced I’d willingly abandon them.
My wolf didn’t care if they believed me.
In a lunar cycle, the blood bond ceremony would occur, and I’d be gone.
“Lanie, the Blood Moon pack arranged a blood bond for you years ago. Now that you’ve returned, are you willing to mate him?” My mother’s voice crackled through the spirit-link.
“If not, I’ll speak to your father, and we can call it off.”
Silence filled the dimly lit den.
Just as she braced herself for another refusal, I spoke, “I’ll go.”
My mother was stunned, as if my acquiescence was wholly unexpected.
“You… you agreed?”
My voice was flat.
“Yes, but I need a couple of weeks to conclude my affairs here. I’ll return within two weeks, Mother. Begin preparations for the bond.”
I severed the connection, a weight lifting from my shoulders.
The moment the link disconnected, deafening music blasted from the lower level-a boisterous birthday celebration for Qiana.
I could even hear someone singing “Happy Birthday.”
Qiana’s shrill, exuberant laughter pierced the air.
My two best friends, however, lapped it up.
My wolf sighed. It wasn’t the first time I’d witnessed this scene, but it still stung.
This manor used to be mine. Quiet, secluded, every corner designed to my liking.
Every day, my two best friends would rush over, showering me with gifts and expressions of affection, bending over backward to make me happy.
Now, their attentions were directed elsewhere.
As I descended the stairs, Qiana’s ecstatic shriek hit me.
She was practically dancing, surrounded by a mountain of lavish gifts.
Benjamin, his dark eyes soft with affection, spoke first.
“It’s your nineteenth birthday, sweetheart. I procured you my favorite racing cycle. I hope you love it.”
Adam wasn’t to be outdone.
“You always desired an oceanfront dwelling, correct? This beachfront villa is yours…”
Qiana was overwhelmed, practically speechless, trembling with excitement.
“You… you’re both too kind to me. I’m so unremarkable; I don’t deserve this…”
“Don’t be silly!” Benjamin gently wiped a tear from her cheek.
“You’re amazing, the best Omega I’ve ever met.”
Qiana beamed, then her eyes flickered to me.
“Oh, Lanie, you’re here! Wasn’t it your birthday yesterday, too? Did the guys get you tons of presents?”
I glanced at them, remaining silent.
Benjamin and Adam exchanged a look.
They’d completely forgotten. Their focus had been entirely on Qiana.
Adam approached, tossing a pouch of silver my way.
“Things got a little chaotic yesterday. Didn’t manage a gift. There’s a hundred thousand silver pieces in there. Get yourself whatever you desire.”
It wasn’t just “a little chaotic,” it was Qiana’s usual extravagant display.
I didn’t take, simply shaking my head.
“No, thank you. Keep it for Qiana.”
Adam froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He’d expected tears, a tantrum.
This was unexpected. “What do you mean?” His hand remained outstretched. My refusal clearly irritated him.
“I don’t need your gift.”
A shadow crossed Adam’s face. He stared at me intensely.
“Just because we forgot your birthday, you’re acting like this?”
“Fine. If you don’t want it, I respect that. Just don’t regret it.”
I smiled faintly.”I won’t regret.”
I didn’t need their gifts.
And honestly?
I didn’t need them to be my best friends.
