Beta Before An Alpha

Evvie Moondragon had it all. The stunning looks. A hot lover. Popularity unrivaled by anyone. Yet she had something missing. A mate. For the past three years she always believed her boyfriend and future beta Zachary was her mate. So, she decided that on her 18th birthday, she would give herself fully to him. Only to find out he comes home one day with a new girl strapped on his arm. A girl who is not her, and pregnant. The moment Evvie locked eyes for the first time with Zachary on her 18th birthday, she realized she was right all along. He indeed was her mate, but it was never meant to be. The thought of him cheating on her for another girl tore her apart and she decides to just run from it all. Zachary rejected her and she runs away to the human world.

Two years later, a new Alpha who had taken over her pack forced her to return to the place she once dreaded. She had no choice but to pledge his loyalty to him or else she would die after disconnecting with her pack for too long.

Zachary is now the beta of her pack. And it turns out, fate wasn’t so good to him either.

What happens when the two high-ranking werewolves begin to turn at each other to fight for her love?

CHAPTER ONE

Evvie's POV:

“Don’t be sad, Evvie.” Zachary, my smoking hot and soon-to-be beta boyfriend, soothed me. I pouted, crossing my arms against my breasts. We were in my room. Seated on my bed, I pursed my lip as Zachary plopped down beside me.

“I promise I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll only be gone for a few months.” He said as an attempt to comfort me.

“You mean six long, agonizing months of me not being able to see you.” I rolled my eyes, refusing to meet his piercing blue orbs flitting to my breasts for a split second.

“Why can’t they let you use your phone during training?” I grumbled, folding my arms against my chest.

He chuckled and ruffled my hair. “Because we need to focus on training, silly.”

I slapped his hand away, shooting him a glare. I hate it when he does that.

“Evvie, please. I need to get going in just an hour. I can’t even get a hug?” He pouted like a child. His eyes are too dreamy to resist.

Rolling my eyes, I scooted closer and pressed my body against him, giving him a hug.

“Hmm.” He inhaled my scent and a smile played at my lips. “This feels nice.” He whispered before pecking my forehead.

With teary eyes, I looked up and met his piercing blue orbs. His sandy blonde hair tousled at the top. With his thick brows, lashes girls would pay a ridiculous amount to have, and a nose like that of a Greek god, I’m not going to lie. He is indeed handsome.

A frown fell on my lips when I remember I would not be able to see his handsome face for months.

“Can’t you stay?” My voice cracked. I really did not want him to leave.

He smiled sadly and turned me to face him. His large hands gripped my shoulders gently.

“You know I would, but all high-ranking wolves need to go. I am going to replace my father as beta. I can’t do that if I have not completed this training.” He reasoned and I clenched my teeth because I knew he was right.

This summer camp training is required for all high-ranking werewolves to attend. After graduating high school, they are ordered to train for six months with no distractions. Although I am considered as one of the upper ranks, I am not allowed to attend because of the mere fact that I’m a girl. Stupid, right?

But hey, rules are rules.

It took me a few long seconds before I finally let out a defeated sigh.

“I know. That’s not why I don’t want you to go.” I mumbled softly.

I see him furrow his brows and I gazed up into his eyes. “I’m turning 18 next month.” I told him.

I don’t know why his eyes glazed over but they did. “And you will meet your mate. Right after I come back.” He said with overwhelming confidence to his tone.

I looked at him hopefully.

“You’ve been really looking forward to that day…” My voice trailed off. The words stumbling in my mouth. Heat rushed to my cheeks when he gripped my chin, forcing me to look up at him. Our faces only an inch away.

“Or I have a better idea,” he whispered. “We can do it right here, right now.” His eyes glimmered delightfully, searching my face.

He began moving his hands from my shoulders, grazing my breasts and hard nips before slowly lowering down between my legs.

My heart pounded against my chest. A nervous gulp ran down my throat before I pulled away from him.

I have been wanting to give my virginity to him. To give myself to him entirely. But I wanted to do that after we have confirmed our mate bond. There is no denying the strength of the bond we share. We know for certain that we are mates. After all, we had always known we were destined to one another.

I shook my head and it gave him my answer.

The disappointment in his face was evident.

