When My Best Friend Stole My Mate

I gave Elena a nod, assuring her I’d handle the matter myself. After a brief hesitation, she turned and quietly left the room, leaving me alone with Xander.

“I heard something troubling,” I began, my voice steady yet laced with a growl. “A wolf betrayed his mate—bonded another under the moon without telling her. My friend called him a coward, a traitor. His mate thought she was the only one he’d ever truly care for.”

His golden eyes flashing with the wild intensity of his wolf. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he snapped, his voice bristling. “Do they even understand? What if the bond was a way to protect her? What if it was a promise to a dying wolf he couldn’t break?”

His defense, raw and fervent, felt like claws raking against my chest. Ten years of loyalty—shredded in an instant. My heart ached, but the void of numbness was creeping in, threatening to claim me entirely.

Xander stepped closer, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. “Arden, babe,” he murmured, “what’s happening? You’ve been distant… withdrawn. I can feel the differences inside you.”

The pull of the moon surged in my blood, the beast beneath my skin snarling to break free, but the full moon was still days away. Not yet. Not yet.

Xander tightened his embrace, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Arden, we’ve been through so much. Don’t you know how much I love you? Let me help Cecilia first, then we can formalize our bond. Just you and me.”

He reached for the hem of my tunic, but I caught his hand and pressed it firmly down. My voice was hollow as I said, “I’m sorry. I just… I feel nothing.”

Xander’s eyes searched mine, desperate to find something—anything—but there was only emptiness. He sighed as he released me and stepped back, his face hardening with disappointment. “I’ll sleep in the den,” he muttered before leaving.

Not long after, I heard him leave the house. I didn’t care to check where he went. I turned over, closed my eyes, and let sleep take me.

The next morning, I was surprised to find Xander waiting in the pack’s common room. His golden fur shimmered under the sunlight, but his eyes were shadowed with anger.

“You’re up early,” I remarked, keeping my tone neutral.

He growled, his voice sharp and accusing. “Is it true? That you’re spreading rumors about Cecilia? She told me what you said to Elena!”

My smile faltered, “And tell me, Xander, were those ‘rumors’ or the truth? Or are you saying the things I shared with my packmate weren’t accurate?”

His growl deepened. “Arden, what’s happened to you? Where’s the kind-hearted wolf I fell in love with?”

He hesitated, “You have everything—strength, status, a place in the pack—and now you’re trying to take away what little happiness she has left? She’s cursed, Arden. Cecilia’s dying. All she wanted was one moment of pride before it’s over. Is that so much to ask?” His voice cracked, but he clenched his jaw, forcing his pain into anger. “She’s your best friend too.”

A wildfire of rage burned through me, my claws itching to extend. My voice came out sharp, laced with venom. “And what of my sacrifices, Xander? I’ve fought for this pack, spilled blood to prove my worth, only to watch her slowly take my place!” I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek to control my trembling voice. “If she wants my position, she must earn it—like I did. With blood. There are no exceptions.”

Xander’s gaze hardened, but instead of meeting my anger, he turned away with a bitter snarl. “You’ve changed,” he muttered.

“I’m the one who changed?” I sobbed, tears spilling from my eyes. “You’re the one who keeps leaving me out, Xander, and I feel like you actually want me gone in your life!”

“You’re speaking without thinking right now, Arden.”

“Then do you want me gone?”

“I don’t think you can resist that.” He coldly said as he walked away, causing my wolf to feel the overwhelming pain and I started to break down, trying to call his name but he disappeared in my eyes.

And then he leaves….

My wolf howled within me, torn apart by the rejection. I stumbled through the pack grounds, my vision blurred by tears.

I stopped beneath an ancient oak, its gnarled branches reaching toward the heavens like a guardian of the woods. My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the cold earth. Hot tears spilled freely, and I clawed at the ground, my wolf clawing back in desperation.

A sudden wave of exhaustion washed over me, and before I could fight it, darkness claimed me.

My eyes fluttered open, and the sight before me stole my breath.

Towering above me was Alpha Kade of the Shadowfang Pack. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable.