Chapter1

Violet's POV

I lost everything.

But before my 18th birthday, my life was perfect. Caring parents, lovely siblings.

Dad was our pack's Beta, and then my eldest brother Jayden took over. I had a twin brother, Michel and Philip, who absolutely adored us.

And then there was me, and my twin sister Kylie.

Not all twins were alike, at least not Kylie and me.

Kylie was everyone's favorite, sweet and delicate little princess, always dressed in pretty skirt; whereas I was always hunting in the woods, my hoodie and jeans covered in dirt.

And then there was.him.

Asher, the future Alpha of our pack, my best friend since childhood, my secret crush.

He was every girl's dream.

Although I had the luxury of spending more time with him, I didn't think he loved in that way. He just thought of me as his friend and little sister.

But I still got hopes in me. Asher was already 23 and still hadn't found his destined one. His mate must be among the she-wolves who hadn't shifted yet, myself included.

And then came my 18th birthday.

The day that changed everything.

I thought that day was about discovering my mate.but never had I thought about losing everything I had in life.

I remembered tossing and turning in bed the previous night. As soon as the clock struck midnight, I snuck out to find out if mine was him.

And it was.

I was on the tree outside of his house, peeking into his bedroom. He was asleep in an armchair, probably exhausted by all the pack business.

Even outside, I could smell his enticing scent crackling through my body like electricity.

I wanted to scream, or even did a backflip. But now was not a good time. He was too tired and needed sleep. And I didn't want to alert his guards.

So I secretly got down from the tree and dashed back home.

I wanted to share this news to my family. I was going to be Asher's Luna!

But when I got back home, I found everyone in my family wide awake. They were all surrounding my twin sister Kylie, who's basically passed out on the floor.

"What's going on?" I asked, astounded.

Mom was sobbing, "Kylie's mate.oh my poor baby.her mate died today."

I covered my mouth to kill a gasp.

To lose your mate on the same day you found him? That's a nightmare.

"Oh god, Kylie." I walked over, trying to hold her hand. "I'm so sorry."

SLAP

She slapped my hand away.

"Why do you care?" she cried at me in tears, "I bet you've found your mate! You're going to be happily ever after! And I'll be lonely, and mateless, and pathetic."

I swallowed my news.

Now was not the time to share whom my mate was. I didn't want Kylie to be sadder.

That night the whole family stayed by Kylie's side, trying to comfort her.

But it didn't work.

The next morning, she tried to slit her wrist in the bathtub. If I hadn't happened to check on her and snatched her blade, Kylie would have been dead already.

Asher called in the morning. But I missed it. The whole family had our hearts on Kylie, trying to stop her ending her life. I never had the chance to mention my news to anyone, not even to Asher.

And then finally, on the third day, Kylie agreed not to commit suicide.

But she wanted Asher.

My parents immediately agreed to her request. At that point, they were so desperate that they would say yes to anything she asked.

Plus, Asher was already 23 and still single. The whole pack was looking forward to him getting married.

I was shocked and heartbroken that day. I wanted Kylie to be happy.

But Asher.he was everything I wanted.

So I told my parents the truth, about Asher being my mate. I thought they'd help me figure out a solution together.

But no.

They took me to a witch.

The witch gave me a potion. It would hide my scent so my mate wouldn't recognize me anymore. And the cost was my wolf.

The pain from the potion knocked me to the ground, making me scream and struggle. My father left the room because he couldn't stand the screaming.

Mom stayed behind.

I begged her not to do this to me in tears.

She cried along, but still forced the last drop down my throat.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Violet. But you're strong. You'll survive this... Not Kylie. She's too fragile. How can you put her through this?...So let her have Alpha Asher, OK?"

She said Kylie was more of a Luna material than me, and the family couldn't afford losing her.

But I guessed they were fine with losing me.

When I woke up again, my wolf was barely alive.

Then I watched Kylie and Asher happy for 2 years.

I couldn't do my favorite hunting anymore because my wolf couldn't afford it. And the potion left me with a constant pain. I tossed and turned in bed for hours and couldn't sleep.

Yet nobody noticed my pain. Only my friend Elena did. She helped me realize how insignificant I was to my family.

Mom and dad were devastated when Kylie lost her mate, and they would do anything for her. But now the same happen to me. They didn't seem to care.

My 3 brothers were always by Kylie's side, comforting her, holding her hand, telling her to be strong. And now I was moaning in the next room. They never realized how much I needed them too.

Kylie recovered quickly now that she had Asher. Soon she was everyone's little princess again. But I never got pass the loss of my mate. I was broken completely.

Gradually I became invisible to everyone, like that feisty Violet never existed.

Then one day, I saw it on TV that Kylie and Asher got married.

It was a huge wedding. Kylie wore a beautiful wedding gown, beaming as she clung to Asher's arm.

She looked absolutely radiant, even more beautiful than before.

