Miles pov

I was dumbstruck. I felt as though my eyes were playing tricks on me. What shocked me the most was that she was still alive, even after jumping off a cliff. And she didn’t even bother to come back to the pack the whole time.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I caught a glimpse of her glimmering emerald eyes as she continued to grin at her husband to be. She looked gorgeous in that lacy white wedding dress. But was it her? I didn’t want to believe that she could still be alive. How could a weak human live after that fall?

When she entered the venue, I felt my wolf shift uncomfortably. I ran my tongue over my chapped lips. A constant frown was on my forehead. I knew everyone at our table was shocked to see the resemblance of this girl to the human who lived among us. However, I couldn’t join in their discussions. I was too indulged in my dilemma.

I kept looking at her as she was being escorted by the king. I thought this was the wedding of the Crown Princess. What was she doing here? And why was the king escorting her? Does this mean……

Wait ….so many unanswered questions. My head started to pound with a headache. It was so confusing. It couldn’t be her. Cassandra was a simple human. She had jumped off the cliff. She had died. Whereas this was the Lycan princess, so this couldn’t be her.

I kept telling myself during the entire ceremony. How could it be her? If she was, I would have felt the pull. Besides, how could a human suddenly change into a lycan? That isn’t possible.

I knew my face was contorted in utter confusion. I heard murmurs around me. Hushed whispers were exchanged until the ceremony began.

I continued to stare as they were married and were announced, husband and wife. I occasionally wiped away the sweat on my face. Despite the cool environment, I was feeling uncomfortably hot.

This girl must be her doppelganger. I told myself. Not the human. How cool would it be if I had mated with the Crown Princess herself! I smiled internally, trying to keep my mind off of Cassandra.

Well, that can only be a dream now. She is now married to her chosen mate. Superior creatures like lycans have the power and authority to choose their mates. Once they mark each other, they will share the bond similar to our mate bond. It would be the same and they would be mates for life.

The wedding and the coronation ceremony went on smoothly. Everyone was watching the young couple who seemed to be deeply in love. When she sat on the throne, I had a full view of her face. I could have sworn that she glanced at me for a split second when she smirked slightly. However, her face remained emotionless throughout the ceremony.

My heart skipped a beat when I thought she looked in my direction.

No! It must have been my eyes playing tricks on me. The Queen wouldn’t look in my direction. Why would she?

When the minister announced her name, I let out a rough breath.

Queen Carina. She was Queen Carina. I was worrying over nothing. When the food was served, I tried to eat it. Still, I found it hard to swallow. Our table seemed to be eerily silent compared to those surrounding us.

I just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it. The Queen looked exactly like her and it was hard for me to digest. I felt as though Cassandra’s ghost had come back to haunt me. I had better suggest leaving as soon as possible. Perhaps I could avoid meeting the Queen. Then Cassandra’s ghost cannot haunt me.

When the royal guard informed us that the Queen was requesting our presence in front of her, I felt my heart plummet. Why would she want to see us separately?

We all went to see her feet nonetheless. Everyone was silent, confused and uncertain of what to expect. I knew Nolan was especially anxious. Though he didn’t say anything, it was obvious on his face that he had a lot of questions he wanted to ask.

When she called Nolan and approached him, I felt as though the ground shook underneath my feet. It was her! But does this mean I have lost the chance to share the throne with her?

I started to feel remorseful and possessive. She was my first mate. She should be mine even now. Even though she was married, they had not married nor mated yet. So I still had a chance.

However, opening my mouth was the biggest mistake of my life. I should have stayed silent, then perhaps, what I had done in the past would have remained a secret.

But I learnt the hard way.

“Mate!” Nolan’s growl made me snap my head at him.

He was rigid, staring wide-eyed at a dark-haired girl who was staring back at him.

Oh great! Now my beta has found his mate and she is a Lycan. I stole a glance at my parents.

I saw how my father’s fist was balled so tightly that his knuckles were getting white. The nerve on his temple was bulging and throbbing while he clenched his jaws from time to time. Although he didn’t look in my direction, I knew what that could mean.

I gulped. He was furious at what I had done. Oh, I am screwed.

“Congratulations Nolan.” My mother murmured.

The girl slowly inhaled and exhaled, perhaps trying her best to control her emotions.

Cassandra grinned at the girl and stood up. She took her hand and led her towards Nolan.

Seeing that everyone seemed to be distracted, I slowly stepped back.

“Ava. This is my brother Nolan. Looks like you are his mate. Do you accept it?”

I heard her sweet melodious voice speak softly, unlike the stern tone she used to address me. I couldn’t care less what Nolan’s mate said in response. I looked at her face one last time before I walked away.

She was indeed beautiful. Blond hair and sparkling green eyes. Why didn’t I see that before? I was stupid. But is there a way I could still make her mine?

My jaws clenched. I had rushed out of the palace and decided to wait outside. At least here, I could be alone and think.

I punched the pillar. It only hurt my fist. The royal palace was made in such a way that it wouldn’t be damaged by an alpha like me. After all, lycanthropes are stronger than us.

Damn! I was mated to the strongest. And that, too, the Queen! I shouldn’t have rejected her as I did. But how was I supposed to know? She was so human before.

Gah! My cursed fate!

Maybe I could try to do something. Maybe….but what? I chewed on my lower l*p and continued to think of a way to break the newlyweds apart. Maybe if the so-called ‘Prince’ cheats on her she will leave him.

My lips slowly curved into a sly smirk. I could think of a way to do that. That does sound like a good idea.

