The Cruel Alpha's Unwanted Bride

"Love can't be worth all this pain."

Avery Sterling's heart was claimed by the captivating Logan Grey, a promising medic alpha in training the moment she saw him. But as Avery's love for him blossomed, she soon realized that her affections were one-sided. While she yearned for him, he pursued her seemingly flawless twin sister, leaving Avery to watch from the sidelines as her sister basked in his adoration.

Years later, Avery returns home after being gone for too long to a shocking revelation—her parents have arranged for her to marry Logan. While this should have been good news, the man she once admired is now a stranger, his heart hardened and his demeanor cold. Avery soon learns that Logan's marriage proposal was merely a means to be closer to the sister who broke his heart.

Despite Logan's cruelty and indifference, Avery resolves to win his love, determined to prove her worth and surpass her sister in his eyes. Yet just as she believes she's succeeded, her world is shattered by her sister's return, threatening to undo all Avery's efforts.

Will Avery forever remain second best in Logan's eyes, forever overshadowed by her sister's memory? Or will she defy the odds and claim the love she's fought so hard for? Dive into this gripping tale of love, betrayal, and redemption to uncover the truth that lies within Avery's heart.

*~~Chapter One~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

Love, that emotion is such a hoax. Actually, it’s not. It’s beautiful with the right person, ugly with the wrong person. But I can’t have the beauty or the ugliness when my love is unrequited. When I first met him, the Medic alpha in training, I was enamored. Mostly due to the fact that our pack has never had a medic alpha before. They’re usually assigned to the bigger, and more popular packs, ours was none of that.

I was delighted. At the age of eleven, I was getting into the phase of having crushes, and the thirteen-year-old medic alpha was right in my sight. He was smart, charming, too good to be training to work in a pack like ours.

No offense. I know my father worked hard but we had to be honest.

I hoped he’d notice me, and we’d become friends. Move from friends to lovers. Yes, I had it all planned out in my head. I knew when we’d get married and have children, and blah blah blah.

I was learning what it meant to love, and he was befriending my sister. Never sparing me a glance.

Here’s the deal, I- Avery Sterling, rank 404 blue nurse omega in the making- was never number one at anything. Not with Ava around. Ava was my twin. My parents' golden eye, the pack’s most beloved, and everyone’s favorite person.

Where I grew up nerdy, shy, and unable to talk to the guy I was crushing on. Ava grew up bold, protected from all harshness by everyone’s love. She was gorgeous, she was given better genes. We were both pale, blonde with blue eyes, but even someone with a glass eye could see that Ava did it better.

Her blonde hair was lighter, her lips fuller, her eyes brighter- making the blue seem almost angelic- and she was a total Barbie girl. She loved pink, and she made sure everyone knew it. It looked amazing on her, and she never had to worry about having a crush who didn’t like her because they loved her.

Ava took the rank 208. In our world, wolves are ranked in numbers and categories. From the age of six you know your assigned future, that was the deal. That was how the wolf world worked.

If you’re in the one hundred to five hundred mark, then you’re destined for greatness in the field of healing, and medicine. The color added to your rank determines the specific part of the job you’ll have.

Color blue is a nurse.

I was given nurse in training from four hundred, meaning I was just close to not being in the healing factor. Which is trouble for an omega. If we can’t heal then we have no place in a pack. Nurses work under the medic alphas who have ranks of zero something. Meaning they are beyond the exception- like Logan Grey. The man who had my heart in a cage he never knew about.

My sister was always destined to be greater than me, of course, she not only ranked higher than me, but she got the rare color rainbow. The rainbow means the omega can decide what she wants to be.

She chose fashion stylist, because why not leave what your calling is and spread your wings? My parents, although worried, were proud of her. She received this color at sixteen. The rank comes in at six, the color comes at sixteen.

No one cheered for me. No one said congratulations. My parents didn’t even ask. Who cares about Avery when you’ve got Ava to make everything right?

My blonde hair was darker, my eyes were sharp blue they were a darker shade, it’s like the world wanted us to really be polar opposites. And Ava rode the fame and love. She didn’t care enough about her twin. Hell, she’s called me Francis once. She doesn’t know my name.

I’m her literal shadow. And when logan fell for her, I told myself I should have expected it. Why would he choose me over her? When has anyone chosen me?

Guys went out with me to get to her. They dumped me when she was available. If she said the sky is pink they’d believe it.

I got better grades and graduated top of my class, but no one cared. My parents cheered for her when she graduated on that same day they forgot to do the same for me. They bought her ice cream, and Logan took her on a road trip to Paris.

I got a job to buy myself a cake. When I applied to get into the college of my dreams, I knew I’d get in. And once I did, I left. I wanted to be somewhere where nobody could compare me to Ava. I left my heart with the boy who never acknowledged me, as he fell deeper for the sister who sometimes forgot I existed.

Life was different out of my pack. I made friends, avoided relationships, and made my way to being the best nurse I could be.