My family stood behind her. My father clapped with pride, mom cried with joy, Jayden and my twin brothers, Michael and Philip, cheered loudly, showering the newlyweds with flower petals.

As for Asher...

No.

I couldn't look at his face. It'd break me.

I turned to the mirror and found a pale reflection of myself.

Kylie and I didn't look alike but we used to be pretty in our own ways. But now, only Kylie was a pretty. I became a ghost.

My wolf died completely that day. The pain was too strong and overwhelming. I couldn't stand it. So I decided to leave home. Only by staying away from everyone would ease my pain.

I moved far away, cutting off contact with everyone except for Elena. Nobody in my family bothered to find me. I had to scrape by odd jobs, but at least the pain is manageable now.

Then one day, I came back from my waitress job, exhausted and sweaty, and found a woman on my doorstep.

"Elena?"

I stared at my best friend, my eyes widening in shock.

Chapter2

Violet's POV

" God Elena!!! what brought you here?"

I rushed over to hug her, but then I suddenly remembered my sweaty uniform. So I stopped sharply, letting my arms drop.

But Elena didn't care. She wrapped me in a tight hug anyway.

"Look at you, Violet! You're still gorgeous! 5 years did nothing to your face and body! It's so unfair!" she laughed, bouncing up and down with excitement.

I knew she was just being a good friend. It's been 5 years since I gave up on Asher and left home, and that took a hit on me. There's no way I still look the same, especially not after doing all those hard, exhausting jobs.

"Come in." I opened the door and pulled her into my tiny, rented apartment. "So, why are you here? Something happen back home?"

She made a playful face, "Why do you say that? Maybe I just missed you."

My apartment was small. The big suitcase Elena brought barely fit in the room. I tried my best to keep things look nice, but it was tough when your place was just a half-basement underneath the ground.

I cleared off a stool that I'd been using as a table and asked her to sit. Elena sat down, looking around curiously.

"Do your family know you're living in the third world?"

I turned away, trying to keep my voice steady, "They don't."

"Oh, Violet, I'm sorry..."

"It's fine." I flashed a quick smile. "I'm doing okay now. Taking care of myself. So no need to worry."

My parents never reached out once. It's probably because they've got Kylie, their perfect Luna daughter. So they don't need me.

My brothers called once at Christmas the first year, but I couldn't bring myself to explain why I left. It was too painful. And they wouldn't understand. So we stopped talking too.

But at least my physical pain was mostly gone now. I was grateful enough.

Yet Elena wasn't convinced. She frowned and looked around again, "You call this okay? You're basically living in a shoebox. But don't worry, things are getting better."

"What do you mean?"

"You're going home!" she announced with a grin. "Alpha Asher sent me to bring you back!"

I nearly choked, "What? NO!!!!"

"But Violet-"

"No! I'm not going back. Never!"

My heart raced, and my chest tightened, like the trauma was crashing back all at once, "I can't face them again! My family, Kylie, and..."

I couldn't even say his name.

.Asher.

Just thinking about seeing him again was enough to tear me apart.

I had a huge secret I'd kept from him. I was his mate, but I never told him. Now, he's married to my sister.

How could I possibly face him after that betrayal?

Elena grabbed my hand gently, "But Alpha Asher is serious about this, Violet. He says you have to come back. There's no other option."

"And what if I refuse? Is he going to send soldiers to drag me back?" I snapped.

Elena gave me a look like "Yep that's exactly what he'll do."

"This is-CRAZY! This is my life! He can't tell me what to do. I've got a job, a place to live. I can't just drop everything because he says so-"

"Please, Violet, he's our Alpha. Nothing will stop him. This place? He'll buy the building. Your job? He'll buy the restaurant you work at. He's not taking no for an answer."

I was shaking with anger, "Then make something up! Tell him I am happily married to a billionaire and with kids now. He can't bother me anymore!"

"That won't work either. He'll send people to check, and the truth will come out."

I groaned in frustration, staring her down. "Why does he even care now? Why does he suddenly want me back?"

It couldn't be because he missed me.

Elena hesitated, biting her lip, "I... I can't tell you yet."

"Then I'm not going back. He can send all the soldiers he wants," I said, storming off to the bathroom, slamming the door behind me.

As soon as I was alone, I turned on the faucet and let the water drown out the sound of my sobs.

I sat on the toilet and cried.

I didn't want Elena to know how much I was struggling. But maybe I couldn't even fool myself anymore.

I just didn't understand.

It took me 5 years to claw my way out of the darkness, trying to piece everything back together. Yes, I have no wolf, no family, no money, no mate-but at least I survived. I didn't have much left for them to take away.

So why do they have to come and ruin everything again?

How much more miserable do they want me to get?

That night I made dinner for the two of us.

Elena went over-the-top praising every dish, chatting non-stop about everything that had happened in the last few years. She even told me she'd found her mate-a guy named Patrick.