We spent the next half an hour just lying beside each other. He cuddled me in his arms and I laid silently on his chest, sobbing away my tears.

Gabriel, the future Alpha of our pack, came by and picked him up. Just before he got into the car, I called out his name and barreled right towards him as he turned around. I wanted to hug him for the last time and he hugged me back, but I frowned when he didn’t hug me tighter than I expected. I shrugged it off my mind. I was probably overthinking it.

I watched their car disappear before turning on my heel and walking back into my house.

Days passed and my 18th birthday finally came. Mom and Dad were enthusiastic about it. Even my brother joined in the big shebang but I wasn’t into parties that much. I spent the day locked up in my room, missing Zachary so badly.

I was surprised when my Dad came to my room with a box in hand.

It turned out Zachary had sent me a gift, and a letter wishing me the happiest of birthdays. He told me he misses me and that he loves me. He couldn’t wait to be back.

His words made my heart flutter and a smile spreads on my face. I haven’t smiled in a while, and Zachary as always managed to make me smile even when he’s a mile away. That was the last time I ever heard of him.

Five months later, the day of his return finally arrived. I was bouncing on the two balls of my feet as I headed out of the house.

Pack members gathered outside the packhouse. I could already see Gabriel climbing down his truck. Another truck parked right beside him, and I knew that truck belonged to none other than my boyfriend, Zachary.

I panted heavily as I made my way through the crowd.

Suddenly, I am smelling the most heavenly scent that wafted to my nose.

I hear some pack members gasp. I noticed them all turn around and make way for me, a look of sympathy in their eyes. I ignored them and ran towards the delicious scent.

And there he was. He stood tall and handsome as ever. Only now he grew more muscles and abs visibly peeking through his tight white shirt.

“Mate!” The word I have always been waiting for finally slipped from his lips.

This is it.

Our eyes locked, and my wolf howled in… pain?

Wait, why is there a woman beside him? My eyes moved from Zachary’s shocked face to the girl with flaming red hair and hazel eyes. Her eyes sparkled with tears as she dragged her gaze from me towards Zachary. She gasped and covered her mouth with her palm as realization dawned on her.

My wolf, Ivana, growled in pure rage.

“She’s pregnant!” she whimpered.

CHAPTER TWO

Evvie’s POV:

“Evvie, I can explain.” He barely whispered. And I could see pain in his eyes.

But what for? It was all too late.

I shook my head. I was at a loss for words when Ethan, my brother who was older than me for two years, blocked Zachary from my sight. His large frame towered over me but for once, I was glad he was taller. Just so I could hide my eyes nearing to burst into tears any second.

“You’ve done enough, Zach.” My brother said sternly. He is also the future gamma of our pack. Winter Mist Pack. Zachary the future beta and Gabriel the future alpha.

They were the hot trio that filled my high school days with both annoyance and thrill.

I was always with them, at first as Ethan’s little sister. Then I became Zach’s good little girlfriend.

Until now.

“Brother, let me talk to her.” He growled, sounding angry. It appalled me that he had the nerve to be angry in this situation.

Ethan shifted his stance, shielding me from him protectively.

“I said enough!” he barked.

I heard Zach’s thunderous growl echo all around us before Gabriel stepped out of his truck.

“What is going on here?” His eyes scanned the area, landing on his two best friends looking like they are just about to pounce at each other bloody.

It did not take him long to notice the red-haired girl with big, brown eyes and the baby bump she proudly paraded with a flimsy crop top. If you can even call it one.

“Ethan, why don’t you take Evvie home? I’ll handle this.” It didn’t sound like a request but an order. Gab nodded at me, and just like the other pack members who glanced at me with pity, he looked almost too sympathetic. I felt the urge to scoff, knowing he had every chance to stop Zachary since they went to the same training camp together.

My brother turned to him, “Yes, future-alpha,” before turning to me, “Let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the crowd. I could feel Zachary’s eyes boring holes into my back.

“Don’t look back.” My wolf warned me.

But just like everything else in my life, it was a little too late.

The moment I turned my head, Zachary’s eyes followed me as my brother led me to his car.

“Evvie, I am sorry.” His voice floated through my head. And my heart sank. Even his voice tortured me.