So one day a medic alpha could choose me to work at his side. I graduated at eighteen and spent six years perfecting my skills.

I had no intention of returning back, especially when an offer came from a bigger pack. That was until i got the SOS from my mother.

The message gave me mixed feelings.

Mom: Ava is missing. We need you to come back home.

I stared at this message for days. Unsure of what to make of it. Ava was missing..... I must be cruel because I didn’t feel one hundred percent bad about that. She did absolutely nothing to get anything she had. She was just prettier. And that was enough for the world.

But at the same time, I’m not barbaric. My twin is missing and my parents are freaking out. So of course, like the good daughter I am, I went back to our small pack.

Only to find that things had changed. The once moon fire pack had been changed to the bleeding star pack, and it was bigger. And better than I’d ever known it to be.

I frowned upon arriving at my childhood home. It’s no longer what it used to be. Almost like it had been left untouched for all the years I’d been gone.

Discomfort and dread hit me instantly. I slowly got out of the car, paid the fare, and dragged my bags towards the front door. I’d barely touched the porch when the door sprung open, jolting me, and my parents ran out.

I clutched my fingers around the handle of my bag, prepared to fight them if they tried to... um, I don’t know. Steal my kidney for their perfect daughter.

Instead of doing something horrible to me, they engulfed me in a hug that sent all the alarm bells ringing in my head.

They didn’t hug me for any of my birthdays, they didn’t give me any affection period. Either they’re dying, or I’m about to be deceased.

“Uh, are you guys okay?” I had to ask when they wouldn’t let go. A full-minute hug? Yeah, fuck know. They’re plotting something.

“We’re just happy to see our daughter,” Dad said. He kissed my cheek and offered to carry my bag. Mom urged me towards the house, and the red flags have never been brighter. A scent caught me off guard.

One I hadn’t gotten a whiff of in years. What is he doing here?

I asked myself as I found logan in the living room. He’d aged so well. Grey stormy eyes, sharp features, his raven black hair was slicked black and the thin-rimmed glasses resided firmly on his nose. He looked... I swallowed, I am over this crush. I swear I am.

Or I thought I was but god, is he so much more.... he’s just more of everything he used to be. Except, something is missing. Not the hyperactive blonde I called my twin. But the spark of happiness, the light of life that used to be in those eyes.

He looks.... colder. What happened?

“Logan, she’s here.” my mother announced. And out of a reflex, I turned around to face the staircase. Waiting to see Ava come down.

Surely that’s why Mother said that. When Ava didn’t arrive, I noticed I was being stared out.

“Okay someone needs to explain. What is going on? I thought you called me because Ava’s missing.”

Logan scoffed. “Missing. What a joke.” he got up, and walked off toward the kitchen.

What was that? Logan worships my sister. I’m missing something.

I went towards the couch and dropped into it. “What’s going on?”

my father sighed. He pulled my bag next to me and lowered onto the spot next to me.

“Logan proposed to Ava six months ago, she said yes.” my father said.

I don’t know why my heart seemed to crack. I should be over him. They were in love. Of course, he’d propose.

“She said yes, then proceeded to steal from us and him and run off with some guy. An alpha of another pack. Logan said she told him, he wasn’t alpha enough for her. She wanted someone in charge of his own pack.” my jaw dropped. She did what?!

She stole from our parents, from logan- “Wait how much did she steal?”

“Four hundred thousand dollars from logan. And basically, everything we had. She knew the passcode to the accounts. She... we never saw it coming.”

She stole from them, said logan wasn’t alpha enough for her and dipped. That doesn’t sound like Ava at all. Wow, holy shit.

“So why am I here? Do you need me to find her?”

My mother shook her head. “No, we’re broke, Avery. We need money, and the only one offering to give us a good settlement is Logan. In return, you marry him.”

I shot out of the seat. “No, no no. He’s in love with Ava!”

“Correct.” Logan’s deep voice made me jump as he finally came out of the kitchen. “I am in love with your sister. I’m not mad she stole from me. I’m mad she dumped me over the letter. She didn’t even return the ring. If you marry me, I can secure you a job as my medic, and your parents don’t have to be homeless.”

this can’t be happening. They’re not going to goad me into marrying him- I just.... I can’t do it.

I want to marry him so much. But not when he’s... he’s not even mad that she stole from him. That’s love right there, and it isn’t aimed at me.

I looked at the state of this house. I grew up here. And now it looks like my parents stand the chance of losing it. Of course, the one time they need me, it’s for their own benefit.

I have to think about this. Can i really alter the course of my life just for something my sister did? Yes. Do I want to? no.

But I’d be married to logan. Ugh, why does that seem so good? I’d be Mrs. Grey. Legally his wife. But he doesn’t love me.

Still, I’d be his wife. Oh boy, this is tough.