I laughed and giggled the whole time. I was truly happy for her. I missed the feeling of having company.

But deep down, I knew this wouldn't last. Elena and I were both avoiding the elephant in the room.

The next morning, my alarm went off at 4 AM. Time for work.

I rubbed my eyes, crawling out of bed, and saw Elena curled up on the floor with a blanket.

My bed was tiny for 2. I'd told her to sleep on the bed, but she insisted on taking the floor. My room had no heater, so she was shivering in her sleep right now.

I felt awful. I gently tapped her shoulder, "Elena, wake up. Go sleep in the bed."

She groaned, rubbing her eyes, "What time is it.GOD! It's only 4! Violet, you can't keep up like this. Please, just come home-"

"Enough," I said firmly.

I rushed into the bathroom to freshen up. She followed, still trying to convince me, "Just come back for a little while. See how much everyone needs you."

I tied my hair back and zipped up my waitress uniform. "I used to need them too. 7 years ago. But no one cared about what I wanted or felt. So why should I help them now? Sure, I don't make much here, but at least I don't have to beg anyone for anything."

Elena's face fell. She looked heartbroken for me.

"Because you're a good person, Violet. You can't just ignore it when people need you."

I didn't need her to remind me of that.

Being "good" never did me any favors. It only took everything away from me.

I squeezed past her, heading toward the window to check if the bus had arrived.

4 black cars were parked on the street. Way too fancy for this scrapy neighborhood.

"What the hell?" I gasped.

Elena came over and groaned, "They're earlier than I expected..."

"So they are Asher's men? Here to drag me back?"

She sighed, "He was going to send them right away, but I convinced him to let me talk to you first."

"But why?!" I demanded. "Why is he so desperate to bring me back now? It makes no sense!"

There had to be a reason. Why did he suddenly remember me?

Maybe.

Maybe he had found out I was his mate?

My heart raced at the thought, but I quickly shook my head. No, Violet. Don't go down that path again.

"Tell me, or they can tear this building to the ground, and I still won't leave!" I said, my voice trembling.

Elena hesitated, then sighed in defeat.

"Okay... it's Luna Kylie. She... she hasn't been doing well after you left."

Chapter3

Violet’s POV

This was the last I was expecting.

Kylie wasn’t doing well? But how was this possible? My parents went so far as to hide my scent just to give her what she wanted. How could she not be well?

“What is it? Is she sick?” I pursued with a frown.

Elena didn’t answer straight away, “Maybe you should see for yourself.”

I bit my lips, gazing out the window.

So Asher simply wanted me back because of his Luna. Yeah well, what else was I expecting? Of course him wanting me back had nothing to do with me personally. It was stupid to even feel sad about it.

But what did he want?

I had given Kylie everything I had. I didn’t know what else I could offer.

After a long pause, I said, “…Alright then. I’ll come with you.”

Now it was Elena’s turn to be surprised, “Really! I thought after you heard it was Kylie, you would tell us to fuck ourselves. I thought you’d hate her!”

I burst out laughing with still tears in my eyes.

“I thought I would too but…I guess you were right. I am too nice a person,” I said, half-laughing, half-crying.

Human’s disease couldn’t affect werewolves. So if Kylie was sick, it must be something serious.

I couldn’t just ignore it. Kylie was still my sister.

Once the decision was made, I called to the restaurant to quit and started packing. Elena helped me. But there weren’t much to take away. I didn’t own any nice stuffs over the years.

We scheduled to leave tomorrow.

The last night in my dingy apartment, I had very little sleep.

I thought about my family, about home, all the good and bad memories about my childhood. Over the years I never allowed myself to be nostalgic because I knew I couldn’t go back.

But now I was going back. Under Asher’s order.

How would everyone react when they saw me? How would he react?

The next morning, we took the first flight and went back to Silver Moon Pack.

Our pack was the second largest pack in the world. Asher was a member of the royal family. He was also a very capable Alpha. I heard that our pack was developing fast under his reign over the years.

Elena’s mate Patrick was at the airport to pick us up. Elena threw herself into his arms and they kissed and hugged for a long time. I smiled looking at them, a little jealous, but mostly happy for her.

As soon as the car left the airport, my anxiety started to pick up. The view outside of the car window was so familiar and so strange at the same time.

I began to sweat, my heart racing, my palms covered in sweat.

I suddenly bent over and started puking air.

“Violet! Are you alright?” Elena cried in the front roll. “Patrick, stop the car!”

“No I…I am fine.”

I breathed, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

It’s too late to regret coming back now. I could only keep going.

The car pulled over at the packhouse an hour later. There were a large crowd of people at the front door, maybe here to welcome me.

As soon as I got off the car, mom rushed over to hug me, crying, “Oh Violet my darling…Where have you been?”

Tears streamed down her face, like she actually missed me.

