Lilith’s POV
DING.
I sighed, my eyes drifting to the glowing screen of my phone. A message from Caden. My chest tightened as I hesitated, reluctant to even glance at it. My tears had been flowing for over an hour, and I needed to pull myself together. There was no way I could show up tonight looking like someone had died.
I’d never been afraid of anything in my life, but now? I was terrified of reading a damn text. Because it wasn’t just a text-it was a door to something bigger, something heavier.
*”Breaking news: Lilith Emory admits she was wrong. Perhaps the Goddess knows what she’s doing after all. Stay tuned to see if it’s too late.”*
Caden: *Hey beautiful, sorry we were gone this morning-pack business came up. Do you want to ride together tonight, or were you planning to go with Dahlia? We’ll need to come back here after the game to get dressed. I can’t wait to see you dolled up.*
The sobs came harder as I read and reread his message for the tenth time. I wasn’t angry that he was lying to me-I knew why. What broke me was how effortlessly he texted, like everything was normal, like nothing was wrong.
But everything *was* wrong. Upside down. No, it was completely and utterly fucked.
For a brief moment, I seriously considered running away. Just disappearing, starting over somewhere else. But what would be the point? Guilt would consume me no matter where I went. Leaving would shatter their hearts into a million pieces, and I couldn’t bear that. If Liam or Violet ever found me, they’d probably skin me alive.
I toyed with the idea of telling Caden to come over, right now. Or sprinting to him like some lovesick fool from a rom-com, desperate to make things right. But I knew better. His family would be arriving soon, and their game was coming up. My hair and makeup session was scheduled right before it, so all I’d need to do afterward was slip into my dress.
Tonight was supposed to be amazing-a chance to have fun with my mates, to feel normal. But I didn’t know how to be normal. How could I, when I was the textbook definition of a self-deprecating, pathetic lunatic?
I should get up on stage tonight and roast myself. Not that I could knock myself any lower-I was already buried beneath rock bottom.
It took a fifteen-year-old pup-a stranger, no less-to shatter the illusion of the perfect life I thought I had. She burst my precious bubble, the one I’d lived in so comfortably, rarely letting anyone penetrate it.
I’d always kept my distance from the stories I reported, never letting them get personal. Because I’d never been the story. But now? Now, I was front and center, and there was no avoiding it. The ending, though-that’s what had me tied in knots. I had no clue how this would end.
*You can’t have this conversation before their game-it’ll mess them up,* Rose said, her tone firm and matter-of-fact.
I nodded at nothing, agreeing silently. My body ached as I shifted from the awkward position I’d been curled in for hours. I willed my fingers to move, to respond to his text.
Me: *I’ll go with Lia, so don’t worry about me. You guys need to keep your head in the game, isn’t that the saying?*
I dabbed at my face with a tissue, but it didn’t help. Nothing could fill the hollow ache in my chest or banish the sudden, crushing sense of worthlessness. Feelings were new territory for me-unfamiliar and unwelcome.
Even in college, my relationships had been shallow, built on physical need rather than emotional depth. They always ended cleanly, amicably, without any mess or heartbreak.
DING.
Caden: *There you go-you’ll pick up the lingo in no time. 🙂 I sent someone over with something for you. It should be at your door any minute. Can’t wait to see you tonight, baby. Miss you.*
The tears came again, unstoppable. I wanted to beg him to come over, to spill everything-to admit I hadn’t even read their interview and that I’d only approached them to advance my career. My *career*.
What a joke that seemed now. Insignificant and hollow compared to everything I was feeling. I’d never given them a real chance at my heart. Hell, I hadn’t even admitted to myself that I had one to give.
*You can’t give what you won’t admit you have,* Rose said softly. *But we do have a heart, Lily. And we will give it.*
I forced myself off the couch, grabbed a bite to eat, and found my way to my laptop. Before I knew it, I’d written two pages. It wasn’t coherent, and it wouldn’t make it into my article, but it was something.
I checked the door and found a flat, gift-wrapped box. Navy blue paper with a white bow-the school colors.
*So thoughtful!* Rose cooed.
I opened it cautiously, holding my breath. Inside was a jersey with “Ashford” printed across the back, number 42. I didn’t even know which twin it belonged to, but I could tell by the scent-it was Caden’s.
He didn’t hate me. Not yet. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.
I pressed the jersey to my face and inhaled deeply, fighting back more tears. I had a lot of groveling to do, and for the first time, I was willing to do it.
Because finally, I saw it for what it was. They were my mates.
*Praise the Goddess! Damn, you have a thick skull,* Rose exclaimed, exasperated.
I sighed, glancing at the clock. No time left. Dahlia would be downstairs any minute, and then there’d be no turning back.