Sliding into my brother’s red and white hellcat, I slapped Ethan’s hand as he leaned in to strap me.

I’m heartbroken, not crippled.

He cleared his throat and walked around to the driver’s seat. We headed home.

The drive on the way was eerily silent. My mind, however, was anything but. Ivana howled with all her might. The pain of his betrayal getting to her. As it did me.

I could feel Ethan’s side glances when he opened his mouth just as I feared.

“Don’t.” I hissed. “Say a word.”

I leaned my head against the window, staring blankly at the passing trees and closed my eyes. Allowing the feeling of betrayal further sink in. I was glad my brother didn’t say anything until we got back home.

“Evvie? What happened? Where’s Zach?” Mom approached me with a smug smile. She was against me dating Zachary in the beginning. But he had eventually won her over with his irresistible charm and good looks.

Mom believed you should never give yourself to anyone other than your mate. Funny how my own mate thought about that rule.

I gave Mom a quick peck on the cheek before trudging upstairs to my room.

“What was the all about?” I could hear them even with my door closed.

I stood frozen in front of my door, wanting to see how this conversation would go.

I heard Ethan sigh. “He’s with another girl. She’s pregnant.”

It was funny how he managed to explain my life in such a short statement. Ironic how I would be grieving that truth for I don’t know. Forever?

Mom gasped and I could already feel her eyes boring holes into my bedroom door.

“I need to go to the kitchen.” Mom muttered making my brow raise.

“Did you seriously cook a whole feast for that bastard?” My brother groaned while I shook my head.

I can’t bring myself to go down and help her clear out those dishes knowing it was meant to celebrate his arrival.

Blocking all the unwanted noises, I flopped down on my bed.

“Vana?” I called out to my wolf.

I could feel her turning away. She put up a block and suddenly I can’t reach her.

She’s not really good at expressing her feelings. Still, I could feel her pain.

Our mate betrayed us.

It was a thought now engraved in my mind.

I grabbed a plush pillow and buried my head in it. Without holding back, I began to sob and poured my tears away.

My eyes snapped awake at the sound of something knocking.

My brows furrowed as I rubbed my eyes.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

There it is again.

“Ugh.” I groaned irritably.

I forced my eyes open and squinted at the clock facing my bed.

“What the h*ll?”

Who on earth is up at freaking midnight?

“Mate.” My wolf growled and pushed forward, sniffing the air. I scrunched my nose, recognizing the smell of sandalwood and mint at close distance.

I jerked up on the bed and darted my eyes around the darkness of my room, only for them to widen once they locked on a familiar pair of blue hues glowing through the glass.

I clenched my fist. He is the last person on earth I wanted to see.

“What are you doing here?” I practically hissed at him as I opened the window.

He jumped over, landing his wet shoes on my floor.

He was panting. I have a feeling he ran his way over here.

“Evvie, we need to talk.”

CHAPTER THREE

Evvie’s POV:

“Evvie, we need to talk.”

Gritting my teeth, I swallowed the lump immediately forming in my throat.

Even hearing his deep voice does things to me I can never appreciate at this state.

Does the moon goddess take pleasure in f*cking up our feelings even when things get f*cked up? I wondered as I looked into his eyes.

“What’s up?” I asked like my heart was not breaking into a million tiny pieces.

He pursed his lips. God I hate how I still felt attracted to him despite what he did.

I crossed my arms against my chest, vaguely aware of my cleavage exposed through the thin lace dress I was wearing. I had purposely picked out this outfit preparing for this day. Today, I was supposed to give my virginity to him. Mate or not. I have made my decision.

But he made his decision too.

“Evvie, I don’t want to make this harder than it already is.” He sighed.

I glared hard at him. I know what he’s doing.

“If you’re here to reject me, do it.” I said through clenched teeth.

He looked shocked to hear my words.

I raised a brow. “What? Did you expect me to beg for you to accept the bond? Did you expect me to kneel and cry my lungs out just so you could pity me and stay? I waited all this time for you, but it’s clear where your loyalty lies.” My eyes blurred with tears that already surfaced. My hands were shaking so I dropped them by my sides to steady.