*~~Chapter Two~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

I said yes. I’m weak for him, I know. I’m disappointed in myself too. The more I thought about being his wife, the less the consequences seemed to be. Two weeks went by and we were set to be married. I’d had all my stuff moved here, Logan gave me a spot in his house to put them in. A large room. Not the master bedroom.

I’m not sure why, but slowly it started to dawn on me. I am the definition of desperation. Who gets engaged to the man who spent half his life fawning over her sister?

I must be crazy. I stared at myself in the mirror. We’re not having a big wedding. Logan’s invited his family, and my family is going to serve as witnesses. We’re having a court wedding. I tried to suggest something else but his response was chilling.

Still, that didn’t stop me. First loves suck.

I’m not ava. Why did I think him deciding to marry me would... this is so stupid. I don’t have to go through with it. My parents only paid for my fees but that’s all they did for me. I don’t want them homeless though, I’m not a monster. I love them, in a different way.

Maybe things will turn out differently. Perhaps he’ll see that I’m.. I laughed at myself.

What a thought. He didn’t even know my name until my sister robbed him. That’s what my mother said. She seems to have some regrets for showing too much attention to my sister and nothing to me. But isn’t that a bit too late?

I’m twenty-four. I was second place to Ava, and even now when she’s not here, I still remain at second.

I got up from the chair, my hair looked okay. Probably not as good as Ava. She was his for years, and now I’m marrying him because she wanted someone better. Who could be better than a medic alpha?

Who? Especially one from the Grey family. I just have to get this over with. Who knows, perhaps he’ll realize that being broken up by the girl he really wanted to marry isn’t a good thing. Then perhaps I’ll get to be the one who mends his heart. Perhaps he might see something better in me.

Again, I laughed. What a ridiculous thought. How am I supposed to compete with a girl like Ava?

While he was my first love, Ava was his. And if I’m any evidence then first loves don’t just fade. Not love like this.

The wedding was.... boring. I imagined my marriage would be anything but this. Logan didn’t even wear a suit. He wore a long-sleeved black turtle neck and a pair of grey pants. He looked refined, but this was not the place to wear work clothes.

He had an empty expression on his face, and I tried not to look behind me. This is embarrassing. My wedding to Logan lasted twenty minutes. We signed the papers, and I got a plain gold ring.

As empty as his feelings for me. On my way out, I was stopped by my mother who wanted to thank me. I could only nod. The ring is just so empty, this wedding could barely count as one, and now I’m going back to his house while he goes to work.

I begin tomorrow. Why marry, to be honest? Just why? What is he hoping to gain from this? Make my sister jealous if news gets to her?

With this terrible wedding? She’d be laughing at me. Her new alpha is likely someone even hotter, and better like she claimed. I can never one-up her. That’s the fact of my life.

I drove myself back to the new place I’ll be calling home from now on. Imagine getting married in an ordinary dress. I just plucked it out of my closet.

I grabbed my phone and called my best friend.

Aisha is a beta. Beta ranks from seven hundred downwards to be things like teachers, philosophers, and anything that involves discovering and passing on information. She’s a federal informant for the Dark Moon pack.

“Yay, you’re married.” she didn’t sound excited, and honestly, neither did i.

“Let’s be real, I made a mistake.”

“Of course you did. Had your parents told Ava to do this for them, she’d have stuck her ground and said no. But you’re so into this guy you forgot that he called you ‘that girl’ and ‘Ava’s something’ throughout high school. That asshole didn’t even get to know your name. He kept forgetting Ava had a twin like everyone else. For fuck sake, I thought we were done with this.”

I walked through the hallway, spotting the photos of Ava framed and placed around. Fuck me. Aisha has a point.

“But this could be different. She hurt him. I mean, surely he realizes she’s just all looks-”

“And what? You think if he didn’t realize back then, he will now?”

“He.... why else would he marry me?”

“maybe because you look like the woman he loves. He’s so into her he’s willing to marry the girl he didn’t know had a name. For fuck sake, and your fucking parents. They did nothing for you. Not one praise. This happens all the time.”

“Aisha-”

“No, no. I am tired of you doing this. Remember when Ava scratched your dad’s car? Hmm? She cried and said they’d forbid her from going to her friend’s birthday if you don’t take the blame. You took the blame, they bought her a car of her own and forbade you from driving for six months. You were walking to school, and she didn’t even offer to drive you once. Or how about the time your mom saw her sneak out and get wasted in your neighbor’s yard, but when they were asked which daughter did it, they turned you in? Your neighbour believed it too. It’s so stupid. So fucking stupid how these people take advantage of you and you let them. Did you not enjoy being free? I just.... I’ll call you tomorrow. But I stuck by you through all of that. I didn’t fall for her bullshit once. I thought we’d gone past letting your feelings for this asshole get the better of you, but you’re not. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but at least Ava had some backbone. You have none, and I won’t be picking up your calls to hear you weep and sob. I did enough of that throughout high school.”

Aisha hung up before I could say anything else back. At least Ava had a backbone.

