After His Betrayal, I Chose His Rival

Just as I took a step forward, Alpha Emerson’s voice cut through the air, his alpha tone commanding and sharp.

“Gamma Diaz,” he said, his presence filling the space with an authority that made even the air seem to still. “Is this how you greet the main investor in your pack’s hotel project? I arranged to meet with your father for a discussion. Aren’t you going to join us?”

Jaiden’s grip on my hand loosened, and I felt the weight of his hesitation. He turned to face Alpha Emerson, his posture stiffening slightly, though he kept his tone respectful. “Alpha Dunn, I didn’t expect to see you here. My apologies. Where are we meeting? I’ll be there.”

“The VIP lounge,” Alpha Emerson replied, his dark eyes flickering toward me for a brief moment. “Will the lady be accompanying us, too?”

Jaiden glanced at me, his expression apologetic but firm. “Lilianna, maybe you should head home for now. You know how my father is—always trying to set me up with some high-ranking pack heiress. I haven’t mentioned us yet.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. Of course. I should’ve known better. I was an Omega, after all, and Jaiden was a Gamma from the Silver Fang Pack. My wolf whimpered softly in the back of my mind, but I ignored her, refusing to let my emotions show.

Without another word, I turned and walked away, my heart heavy with a familiar ache. Three years ago, in a secluded mountain village far from pack territory, Alpha Emerson had told me he was accepting his family’s arranged mate pairing. Since then, he’d disappeared from my life entirely. And now, just as I’d begun to piece myself back together, there he was, standing in front of me like a ghost from my past.

Maybe it was time to leave this city—this pack—and start over somewhere new. Somewhere far away from him.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed the shadow that moved behind me until a strong hand clamped over my mouth, dragging me into a waiting car. Panic surged through me, and I struggled, biting down hard on the hand that held me.

It wasn’t until the car door slammed shut that the grip released me, and I heard a familiar chuckle. “Still have a thing for biting, huh?”

My heart sank as I realized who it was. Alpha Emerson Dunn sat across from me, his broad shoulders filling the space, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. Before I could react, he leaned in, his presence overwhelming, his scent—pine and something sharp—filling my senses.

“Alpha Dunn,” I spat, trying to push him away, but his grip on my wrist was unyielding. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He smirked, his alpha aura pressing down on me. “Interrupting your little date, aren’t I? I’m here to make sure you don’t get too lonely.”

I slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing in the confined space. But instead of anger, he laughed, low and deep, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Seems you remember,” he said, his voice a dangerous purr. “The more you hit me, the more thrilled I get.”