Betrayed before the Altar

I couldn't stop the tears that streamed down my face as the doctor's words echoed in my mind.

"If you had been able to use the Moonroot Extract immediately after the injury, this could have been prevented," he added. "Or even if you'd come in right after the second injury before the tendons completely ruptured..."

The surgery was scheduled for that afternoon. I didn't even have time to process what was happening before I was being prepped, the anesthesia taking me under as I silently said goodbye to a part of myself.

When I woke hours later, I couldn't look at the bandaged stump, couldn't bring myself to accept this new reality.

My phone buzzed. A message from Damian.

"I heard what happened. I'm so sorry, Violet. I'm flying back today—arranged for the best prosthetic available. Stay strong. This changes nothing between us."

The message brought fresh tears to my eyes. While my mate had abandoned me, this man I barely knew was rushing to my aid.

True to his word, Damian arrived that evening, though I didn't see him. Instead, a specialist entered my hospital room carrying a case.

"Courtesy of Damian," she explained, opening the case to reveal prosthetic arm. "It's the latest model; it connects directly to remaining nerve endings. Most people won't even notice the difference when you're dressed."

The doctor who had performed my amputation seemed impressed as he helped fit the prosthetic. "This is remarkable technology. With some practice, you'll regain nearly full functionality. Just wear long sleeves in public, and no one will know the difference."

I thanked them both, marveling at the prosthetic that now replaced my arm.

I checked my phone again. Not a single message from Kian. My last text informing him I was in the hospital remained unread. He was probably too busy attending to Vivian's imaginary injuries to care that I'd lost my arm.

Back in my room at our shared cabin, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall. My phone rang—Damian again.

"How are you feeling?" His voice was warm with concern.

"I don't know how to feel," I admitted. ""Empty, Angry and Lost."

"I understand," he said softly. "This isn't how things were supposed to go. But Violet, I need you to know that this doesn't change anything for me. My feelings remain the same."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "How can you say that? I'm damaged now. Broken."

"You're perfect," he insisted. "Having one arm or two doesn't change who you are."

I wanted to believe him.

"Before I forget," he added, "could you try on the ceremonial bracelet? I want to make sure it fits properly for when you officially join my pack."

After the call ended, I retrieved the silver bracelet from my drawer. It was beautiful. With some difficulty, I managed to slip it over my prosthetic wrist.

It didn't fit.

Of course. The prosthetic was slightly heavier than my natural wrist had been. Another loss, another reminder of what had been taken from me.

I was still staring at the bracelet when the door burst open. Kian and Vivian walked in, laughing about something. They froze when they saw me sitting there.

"What's that?" Kian demanded, pointing at the moonstone bracelet.

I lifted my chin defiantly. "It's my ceremonial bracelet. I'm getting married soon."

Kian's face changed into a mocking smile. "Are you delusional? We never got married. And that's certainly not the bracelet I gave you."

"That's because it's not from you," I replied calmly. "It's from someone who actually cares whether I live or die."

Vivian stepped forward, her eyes fixed greedily on the silver bracelet. "Where did you get something this expensive? Did you steal it?"

"It was a gift," I said firmly. "From my future mate."

Kian rolled his eyes. "Future mate? Who would want you when everyone knows you've been with me for six years?"

Vivian tugged at the bracelet, trying to remove it from my wrist. "It doesn't even fit you properly. See how it's digging in? That's proof it's not yours."

Before I could stop her, she managed to pull it off. I reached for it, but she stepped back, slipping it onto her own wrist with a triumphant smile. "Look, Kian! Doesn't it look perfect on me?"

I reached for it with my prosthetic hand, but the movements were too slow. "Give that back. It doesn't belong to you."

"It fits me perfectly," Vivian cooed, ignoring my demand. "Much better than it would look on you."

Kian nodded in agreement. "It would be perfect for our wedding."

"Wedding?" I echoed. "What do you mean, your wedding?"

Kian and Vivian exchanged glances before he stepped forward, taking her hand in his.

"I was going to tell you soon," he said casually. "Vivian's parents' dying wish was for us to be together. I've decided to honor that wish."

"What?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You were supposed to be my mate!"

Kian shrugged. "I'll still marry you, Violet. That's what being an Alpha is about—responsibility. I'll marry both of you. I'll just spend more time with Vivian since she needs me more. Her allergic reactions are getting worse, and I need to be there for her."

"Two birds with one stone," Vivian added with a smirk, still admiring my bracelet on her wrist. "He fulfills his duty to you while honoring my parents' wishes."

"This is insane," I whispered. "You can't possibly think…"

"It's already decided," Kian cut me off. "The council approved it this morning. Both weddings will proceed."

They left without another word, taking my bracelet with them. I sat there, stunned, until the sun disappeared and darkness filled the room.

The next morning, I went straight to the Alpha's office. To my surprise, the Chief Elder was already there.

"Ah, Violet," he greeted me. "Perfect timing. I've just finished reviewing your case."

"My case?"

He nodded solemnly. "Your request to leave the pack and transfer to Damian’s protection. The ten days have passed, and we've decided to grant permission."

Relief washed over me like a cool wave. "So I can go? I'm free of Kian?"

"Yes. The paperwork is complete. You are no longer bound to this pack or to Alpha-heir Kian."

I felt lighter than I had in weeks. Freedom was within my grasp.

I had just returned to my apartment to pack when Kian burst through the door. His face was dark with rage as he waved his phone at me.

"I just got your message about the hospital," he growled. "Don't tell me your arm was actually cut off."

"It was," I replied calmly. "The doctor had no choice after the tendons were completely severed."

"You're lying," he snarled, stalking toward me. "You're just trying to make me feel guilty."

Before I could react, he grabbed my arm and pushed up my sleeve, revealing the prosthetic attachment. His face paled as he took in the sight.

"Oh no," he whispered, suddenly ashen. "This can't be real. You can't really have…"

"Lost my arm?" I finished for him. "I did. Because you and Vivian destroyed the medication that could have saved it. Because you left me alone during an allergic reaction you knew I would have. Because you've been choosing her over me at every turn."

For the first time, I saw genuine regret in his eyes. "Violet, I never meant for this to happen. You have to believe me."

"It doesn't matter what you meant," I said coldly. "I'm leaving."

I turned away, but he grabbed my prosthetic arm, pulling me back.

"Don't touch me," I warned. "Leave me alone."

"You can't just leave," he insisted. "You're my mate. Mine!"

"She said leave her alone."

Damian's deep voice came from the doorway. Before Kian could respond, Damian crossed the room and delivered a slap so powerful it sent Kian falling backward into the wall.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Kian demanded, holding his reddening cheek.

Damian placed himself between us, his body a shield between me and my former mate. "Taking what's mine."