The Ignored Wolf

Yet Here I am

Louise

Deep breaths. Deep breaths. You’ve got this. I tell myself before making my way to the entrance to the Greenwood Pack's banquet hall. I've been battling a cold since that rainy night picking Charlie up from the bar. My throat burns every time I swallow. I wish I was in bed, but I just couldn't refuse Charlie's request.

I'm wearing the little black dress, the only formal thing in my closet. I bought it for my graduation ceremony. I thought it was fine until I saw the other guests.

The she-wolves are in stunning custom gowns, shimmering in silk, velvet, and crystal-studded chiffon. Their attire makes me miss the days my mom dressed me up like a little princess.

I look around and spot Matthew Cooper in a suit. His hair shines under the chandeliers as he chats with guests, smiling warmly. Next to him, Alpha Arthur and Luna Victoria watch him proudly. This family harmony makes my heart ache with envy. On the other side of the room, my Father is with my stepmum. They are basked in the glow of attention, receiving an endless stream of congratulations from guests because Cassandra is engaged to Matthew and will soon be a Luna.

"Miss?"

"Yes?" I am startled, turning to see a Gamma guard.

"May I have your name?" he inquires, holding a leather-bound ledger.

"Louise Blake," I say. "I'm Cassandra's half-sister."

"Ah, welcome!" The guard smiles. He begins flipping through the ledger, his finger tracing down the list. His brow furrows slightly. "Umm, sorry Miss, your name isn't on the list. Could I see your invitation? The Greenwood Pack is very private. Alpha and Luna want this celebration strictly among friends, no media intrusion. I'm sorry, but you understand, some rude reporters would try to sneak in disguised as guests..."

"Sure," I say, feeling embarrassed. "I'm here as a guest's plus-one."

"And who is…"

"She's with me," Charlie's voice comes from behind, making me breathe a sigh of relief.

I turn to see him walking through the lingering guests near the entrance. "Charlie Landa," he tells the guard, his tone easy and confident. "Louise is my plus-one. Must be a list error. You know how chaotic these big events are." He says as he presents his invitation.

The guard's expression smooths instantly. "Mr. Landa, sorry for the trouble." He checks Charlie's invitation and nods. "Enjoy your evening."

Charlie smiles and offers me his arm. I take it and follow him into the hall. "Sorry I'm late," he murmurs. "Traffic was a nightmare."

We walk down the red carpet side by side. The light from the crystal chandeliers spills over us. Around us is a low hum of conversation, light laughter, and the clink of champagne glasses.

It feels like a dream, one I've dreamed so many times—Charlie seeing me, holding me, acknowledging me in front of everyone.

"Are you cold?" he asks, his voice so gentle that it makes my heart race. "You're shivering."

I am shivering. Partly from the chill I can't shake, partly from nerves, partly from this whole surreal situation. Should I tell him all the reasons? s**t, my brain short-circuits and I can't think of what to say.

"I... I," I stutter, trying to form words. Charlie chuckles softly, shrugs off his coat, and drapes it over my shoulders.

The coat is warm, and I can't help but inhale its scent. It smells like him. Immediately, I feel awkward, realizing how odd I must look. My heart races a bit faster as I pull the coat tighter around me, trying to hide my nervousness. "Thank you," I whisper, hoping he doesn't notice how flustered I am.

"You're welcome," Charlie smiles. "Let’s get in."

As people approach Charlie, I stand awkwardly to the side, trying to maintain a smile. He's so popular and I feel like a little wallflower watching all the buzzing activity. When the crowd finally leave, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, my shoulders loosening.

"You're so tense, Louise," Charlie teases with a soft laugh.

"I don't go to many of these," I admit, my cheeks warming. "Sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for," Charlie says. "I'm just glad you're here."

I smile at him. And that's when I feel it—a pair of eyes on me. I frown. "I think someone's staring at me," I tell Charlie.

"You're just nervous," he assures me. "Security wouldn't let anyone suspicious in. Relax, okay?"

"Okay," I say, taking another deep breath.

But just as I start to relax, Charlie's body goes rigid beside me. "Louise!" he hisses.

"What?"

"Get ready. She's heading this way," he says, his voice actually a bit shaky.

I look up, following his gaze, and freeze. Cassandra is gliding towards us. She looks stunning tonight in a deep red gown that hugs her figure, the neckline cut low enough to make every wolf’s mouth water. I may never be able to master the way she moves her hips.

