The Second Chance He Doesn’t Deserve

Elira’s POV

The birthday banquet was held on a lavish cruise ship. I arrived with Lucas and Monica, boarding the deck under the blinding lights and fake smiles.

My parents met us, beaming—but their eyes were only on Monica and Lucas. I was just... there. Invisible. But I’ve gotten used to that, so I stayed quiet.

“Our sweet little girl, look at you, you’re getting thinner,” my mother said as she kissed Monica’s cheek, her expression filled with worry. “I know it’s hard to lose your baby, sweetheart. But don’t worry, I’ll keep praying to the Moon Goddess that you’ll get pregnant again, strong and healthy.”

My father, former Alpha Harold, wrapped Monica in a tight embrace—like he hadn’t seen her in years. That hug… gods, how I wished he’d hold me like that, even just once.

“You need to eat more, sweetheart. A lot more,” Father said, then turned to Lucas, who was doting on Monica like she was the air he breathed. “And you—give us a grandchild soon, and take care of our girl. We love her so much.”

“I know, Alpha Harold. For your daughter, I’d do anything. I love her more than anything in this world.”

Those were the same words Lucas once told me. “I’d do anything for your happiness,” he said. But he never said he loved me—not like that.

My eyes stung. My wolf whimpered inside me.

No one wanted us. Not even my own blood. No one except Elder Thomas.

I stepped forward, handing my father a gift—a rare luxury watch, the exact brand he loved. It hadn’t even hit the market yet. I worked hard just to get it… hoping that after I left, he’d at least remember me when he saw it.

“Father. Happy birthday,” I said softly. “Here’s my gift.”

They all looked at me like I had just appeared out of nowhere. My father nodded, not even glancing at the paper bag. He waved over a servant to take it and toss it with the rest of the gifts like it was nothing special.

Monica beamed as she handed him hers. “Happy birthday, Daddy! I hope you like it!”

My father lit up as he opened her gift like a child unwrapping a treasure. It was just a cheap bottle of berry wine. Ordinary. But his smile made it look like gold.

“I love this, sweetheart! You know how much I adore berry wine!”

If you're the favorite daughter, everything you touch turns to gold—even the cheapest things. If you’re not? You’re just... there.

They left me behind like they always did. Not even a glance back.

I walked to an empty table tucked in the corner—far away from everyone’s curious and pitiful eyes. As I sat, my father took the stage.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m so happy you’re all here,” he began, grinning wide. “I want my sweet daughter to come join me on stage.”

Applause echoed. Monica stood, glowing in her deep red tulip dress, stealing the spotlight as if she was born for it.

“My sweetheart,” Father said, voice full of pride, “thank you for coming into our lives. You’re our light, our happiness.”

The words stabbed into me like blades.

“Daddy,” Monica sniffled, tears in her eyes. “You know how much I love you.”

The crowd cooed. My father melted.

“I want everyone to know… Monica Starwind will be the heiress of our pack. Everything I have—every title, every land—will belong to her.”

The room went quiet.

Whispers broke out. Murmurs of confusion.

Traditionally, the heiress is the eldest daughter. But there I was—getting nothing. Not even a single coin.

My hands trembled. My chest tightened. It felt like my simple dress was choking me.

I stood up. No one noticed. No one ever noticed.

I walked out of the banquet hall, out to the deck, desperate to breathe.

The sea wind hit my face. I gripped the railing, lips trembling. Anger boiled in me. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout that I was their daughter too. But what for? I’d only look pathetic.

Life has never been fair to me. Not once.

I sighed and looked up at the moon, trying to calm the wolf inside me. She was furious too.

She understood. She always did.

But that small peace shattered when I felt Monica’s presence behind me.

“What are you doing out here alone, Sis?” she asked, voice sickeningly sweet. “You should be inside, enjoying the party. Don’t be out here sulking like a loser.”

I stayed quiet. But my wolf growled.

Monica moved closer, smirking. “Look at you. All pitiful and pathetic.” Her voice was full of mockery

“You’re weak. Still begging for our parents’ love—but they love me. Not you. Never you. Can’t you see that?”

She laughed cruelly.

“My husband? He never wanted you. Thorne? Loves me. Only Lucas lobe you but well he's dead, you are alone and nothing, Elira. No one wants you. No one loves you. What’s the point of being alive?”

I was the eldest. But she never treated me like one. She took everything from me—my family, my pack, even the men I loved. Thorne. Lucas.

Why? Why go this far? Why say these things?

“What do you want from me, Monica?” I said coldly. “They already love you. I don’t care.”

She sneered. “You’re my sister, but I can’t stand you. I wish you didn’t exist. Why can’t you just die already?”

Then, out of nowhere, she shoved me.

She was strong.

I stumbled back, shocked, struggling to grab hold of something—anything.

In the panic, my hand caught hers.

She didn’t expect that.

And in one terrifying second... we both went over the edge.