After His Betrayal, I Chose His Rival

My coworkers at the pack’s healing center often accuse me of being too tightfisted. They say that to keep a high-ranking mate, I need to invest a little myself. But I just laugh it off and tell them, "As long as I’m generous to myself, that’s all that matters. Investing in yourself is the surest way to make any wolf fall at your feet."

I don’t pretend to be virtuous. Thanks to my mother, an Omega who sacrificed her dignity to support our family after my father’s injury, and my father, a Delta warrior who fell into gambling after losing his leg to a rogue attack, I’ve seen all kinds of wolves and understand life’s harsher truths. I don’t resent them; instead, I’m grateful they’ve given me a clear view of the pack’s hierarchy and its brutal realities.

When I decided to give Jaiden Diaz, a Gamma from the Silver Fang Pack, a chance, I made sure to tell him about my background, tears and all. Surprisingly, it didn’t drive him away; it only fueled his desire to protect me. I guess the allure of a fragile Omega, combined with my tough persona, is hard to resist. But, honestly, I don’t love him. What I love is his status and the security it brings. Ever since Emerson Dunn, the future Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, abandoned me three years ago, love has ceased to exist in my world. Little did I expect to run into Emerson again when Jaiden and I booked our first hotel room together.

***

Near the end of my shift, Harper, an old friend and my late mother’s colleague, came in. She’s an Omega in the Blue Moon Pack and has known me since I was a pup. "Lilianna, I’ve been seeing someone new. I’m getting older, and I’d like to finally settle down. Could you work your magic on my face?"

"Harper, you’re as stunning as ever. I can’t see a hint of age on you. You’re just being humble."

"You do flatter me, young lady. I adore your sweet talk."

Just after I applied her facial mask, a colleague burst through the door to grab my attention. "Lilianna, you need to come out here and see this."

My curiosity piqued, I walked to the front of the healing center. The floor was covered in roses. I knew instantly they were from Jaiden. My coworkers whispered among themselves, "This place is practically her personal garden now."

"So what if she’s snagged a Gamma? She’s still an Omega. And seriously, who sends roses anymore? So old-school."

I inwardly scoffed and, playing along with their remarks, I covered my face and began to cry. They were all stunned into silence. I knew Jaiden was lurking, hoping to see my delighted surprise. Instead, he rushed to my side, wrapping me in his arms as soon as he saw my tears.

"Who’s gossiping here? Get out, all of you!" he commanded. The healer in charge quickly emerged, bowing