Chapter _3

Let me look at you!" He stands me on my feet, and twirls me.. whistling low.."You... are an absolute beauty, Rori!" I smile, kissing his cheek. He turns me around, so I can greet Anderson. Our eyes meet.. and Isla mutters "mate" in my brain!

No! No! No! He turns and grabbed Amelia's hand.. walking away. I pull into Caleb's arms.. and the dam Bursts...

Caleb whispers "What just happened, baby girl?" I shake my head violently, and he leads me outside to the back side of the garden "Talk to me, Aurora!"

I wipe my tears and try to smile "My mate will be pledging himself to my sister in a couple hours. How's that for irony!? I was just preaching about true mates to her.. never realizing the other half of a body's soul she was stealing would be mine!"

He wiped my cheeks, and told me "Anderson is an honorable man, sister. He will do the right thing. I am sure he's explaining everything to Amelia right now. She will understand. Everything will be okay!"

I shake my head, chuckling "Bet! Fifty bucks says I am rejected within the hour!" He groans "You and your betting! I will take that bet! I know my best friend! Easiest fifty bucks I've ever made!" I laugh at him.

We walk back inside, to our father waiting on us..

"Alpha wants us in his office.. this is a mess.. Why can't anything be easy with you, Aurora?".

I rolled my eyes and linked Caleb ? Still think you're winning the bet?

Caleb asked "How, exactly, is this Rori's fault, Dad? The Goddess chooses mates. Amelia is the one who overstepped!".

My father snapped that this is not Caleb's decision. We follow the Alpha.

Entering the office.. there they all sit.

Alpha, Luna.. My mother.. and Anderson.. with Amelia in his lap.. consoling her tears. Isla whines deep and my heart hurts. I comfort her,, letting her know we are stronger than this.. bigger than the pain!

I sit beside Caleb.. as he takes my hand. My father plops beside my mother.

Alpha John said "Well, this is an unfortunate turn of events. Aurora, I am sure you understand the significance of this.. as the second born daughter of a beta.. it's only logical the first daughter be the mate of the Alpha.. Anderson and Amelia love each other.. they have been together for several years. This... wrinkle.. cannot be allowed to throw a monkey wrench into their plans."

Caleb squeezed my hand, as I began to shake.. I ask "So, I am once again, what? Expected to step aside!? Take a backseat to the whatever Amelia wants, Amelia gets dog and pony show?"

Caleb squeezes my hand harder.. knowing I am about to say something I can't take back.

Amelia screeches "You have always wanted what I have, Aurora! All our lives you have made everything about you!"

I busted out laughing.. "Are you serious? Is she serious? I have never wanted what you have! NOTHING in our lives has ever been about ME! Our birthdays.. not once were they ever what I wanted! I hate pink! Boy bands are for cheerleaders! Rainbow confetti cakes are disgusting! Have I ever complained? .

The only person in this entire pack who ever gave a s**t about me is my brother! I learned a long time ago.. I was just the extra kid! Not the bonus kid.. not the youngest! I was the throwaway.. the one....

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