But her crying face only brought me back to 7 years ago, when she took me to the witch and forced the potion down my throat.

She was also crying at the time, telling me that I was stronger than Kylie, so I should give my mate to her. She said it was the least I could do for my sister. She said that family was supposed to sacrifice for each other.

I sacrificed my everything. But none of them did anything for me.

Mom’s arms around me felt suffocating. So I pushed her away immediately.

“Violet dear…What’s wrong? Don’t you miss me?” she looked hurt.

“If you miss me, you’d pick up the phone and call me over the years. But you didn’t. So let’s not do this.”

I walked pass her.

And there were Jayden and my twin brothers. They gave me an awkward smile when our eyes met, but I quickly looked away from them. I didn’t know what to say to them.

“Where’s Asher?” I asked Elena.

“This way. He is expecting you.”

I followed Elena and went into the packhouse, the place that used to be my home. There was the dining room where we celebrated my birthday, the Council Chamber where the guys and I played hide-and-seek, the garden where Kylie picked roses everyday…So many memories.

Each step I took, more tears welled up in my eyes.

And finally, we arrived at Asher’s office.

He turned around when I stepped in. I froze staring at him, forgetting how to breathe.

How could days go by and only he manages to become even more handsome?

A part of me wished that he could recognize me as his mate when I came into the room. But he didn’t. My scent was well hidden by the witch.

When Asher came back from my birthday party, he said that he smelt something that seemed like his mate. But he never found that smell again. Everyone else told him that it was just his fantasy. Maybe now he had given up on searching for his mate already.

“Thank you, Elena, that’ll be all,” he said to Elena, keeping his freezing eyes on me.

Elena bowed and left the room.

“I guess you must be very proud of yourself. It took Elena and a team of soldiers to drag you back.”

His tone was sarcastic. His eyes were like ice. His gaze alone made my heart hurt.

“You left me with no choice,” I said lowly.

Rage flickered across his eyes, “How were those 5 years? Elena told me that you lived in a shit hole. Now are you going to tell me why you ran away from home in the first place?”

I stayed in silence.

So he still didn’t know that I was his mate. And Kylie took my place.

I guessed there wasn’t any point telling him now. He was already married.

“…Why do you want me back?” I asked with a sigh.

“I don’t! It’s Kylie!” he snapped.

“Fine. What’s wrong with her then? Can we stop wasting each other’s time?”

He strode over. And my chin was in this grip the next moment.

“Watched your tone. I’m your Alpha,” he gritted, tightening his grip. “You abandoned everyone when you left. You home, friends, family and me. At least pretend to be sorry.”

I was shaking. My chin hurt, my heart even more so.

“Why do you care? You are married. It wasn’t like your life got any worse without having me around,” I shot back.

He let out a cold laugh, “So you are jealous? You blame me for not paying enough attention to you?”

Yes it was the truth. But I couldn’t bear with it.

I almost hated him for laying out the truth.

So I shoved him aside with all my might and stormed out of his office. One more second with him and I’d die.

I ran deep into the woods, like what I used to do every time I was sad in the past. Tears poured out of my eyes. I just wanted to escape.

Asher used to be my best friend. What turned him into this cold, ruthless man?

It seemed that he hated me for leaving without saying goodbye. And I should hate him too. Because he was part of the reason why I was so miserable and without a wolf.

But I couldn’t.

Loving him was my instinct.

Even without my wolf and matebond, I still couldn’t stop my feeling towards him.

Chapter4

Violet's POV

I lay flatly on the forest floor, staring at the sky. I started to wonder if coming back was a bad idea.

Then I heard someone's voice calling me in the distance:

".Violet! Where are you? Violet!"

It was Elena.

She ran to me all in tears and pulled me into her arms.

"Oh my god, you must feel horrible!" she sobbed, hugging me tightly. "I thought Asher would have something nice to say to you but no! Look how cold he was to you! I'm really sorry, Violet."

I smiled weakly, "He hates me now. But it's fine. I don't care."

"It's a bad idea to bring you back. I'm so sorry," she shook her head. "Leave if you want to. Don't waste your time on those jerks."

"No, Elena, I'm not going anywhere."

"But-"

"Asher will make you drag me back again. He'll press you with his power. I won't leave you to deal with that alone."

Elena's friendship was all I had left now.

She looked heartbroken. Together we left the forest and went back to the packhouse.

Jayden stood by the front door, waiting for me.

"Your eyes are red and swollen," he noticed that immediately. "What's wrong, Violet? Why were you crying?"

It was funny. He didn't notice my tears 7 years ago when I just lost my mate and needed him the most. Yet now, when I got pass everything already, he came asking why I was crying.

He looked like such a hypocrite to me.

"What do you want, Beta Jayden?" I asked aloofly.

His face went pale slightly, "Do we have to act like this?"