“Evvie…” He reached out his hand to touch me. Gladly, I managed to dodge it by stepping back. His hands froze mid-air. Probably surprised I would avoid his touch. If it were in the past, I would have welcomed it with open arms. But not today. I never thought I’d feel sparks where he grazed my skin, yet at the same time my skin crawled.

“God, Evvie…” He breathed, running his fingers through his blonde hair. I felt my hand twitch as the overwhelming urge to run my own fingers through it swept over me.

“It was a mistake.”

I scoffed. “Sure it was.” I commented, not bothering to fight the urge to roll my eyes.

“We were drunk. She wasn’t even supposed to be there. I woke up to her the next morning. I don’t remember everything. Evvie, please. You have to believe me.” He explained.

“Oh, I believe you. You can’t remember. Like you can’t remember your girlfriend waiting for you back home while you were f**king her.” I spat.

The words that slipped from my mouth surprised me. I didn’t usually talk like this. As a matter of fact, I don’t talk like this at all.

I was the future gamma’s good little sister before becoming the future beta’s girlfriend. I went popular overnight. Even when occasionally girls whom Zach rejected harassed me, I didn’t feel the need to lash out like this.

I guess anger changes you in ways you never expected.

I looked dead into Zachary’s eyes.

“I never stopped thinking about you, Evvie.” He whispered, sounding pitiful I almost wanted to feel sympathy for him.

“I woke up every day, counting the days before I could finally see you again.”

I shrugged, “Well, now you see me. Happy?” I asked in a mocking tone and a fake smile plastered on my lips.

“Now leave.” I said, dropping my façade.

“Evvie…” I winced hearing him whisper my name huskily.

I lifted my chin, but my eyes only gazed at his lips.

My heart pounded when he did the same. Staring into my lips, he walked closer and closer towards me while I shifted in my feet, unmoving.

He reached for my hand.

“Don’t touch me!” I snapped, my eyes glowing. I realized moments later that anger had lured Ivana to the surface.

He froze, but only for a second.

“Evvie please, just let me…”

I growled when he ignored my warning and touched my hand. Sparks erupted instantly from the spot our skin touched and I gasped. It was a remarkable feeling.

A bond between mates.

His eyes widened, snapping up at me. Clearly bewildered at the same discovery I just had.

I watch as his blue orbs swirled into black, letting me know his wolf has awoken.

Ivana recognized him and pushed herself to the front. Duncan, she said his name was.

“He’s in pain.” She whimpered, letting pity overshadow her anger.

Panic coursed through me when I realize what little control I had had completely slipped just because of one, simple touch.

“Zach…” my heart pounded intensely.

Looking up into his eyes, I felt mine soften and the need to be close to him swept through me.

“What are you doing?” I croaked, fighting my tears desperately.

Softly, slowly, he trailed a finger up my arm, making me shiver. The pleasurable sparks were become more and more intense by the damn minute and I can’t think straight.

“I… I don’t know.” He swallowed and licked his lips.

His eyes searched my face, looking for something.

Permission.

He touched my chin, caressing his thumb over my lower lip. My gaze lowered and fixed on his lips. His scent, strong and intoxicating, did little to suppress my need to touch him.

With my wolf taking over, the animalistic urge to be closer to her mate broke down what paper-thin walls I managed to build in just a short period of time.

She nudged us forward, landing a soft, sweet kiss on Zach’s lips. Shocked, he stood frozen in spot but it didn’t take him long to respond.

He returned the kiss, deepening it as he shoved me back against the near wall.

He pawed at my breasts, nipped at my lips while kissing me harder. Deeper.

I moaned. Everywhere he touched me was pure ecstasy. Electrocuting sparks swam pleasurably through my body that I suddenly lost the strength to resist.

CHAPTER FOUR

Evvie’s POV:

“f*ck.” He sighed into my lips. His strong hands trailed down my thighs and lifted me. I wrapped my legs around him, my arms snaking around his neck as I banished all reason to the fact that I was doing nothing wrong. He is my mate, after all.

His tongue invaded my mouth and I welcomed it, thrusting my own and tasting the inside of his mouth. I moaned as he sucked on my tongue and I pulled him closer.

It felt just right.

But like all good things in my life, this one moment I get to share with my mate has to end briefly.

