Betrayed by the Alpha’s Choice

After that day, the news that Omari White intended to take Briar Holmes as his mate spread throughout the pack like wildfire. On the surface, everyone offered their congratulations, but beneath the polite smiles, they were all eagerly waiting to see how this scandal would unfold.

As the Lycan Princess, I was well aware of the whispers and the implications. Omari wasn’t just any Delta—his defiance of the Lycan King’s decree was a direct challenge to the pack’s hierarchy. Even if my father, the Lycan King, valued Omari’s strength and skills, this blatant disregard for tradition could not be tolerated. Yet, Omari and Briar seemed entirely absorbed in their rebellious act, oblivious to the storm they were brewing.

Ten days later, during the pack’s annual Moonlight Festival, I ran into Omari and Briar. The festival was a time of celebration, but the tension between us was palpable.

“Princess,” Omari began, his voice firm but laced with defiance, “the pack knows of my intention to make Briar my mate. Whether you accept it or not, this is the reality. If you promise not to cause her any trouble, there will still be a place for you in my life.”

Briar, standing beside him, looked up at me with a soft, pleading expression. “Princess,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “though Omari says we’ll be equals, I still wish to treat you as a sister. I—”

I raised a hand, silencing her. I didn’t need her forced pleasantries. Turning to my Beta, who stood at my side, I gave a subtle nod. She understood immediately and handed Briar a pair of silver cuffs, intricately designed with the pack’s insignia.

“These are a gift from me,” I said, my tone cool and detached. “Consider it a gesture of goodwill. As for calling me ‘sister,’ I suggest you refrain.”

Omari’s eyes narrowed, his Alpha aura flaring slightly. “Princess,” he said, his voice cold, “Briar is trying to make peace, and yet you still treat her with disdain. Do these cuffs hold some hidden meaning? Are you trying to humiliate her further?”

I scoffed. “If you’re so concerned, have the pack’s Healer examine them. I assure you, they’re just as they appear.”

Omari’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver pendant, carefully placing it around Briar’s neck. His actions were tender, almost reverent, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of bitterness. In our past life, he had given me a similar token—a necklace laced with wolfsbane, meant to weaken me. At the time, I had cherished it, believing it a sign of his affection. Now, watching him bestow such care upon Briar, I understood what true devotion looked like.

My Beta, sensing my unease, leaned in and whispered, “Princess, the lanterns by the river are said to be the most beautiful. Perhaps we should go and see them, rather than let this ruin your evening.”

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. The lanterns were indeed stunning, their light reflecting off the water in a mesmerizing display. But any enjoyment I might have felt quickly vanished when I spotted Omari and Briar by the riverbank.

They stood close, their hands intertwined as they released a lantern into the water. “Omari,” Briar murmured, her voice soft, “I made a wish—for us to be together, always.”

“Your wish will come true,” Omari replied, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made my stomach churn.

I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, someone shoved me from behind. I stumbled, losing my balance, and plunged into the icy river. The shock of the cold water was paralyzing, and I struggled to surface.

My Beta cried out in panic, turning to Omari. “Delta Omari, the Princess can’t swim! Please, you have to help her!”

Omari hesitated, his eyes flickering between me and Briar. But before he could make a move, Briar suddenly collapsed, feigning unconsciousness. Without a second thought, Omari abandoned me, scooping Briar into his arms and carrying her to a nearby gazebo.

As the water pulled me under, I felt a wave of despair. Even in this life, his loyalty to her was unwavering, and I was left to drown in more ways than one.