AFTER BETRAYAL, I MARRIED MY MATE’S UNCLE

I didn’t reply to Reginald’s message. Instead, I took a screenshot of it and posted it on our shared group chat. I wasn’t the kind of werewolf to let others trample over me without consequence. If they wanted to play dirty, then I had no reason to show restraint or keep their secrets under wraps.

The moment the screenshot was sent, I braced myself. As expected, my phone rang with my parents’ number lighting up the screen. I answered, preparing myself for the wave of concern and anger I knew was coming.

“Carly, what’s going on?” my mother asked, her voice laced with worry.

I took a breath and recounted the whole sordid situation, sparing no detail about what I had uncovered. They deserved to know the truth just as much as I did.

My mother’s anger was palpable, even through the phone. “That’s it. I’m coming back,” she said, her tone firm. “I’ll book a flight right now and sort this out.”

It was a typical response from her, but I didn’t think it was necessary. I began to reassure her, telling her I could handle it and didn’t want her to worry. But before I could convince her, a notification popped up on my phone. It was a message from Owen’s mother:

[Carly, please come over for dinner tomorrow. Owen wants to explain everything to you.]

I was about to dismiss the invitation when another line followed.

[Owen’s grandfather knows, and he wants to see you too, as well as some elders of the Pack.]

That gave me pause. Their family patriarch, the one whose approval Owen had chased his whole life, wanted to see me? This wasn’t just any family dinner; it was an audience. Against my better judgment, I agreed.

The next morning, while I was sifting through my emails, my assistant called me with her usual monthly question. “Ms. Crystal, it’s time to allocate funds again. How much living expenses should be given to Miss Blackwell this month?”

I didn’t hesitate. “Don’t send her anything. Starting today, there’s no need to support her financially. She has other people to rely on now.”

Reginald had been dependent on me since she entered university, but I’d had enough. Over the years, she’d gone from being a humble girl to one obsessed with appearances and luxury, constantly upgrading her wardrobe with designer clothes while ignoring her responsibilities. I’d been torn about cutting her off for a while, but considering everything, I finally felt at peace with the decision.

Returning to work after that call felt like taking control back piece by piece.

Since my father had handed over the reins to me after graduation, work had been both my solace and my focus, especially with him retired and traveling with my mother, while my brother handled the Pack’s duties.

But today, as I settled back at my desk, the door swung open without warning. Owen stepped in, his face clouded with frustration, so thick that I was sure that they could become tangible.

“Carly,” he snapped, his voice seething with barely controlled anger. “Do you know what you did by posting that screenshot in the group? Grandpa was so furious he nearly had a heart attack!”

I folded my arms and stared at him coolly. “And how exactly is that my fault, Owen? You made your own choices; I just stopped hiding them for you. If anyone should be ashamed, it’s you.”

My words hit their mark. Owen’s face tightened, and he pinched the bridge of his nose as if trying to rein in his emotions.

After a moment, he spoke in a softer, almost pleading tone. “Carly, it’s all a misunderstanding. I only think of Reginald as a sister. Nothing happened between us, I swear.”

I stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

His eyes dropped, and he added, “When you come over tonight, tell my family not to drag her into this mess. We can forget this happened and move forward as planned. Our families expect us to get married, and I… I don’t want to disappoint them.”

His tone, his reasoning—everything about his words made me feel a surge of nausea. Did he really believe I was that desperate to keep him?

I couldn’t keep the contempt out of my voice as I replied, “Owen, do you seriously think I need you to survive?”

For a second, he looked taken aback. Then, with a sigh, he softened his tone even more.

“Carly, let’s be rational. Our families have so much business together, and they’re close friends. Even our Pack’s share close boundary. If we let this escalate, it will strain things between them, which isn’t worth it. You’re angry now, but think about the bigger picture.”

I shook my head, feeling a strange sense of detachment as he spoke. Was he seriously asking me to brush his betrayal under the rug for the sake of family connections?

I met his gaze and replied with cold clarity. “Owen, if you cared so much about the family ties, maybe you should have thought about that before doing this. You brought this upon us, not me.”

He clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling over. “Alright, yes, I made a mistake,” he conceded, though his expression barely softened. “But let’s be real—every man needs some freedom. Reginald is nothing compared to you. You’ll always be the one I want by my side.”

His words filled me with a disgust I couldn’t hide. “So, you’re saying I should be grateful for that?” I let out a bitter laugh. “You’re just a self-centered, typical wolf trying to relieve your guilt. Frankly, I’m done. Go marry whoever you want; it doesn’t involve me anymore.”

His face fell, and he stammered as he took a step toward me. But I held up a hand, cutting him off.

“If you don’t want me to call security to escort you out, leave on your own,” I warned. There was no place for him here anymore, and I wasn’t about to waste another breath arguing.

By the time he stormed out, my resolve had only strengthened.

Later that afternoon, I arrived at the Jostum family’s estate as agreed.

The moment I entered, I saw Owen kneeling in the center of the hall, looking as if he’d been there a while. Bernard Jostum sat on the sofa, his face a hardened mask of authority.

“Grandpa,” I greeted softly, my voice steady as I approached.

Bernard’s gaze softened slightly. He motioned for me to come closer. “Carly, I’ve been informed of everything,” he said in a tone that demanded respect. “I asked you here to hear your perspective. Owen made a grave mistake, and he will face the consequences. But I want you to decide the terms.”

If this had been a year ago, I might have caved. But now, my mind was clear, and I knew exactly what I wanted.

“Thank you, Grandpa,” I began, my voice unwavering. “But there’s nothing left to decide. Owen and I are over. Whatever you do with him now is a family matter, and it has nothing to do with me anymore.”

The entire room fell silent and even became chilly. Owen’s mother, who had been pacing nervously nearby, shot me a desperate look, but Bernard raised a hand, stopping her before she could speak.

Bernard took a deep breath and asked quietly, “Carly, are you absolutely certain? Marriage isn’t a decision to take lightly, but if you end things, there will be no going back.”

I met his gaze and nodded. My decision was made.

Owen’s eyes found mine, desperation evident as he finally broke his silence. “Carly,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “I’ll end things with her. I swear, you’ll never hear her name from me again. Can’t you forgive me… just this once?”