I ran my hand through my hair. Thinking about how the wedding was so bland, no feelings involved. The way my parents hugged me for the first time because I was giving them something. I looked at the painting in front of me. Ava and Logan look happy and all too in love.

And she had the guts to leave him for someone better. She was daring, she was bold, she didn’t chase- she attracted people to her.

Me? I’m settling for scraps because I’m still in love with this guy. I’ve pissed off my best friend because she thought I’d moved on. That I was better than this.

Goddess, even after six years, I’m still a loser. I continued my walk back to my room. Tomorrow I start work at the hospital Logan runs. I can’t wait for that. I slipped out of my shoes, and scrolled through my phone.

Aisha might be right about my parents, but what if things end differently with Logan? Ava is out of the picture. He knows my name. I can woo him. Sure, I can’t flirt for shit. Defending myself is not my forte. But I’m sure we can build something together.

I have to at least try.

Or all this would have just been the introduction to my memoir of stupidity. And while Aisha is right, I let assholes dictate my life, but I want this to work out more than I’ve ever wanted anything.

I can show him. Fuck it, I can do it. I’m not entirely the girl I used to be. I can, and I will do this.

*~~Chapter Three~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

The next morning I woke up feeling like my body was tired, and just in need of more sleep. I’m still Avery Sterling. Logan wanted to keep his last name for himself. This is truly the most humiliating thing I’ve done. I got out of bed, unable to sit with the shame but still hopeful that I could turn this thing around.

I did my regular morning stretch, checked the time, and noted that I had two hours until I started my first shift as a medic alpha’s nurse. One who is also my roommate. I wanted to smile, but the shame was still there.

I did this. No one forced me. I could have left. I could have left and told them all to fuck themselves. Kept some semblance of self-worth. I sighed and finished the last of my stretches.

I went into the bathroom, brushing my teeth and washing my face. The girl in the mirror is beautiful. The girl in the mirror is worth it. I am worth a lot more than what I was given. It is not my fault they didn’t pay attention to me.

I had to go to therapy after leaving this pack. I feel like I’m undoing my progress for him. But people don’t understand. The Logan I watched from afar was a charming stud who cared so much about helping him. I would listen to him talk over and over while Ava pretended to listen.

I was paying attention to how he smiled when he helped someone, or when he saw her. The him that nearly got heart eyes whenever he was around her. He loved to discuss the process of healing someone who’s been hurt. Someone who thought they didn’t stand a chance at life. He was.... admirable. Gorgeous. Incredible to be around.

And the downside might be that he didn’t take any interest in me.

I exited the bathroom, I needed coffee. I always drink it before I take a bath. I located the big kitchen on the down floor. The smell of coffee brewing hit my nose. I leaned over to see Logan. Shirtless from the waist up. He wore low-hanging black sweatpants, and I tried not to gawk at him.

Instead, I entered the kitchen. He turned his head slightly, giving me a once-over. Then he snickered.

“I never noticed the obvious differences between you and Ava.”

I started to feel self-conscious about my choice of sleepwear. When I went to bed I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I did know you were Ava’s twin but I didn’t notice anything else. Not even the way you speak, or the way you dress.” he walked closer, bringing a hand up to touch my hair. Ava had the curly blonde hair, while mine was the straight one that couldn’t keep a curl for more than an hour,

“Your hair color is also wrong. Like a dirty blonde. Your eyes aren’t as blue. You’re not as curvy as she is. You’re also a bit slimmer, and that’s not a good thing. She was plumpy in the right areas, you... eh. All these differences, I hadn’t noticed. The only thing you have going for you is your brain. I contacted the university you graduated from in other to get a reference for your job, and they spoke highly of you. Apparently, several medic alphas want you as their nurse. But then again, that’s not really special. What is brains with no beauty to back it up?” he sighed, sounding disappointed. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter. I didn’t marry you out of love, so I don’t need to like you. I just need you to be a vice, my rebound. Ava and I were going to spend the rest of our lives together. I think she’ll still come back. And you need to know, that’s when I’ll consider it a true marriage.”

My mind circled. Trying to process his criticism, his insults, and then his last words.

“You plan on taking her back?”

His hand moves to my cheek, my skin lights up from the warmth of his touch.

“I think she and I can work this out. You’re my key to getting her back.”

I parted my mouth to ask what he meant, but Logan tipped my chin. Locking his eyes with mine, and my ears nearly exploded from the sound of my heart beating fast. His thumb drew circles around my cheek.

“Ava rarely spoke about you. The only time she did was when you got accepted into Cayman University. You left before her. She didn’t like the idea of you doing something before her. If she gets news that you and I are together, she’ll come back to me. She’ll realize she was wrong about her so-called perfect alpha.”

He sounds.... heartbroken, and making rash decisions. For fuck sake, he sounds like me. And hearing words like that as they came off the mouth of someone I was hard-core crushing on left me feeling like I’d been shot in the foot.

