Scarlett's POV

Scarlett's eyes darted to look at the stranger in front of her, and his name, she forgot to inquire because of his handsomeness and manliness. With a grin on his face, this godlike man conveyed his intense want and need for her through his eyes.

His hand moved over her body, causing goosebumps to appear all over her body. Her legs grew weaker as she groaned in response to the expert hands working on her. She was wet in bed and throbbing from unsatisfied needs when her eyes jerked open.

She recalled how she had felt in his arms, so it seemed as though even she sensed the tenderness and intensity of his touch. Endless caresses, endless kisses. Clinging to him as if her life depended on it, her body ached for more and arched into the touch to receive more, more pleasure.

"Oh darling, you taste so delicious, I can't get enough." He rubbed himself against her, telling her how much he wanted her, his deep, gruff voice resonating in her head. Her body also desired him, too.

"Come for me, baby," He gave the order, and her body obeyed, following his instructions.

"No!" she yelled, opening her eyes abruptly. Feeling confused and guilty, she gasped and sat up in bed.

She was unable to recall what had brought her into the stranger's bed, but she could still remember minor pieces of her evening with him. They appeared to have turned into her safe haven in the domain of dreams because they came back virtually every night.

However, it was wrong. She was engaged to Mason, her mate, and they were going to be married in two weeks. She loved him as much as he loved her. She realized the stranger was a man she shouldn't have had anything with.

He was history, Mason was the present, and the future, everything felt so right with him and the moon goddess was always right. How was she going to get herself out of this nightmare she always had with the stranger and get her body to stop craving him? She wanted nothing more than to be the mate Mason deserved, as he was one of the few wonderful things that had happened to her since her homecoming.

He was loyal to his feelings, in contrast to the people, and has been consumed with the wedding plans ever since she returned. Scarlett had picked up some knowledge since moving here a month ago. Her parents' daughter was Leah Cynfael. After missing their newborn daughter and searching for her for several months without success, they adopted her. Thus the tale continues.

Leah grew up adoring and cherishing the Cynfaels, who had brought her up like she was their own. The whole pack adored and cherished Leah, and they weren't the only ones who felt this way.

When Scarlett arrived at the pack estate, Stella, a white-haired woman in her early fifties, was assigned to her as her maid. She informed Scarlett that there would be ill will because, up until her arrival, Leah had always been first in the line of succession.

She was not so liked by the pack members as well, though not to the same extent as Leah. Leah was loved and viewed as flawless by them. The ideal friend, daughter, and potential leader.

Since Scarlett had only recently entered their life and would need some time to gain their affection, she couldn't hold it against them. But the longer the day wore on, the harder it grew.

Scarlett understood that being on the same footing as Leah was the only way to gain the respect of the pack. That's the reason she agreed to Leah's invitation for a laid-back get-together. Maybe their opinion of her would change if they considered them as sisters or even friends.

She moved toward Leah's door, across the wide corridor. When she knocked on the door, she did not get a response; instead, she heard tiny sounds emanating from inside the room. Her initial thought was to leave there, but she was unable to. She stopped to listen to the sounds coming from inside, and she heard groans and gasps.

She smelled a very familiar scent. Mason was here. When she opened the door, her heart almost jumped out of her chest as she saw that Leah was naked in bed. She wasn't in danger or anything; rather, she was just signaling her pleasure and indicating such with noises.

When Scarlett realized that the man in bed with her supposed sister was actually Mason, her mate, and fiancé, her heart froze.

"Oh, fuck Mason, yes, do that again, oh." Leah gave a breathless moan and slowly swayed her hips.

"Oh, yes baby." Mason's actions became even more forceful as he leaned into her and put his lips to hers.

Scarlett was so shocked by the words she was hearing that her eyes widened and her hands flew up to cover her mouth. Her heart broke into a million pieces.

Leah broke the kiss and groaned, "Assure me that I am the only person who can ever make you feel this way." Her hands clenched around his neck.

"Tell me that I'm the only one you need."

"For me, there is only you, Leah." Mason groaned, his desire for her overwhelming him.

She nudged him with the words she wanted to hear, "Not even Scarlett your mate."

"I can't feel this for Scarlett, and I never will. You have always had me, and I will always remain yours."

Leah pouted, telling him she didn't trust his words. "You're with her, though."

She's simply my mate, so stop acting that way, sweetie. There is nothing more to it, it's the only reason why I am with her." He kissed her passionately, his bottom lip meeting hers. He raised her leg and wrapped it around his waist.

She fell to her knees, feeling utterly empty, as the anguish was like a knife being driven into her heart. This was not happening right now. Either her mind was playing bizarre tricks with her, or it was a dream.

At that moment, Leah opened her eyes, and a sinister grin spread across her face. When Scarlett could take it no more, she fled back to the restroom and fell to the ground.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her eyesight. He proposed to her; how could he then have sex with Leah? That's not what a mate would do. Should he not have talked to her about having sex instead of putting himself in Leah's vicious arms?

It didn't make any sense.

How could she possibly let it go? Was she just meant to forget what she had seen, move on, and proceed with the wedding?

Anger and pain caused her insides to twist and boil. A wave of nausea cut through her thoughts. She began to throw up into the wash basin in front of her after being sickened by the fragrance of the bar soap.

"Oh child, are you alright?" Stella approached her and inquired.

"Yes, I'm fine." After turning on the water, she spat into the basin.

"It's quite odd; something about the soap caused me to throw up something I've never experienced before." She turned to face the basin, nodding, but her legs began to sway and her head felt light. Her vision became blurry before her eyes closed, and then she lost consciousness.