Chapter 2

Ronan and I were fated mates. We fell in love at first sight and quickly started dating. Ronan used to take me on dates to all sorts of places every day.

But before long, a spoiled-princess adopted sister named Tia appeared by his side.

On our wedding day, Ronan received her call:

"Ronan, remember what you promised me? That you'd go hunting with me in Africa."

"I'm waiting for you at the airport. If you don't come, I'll drink wolfsbane!"

Ronan just gave me an apologetic glance, didn't hesitate to let go of my hand, abandoned all the wedding guests, and ran off.

I received two text messages from him, then couldn't reach him again.

[Tia's father saved my life. She's his only daughter—I can't let anything happen to her!]

[Don't worry, I'll just accompany her on one hunt, then I'll come back. A week at most, and I'll return to complete the wedding. Then we'll go on our honeymoon.]

Alpha Orion was furious.

To give Ravencrest pack an explanation, Alpha Orion promised me:

"Layla, it's my fault for not raising him properly. Whatever compensation you want, just say it!"

I pointed at Alpha Orion's eldest son, the current Alpha heir of Dubois pack, Leo.

"Then give him to me. This wedding is still missing a groom."

Leo happened to have never met his mate and was single, so he and I completed the wedding ceremony.

After the wedding, I had a witch sever the mate bond between Ronan and me.

On our wedding night, Leo marked me. Just like that, I officially became Ronan's brother's mate.

Thinking of this, I checked the time. Leo's flight should be arriving soon.

I was about to ask when I saw his message:

[Honey, flight delay. I just boarded. Might be very late. Don't wait for me—let the driver pick me up.]

[Love you.]

A big heart emoji.

I couldn't help smiling, my brow relaxing.

Even looking at this infuriating ex-fiancé, current brother-in-law, seemed more tolerable now.

Ronan crossed his arms, smirking at my phone.

"Oh, where'd you find this actor? Saved as 'Husband'? Flight delay too?"

"Layla, don't make jokes like this anymore. You know I get jealous."

He suddenly leaned closer, reaching out to touch my hair.

I quickly stepped back. His hand froze in midair.

"I told you, I'm married. If you keep harassing me, you'll probably get your legs broken when you go home tonight."

Ronan laughed like he'd heard something hilarious. He pointed at my neck and raised an eyebrow.

"That gemstone necklace you're wearing—Father said he'd give it to his daughter-in-law. You're wearing it now and lying to me about marrying someone else?"

The necklace was indeed a gift from Alpha Orion, just not to his younger son's wife, but to his elder son's wife.

"I married—"

Before I could finish, Tia interrupted.

"Is that the emerald necklace?"

She jumped down from the suitcase and walked over, inserting herself between Ronan and me.

When she saw clearly that the necklace I wore was the one she'd been thinking of, her eyes instantly reddened.

She grabbed Ronan's arm, her voice dejected.

"Ronan, I've loved this emerald necklace for so long, but Father wouldn't give it to me. Now he's given it to an outsider instead."

"Does Father... not consider me his daughter?"

"But I'm just the daughter of an ordinary wolf warrior. I only became Father's daughter because he was kind enough to adopt me. I can't compare to Layla, an Alpha's daughter. Even Father favors her."

Hearing this, Ronan's face filled with apology again. He looked at me with some difficulty.

"Tia is young and has a pitiful background. She's always insecure. Just give in to her."

"She likes this necklace, so give it to her. I'll buy you a ruby one later—I guarantee it'll be prettier and better quality than this one."