That was the 62nd marking ceremony Ben and I were supposed to hold. As always, I stood alone in the center of the Moonlight Forest, waiting for the full moon to rise. And, as always, Ben didn’t show up. Seven years together, and he had refused to mark me for the 62nd time. On my way back, I contacted my mother using the communication stone. “Mom, I’ve decided to return to the Frostfang Pack.” “My dear girl, you’ve finally made your decision?” Her voice trembled with joy. “Your father has been waiting all these years. He never gave the Alpha seat to anyone else. And Rocco... he’s the Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack now. He’s still waiting for you.” “If he still wants me,” I said quietly, “I’ll marry him.” “But… isn’t Ben Lombardi the one you’ve always loved?” “No. I’ve thought it through. I’ll return soon.” I ended the call and looked down at myself— My body was covered in blood, and pain ran deep into my bones. These wounds were from a recent battle with rogue wolves. Tonight was supposed to be my marking ceremony with Ben. I’d arrived early, standing beneath the ancient Moonstone Tree, watching as the moon rose, bit by bit— But he never came. Instead, I stood there, alone, bearing the growing pain from the unfulfilled mate bond. Eventually, I had to reach out through our weak psychic link: “Ben… Did you forget tonight is our marking ceremony?” “Sorry, it’s Chloe’s birthday tonight. We’re out celebrating. I don’t think I’ll make it back by moonrise. Susan, I promise—we’ll definitely do it next time.” It was already the 62nd time in seven years that he’d canceled on me because of Chloe— His adopted daughter. Just last night, I’d reminded him again. And he said, “I won’t forget.” But in the end… he forgot. And I stood in the center of the forest, mocked by the warriors of his Firefang Pack. “Told you. She’s just a lowly Omega. A plaything. Why would an Alpha ever mark her?” That was the final straw. As the daughter of the Frostfang Alpha, I could no longer allow my dignity to be trampled. I turned and walked away—only to be ambushed by rogue wolves in the dark. I tried to contact Ben for help. He didn’t answer. So I fought. Alone. With everything I had. I tore through them, bleeding and half-conscious, but I lived. At the edge of death, I finally saw the truth. And I called my mother. “I want to come home.” I wasn’t going to beg Ben to mark me anymore. He could stay with his precious adopted daughter. — When I returned home, the first thing I heard was laughter in the living room. Ben was gifting Chloe her birthday present. “Chloe, I made this wolf fang necklace just for you. I even had the shaman bless it—so you’ll never get sick again.” “Wow! Thank you, Daddy! You’re the best!” Chloe squealed, perched right on his lap, and kissed him on the cheek. “Of course. You’re the most important person to me,” Ben said, looking at her with all the warmth in the world. Watching them, I felt… sick. “Susan, you’re back! Are you here to celebrate my birthday too?” Chloe ran toward me with a bright smile. And then the scent hit me—roses, thick and nauseating. I’m allergic to strong florals. I stepped back immediately. “Don’t come closer,” I warned. But Chloe ignored me and lunged toward me with open arms. I raised a hand to stop her—and she fell to the ground. “Ouch! Susan, why did you push me?” she cried out, her voice trembling with faux innocence. I swear—I didn’t use any strength. Ben rushed in and saw her on the ground. His face twisted with fury. In the next second, he slammed me to the floor. “Susan, how could you?! Just because we didn’t finish the marking ritual doesn’t mean you get to hurt Chloe!”