“She’s pregnant, Evvie…” He sighed. “I can’t…”

He gently placed my feet down, but I was numb all over. Zach hung his head and I pressed my lips into a line, taking in deep breaths as my wolf handed me back the reins out of sheer disappointment. I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment.

If only I knew, I would have given him myself sooner. Then this never would have happened. He would still be my mate. And I would still be his.

My heart ached until I couldn’t feel anymore.

“Do it.” I said through clenched teeth, meeting his eyes head on.

He raised his head. His eyes sparkling with tears as he opened and closed his mouth like a fish in the water.

At first, he hesitated. Then he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I could no longer see emotion in his pale blue eyes.

He had made a decision. No, he made his decision when he knocked up another woman. A woman who is not me.

“I… Zachary Stone… reject you,” his voice broke.

I braced myself for what is about to come next.

“Evvie Moondragon…” He looked at me with tears in his eyes. “as my mate.” The words came out through a whisper.

I don’t know exactly what I expected when I allowed him to reject me. Who am I kidding? He was going to reject me anyways.

But I did not expect the excruciating pain to slam right into my chest as my world came crashing down.

He did it.

He rejected me. I forced a smile upon myself. Hoping that would somehow make it better but it didn’t.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“Evvie, I heard a noise. Is everything okay in there?” My brother’s worried voice sounded behind my closed door.

I looked Zachary in the eye and I felt my lips tremble.

“I, Evvie Moondragon…” I whispered, my voice sounding frail. “Accept your rejection, Zachary Stone.” I breathed.

I finally said it.

I watched closely to see his reaction, but he did not even move an inch from his position. Nor did the muscles on his face twitch. He just stood there, staring at me like a deer in headlights.

Moments after, he blinked and shook his head.

“I gotta go.” Was all he had to say.

With clenched fists, I bit my lip and held my chin up, watching silently as he turned on his heel.

He walked over to the window, about to jump in when he turned his head towards me.

“I’m sorry…”

His eyes said it all.

Duncan, his wolf, showed his pain through his eyes. I couldn’t bear to see the sad look in his eyes as he gazed back at me. A look I knew would render me shattered into a million pieces once he leaves me in this room. Alone, mateless, and rejected. I felt my fists clench on their own accord bracing myself for the inevitable breakdown that’s about to tear me apart.

Swallowing the lump down my throat, I turned my head away, whispering. “Just go.”

The words had just left my lips when my bedroom door burst open before the huge, bulky figure of my brother walked in.

“What the h*ll?” he growled, spotting Zach just as he jumped out the window.

When I was sure Zach was nowhere in sight, I felt my legs finally gave in and I collapsed in a heap on the floor. My body weak and numb from his rejection.

Ethan crouched instantly by my side and he caught my head before it bobbed on the floor.

“That bastard!” he growled, throwing murderous glares at the window. He scooped my head up gently with his big hands, holding me close to his chest.

The smell of Ethan’s familiar scent comforted me instantly and I began to cry.

“Evvie, what did he do to you?” He asked, his eyes softening.

“He rejected me, Ethan.” I sobbed. My hands gripped onto his shirt for dear life. I cried and cried until I had no tears left to waste. The room fell into silence.

I looked up to see the murderous look in his eyes as they swirled into pitch black.

“Ethan, don’t tell me…” I have known my brother all his life to know he was up to no good.

“He will regret what he’s done to you.” He said in a dangerously low voice.

I abruptly pulled his shirt, forcing him to look at me in the eye.

“No. What’s done is done. There’s no taking back.” I told him. Oh how I wanted that to be a lie.

After making him promise to not hunt my cheating ex-boyfriend and his own best friend down, I let him lull me in his chest until eventually, I fell into deep sleep.

The next morning I woke up on my bed. My body aching all over. Mom came to my room all dressed up for the occasion.

“What’s with the dress, Mom?” I asked gawking at her.

“Alpha Gabriel gave an order for all of the pack to attend the mating ceremony today.”

My heart sank, and for good reason.

“Whose mating ceremony?”

I don’t even know why I bothered to ask. But I had a feeling.

Mom hesitated, and I raised my brow before she finally replied, “Zachary’s.”

My eyes instantly went wide.

“What?”