I was still dealing with the fact that I was a rebound, and bait to make my sister jealous when his lips touched mine. I froze.

He’s kissing me.

Logan Grey is kissing me. My lashes fluttered until I shut my eyes. I returned the kiss, matching his pace. Letting the feelings coursing through me. The desire was incredible. The feel of his lips, the brush of his tongue over my lips. My heart was in an uneven pattern. The nights I spent dreaming about-

logan pulled back abruptly. “You’ll get better at it. Ava was good at everything. And you’re still a loner. That was a first kiss for you, wasn’t it? It shows. It’s not very good. Like kissing a washing machine.”

I recoiled and cupped a hand over my mouth. Logan was already walking back to the coffee maker. He poured himself a cup, before speaking once more. I was embarrassed, feeling humiliated.

That was not my first kiss. But the first guy to kiss me wanted me to think he liked me so he could ask my sister out. And now someone else is doing the same thing.

This feels like high school all over again.

“As my nurse, you’re going to be up to date with all my work. My theories of healing. The different ways to heal and treat injuries and diseases. You’re going to be at my side for each-”

“I know all this.”

He cocks a smile. “Like I said, you got your brain going for you. I’m going to need to see that in the hospital. Today is a Monday, which means we’re working extra hard. Do you have any questions before we have to get ready?”

I scanned his face, remembering how he’d kissed and insulted me. I can see the dimple revealed in his smile and the emptiness in his eyes. This man doesn’t see me as anything but a vice to help him get back his true love. He doesn’t want me here but I am determined to change his view.

I swallowed back the pain that was gripping my spine, that was choking me. My anxiety was crazy, forcing my hands to shake. I forced a smile.

“Um, why aren’t you wearing a ring?”

“Why would I?”

Another blow to me. I nod and decide to forget about having coffee. “I’m going to go take a shower. I’ll see you at the office.”

He nods but says nothing more. I ran off, not letting myself break down until I was in my room. I dropped to my knees by the bed. I found that I could cry, but my body was shaking. I can do this. Look, it might seem crazy but this is my one shot to have a chance with Logan. He might think there can be nothing between us right now but that can change quite fast.

Ava wasn’t into him that much until he spent a year pining after her. I know I can do this. I can make him fall for me. I am not just smart. My college experience was entertaining. It was amazing. I was complimented, and hit on, I excelled in my classes. My part-time job gave me more than enough money so I didn’t have to rely on my family.

I can do this. I strengthened my resolve and got to my feet. I showered and got ready. Putting on a black jumpsuit and a pair of matching block heels. I put my hair up in a ponytail, took my bag with all my essentials, and went back down. I left the house without waiting for him.

On the drive to Heart Inc. Where he works, I received a call from Aisha.

“Hey, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.”

“I know. Look, I’m sorry. What I said was uncalled for, I was just so disappointed. You married the guy. And not the dream princess wedding you wanted, just some bland wedding that makes me feel sorry for you. What are you doing, Avery? Do you think this will change his mind?”

I thought about telling her that he kissed me, and the things he said, but opted out of it. She already hates him, I don’t need to add to that.

“It’s complicated. Look, even if I’d gotten over him, the house my parents were in was in a piss-poor stage. They were going to be on the streets, and I’m not cruel enough to let it happen.”

“But that’s not your real reason.” Aisha countered. She knows me all too well.

“I know. I’m a disaster around him. But Aisha, he’s hurting badly. He actually thinks marrying me will get Ava back to him. She’s off with some millionaire alpha who runs his own pack. She won’t be coming back.”

“Is she though? Where would she have met this millionaire alpha? And last I checked, the Grey family are billionaires. They don’t need to work to get what they want. But they do.”

I remember sparing them a glance at the court. They looked just as bored as their son. I must have been presented as a fool during it.

I cringed at the thought but let it wash away with the hope that I could make it work with Logan. He says one thing now but I know I can change his mind. I just know it.

But I have to try first.

“yeah, they’re wealthy. But Ava wanted something more-”

“Your sister is a bitch. I love you, you know that. We’ve been best friends since we were toddlers. I know how you feel about him. Promise me, promise me that if Ava comes back you won’t be stupid enough to challenge her for him. You won’t let him decide between the two of you. Because you know how this story ends. He’ll pick her. And you’ll be left shattered more than anything.”

I could barely even breathe as she finished speaking. It could be different.

“Promise me.”

“I promise. If she comes back, and she wants him, I won’t stay for them to hurt me more.”

“Good, that’s all I ask. Let your last decision be yours. You’ll know you tried, but when it inevitably fails-” I choked on my saliva as I swallowed. “You have to be the one to let go.”

God, I hope she doesn’t come back.

*~~Chapter Four~~*

{~~Logan Gray~~}

“I don’t trust that girl. First, you bring me a gold digger, with the dumbest look on your face. Saying, oh this is who I want to marry, and now you bring me her sister? At least that one was a thief this one has no backbone. I must have done something wrong to you for you to treat me like this.” My mother was wailing, holding onto my father’s arm while my brothers stared at me.

