Ditching My Alpha

Braxton Cole and I were childhood sweethearts, our lives intertwined since the first day of kindergarten. Our families had always been close, their bonds strong and unbreakable. When we were young, our parents arranged a marriage for us, solidifying our fates together. Braxton and I grew up knowing we would eventually marry, and that knowledge made us cautious, almost afraid to get too close to anyone else.

But then there was my sister, Lila . Lila and I had always been different. While I thrived in the comfort of our family’s love and support, Lila often felt overshadowed by me. She was beautiful and smart, but that only seemed to deepen her resentment. She felt like she could never measure up, and her jealousy simmered beneath the surface.

When I decided to help her with her studies, I thought it would bring us closer together. I wanted to show her that I believed in her, that I would always be there for her. But instead, it pushed her further away. The more I tried to lift her up, the more she seemed to pull away, believing that my kindness was a reminder of her inadequacies.

When Braxton and I discussed how we could help those in need, I suggested Lila. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to mend our fractured bond. But I underestimated the resentment she felt. I wanted to bring a little light into her life, but Lila only saw my efforts as a threat to her independence.

At first, Braxton was reluctant to get involved. “I don’t have time to play these charity games, Calla,” he said, his tone dismissive.

But my heart was set on helping her, and I pushed him to reconsider. I wanted Braxton to see Lila as I did: not just my sister but a girl full of potential and promise, deserving of support.

–

Then everything shifted in an instant. I faced a difficult time when my parents unexpectedly fell ill. Braxton, usually confident and unwavering, became a pillar of support. He rallied our friends and family, doing everything he could to help my parents during their recovery. Though he had never been one to rely on faith, he

encouraged me to find strength in our pack and its traditions, believing the goddess would guide us through the storm.

As he sought ways to lighten my burden, he decided to support Lila in her dreams, believing that helping her would bring some positive energy back into our lives. It was a simple act, but it felt profound in that moment.

When my parents began to heal, Braxton joked that Lila was the light that brought us all together. He encouraged me to treat her like family, and I welcomed her into my life with open arms, sharing everything I could. But I had unknowingly let a wolf into my heart, one who would ultimately sharpen the knife that would stab me from behind.

The thought of that betrayal gnawed at my stomach, and I lost my appetite, setting down my fork after just a few bites.

“Is the food not to your liking?” Braxton asked, concern etched across his face.

I glanced around the table, my gaze falling on the spicy dishes that overwhelmed the senses. My stomach churned at the sight of the fiery peppers, and I shook my head. “It’s fine,” I replied, though I could barely muster the strength to sound convincing.

“Sorry, I forgot you can’t handle spicy food,” he said, his voice laced with regret.

I opened my mouth to suggest we talk about us, about breaking things off, but then a familiar voice floated through the door. “Braxton.”

Lila stepped in, her presence filling the room with an air of uncertainty. She wore a stunning white dress that hugged her curves perfectly. As she entered, her radiant smile lit up the room, but when she saw me, her expression faltered for just a heartbeat before returning to its charming facade. “Oh, Calla, you’re here too,” she said, feigning surprise.

Her smile didn’t hold the same warmth for me. If you looked closely, you could see the forced nature of it, a mask that barely concealed her true feelings. I met her gaze with silence, my heart heavy with unspoken words.

Braxton frowned, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Why can’t you knock before coming in?” he asked, his voice a mix of annoyance and resignation.

Lila flashed a playful smile. “I forgot! I promise to be more careful next time.” Then she turned her attention back to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Calla, mind if I join you for lunch? I’m absolutely starving after class.”

She directed her question at me, but her eyes were glued to Braxton, as if seeking his approval. Before I could respond, he said, “Of course, come eat. If you see anything else you like, feel free to order it.”

With a bright smile, Lila glided over to sit at his right side, her laughter bubbling over as she said, “No need! You ordered all my favorites.”

Braxton’s expression froze momentarily, and I caught the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as he glanced between us. I kept my demeanor neutral, my heart steady despite the storm brewing inside.

“Eat more if you like,” I offered, trying to keep the peace.

His face relaxed, but I could sense the lingering questions in his gaze. “Calla, if you want anything, just order it.”

He handed me the menu, and I smiled politely, shaking my head. “No, I just heard something awful this morning, and I can’t shake the feeling. My appetite’s gone.”

His frown deepened. “What happened?”

Feigning nonchalance, I replied, “It’s about my friend. Her boyfriend cheated on her, indulging in her home-cooked meals while sneaking bites from his mistress. He was driving drunk this morning and got into an accident. They say he might not make it.”

I leaned in closer, my voice dropping as I added, “People with such low morals deserve to be punished, don’t you think, Braxton?”

My wolf snickered Cheating asshole.

I wore a smile, but Braxton’s face turned dark. He seemed momentarily lost for words before finally managing a response. “Yes… yes, they do.”

As the weight of my words sank in, I wondered if he understood the parallel I drew.