My mate's true love is my sister

I stood in the dim light of the Hartley family's study, my heart a cold knot in my chest. "Dad, one week left until the five-year mark," I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside. "I'll make sure Brandon signs the papers to break our bond. After that, I'm gone for good."

five years ago, when Brandon and I formed our sacred bond, I knew this day might come. I just didn't expect it to hit so soon. Brandon Carrington never loved me-not really. His heart belonged to my sister, Hailey, always had. I was just a placeholder, a stand-in for the she-wolf he truly wanted.

Franklin Hartley, my adoptive father, smirked as he glanced at the papers that would unbind me from Brandon.

"Brandon was always meant for Hailey," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "She was abroad for a few years, so we let you hold his place to keep things tidy. Now that she's back, it's only natural you step aside."

His words stung, but I just scoffed inwardly. Of course. Hailey's their blood, their precious pup. Me? I'm just the adopted she-wolf they used until I had nothing left to give.

A month ago, Brandon's rival snatched both Hailey and me. We were trapped on a plane, only one can live, he choose Hailey. I was thrown out of the plane. If Miles Davenport, the richest wolf in the great pack, hadn't pulled me when he was parachuting, I'd be dead. That moment woke me up. A wolf who doesn't care if I live or die isn't worth my loyalty.

Franklin's eyes narrowed when I didn't respond.

"Evelyn, we're family, after all. As a parting gift, I'll give you a small place in the suburbs and ten grand in cash."

He said it like he was doing me a favor, like I should be groveling for his scraps. I met his gaze, my voice ice-cold. "No thanks. I won't take a single thing from the Hartley."

"Evelyn," he snapped, his eyes glinting with calculation, not a trace of fatherly warmth. "You're just an adopted she-wolf. This is more than you deserve. Don't get greedy."

"Dad," I said, the word bitter on my tongue, "don't worry. The day I break my bond with Brandon is the day I cut ties with the Hartley pack for good."

I was never truly one of them.

When Hailey went missing as a pup, my adoptive mother, Carol, spiraled into depression. They took me in to fill the void, showering me with love to make up for their guilt. But the moment Hailey returned, everything changed.

They kept me around for appearances, not affection.

By the third year, Hailey made my life hell-bullying me, framing me for theft. I lived in their sprawling mansion but was treated like a servant, not a daughter.

Franklin's face twisted with irritation. "Hmph. Let's see how you survive without the Hartley ."

I gave him a faint, mocking smile. He had no idea. Seven months ago, my birth parents found me.

They're of Talvador Town, the wealthiest pack in the region, and I'm their only heir.

I turned them down back then because of Brandon.

Stupid, love-blinded me.

But two weeks ago, I called them.

I'm ready to claim my place now. The Hartley pack's wealth? It's nothing compared to what's waiting for me.

I stood and headed for the door, pausing to say,

"Don't worry, Father. I'll live better than you ever will."

As I turned to leave, I heard it-muffled gasps and low growls from the bedroom next door. The door was cracked open, and there they were: Brandon and Hailey, tangled together in bed. My mate and my sister.

Even though I'd known the truth for years, seeing it ripped my heart open all over again.

"Brandon," Hailey purred, her voice all honey and venom, "who makes you happier, me or Evelyn?"

His reply was sharp, breathless. "You, obviously. This only feels right with the one I love."

"You know I've always loved you," he added, each word a blade.

"She was just a substitute."

Every syllable stabbed deeper, carving into me.

Not fatal, but close.

My blood felt like ice, my legs nearly giving out.

Then Hailey's voice again, mockingly sweet. "Oh no, Evelyn's out there! I'll never be able to face her now."

Brandon yanked the blanket over Hailey, snarling toward the door. "Get lost!"

I stumbled to the back garden, my eyes burning as I ran.

I'd loved Brandon for ten years.

Even knowing he didn't feel the same, I bound myself to him.

When he insisted we keep our bond hidden, I agreed.

By day, I was his secretary; by night, his secret mate, always in the shadows. I thought my devotion would win him over. five years of pouring my heart into him, and all I got was "substitute."

I sank to the ground, laughing through my tears. What a joke I'd been. And Brandon? He's the real fool, thinking Hailey's some prize when she's just using him now that she's done running wild.

I don't know how long I sat there, broken and bitter, before I pulled out my phone. My fingers shook as I dialed the number of the wolf who'd saved me from the sea.

"Miles," I said when he answered, my voice raw but firm. "You told me you liked me last time we talked."

I took a breath, steeling myself. "In seven days, I'll be unbound. You ready to form a sacred bond with me?"