They had stopped by this afternoon to complain. As if that would change my mind. I was in love no less than six months ago, and not running my own pack had the woman I wanted to share a life with running into the arms of another man. Of course, that shit hurt.

My family was ready to hunt and kill her. I wouldn’t let them. To them, she was a gold digger and selfish. But I know who the real Ava is. I know she would never have done this to me had that guy not brainwashed her.

So I’m going to wait. She didn’t like Avery- what an ugly name- but she seemed to envy whenever her sister got any form of attention. I recall a rant when she was discussing how Avery had the teachers in her school’s attention because she was brilliant. And some teachers even said Ava must have swapped the colors somehow because Avery was too smart and talented to have landed in the four hundred category.

Well, the colors appear on the palm of each sixteen birthday, then it disappears. Someone has to take a photo and send it to the head of your pack so it can be processed into the system built for wolves.

Avery is basic but the girl is brilliant. When I called her university, the teacher in charge there told me about the list of alphas who wanted her as their nurse. If this works, and Ava returns, I was reassured that Avery can get a job anywhere else. Which is just perfect for me.

I won’t have to worry that I ruined her life. And I don’t think I did. I don’t truly care if I’m being real. She agreed to this, it’s not like I forced her or anything like that. But my parents don’t like the Sterlings.

“I have work. Do you people know that? I start in one hour and I haven’t even had the chance to step foot into the hospital. Look, I’m an adult. It was my money that Ava took not yours. And about Avery, the girl doesn’t have a single bad bone in her. She’s pathetic as you said. She can’t argue back. She was always meant to be in her sister’s shadow not in the spotlight. Do your research on her. She’s the top most wanted blue nurse.”

My older brother shook his head. “What is wrong with you? You’re letting your feelings for Ava blindside your way of thinking. Anyone with an eye could tell she wanted to steal from you. She didn’t even accept your advances until you bought her a five hundred dollar ticket to see her favorite band. Like a psycho. Her sister might be here to steal money for herself too. But I can see you won’t learn your lesson with just our words. Don’t come crawling back when this backfires and you have no money.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “I make more money than any of you. I don’t have to worry about anything. Avery doesn’t have access to any of my accounts. She’s doing this so her parents don’t end up homeless. I won’t come crawling back, but if I’m wrong I’ll drive over to your place in my Mercedes Benz GLC three hundred just to tell you that you were right.” I snapped right back at him.

“What if you fall for her?”

I dropped my frown and laughed. It was too funny to see the way my parents and siblings worried. But the likely chance of me falling for Avery is slim. She looks like Ava to some extent. But not enough to win over my heart.

“You have nothing to worry about. She’s basically just a life-sized ticket to me getting what I want. No feelings here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to work. Get out of my house.”

They tried to argue with me but I chased them all out. I drove quickly, clocking it in only a minute before I’d have been counted in as late, it was interesting to return to work knowing I had a wife.

I didn’t even wear a ring. Simply because we’re not really married. And any day I get bored of her, I’ll just take another woman to my bed.

My heart was still aching for Ava. My god did she fill my days with joy. She was so beautiful, and we spent so much time on dates, having sex, and falling in love like a couple in a rom-com. I never thought she would leave me. And I have to get her back.

I went through the first three hours of my day having no clue that Avery was around until I was called to handle an emergency. A man’s hips shattered after he slipped off the top of his staircase and tumbled down.

The chief medical officer was waiting the hallway of the third floor. I waved to catch his attention, his eyes seemed so focused on what was happening in the room. I didn’t know what it was until I got closer, and then I noted that Avery was in the room with the patient.

A medic alpha does the healing, and the treating, they diagnose and do so much. But they need nurses for a reason. A blue nurse can do everything a medic alpha can, but the nurse’s healing energy isn’t as strong as a medic alpha. And while I can smell some symptoms, something that might have been overlooked by a machine.

But in that room, Avery was rambling about something. Something that had my CMO in shock. And not in a bad way. What the hell is she talking about?

*~~Chapter Five~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

When the CMO asked one of the nurses in training to go and get my husband, I straightened up and told myself to wait for him to arrive. But the patient was screaming, and the CMO couldn’t figure out what to do, so I suggested I take a look. As the medic alpha’s nurse, I should be able to gather information so I can pass it on to him. So the medic alpha doesn’t have to stress himself, he can just focus on the patient.

It took me five minutes but I figured it out. The man was refusing to tell us the real truth but I could see it.

“You got an infection, that’s what shattered your hips. It’s common in zeta wolves over sixty who have sex with infected omegas.” the man stared at me in shock.

“No, I fell.... I-” he looked at his wife, an older woman who was glaring daggers at me.

“Are you insinuating that I gave my husband this infection?”