I stared at him stubbornly. I didn't have a wolf anymore. So he had no authority over me as Beta.

"Fine," he let out a long sigh. "Kylie is in there waiting for you. She just heard that you are back."

I clenched my fist.

I wasn't ready to see her. But I guessed that I couldn't avoid this forever.

I nodded and headed inside. But Jayden grabbed my elbow and stopped me, "Be gentle with her, Violet. She isn't feeling well lately."

I stared at him icily.

What did he think I would do? Did he think that I would hurt the delicate Kylie?

Maybe that was the reason why Jayden was waiting for me outside. He wasn't worried that I'd run into danger in the woods. He just wanted to make sure that I would be gentle with Kylie.

"Thank you, Beta Jayden, but I didn't need you to tell me how to behave."

I shook off his hand and strode into the packhouse.

With an exciting gasp, Kylie dashed across the room and threw herself at me.

She was pale. She must have lost a lot of weight. But none of that affect her beauty. She looked like a fragile vase.

"It is you! I couldn't believe this when Asher told me!" she cried joyfully in tears, "Where have you been all those years? Tell me everything Violet!"

I looked at her.

I wished I could hold her hand and sit down with her, like what we used to do all the time. But her face kept reminding me of everything that I lost-my mate, my wolf, my family.

She didn't know what happened. But all my pain and suffer were caused by her.

"I'm really tired, Luna Kylie. Now I just want to lie down," I said to her aloofly.

Disappointment appeared on her face.

"That's all you have to say to me after all those years?" she choked, holding her tears back. "I have been waiting for you for 3 hours!"

She thought waiting was painful enough? Well, maybe she should try my life.

"This thing that I got.sometimes I feel that it's killing me. And all I want is to see you again, Violet. So can you please stay and let's talk?" she asked while sobbing.

She's dying. I felt awful about that. But she got all those people caring for her, my parents, Jayden, and Asher. They were here attending her every need.

And again, my feelings got ignored.

Nobody cared how painful it was for me to come back.

"Good night, Luna Kylie." I said that and walked pass her.

The packhouse must have been renovated after I left. I wandered around feeling like a stranger that didn't belong. But at least I still remembered where my old room was. So I decided to try my luck there.

When I got there, my parents were already waiting by the door.

"Whatever you want. Let's do it tomorrow. I'm exhausted," I broke the awkward silence in a low voice.

Dad nodded, "No one will disturb you."

I tried to go into the room. But mom blocked the door. She was crying again, like that was all she did now.

"Violet baby, you still hate me, don't you?" she grabbed my hand, her nails digging into my palm. "If there were another way, I definitely wouldn't have done that to you. But there weren't! Kylie was trying to kill herself. Giving Alpha Asher to her was the only way-"

"DON'T," I hissed.

I didn't need her to remind me of what happened. I didn't want to relive that again.

I pulled my hand out of her grip, keeping up a stern face.

One thing that they would never get from me was my weakness.

"I just want your forgiveness," she whispered.

Guilt and vulnerability flickered across her eyes.

"You probably need that to sleep at night. But no, mom, I will never forgive you," I said icily.

Chapter5

Violet's POV

"Look at me now, I'm well passed 18 and still haven't found my mate yet. Other girls at my age are married with children already. I lost my wolf as well. I become a useless person. I can't run, can't hunt, can't do any excessive work, and it's all because of you!"

".Stop it," my mom murmured, her eyes in pain.

But I wouldn't stop. She needed to hear this.

"You did all those to help your favorite daughter. And how is she doing now? She is sick as hell," I taunted, "So well done mom. You really ruined everything."

She covered her mouth and-once again-burst into tears.

Her tears were such an old trick that it was starting to get boring.

"I.I didn't have a choice!" she pointed a finger at me, sobbing, "Kylie was dying and the only thing that could save her was Alpha Asher! So what was I supposed to do? Was I supposed to just let her die?"

"NO! But why did you have to sacrifice my life to save her? Did it ever occur to you that I lost my mate, and I might die as well?"

I was so exhausted.

Arguing with mom was pointless. She would never realize what she did wrong. Because all she cared about was Kylie.

Deep down in her heart, she probably thought it was worth it to sacrifice my life in exchange for Kylie's.

I dashed into the room and tried to slam the door on her face. But mom grabbed the door frame urgently. The door slammed shut and clamped her fingers.

"Mom!" I gasped. Her fingers were bleeding.

But she didn't seem to notice that. She just stared at me and pleaded, "Please.help Kylie. You saw how sick she is. Help her."

So this was what these all about.

Mom didn't really mean to apologize. She was simply trying to manipulate me to help Kylie again. It was all about Kylie.

I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it was, "No mom. This time you are on your own."

"Violet! She is your sister! How can you do this to your own family-"

"I already gave my family my everything. So how about this time you find another family member to manipulate? Maybe they are more willing to help you."