I was about to think about the different ways of carrying out my plan when I was suddenly slammed against the hard wall of the palace.

“It was you the whole time! You traitor!”

Nolan growled. His wolf had taken control partially.

He held me by my neck and pressed me tight against the wall, making it hard for me to breathe.

“I swear I will kill you!” His growl was menacing. I tried to shift, or at least say something. However, Nolan pressuring my neck made it impossible. How could I do anything if I couldn’t breathe?

I struggled against his tight grip. Suddenly, his mate ran out of the palace, followed by my parents.

“Nolan. Control yourself.” His mate pleaded.

“No! This insolent wolf was posing as my best friend the entire time! How dare he!” He growled again. “He is nothing but a disgrace to all kinds of bonds. The sacred mate bond, the brotherly love between friends! I hate you, Miles. I f*****g hate you!”

“Nolan! Let him go. Don’t dirty your hands with his b***d.”

It was Cassandra’s voice that made him loosen his grip around my neck.

“I am fine, as you can see, and you have found your mate. It is time for you to enjoy rather than hold grudges.” She stated with authority. I took huge gasps of breath when Nolan finally let me go.

However, he was still glaring at me angrily, apparently seething in anger.

“She is right, Nolan,” my father stated.

“Besides, I want to go back to the pack as soon as possible. I have a lot of ‘things to deal with.” my father glared at me as he spoke and then looked at Nolan and Castor.

“Nolan, the pack needs you right now. I am suspending Miles from his duties. I want him to realise what he has done. He must know better than lusting after wealth and power. And meanwhile, you and Castor will be the heads of the pack. I will be there, of course. But for now, Miles, you are suspended until further notice!” His stern voice and tone were enough to make me want to disappear.

He then faced Nolan.

“I know you might be disgusted at Miles. But the pack members are innocent. I will punish my idiotic son. But I need your help. Sadly, I had passed on the title to him without realising that he was nothing but a power-hungry wolf!”

I flinched. Ouch. That hurt.

“Yes. Alpha. But I would like to take my mate with me. I would have to meet her parents for that so it might take some time,” Nolan replied. My father nodded in agreement.

“Of course. Take your time. I and Castor will handle everything until then. Isn’t it Castor?”

Castor nodded. He also seemed to avoid making eye contact with me. Was Castor also disgusted with me?

My father then stood right in front of me and made me look into his eyes, which were burning with rage. I could swear that I saw the fire in his deep brown eyes. If looks could kill, I would be dead by now.

“I hope you finally understand that it is not about power and rank, Miles. You have embarrassed me to no end.” He growled in between his gritted teeth and walked away from me.

My mom then narrowed her eyes and gave me a stare.

“I thought I had taught you better. Looks like I still have a long way to go. You better correct your ways before you end up going rogue, young man!” She hissed and walked after my father.

I continued to lean against the wall, still trying to catch my breath when she turned around and once again widened her eyes at me.

“Are you coming or do I need to bring the guards to drag you back to the pack?” She demanded.

“I am coming, mom…” I managed to utter a reply.

She pointed a finger at me.

“If you think I am your mother, you wouldn’t have treated an innocent girl like you did, just because you thought that she was human. These are not the values I have instilled in you!”

She huffed and turned around to take angry steps towards the gate. I gulped. Looks like I am in huge trouble.

I kept my head lowered the entire way. Never in my life had I felt like this. I have always been lauded for my skills and excellence.

I was glad that they didn’t say anything during the whole car ride. And that I was travelling with my parents separately. Castor and his mate had come in another car and it was a huge relief for me. I most certainly didn’t dare to face them right now.

After the four-hour ride, we reached our destination and when we arrived, night had fallen.

However, instead of allowing me to retreat to my room in the alpha quarters, my father ordered that I sleep in a normal room, designed for the workers.

I would have objected. However, I knew they wouldn’t give in to me just like that. Looks like I would have to sleep on the hard mattress. Oh, I am going to miss my bed.

Not uttering even a single g***n of resistance, I quietly went into the room they had prepared for me.

“Your clothes will be sent to this room in the morning. Don’t even bother going back to the alpha quarters. You are no longer the alpha until you realise the importance of these humble people. And perhaps, hanging out with them will teach you a thing or two that we weren’t able to teach you.” My father said angrily.

“From now on, you will take part in their work, you will eat with them. And you will learn to live a humble life. We have loved you too much and you are spoiled rotten. Sadly, we didn’t realise this earlier.” Mom added.

Without waiting for an answer, they walked away and slammed the door shut behind him.

So does this mean I will have to hang around the omegas now?

No f*****g way!

I found it hard to sleep the whole night. The uncomfortable mattress was trouble to sleep on. However, despite the lack of sleep, I had to get up early in the morning to join the omegas to help with their duties. Cleaning, cooking, repairing the broken furniture and other household things.

It was tiring. I looked with great desire at the warriors who were training on the training ground while I worked in the garden in the afternoon. I saw Castor handle them with ease and all of them seemed to be enjoying the session, unlike when I was in charge. They worked as they laughed and with great enthusiasm. They rushed to complete the tasks. They high-fived and had fun the entire time.

I felt a pang of pain in my chest. Does this mean my men liked my gamma better than me?NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

I looked around, hoping to see Nolan around. Perhaps he was still not back. Or maybe he was in the packhouse showing his mate the place.

I sighed and continued to dig the black earth. It hurt when my parents and my best friends ignored me. The omegas were super nice. But still…. I wanted to be with my friends.