“No. It’s a parasite. Something that omegas can contract if they’ve recently swarmed around in murky waters and didn’t clean their bodies thoroughly. The injury doesn’t make sense. If he had fallen off the stairs, at the angle he mentioned, he’d have broken more than just his hips.”

The wife was stunned, but she didn’t seem to believe me. And that is normal.

“You’re not the doctor.”

“True. But I am the nurse. And if the doctor confirms my words, what will you do then? Deny that your husband had an affair with someone unclean? Did you see him trip down the stairs?”

“No, but I heard him scream and he was at the bottom of the stairs.”

I put my gloves on and reached for his head. Turning it to the side so I could inspect it. “No bruise, just as I suspected. The only injury is his shattered hip bones. I know it’s hard to believe but this is the works of a parasite. Let me explain how it works.”

So I went into detail, making sure to use simpler words instead of the medical terms that would confuse a regular person. The man kept pitching in with screams, and denial. Still, I continued, the wife was paying attention and nodding. She had switched from angry to interested. Following me word for word. I was listing out the ways to solve his problem and get rid of the parasite permanently as just healing wouldn’t fix it when a hand touched my shoulder.

My bones nearly took flight out of my body, but I managed to keep myself in check. I turned, expecting the CMO to be there, and he was. Only he wasn’t alone.

Logan was standing next to him. He looked displeased. Had I stepped out of line? I tried to keep my face steady.

“Doctor Grey, I was just-”

He gave me a look that told me to be quiet. “Sorry for the delay. I hope my nurse didn’t upset you. We haven’t decided on what the issue is but I’ll get to work on your husband. It shouldn’t take long if he simply fell.” then he paused, noting that the woman’s eyes were still on me.

“The nurse said if I remember it correctly, that if it’s just treated without removing the parasite, the consequences can be dire. Please check for the parasite. If what she says is true, then I need to know I’m going to prison for killing my husband while he was healthy.”

My spine stiffened. The older woman looked creepy as her face brightened with a cruel grin. The man looked terrified. I couldn’t even blame him.

I would be in the same boat if a nurse exposed me for having a dirty affair and my wife just flat out said she’d delete me from life if it was true. I kept to myself as Logan gave me another displeased expression. His stormy eyes locked onto mine, and he made a gesture asking me to leave. I was ready too when the CMO spoke.

“She’s your nurse, Doctor Grey, she does this with you. Ma’am, please, let me take you off here while we prep your husband for healing.”

I wanted to ask them both to stay because the moment the door shut, Logan turned to fully face me.

“Administer some morphine while I get ready.”

“Logan-”

“You can follow orders, can’t you? You’re a nurse, not the medic alpha. Let this be the last time you give a diagnosis without my fucking permission.”

I frowned and nodded. I went over to the man. Paying attention to the amount of morphine I gave to the patient. Logan's words stayed in my mind but I kept myself strong. He wouldn’t fall for a weak woman. I have to try to be strong. To hold back my emotions even when his words hurt.

In reality, he wouldn’t make a good medic alpha at the university I went to. The rules there were clear. A medic alpha might be exceptional, but even they needed nurses. They relied too much on the standards and their scents. As nurses, we think outside the box. And we piece things together at a quicker pace.

This should have been a short, interesting thing, but Logan made it dull and quiet. He basically told me to stand in the corner while he did everything, and when he cut the man open- because yes with how shattered his hip bone was, it needed to be put back together by hand- he did it all without my help. Even though I could have made the process quicker.

I did have to put the patient out- like give him a drug so he’d go unconscious for just two hours. That was all. By the time he was done, I was ready to leave. I had to ask myself why I thought Logan was the best at everything.

I let myself sigh, and I turned to leave when he stopped me.

“You’re working overnight.”

“But I-”

“But nothing. My parents are still in town, and I would rather have a quiet dinner with them. Without you present. Can you at least do that? Or do I have to divorce you? Should I find another woman to take your place? You’re already failing me on the first day. Are you that incompetent?”

His words were daggers to my heart, and I curled my fingers into a fist. Don’t cry, I murmured to myself.

“My apologies. I can do that. This won’t happen again.”

He stared at me for long before snickering. “Ava better come back to me soon,” he murmured under his breath but i still heard it. I shakily picked up the petri dish where he’d kept the micro parasite, and got to work disposing of it. The other nurses would clean the room, and move the patient.

I have to push through. It may sound like logan hates me but that’s because he doesn’t know me. I can be fun. I can be just what he wants even better. My sister isn’t coming back. Ava would never admit to being wrong, so he’s holding on to false hope.

I will be here. He’ll see. He’ll see who the better twin is. I just need to not take hsi words to the heart, he’s just hurt. Hurt people say bad things. That doesn’t make him a jerk.

*~~Chapter Six~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

Today was a rough day, and all I wanted was to slip into bed. Tomorrow would be another hard one. I did the night shift until 12 a.m. when the CMO told me to leave. He couldn’t risk the lives of his patients if the nurse taking care of them was falling asleep.