I shut the door again.

The pain came, once again. I would never forgive my parents. Just like Asher would never forgive me for lying and leaving.

***

The next morning, I came down for breakfast and found everyone already at the table-except for Kylie.

Maybe she had her breakfast with Asher in their suite.

I tried not let myself to picture that image. Jealousy would devour me again.

Jayden was sitting next to me. He sniffed the air a couple of times and frowned.

"Why is your scent so light?" he asked abruptly.

I buttered my bread, keeping my eyes at my plate, "Maybe because you are wearing too much cologne and that is all you can smell, Beta Jayden."

"No, seriously. It's like you don't have a wolf," he stared at me. "What's wrong, Violet? What happened to-"

I tossed the knife onto the plate with a loud, grating clatter.

The table went silent. Two beautiful women at the table-whom I believed was Michael and Philip's mate-flinched at my behavior.

"Violet!" mom cried lowly.

I looked up at her. There was a flash of uneasiness in her eyes.

She was afraid others would find out what she had done.

I sneered internally. What a hypocrite.

Michael suddenly shot up from his chair, glaring at me, "Why are you acting like a baby, Violet? It's you who cut off with all of us and ran away! You broke the whole family's heart! You should be sorry!"

"Michael please-"

"No mom, I'm gonna say it! The whole family was with Kylie 7 years ago when she lost her mate. Except for Violet! Where've you been, Violet? Why don't you care about your family!"

Philip eyed me by Michael's side. His face told me that he agreed with Michael.

"You hurt everyone when you left home. So don't come back here and pretend that you're the victim. The only victim here is Kylie, who's gotten this sick and heartbroken because of you," Philip said coldly.

So that's what they all thought.

"I've done enough for this family. But none of you was there when I needed you. So don't point the finger at me now."

I threw the tablecloth to the ground and turned to leave.

"Where are you going Violet?" mom cried.

I ignored her and stormed away.

Staying in the same room with my family was suffocating.

I couldn't really blame my twin brothers for what they said since they didn't know Kylie took my mate.

But if they gave me a bit more attention 7 years ago, I probably would be willing to tell them what happened.

And now? I can't be bothered to tell them. Not worth it.

I wandered aimlessly in the packhouse. Before I knew it, I was in the garden.

It was rose season, and the air was fragrant and cool.

That smell triggered one of my deepest memories from the past-

My first kiss with Asher.

I was 16. I had been feeling a special bond with Asher. The way he looked at me, his touch, his smile.everything made my body hummed with pleasure.

I was so certain that he was my mate.

So at my sweet 16 birthday, when he asked what gift I wanted, I took him to the garden and asked if he could kiss me.

I was so nervous. I wasn't sure if he would do it because he was the dream of every girl in this pack, and I wasn't the most attractive one.

But he kissed me.

He held the back of my head and asked me to close my eyes. My eyes fluttered shut. And his lips were on mine.

It was the sweetest, most gentle thing in the world.

My heart was pounding so fast when we kissed. Later Asher told me that he was the same.

Now, standing at the same spot where it happened, I closed my eyes shakily and tried to let my heart take me back.

Take me back to a time when I still had hope for everything and Asher was still my mate.

Suddenly, fast footsteps approached me from my back.

I was spun around and pulled into a pair of strong arms.

".Violet," Asher whispered, his hot breath on my neck.

There was a moment when I couldn't tell memory from reality.

"Asher what are you doing? Wake up, it's me! Violet!" I gasped.

Was he out of his mind? He was married to my sister already!

".I know," he murmured.

Then he leaned in and caught my lips.

Just like what he did to me when I was 16.

Chapter6

Asher's POV

My wolf had been acting crazy ever since Violet was back.

He didn't want Kylie anymore. He refused to get any closer to her.

He said that he wanted Violet.

But this was crazy. My wolf wanted Violet meant that he thought she was my mate. But Violet wasn't my mate. She stayed in the pack for 2 years after her 18th birthday, and I never felt our matebond.

I tried to control my wolf and things were getting out of control.

Just an hour ago, Kylie walked into our room. She slipped into my arms and tried to kiss me. And my wolf just snapped like that.

"Get out! NO, GET OUT!!" I growled at Kylie, my eyes bloodshot.

She fell to the floor, shaking. I could tell that she was horrified.

"What's going on Asher!" she cried, "What did I do wrong?"

She reached out and tried to touch me again. But I jumped back, deep howl escaping my clenched teeth.

"Out.OUT!" I snarled.

She ran away, staggering along in panic. I slumped to bed, my breathing still ragged.

Thank god Kylie left just in time. I was a member of the royal family. My wolf was too strong. Kylie wasn't able to handle him if he lost control.

This was so frustrating. I had no idea why my wolf wanted Violet so bad. I had to get out and got some fresh air.

Then before I realized, I was in the garden, where she and I had our first kiss.