This was happening.
RING. RING. RING.
I glanced at my phone and frowned at the unfamiliar number. It had been a while since anyone called with tips or gossip, hoping I’d spin their tidbits into an article. Still, you never knew. Sighing, I tapped the answer button and braced myself.
“Lily speaking,” I said, my voice steady as I moved to tidy up the kitchen.
“Lilith? It’s Fang Ashford. You never returned my call,” came a gruff voice.
I froze for a second before making a face. Fang Ashford-another peculiar family connection I barely remembered.
*But now he’s family, too,* Rose reminded me, her voice soft but insistent.
“Oh, yes, sorry about that,” I replied, trying to sound breezy. “I thought Caleb might’ve called you already. I was going to see if you were interested in a charitable benefit, but it’s tonight.” I put the phone on speaker, gathered my hair into a loose bun, and started pacing.
“Are you his girlfriend or something?” he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
My mouth opened and shut, words refusing to form. *Do it,* Rose urged, practically bouncing with excitement.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the truth I had avoided all week-truth I hadn’t even admitted to myself, let alone said aloud. “No,” I said finally, my voice steady yet soft. “I’m actually their mate.”
The words hung in the air, heavy yet liberating. I dashed into the bathroom and stared at my reflection, waiting for something-anything-to happen. I didn’t combust, didn’t morph into a toad. I’d said it, out loud, to another person. To their relative, no less.
“Really? That’s amazing! They must be thrilled. You’re their dream come true,” he said, his sincerity taking me off guard. A flutter stirred in my belly.
“I hope I can be everything they want me to be,” I admitted softly before switching gears. “So, the event’s tonight. It’s $500 a plate, and I know it’s last minute, but it’s for Waves.”
A text notification popped up:
**Lia: Be there in five, on the way!**
“I’d love to come,” Fang said warmly. “I’ll dig up a suit. I’m looking forward to seeing you-with your mates and Alphas.”
I let out a shaky breath and clung to the counter for support. “Great. I’ll text you the details.” Before he could respond, I ended the call and slumped against the sink.
*See? That wasn’t so bad,* Rose said, her happiness radiating through me. I felt lighter, as if I’d crossed an invisible threshold.
Slipping on the jersey Caden had sent, I paired it with my favorite worn jeans. One last pep talk in the mirror later, I was outside, waiting for Dahlia.
Two hours later, I sat with Dahlia and Briar at the stadium, trying to follow the game. I felt out of place wearing a football jersey while looking all dolled up, but the girls looked just as mismatched, so I didn’t feel completely ridiculous.
Briar explained that the teams were made up of top players from various schools, and while it wasn’t meant to be too competitive, it definitely was. I mean, shifters? Graduating seniors? Of course, it was intense.
The game was brutal. I couldn’t tell what was happening most of the time, but when Caleb got in the referee’s face over a call, I booed right along with everyone else.
My eyes wandered to the stands where Kieran, Ethan, Sophia, Violet, Chloe, and Liam sat. Violet and Liam sat apart, trying to appear distant, but I caught Liam sneaking glances her way. The raw selflessness of his actions floored me-it wasn’t something I’d ever seen, let alone experienced.
At halftime, the guys disappeared into the locker room. I drifted near the concession stand, chatting with familiar faces, when a voice cut through the din.
“Lilith, there you are! Enjoying the game?”
I turned to see Alpha Ethan, alone. A sharp cramp twisted my stomach, and I nearly doubled over. Did he think I was a terrible match for his sons? Not worthy of being Luna?
“Hey there,” I managed, forcing a smile. “I’m just trying to follow along since I don’t know much about the game.”
*Stand tall,* Rose urged, nudging my spine into alignment.
I shifted the conversation, desperate to regain control. “I’m excited for the benefit tonight. I spoke to Fang and Hade, and it sounds like they’ll be coming.”
Ethan chuckled, then his expression turned serious. “I’m sure they wouldn’t miss it. They’ll be thrilled to meet our new Luna.”
My breath hitched. Our new Luna?
“I hope to live up to expectations,” I said cautiously.
“You’ll do great,” he said with a warm smile. “I hope you’ll visit soon. Caden’s been talking nonstop about the house we’ve picked out for you.”
Our house? *Our house!* Rose practically squealed.
Before I could overthink, I turned and wandered toward the gate.
“Hey, baby, coming to give me a good luck kiss?”
I spun to see Caden, grinning as he walked out of the locker room. His hair was a wild mess, his skin glistening with sweat, but he’d never looked better.
“Absolutely,” I said, grabbing his jersey and pulling him into a kiss so fierce it felt like the world had stopped.