Chapter 1: The Family Chose Her

For six straight months, Scarlett Evans poured every spare moment into planning what she believed would be the happiest family vacation of her life.

As the Silver Moon Pack's chief healer, she earned more than enough to afford luxury, but this trip wasn't about showing off her wealth. It was about spending precious time with the people she loved most.

She negotiated safe passage with neighboring packs, booked secure lodges, prepared emergency medical kits, and even hired one of the safest protected convoys available.

By the time everything was finalized, she had spent more than twenty thousand dollars.

Not once did she complain.

Seeing Alexander and his family smile was enough to make every sacrifice worthwhile.

Alexander had been her mate for three years.

Although he served as one of the pack's elite warriors, his monthly income barely covered his personal expenses. Scarlett never cared.

She happily paid every household bill.

She covered the mortgage on their villa.

She even supported Alexander's retired parents, James and Sarah, after they left active pack service.

His younger sister Emma had practically grown up under Scarlett's care.

Scarlett paid her tuition, bought her clothes, and celebrated every birthday as though Emma were her own sister.

To Scarlett, family wasn't defined by blood.

It was defined by love.

That was why she never imagined those same people would abandon her without hesitation.

The morning before their departure, Scarlett was double-checking the travel permits when Alexander walked into the living room.

He looked unusually relaxed.

"Scarlett," he said casually.

"There's been a small change of plans."

She smiled without looking up.

"Did Emma decide she wants another sightseeing stop? I can still rearrange the schedule."

"No."

"Victoria is coming with us."

Scarlett's pen froze above the paperwork.

"Victoria?"

"Yes."

"She heard about the vacation yesterday and wants to join."

Scarlett slowly lifted her eyes.

"Alexander... this trip has been fully booked for months."

"I know."

"So I canceled your protected convoy reservation and gave it to Victoria."

Silence filled the room.

Scarlett thought she had misheard him.

"You... what?"

Alexander remained completely calm.

"You'll take another route."

"I already secured a permit for you."

A notification appeared through the pack mind-link.

Scarlett opened the travel permit.

The moment she saw the route, her face turned pale.

Shadow Pack Territory.

Not only Shadow Pack territory...

But the infamous Black Ravine crossing.

Only one month earlier, three traveling wolves had been found dead there.

Even experienced warriors avoided that road whenever possible.

"Alexander," she said quietly.

"This route isn't safe."

"You'll be fine."

"You're stronger than most healers."

"Besides, you've always wanted to explore different territories."

"Think of it as an adventure."

Scarlett stared at him in disbelief.

"This isn't an adventure."

"It's a death route."

"The convoy was booked with my money."

"I spent months arranging everything."

"And now you're giving my place away?"

Alexander frowned impatiently.

"Victoria asked first."

"She'll be frightened traveling alone."

"She's practically family."

"Family?" Scarlett repeated bitterly.

"Last week I asked if my own mother could join us."

"You refused because you said this was a private family vacation."

"Now Victoria suddenly counts as family?"

"She's different," Alexander answered firmly.

"We grew up together."

"She has no one else."

"I couldn't refuse her."

Scarlett felt something crack inside her heart.

"Then why refuse my mother?"

"Because she's your responsibility," Alexander replied.

"Victoria is mine."

Those four words cut deeper than any blade.

"Victoria is mine."

Scarlett looked toward James and Sarah, hoping someone would speak for her.

After everything she had done for this family...

Surely someone would object.

Instead, James quietly looked away.

Sarah smiled gently as though explaining something obvious.

"Scarlett, sweetheart... Victoria and Alexander grew up together."

"They've shared countless memories since they were children."

"Let them travel together."

"You're capable enough to manage on your own."

Emma bounced happily into the room.

"Exactly! Sister Scarlett, Victoria gets scared easily."

"You're brave."

"Nothing will happen to you."

Scarlett laughed softly.

It wasn't a laugh of amusement.

It was the laugh of someone finally understanding their place.

"So after everything I've done..."

"I'm still the easiest person to sacrifice."

Alexander sighed.

"Stop overreacting."

"It's only a different travel route."

"You're making this far more dramatic than it needs to be."

Before Scarlett could respond, the front door opened.

A cheerful female voice echoed through the villa.

"Alexander!"

Victoria walked inside wearing expensive designer clothes and oversized sunglasses.

Several luxury travel bags rolled behind her.

Emma immediately rushed over.

"Victoria! You're finally here!"

"I've missed you so much!"

Sarah embraced her warmly.

"Look how beautiful you've become."

"I always knew you'd make the perfect daughter-in-law."

"If fate had been kinder, you'd have mated with Alexander instead."

No one noticed Scarlett standing only a few feet away.

Or perhaps they noticed...

And simply didn't care.

Victoria smiled modestly before finally looking toward Scarlett.

"Scarlett, thank you for giving me your convoy seat."

"Alexander said you insisted."

Scarlett slowly turned toward Alexander.

"You told her that?"

He avoided her eyes.

"It was easier that way."

At that moment, every excuse she had ever made for him disappeared.

Every late night.

Every ignored anniversary.

Every sacrifice.

Every compromise.

She had believed love meant giving endlessly.

Now she understood something painful.

The people who truly loved you would never ask you to risk your life just to make someone else comfortable.

Scarlett quietly folded the travel permit and slipped it into her bag.

She smiled.

It was the calmest smile anyone in the room had ever seen.

"You're right," she said softly.

"I won't make things difficult for anyone."

"I'll travel alone."

Alexander finally relaxed.

"Good."

"I knew you'd understand."

Scarlett didn't answer.

She simply walked upstairs.

No one noticed that she wasn't packing for the Southern Route anymore.

Instead...

She opened a different map.

One leading north.

Far away from Alexander.

Far away from his family.

And perhaps...

Toward a life where she would finally choose herself.