I saw her standing by the roses. I couldn't help it anymore. Maybe because my wolf urged me, or maybe because I wanted to do this as well-

I pulled her close and kissed her.

Surprised gasp escaped her lips. She tried to push me away, telling me that she was Violet.

Yet I only deepened that kiss.

How could I not know she was Violet? She was all my wolf wanted.

Then I heard my wolf screaming like crazy, 'Mate.mate-MATE!!!"

What?

I moved my lips to her neck, smelling and nibbling her skin. She groaned weakly in my arms. She was as turned on as I was, too much pleasure, she couldn't push me away.

Then I smelled a faint scent coming from her neck-She really WAS my mate!!!

".What the fuck?" I whispered, shocked.

"Asher-"

"Where the fuck is your wolf, Violet?!" I snapped.

She flinched, trying to escape, but I tightened my grip around her arm. No. She would not be able to escape today.

I wouldn't allow her to leave without an answer again!

"My.my wolf died." she said in a shaky voice, avoiding my face.

"Then what about your mate? Did you find him on your 18th birthday? Where is he!" I demanded.

"He died as well."

"BULLSHIT!" I snarled at her. At that moment I just wanted to break her neck and made her feel the kind of pain that I was going through.

Tears started to well up in her eyes. "What answer do you want from me, Asher?" she asked, crying.

"The truth!"

I seized her hand and roughly dragged her to the packhouse. On our way, I mindlinked the seer in our pack to come to my office.

Violet staggered behind me, almost unable to keep up with my long strides.

"No.where are you going Asher? Let go.Leave me alone!" she screamed.

"If you won't tell me the truth, I'll find someone else who will!"

People were staring at us, pack members, soldiers, servants. I didn't give a shit about how others thought. I just want an answer from her.

Then we ran into Jayden in the hallway. His jaw dropped when he saw us like this. He quickly came over to stop us, "What's going on, Alpha? Did Violet do something wrong?"

"Get lost," I growled dangerously.

"You are hurting her, Alpha!"

I knew he loved his sister, and he meant well. But at this moment he was just an enemy who stood in my way.

"Fuck off!" I bellowed and dragged Violet into my office.

I shoved her in and slammed the door shut behind us.

The seer had already arrived. She was the most powerful one in the kingdom. I was sure that she had an answer for me.

"Please don't." Violet was still begging me. But I ignored her.

I was so done with her lies and secrets. This time I wouldn't give her a chance to hide things from me.

"My wolf had been acting crazy ever since Violet came back. Now I want to know everything about Violet and my mate," I said to the seer. "EVERYTHING."

The seer's tone was calm, as though he had seen through everything:

"Your wolf was crazy because you were married to the wrong person. Violet is your mate. But you are now married to her sister."

My mind went blank as though I just got struck by a thunder.

"No-but it is IMPOSSIBLE!" I snapped, my body shaking. "She stayed in this pack for 2 years after she came of age. How come I never felt it?!"

"According to my knowledge, she might have gone to the witch. The witch has a potion that can help people hide their scent. That was probably what Violet did."

I jerked around and stared at Violet.

She didn't need to say anything else. I could tell from her expression alone that what the seer said was true.

"HOW COULD YOU?!"

I was furious. Every fiber of me was screaming to jump at her and tear her apart!

She lied to me for 7 years, hid from me for 5 years. If I hadn't lost control today and kissed her, would she keep me in the dark for my whole life?!

Tears poured out of her eyes, "I can explain."

"Do you hate me? Do you not want me? Is that it? Is that why you did such a fucking cruel thing to me?!" I snarled, sweeping everything on the table to the floor.

"Then what, Violet? I was so anxious before your 18th birthday because I want you to be my mate! Am I the only fucking idiot here?!"

The whole pack was pushing for me to get married. But I delayed it again and again, waiting for Violet to shift. I hoped she could be my mate. And then my life would be perfect.

Yet this was what I got in return-brutal betrayal.

She burst into tears, shaking her head, "No, no, Asher please listen to me."

She tried to take my hand. But I shoved her away.

"Forget it! I don't need your fucking explanation!" I stormed out of the room.

Chapter7

Violet's POV

"Asher! Wait-"

But he was gone already.

I tried to go after him. Yet the seer took a step forward and blocked my way.

"Let Alpha Asher be. He needs a moment to process all these," she said calmly.

I glared at her, anger boiling inside of me, "Do you really have the power to see through things? If you do, you will know that I didn't ask for the potion to hide my scent. My parents forced me into it!"

"Of course, I know."

"Then why did you make it sound like it was my mistake!"

She smiled a very obnoxious smile, "You hid this from him for 7 years. You are already a part of this, Violet."

I hated every word she said, but I had to admit that she had a point.

Whether it was because of my pride or my family, I did choose to hide the secret. He had a reason to be mad at me.

