My sister's mate became mine after they stole my core

I sighed as I heard the words leave his lips. I hadn’t even gathered myself fully, yet here I was, coming face to face with Bianca’s mate.

All I wanted was something to eat.

“I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong person,” I said, which, of course, was true. But he didn’t respond—he just kept staring at me.

For what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke.

“I’m not mistaken. You’re my mate… though your core and your scent—they’re slightly different.”

My eyes widened. My core and me? Could he really tell the difference between a person and their core?

His gaze darkened.

“You don’t seem surprised by that. Did you steal someone’s core?”

I chuckled—a sharp, cold sound.

“Or maybe it’s the other way around. Look, I’m hungry. Leave me be.”

I turned to order my food but quickly realized all eyes in the restaurant were on us.

I dismissed their stares and placed my order. Even the waiter looked lost in confusion, but I didn’t care. Whoever this man was, it wasn’t my concern.

Once I received my food, I proceeded to leave—but oh, right. There’s a man still standing behind me.

“You are my mate, and as such, we are to wed,” he said.

I turned to face him as he continued.

“Whether you stole someone else’s core or not, I don’t care. You’re my mate, and you will be mine.”

Who does he think he is?

“Look, give it up, okay?” I snapped, almost yelling. Gasps erupted from the people around us.

Wait—who the hell is he?

And why were they staring at me like I’d just insulted their Alpha?

He stepped closer, voice low.

“What’s your name?”

Disdain filled me. Bianca’s mate stood so close I could smell his scent. The very idea made my skin crawl. I wanted nothing to do with her—or him—but then an idea crept into my mind.

What if I use him to get revenge?

I had no plan yet, but I would. With time.

“Becca,” I answered.

Though subtle, I saw it—he flinched at the mention of my name.

“I’m Alpha Dean Lucas of the Wrath Pack,” he said.

Alpha? Wrath Pack? Did I even check where I ended up? Wrath Pack—as the name implies—was one of the most vicious, untouchable packs. No one wanted to cross them.

And he’s Bianca’s mate?

This might just get interesting.

Bianca… Mark… just wait. Wait patiently as I plan your downfall. You killed my child. Stole my core. Made me crawl through pain and humiliation. You will suffer.

“Well, it’s nice meeting you,” I said with a small bow. As my head dipped, a dark smirk spread across my lips.

“We’ll continue this discussion at the pack house,” he said.

I nodded.

“But first, eat your food. I’m sorry for interrupting you.”

For a second, guilt hit me. He had nothing to do with my pain, yet now he was part of my revenge. Almost sorry, but not quite.

I sat down and ate, the idea of revenge making every bite taste divine. I ate until I was full. When I finished, he led the way outside.

Three sleek black cars were parked out front. He opened the door to one and invited me in.

The drive to the pack house was long, but as I looked out the window, I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful the Wrath Pack lands were. Peaceful. Full of life. I saw a man playing with his child, holding his wife like she was his whole world.

I could have had that…

But Mark and Bianca ruined it.

My thoughts were interrupted as the car took a path covered in greenery. We were close. And soon, a massive gate appeared before us.

As we drove in, my breath hitched. The lands were vast—more than three times bigger than Bright Light Pack. The field alone could keep children entertained for hours. I clenched my fists.

My child… my sweet child… Mommy will make them pay. I promise.

When we stepped out of the car, the house that greeted me was massive—at least three times larger than my old packhouse. Richer, grander, more powerful.

Maids and butlers bowed as they greeted him.

“Welcome back, Alpha. How was your journey?” the butler asked.

“It went well. And on my way back, I found my mate,” he said plainly. “Is my office ready? I need to speak with her.”

The butler's eyes widened, as did the rest of the staff’s.

I didn’t care. I offered a weak smile, pretending to be unaffected.

Inside, the house was even more breathtaking. The outside didn’t do it justice. This was wealth. This was power. No wonder people feared them.

Once we reached his study, I was offered a seat across from him.

“Everyone, leave,” he ordered, and they scurried away.

He looked straight at me.

“Now tell me—why does your scent not match your core?”

I met his eyes, unfazed.

“Because it’s not mine. And I’m still getting used to it… so it hasn’t blended properly yet.”

His eyes widened.