He Chose My Sister Over His True Mate

The pawn broker's shop smells like dust and regret. I stand at the counter, Mom's locket heavy in my palm. It's the only thing I have left of her—silver, tarnished, with a tiny photo of us inside from when I was five. Before everything went wrong.

'How much?' I ask.

The broker examines it through his jeweler's loupe. 'Two thousand. Maybe twenty-five hundred if you're lucky.'

It's not enough. The gala needs at least ten thousand to make the right impression on the rival Alphas. But it's a start, and I've already liquidated everything else I own that has any value.

'I'll take it.'

He counts out the bills, and I watch Mom's face disappear into his drawer. I'm sorry, I think. But you'd understand. You always understood about sacrifices.

I sell three more pieces over the next week—a bracelet, earrings, a ring. Things I've collected over three years as Luna, gifts from pack members who thought I mattered. By the time the gala arrives, I've scraped together enough to cover the catering, the decorations, the musicians. Everything Sebastian needs to broker peace without depleting our war funds.

I don't tell him. He'd refuse the money, and we can't afford his pride right now.

---

The gala is beautiful. Crystal chandeliers cast rainbow light across the ballroom. Wolves from five different packs mingle, their territorial instincts held in check by the promise of alliance. I watch from the sidelines as Sebastian works the room, his presence commanding even among other Alphas.

He's magnificent. And I'm the shadow in the corner, making sure the servers don't run out of wine.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' the Master of Ceremonies announces. 'We have a special acknowledgment to make.'

My stomach drops.

Lainey glides onto the stage, her dress shimmering like moonlight. She's been here all week, playing the gracious guest, and I've felt her watching me. Waiting.

'I want to thank you all for coming,' she says, her voice carrying across the room. 'This treaty represents hope for all our packs. And I'm honored to have contributed to making tonight possible.'

No.

'I donated my personal jewelry collection to fund this event,' she continues, pressing a hand to her heart. 'Family heirlooms, passed down through generations. But peace is worth any price.'

The room erupts in applause. Wolves nod approvingly. Even the rival Alphas look impressed by her 'sacrifice.'

My hands clench at my sides. I want to scream that she's lying, that those were my things, that Mom's locket is probably already melted down for scrap. But Sebastian catches my eye across the room, and something in his expression stops me.

Don't, his look says. Not now.

So I stand there and smile while Lainey accepts praise for my sacrifice. While she basks in gratitude that should be mine. While she takes and takes and takes, just like always.

The treaty gets signed an hour later. Five packs, united against the rogue threat. It's everything we needed.

And it cost me the last piece of my mother.

---

Sebastian's study is dark when he summons me after the gala. He's standing by the window, his back to me, tension radiating from every line of his body.

'You paid for tonight,' he says. Not a question.

I don't answer. There's no point.

He turns, and his eyes are blazing. 'You sold your mother's locket.'

'The treaty—'

'Don't.' His voice cracks like a whip. 'Don't tell me about the treaty. Tell me why you let her take credit. Why you stood there and smiled while she stole from you. Again.'

'Because the treaty mattered more than my pride.'

'Your pride?' He crosses the room in three strides, backing me against the desk. 'This isn't about pride, Avery. This is about survival. Weakness gets wolves killed. Do you understand that?'

I flinch. 'I'm not weak.'

'Then stop acting like it.' His hand slams down on the desk beside me. 'Stop letting people walk over you. Stop sacrificing yourself for wolves who don't deserve it. You think that makes you noble? It makes you a target.'

The words hit like claws. 'So I should be more like Lainey? Take credit for things I didn't do? Lie and manipulate?'

'You should be more like a Luna.' His face is inches from mine now, his breath hot against my skin. 'You should command respect, not beg for it.'

'I never begged—'

'You beg every time you stay silent.' His hand moves to my throat, not squeezing, just resting there over my mark. 'Every time you let her win.'

My heart hammers against my ribs. His thumb traces the mark he gave me three years ago, and heat floods through me. For a moment, I think he's going to kiss me. His eyes drop to my lips, his body pressing closer.

Then he pulls away like I burned him.

'Get stronger, Avery,' he says, his voice rough. 'Or you won't survive what's coming.'

He leaves me there, shaking and confused, wondering if he was trying to protect me or telling me I'm not enough.

Wondering if there's even a difference anymore.