The door opened up at this moment. I looked up with my heart full of hopes, hoping that the person coming into the office was Asher.

But no, it was Jayden. He looked worried.

"What is going on here?" he stared at me with a deep frown, "I heard scream and something smashing-And what the hell is that on your wrist?!"

I looked down and noticed bruises on my wrist.

I must have gotten these when Asher dragged me into the packhouse.

"It's nothing," I quickly hide my hand behind my back.

Jayden rounded his eyes, "Nothing? He is hurting you! What the hell is going on here?"

I was irritated. It was bad enough to have Asher discover the secret already. I didn't have the energy to deal with Jayden at the same time.

I was about to tell Jayden to leave me alone when Asher came rushing back in.

"COME!" He grabbed my hand again. The bruise was made worse. I winced in pain.

"Where are we going on!" I cried behind him as he dragged me out.

"You own an explanation to everyone you have lied to!" he growled.

Jayden called my name in panic and followed us out, "Can someone tell me what's going on? What lie? What did Kylie do?"

"So Violet lied to you too then," Asher laughed icily. "Come along. You would want to learn about the truth."

As we passed a long staircase, he didn't slow down. I tripped over myself and fell, my knee hitting the steps hard. It started bleeding.

Asher glanced back at me and hissed, "Hurry up!"

He pulled even harder and yanked me forward roughly. I felt that maybe he wanted to kill me.

We arrived at the Alpha's suite. Asher pushed me in, and I found Kylie in there with my mom. She was taking her daily medicine.

"Asher? Violet!" Kylie gasped, looking around us with wide eyes. "What's going on here-Oh my god, Violet you are bleeding!"

Blood was streaming down my leg and painted my pants red. I was really injured hard.

"Does it hurt? Who did this to you-"

Asher cut her off icily, "Violet is the reason you are sick."

The room fell silent.

Mom closed her eyes in despair. Kylie's face went blank. Jayden inhaled sharply.

".What?" Kylie murmured.

"Violet is my mate. But she hid her scent and kept all of us in the dark. You married the wrong one, and that is why my wolf has been turning you away. Thanks to Violet. She played all of us!" Asher growled.

I clenched my fists trying to stop my body from shaking but it didn't work. I couldn't feel the pain on my knees, or the bruise on my wrist, because my heart hurt more than all everything.

How could he blame everything on me when I was the biggest victim here?

I looked at mom, hoping she would say something.

But she flinched and quickly looked away.

".Violet, how could you?" Kylie slowly stood up, looking at me in tears. "We are sister. I thought you love me! But why did you do this? Were you trying to hurt me on purpose?"

"You of all people don't have the right to accuse me of anything!" I snapped. My life was ruined because of her. I wouldn't stand here and take all these from her.

"I am dying now and you are the reason! So don't tell me that I don't have the right!"

She shrieked and came at me-

SLAP

She landed a hard slap on my face. She hit me so hard that my left side eye went momentarily blind.

"Kylie!" I heard Jayden's horrified voice.

When I found my vision back, I saw Kylie collapsed in Asher's arms, her arms around his neck, sobbing.

"How could Violet do this to me?" she cried.

Is she serious right now? She just slapped me. But why did she act like that it was the other way around?

I started to notice the pattern: whatever it was, Kylie made it seem like she was the victim, and I was the bully.

Was my twin sister really as innocent as she appeared to be?

"Kylie," I called her name. "Do you really not know the reason why I hid my scent and left?"

She looked at me in Asher's arms. It was brief but I caught it-that fleeting uneasiness in her eyes.

Suddenly, it all made sense to me. She never asked why I left. Because she always knew the reason. She was part of this plan all along.

I started to tremble, heartbroken because of the deception and betrayal.

She took everything from me. Since childhood, I had always been living under her shadow, but I never complained about it. I even gave her my mate, let my wolf died because of it.

Yet that still was enough for her. Now she turned around and accuse me of her sickness.

"I hate you," I glared at her, saying in a shaky voice. "I should never have come back. I should let you suffer in this alone."

"Violet!" Asher snarled. His eyes were full of anger and disappointment.

Kylie's scheme worked. She made him hate me even more. Even if I wanted to explain everything to him now, he probably wouldn't believe me anymore.

"You hate me? It's you who hid your scent, lied to Asher, and ran away from home. You are the victim of your own doing. Why do you blame me for it? And look at me now. I'm on the verge of dying. Aren't you sorry?!"

She slapped me again.

This time, nobody stopped her.

They all watched her like she did the right thing.

A gleam of triumph came into her eyes. She must be very pleased with herself right now. She raised her hand to do it again, and this time mom gasped:

"Kylie stop!"

I didn't wait for the next slap to fall on my face. The world was spinning around me. My heart hurt as though it was about to explode.

I reached out trying to grab something to steady myself. But nobody took my hand. The world black out and I fell into the darkness.