I was so grateful. The man was nice. In fact, everyone was nice. The problem stood with Logan and his family.

I sighed and got into my car. The drive back was slow, I was too tired to go at the right speed and I wasn’t about to risk my life. I pulled into the garage and turned off the engine. Placing the car in park, I took out the car keys and stumbled my way towards the door. It opened before I could touch it. My face ended up planting in a strong bared chest.

I grumbled and tried to straighten up.

“You look like you’ve had too much to drink.” Logan’s voice wiped all traces of exhaustion from me. I moved quickly and forced a smile to my face. Goddess, he’s so handsome. Sometimes I can’t breathe around him.

I remember my high school days and how obsessed I was. Every time he showed up, I’d forget how to breathe, and get so lost in trying to get him to notice me. I finally did, maybe not in the way I wanted, but he was looking at me.

“I worked a bit too much.”

“I see, come inside. I can draw you a bath.”

I blinked. I must be dreaming. I wanted to pinch myself but instead, I mouthed a thanks and followed him into the house. It smelled like grilled chicken. Must have been the dinner he had with his family. Calmed, and not willing to ruin this moment, I clambered up the stairs and followed him to my room.

“Put your things on the bed, and strip.”

“I can do that after you’ve left.”

This stops him on his way to my bathroom. He gives me a flabbergasted look.

“Are you stupid? Do you think I’m drawing you a bath because I care about relieving your muscles? I want us to discuss the sexual aspect of our agreement.”

I tensed. Was a virgin? No. I have it in my mind that I was never going to be it logan when I left, so I dated. I lost it to a guy in my class named Ethan. He was charming, he was wonderful, but he and I worked so well because we loved someone else.

We would discuss our partners and after two years of being sex buddies, Ethan’s love got jealous of me, and she asked him out. They're dating now, they're happy and she's a good friend of mine as well.

We still talk. We’re good friends. The reason I’m bringing this up is because I know how I felt during my first time. I was terrified. But Ethan had been sweet. Had I still been a virgin while Logan was looking at me like that?

His gorgeous eyes filled with disgust, I think I’d have died or broken down. I can’t believe that I’m grateful my first time wasn’t with the man I loved.

Fuck me.

“Sure. I’ll get undressed.”

I have to focus on the positives. I held my head high and softly inhaled. I pulled my coat off. Then my shoes. I dumped my bag and car keys onto the bed before moving to strip off my jumpsuit. I kept my eyes on the floor. I couldn’t stand seeing that disgust.

To be fair, I brought this on myself. I stepped out of the suit, and my underwear. I hadn’t worn a bra. I was a B cup. A bra wasn’t always necessary for me. Especially if the clothing was tight around the chest area.

I stepped towards logan, and he hummed. It didn’t sound like he was displeased.

“Is that a scar?” he inquired, pointing towards my inner thigh. He walked towards the tub and I shut the door behind me. He turned the tap on and moved towards the cabinet. I had added some stuff that I needed but I never got to use them.

“Yes. Um, I got cut by accident.”

He raised his left eyebrow and waited for me to elaborate. I didn’t want to say it, but I wanted him to trust me.

“I got drunk with um.... a boyfriend-” I couldn’t say fuck buddy. It would make me sound like a slut. And I wasn’t. I’ve slept with just Ethan. “- he was drunk too. We ended up messing around and ended up scarred. I don’t remember exactly what gave me the cut.” I lied.

I did. It had been Ethan grabbing my thigh too tightly. I’d left him a scar too, and we didn’t even have sex. We just laughed and grumbled in pain.

I gave Logan a pleading look, hoping he wouldn’t see me in a worse way.

Logan frowns, and then his eyes widen.

“You’re not a virgin?”

I shook my head, hoping that was a good thing. His eyes darkened, and a look passed over. Then he nodded. I couldn’t understand what was going through his mind. His face never gave anything away. That made my nerves spike out more.

“Good, I don’t have to go easy on you.” he turned his head, and I worried. A flash of fear mixed with anticipation coursed through my body. I stepped forward, bringing my hands up to touch his skin. He flinched like I was a horrid plague. “Just get in the tub, turn around, and grip the sides. And I will go over the rules.”

I blinked, and he turned his blank stare into a glare. Realizing I was about to be insulted, I did as he instructed. Turning my back to him, as my body dipped into the water. I gripped the edges and felt his eyes as they watched me. Heating up flames across my skin.

“From the back, perhaps I can delude myself into thinking you’re my perfect Ava. But you will not speak, you will not moan, and you will not touch me. That ring on your finger means nothing. And if I feel like you’re not satisfying me, I will bring another woman in to show you how it is done. Are we clear on those rules?”

Whatever bit of arousal that had been growing, was flushed away as i answered. “Y-yes. I understand.”

He would bring in another woman if i.... goddess, now that i don’t know if I’d be able to take.