Chapter 1: The Night Before the Claiming

The night before the claiming ceremony, I played a prank.

I used a vintage filter to record a video, pretending to be my eighteen-year-old self sending a message to Noah Calder.

Noah and I were not fated mates. Our wolves had never recognized each other, and neither of us bore the mark on our necks. But we had been together since high school. For ten years, he had always said that choice was more powerful than destiny, and that when we turned twenty-seven, he would claim me in front of the entire Ashvale pack.

Tomorrow was the day.

I smiled into the camera, channeling the high school girl I had been, giddy after prom.

Noah, where do you think we will be when we are twenty-seven? Did we complete the mark? Are we... happy?

I sent it. There was no reply.

He did not answer until three in the morning. I could hear the noise of a bar behind him. His voice was thick with exhaustion and too much alcohol.

Not really.

Ruby, I have been trapped by you my whole life. I am begging you. Let me go.

I sat frozen in my bedroom.

Tomorrow, I was supposed to become his chosen partner, publicly acknowledged. The pack would witness his vow, and the Grayhaven Registry Hall would preserve our mate record.

But now he was saying I had trapped him.

My wolf fell silent. For the first time, it suppressed its instinct to go to him.

Cold air ghosted from the vent. The light from my phone cast a blue glow on my face as my hands and feet turned to ice.

When I could finally move again, I called my mother.

Mom, I—

I know, she cut in. Her voice was as gentle as ever, but it felt like it was coming from across an unbridgeable chasm. Right now, you are the eighteen-year-old Ruby.

Noah has not had it easy, either. The person he has always wanted is Scarlett. They have held back for five years because they did not want to hurt you.

To be honest, I never understood why Noah chose you. Scarlett's wolf is stronger than yours, and she understands how to navigate the pack better. She is the one suited to the Calder family.

Ruby, listen to me. Just pretend you and Noah were never meant to be. The person he truly wants to claim is your sister.

The tears dried on my face.

My hands shaking, I made one final call to Scarlett Mercer.

As soon as the line connected, I heard her muffled crying. Then came Noah's heavy breathing, and the unmistakable sound of two bodies tangled together.

Ruby, forgive me, Scarlett said through her tears. Just for tonight. Let me have him, just for tonight.

I will never fight you for him again. Just... can you give him to me for tonight? Please?

I hung up, and a fresh wave of tears began to fall.

Enough.

Not in the next life. Not in some other world.

In this life, I am done.

Noah did not come home until the next morning.

He had showered and used a masking spray, but a wolf's sense of smell is not so easily fooled.

Scarlett's scent still clung to him. Her usual gardenia perfume mingled with the smell of damp skin, lingering on his collar and wrists.

My wolf recognized it before I did. The back of my neck prickled, and my whole being recoiled, refusing to let him near.

Noah took off his coat, hung it up, and glanced at me.

Why are you up so early?

Could not sleep.

After a few seconds of silence, I said, Noah, cancel the claiming ceremony.

He froze, then turned, his eyes landing on my swollen face.

What kind of joke is this?

Last night, I played a game, I said, looking straight at him. A vintage filter game.

Noah's hand stopped in midair, his expression shifting.

Ruby, were you testing me?

I let out a short, sharp laugh.

His accusation came faster than any explanation.

If I had not tested you, were you going to let me walk onto that platform tomorrow knowing nothing?

Noah.

My eyes began to burn.

You and Scarlett make me sick.

The crack of a slap echoed through the room.

My head snapped to the side.

The pain triggered my shifting instinct. A sharp ache shot through my canines, and my vision sharpened. My wolf nature surged, slamming into me, but I fought it down, forcing my breathing to steady.

I held my cheek, unable to believe what had just happened.

Noah looked at his own hand, as if he could not believe he had just hit me.

But his surprise vanished as quickly as it came, and he lowered his hand.

Ruby, say whatever you want about me. But I will not let you insult her.

Rage flooded my senses.

I swung at him.

What gives you the right to hit me?

The slap never landed. Noah caught my wrist, a cold laugh escaping his lips.

You think your father is going to stand up for you?

Your parents have always known about Scarlett and me.

Last Independence Day, at the family barbecue? Right after you brought the salad out, your mother called you back to the kitchen. Then your father sent you to the garage for more beer.

While you were gone, they were covering for us.

I jerked my head up.

Noah released me, his eyes void of apology.

Wake up, Ruby.

If I were you, I would play on what little guilt your fiancé has left.

After all, even your own parents are not on your side.

I collapsed to the floor, tears streaming down my face.

Why? I looked up at him, the word a ragged breath. Why would you do this to me?

Noah, I will not force someone who does not love me to stay.

If you have decided to be with Scarlett, I can accept that. We can end this. Cancel the ceremony. You can go claim her.

But why lie to me? Why did everyone help you hide it?

If you want to be with her, then go!

Why are you still going through with this ceremony with me?

My voice was shaking, and my chest ached so badly I could hardly breathe.