After My Mate Chose Her, His Enemy Claimed Me

The morning light filtered through the grand windows of the Silver Moon Pack house as I arranged the final touches on the long oak table. My fingers trembled slightly as I positioned the last crystal glass, my reflection staring back at me from its polished surface. Dark circles shadowed my eyes after a sleepless night of preparation for today's Pack Merger Treaty meeting.

"The flowers need to be moved an inch to the left," I muttered to myself, adjusting the centerpiece. "And the Alpha's chair should face the eastern window."

I'd been working since dawn, ensuring every detail was perfect for the high-stakes meeting between our pack and the Blood River Pack. As the daughter of the late Alpha, this should have been my moment to shine—instead, I was invisible, relegated to servant duties while my stepmother and stepsister prepared to take center stage.

"Juliet!" A harsh voice cut through my thoughts. "Where are the refreshment trays?"

I turned to see my stepmother, Aileen, her lips curled in disapproval. "Coming right away," I replied, hurrying toward the kitchen.

By midday, Alphas and their delegations filled our great hall. I moved silently among them, refilling glasses and collecting empty plates. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, sensing the presence of our mate.

*Not our mate anymore*, I reminded her silently. *He chose Nadia*.

The door swung open, and my heart stuttered painfully in my chest. Lance Harrison, Alpha of the Blood River Pack and my fated mate, strode in with his entourage. His tall frame commanded attention, his dark hair falling in perfect waves across his forehead. Our eyes met briefly before he looked away, as if I were nothing more than furniture.

"Nadia!" he called out, his voice warm with affection. "You've outdone yourself with these preparations."

My stepsister glided toward him, her golden hair catching the light. "Thank you, Lance. I wanted everything to be perfect for you."

I froze, the tray trembling in my hands. Hours of my work, and he thought it was all her doing.

"Juliet," Aileen hissed from behind me. "Stop standing there like a statue. More wine for our guests."

I moved mechanically, my chest tight with the familiar ache of rejection. The mate bond pulsed weakly between us, a cruel reminder of what could have been.

---

Later that afternoon, I was cleaning up a spill caused by a nervous Omega when heavy footsteps approached. The scent hit me before I saw him—pine and winter frost, the smell that haunted my dreams.

"Still playing servant, I see," Lance's voice dripped with disdain.

I kept my eyes downcast as I wiped the floor. "Just doing my job, Alpha Harrison."

He crouched down suddenly, his face inches from mine. The proximity sent sparks racing through my veins—our mate bond reacting to his nearness.

His eyes flashed gold momentarily before darkening with anger. "Stop it," he growled.

"Stop what?" I whispered, confused.

"That... whatever you're doing to make me feel this way." He stood abruptly, towering over me. "You think you can distract me with these... these feelings?"

"I'm not doing anything," I said softly, my wolf whimpering at his rejection.

His lip curled. "You're nothing but a bed-warmer hoping to climb the ranks. Stay away from me."

He stormed off, leaving me kneeling on the floor, fighting back tears that threatened to spill.

---

"Juliet, clean the guest wing before the evening reception," Aileen ordered as I entered the kitchen.

I nodded, gathering fresh linens. The guest wing was rarely used except during special occasions like today.

As I changed the sheets in the last room, I noticed a door slightly ajar—a door I'd never seen before. Curiosity pulled me forward.

The small room was dimly lit by a single window. What I saw inside stole my breath.

It was a shrine of sorts. A silver-framed photo of Nadia sat prominently in the center. Around it were scattered items—a blue ribbon I recognized as one I'd lost years ago, a dried moonflower I'd once mentioned was my favorite.

My fingers trembled as I picked up a small card. Written in Lance's bold handwriting: "To my savior, my chosen mate. Winter Solstice will be our beginning."

The room spun around me as realization crashed down. He was planning to propose to Nadia at the ceremony. The final erasure of me from his life.

I clutched the ribbon tightly, my wolf howling in anguish. All this time, he'd been planning a future with her while I withered away from the rejected bond.

"He's going to make her his Luna," I whispered, the words burning my throat like acid.

And I would be nothing but a forgotten servant, watching as my mate chose another.