After His Betrayal, I Chose His Rival

My coworkers at the pack’s healing center often accuse me of being too tightfisted. They say that to keep a high-ranking mate, I need to invest a little myself. But I just laugh it off and tell them, "As long as I’m generous to myself, that’s all that matters. Investing in yourself is the surest way to make any wolf fall at your feet."

I don’t pretend to be virtuous. Thanks to my mother, an Omega who sacrificed her dignity to support our family after my father’s injury, and my father, a Delta warrior who fell into gambling after losing his leg to a rogue attack, I’ve seen all kinds of wolves and understand life’s harsher truths. I don’t resent them; instead, I’m grateful they’ve given me a clear view of the pack’s hierarchy and its brutal realities.

When I decided to give Jaiden Diaz, a Gamma from the Silver Fang Pack, a chance, I made sure to tell him about my background, tears and all. Surprisingly, it didn’t drive him away; it only fueled his desire to protect me. I guess the allure of a fragile Omega, combined with my tough persona, is hard to resist. But, honestly, I don’t love him. What I love is his status and the security it brings. Ever since Emerson Dunn, the future Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, abandoned me three years ago, love has ceased to exist in my world. Little did I expect to run into Emerson again when Jaiden and I booked our first hotel room together.

***

Near the end of my shift, Harper, an old friend and my late mother’s colleague, came in. She’s an Omega in the Blue Moon Pack and has known me since I was a pup. "Lilianna, I’ve been seeing someone new. I’m getting older, and I’d like to finally settle down. Could you work your magic on my face?"

"Harper, you’re as stunning as ever. I can’t see a hint of age on you. You’re just being humble."

"You do flatter me, young lady. I adore your sweet talk."

Just after I applied her facial mask, a colleague burst through the door to grab my attention. "Lilianna, you need to come out here and see this."

My curiosity piqued, I walked to the front of the healing center. The floor was covered in roses. I knew instantly they were from Jaiden. My coworkers whispered among themselves, "This place is practically her personal garden now."

"So what if she’s snagged a Gamma? She’s still an Omega. And seriously, who sends roses anymore? So old-school."

I inwardly scoffed and, playing along with their remarks, I covered my face and began to cry. They were all stunned into silence. I knew Jaiden was lurking, hoping to see my delighted surprise. Instead, he rushed to my side, wrapping me in his arms as soon as he saw my tears.

"Who’s gossiping here? Get out, all of you!" he commanded. The healer in charge quickly emerged, bowing and apologizing profusely. "Gamma Diaz, I’m terribly sorry. It’s my fault for not managing my staff properly. Please, calm down."

Jaiden, eyes narrowed, scolded, "Remember this, all of you. Lilianna is my mate. Speak ill of her again, and you’ll never work in this pack again!"

His words shocked me, hitting me with a jolt of pain, brief but piercing. Not because of his protectiveness, but because Emerson once did the same. He held me and told those rogues, "Lilianna is mine! Touch her and I’ll tear you apart!"

Back then, I felt so happy. That feeling—it’s never returned. The staff, frightened, scattered, leaving just the two of us at the front desk.

I cried harder. "Jaiden, I have to work here. How am I supposed to face my colleagues now?"

"Well, it’s their fault for bullying you. Why do you even bother working? I could easily support you."

His words tore at old wounds. Emerson had once quoted a movie to me, cockily asking, "What if you didn’t have to work?"

I laughed, playing along, "Would you support me?"

"I absolutely would!"

The memory bled into fresh hurt, and I felt the pain, so raw and clear. Irritated, I pushed him away, unaware that my face was soaked with tears. "I don’t need you to support me!"

Two tears slipped down my cheeks, but instead of anger, Jaiden misread them. "There, there, no need to cry. I know you love me for who I am, not my status. Look, I got you this limited edition handbag. Try it on."

I was exasperated. "I don’t want it!"

He then produced a jewelry box, revealing a sapphire necklace. "And there’s this necklace you’ve always fancied. I paid quite a bit for it at an auction."

Seeing my reluctance, he insisted, thrusting it into my hands. "I’ve upset you today, haven’t I? Consider these gifts my apology, alright? For me, darling?"

Reluctantly, I forced myself back into reality and accepted the gifts. "Alright, but just this once. I need to get back to work now. Can you wait for me?"

"Of course!"

I returned to the treatment room, gifts in hand. Harper greeted me with a thumbs-up. "Girl, if your mother had your moves, she would’ve mated into a higher rank ages ago, and saved herself a lot of hardship."

I gave a dismissive hum, carelessly tossing the lavish gifts onto the sofa. "Everyone has their path. Thank goodness I didn’t inherit her romantic tendencies."

I said it casually, but the wound remained, deep and unhealed.