As she gets closer, I notice the storm brewing on her face. If Charlie weren't holding my arm, anchoring me in place, I might have turned and run. Cassandra is terrifying when she's angry. She never yells—at least not when others are around. She maintains her elegance. Her anger is a silent force, like wielding an invisible knife aimed straight for your heart.

Who upset her? I'm confused. Who would dare make her angry on the day she becomes Luna of Greenwood Pack?

Cassandra stops right in front of us, close enough for me to see the fury burning in her eyes. She looks at Charlie first, then her gaze slides to me, sweeping from my cheap heels to the coat on my shoulders.

Then she smirks, which sends shivers down my spine.

"Louise! I can't believe you came!" She opens her arms and pulls me into a hug. Before I can process this sudden show of affection, her fingers dig into my side, hard enough to make me gasp in pain. I can't help but let out a yelp as I stumble back.

"What's wrong, darling?" Cassandra blinks innocently. "Are you okay?"

There's definitely going to be a bruise on my ribs. "You pinched me," I say.

"Pinched you?" She gives me an incredulous look and giggles. "Why would I ever do that? I was just so happy to see you. Maybe I hugged you a little too tight."

I glance at Charlie, who seems to buy her act completely. Cassandra's smile turns satisfied. She looks back at me. "Mum and I have missed you, you know. We keep hoping you'll come home, but Dad..." She sighs, shaking her head dramatically. "He's still so mad at you. No matter how Mum and I try to reason with him, he doesn’t listen. You know how stubborn he could be once he's made up his mind."

"Maybe," I say slowly, "it's your and Kelly's reasoning that makes Dad still mad at me."

"Oh, Louise! How could you think of Mum and me like that? We've been trying to put in a good word for you."

I roll my eyes. Cassandra clears her throat, changing the subject. "So, are you and Charlie dating now? You two look close."

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Are we dating? Charlie brought me here, and put his coat on me—does that count? Or am I just a convenient plus-one to him?

"I'm dating Louise," Charlie announces. He suddenly slides his arm around my waist, pulling me firmly against his side."Just like you see. We've gotten quite close recently."

Cassandra raises her brow at him. "Really?"

"Yeah," Charlie says, smiling down at me. His gaze is so tense that I almost believe it's real.

"Wow, enlighten me. What is it about Louise that draws you in?" Cassandra presses.

"She's... special," Charlie says. "Kind. Genuine. Not shallow or selfish like you."

Cassandra's expression shifts. A flicker of jealousy flashes across her eyes. Her lips tighten. She steps forward, crossing her arms. "So you're serious? About her?"

"Of course I am serious," Charlie says, his arm tightening around me. I should feel flattered, but he's holding me so tightly that I can barely breathe.

"Could you loosen your grip a little..." I plead softly.

"No," Charlie says. "I don't want to let go. I want to hold you forever."

It sounds like a sweet line... but he's not saying it for me. He's saying it for Cassandra, since he never takes his eyes off since the moment she appeared.

It dawns on me that I'm just a tool—he's trying to use me to get a reaction out of her.

Honestly, I don't know what to do. I'm furious that Charlie used me without telling me his real intentions, but I also don't want to yell at him and embarrass him in front of Cassandra.

They stare at each other for a long time, and the tension between them is so thick that it may snap. Then all of a sudden Cassandra bursts out laughing, as if she's just heard the funniest joke in the world.

"What's so funny?" Charlie asks, his brow furrowing.

"Oh, Charlie," Cassandra dabs a nonexistent tear from her eyes. "Did you really think this would make me jealous?" She asks, her voice dripping with pity.

Charlie's face slowly turns red. "I don't know what you're talking about—"

"Don't pretend." Cassandra cuts him off. "You brought Louise here and acted so sweet to her, putting on a show for everyone, especially for me I guess? You wanted to show me that you're moving on, that you've forgotten me. Did you think I'd be upset? That I'd regret leaving you?” She pauses, letting her words bite. “Not at all Charlie, I'm relieved. I should thank the Moon that you've finally become someone else's problem."

"I didn't—" Charlie tries to protest, but his voice is barely audible.

"Just admit it. That's your game, Charlie. After every breakup, you’d drag someone into your drama, parading them around me, hoping I'll get jealous. Your tricks worked well. I was hurt. It broke my heart to see you with them and I’ll be back with you." Cassandra sneers as she gives me a cold and condescending look. "But this time, you've truly made a horrible move. If you wanted to prove you're fine, you could have chosen someone with charm—certainly not my unwanted wolfless half-sister. Louise…well, you dating her doesn't make me jealous. It just makes me pity you, for this is the best replacement you can find. But I suppose you two match perfectly. Have fun." She finishes with a dismissive smirk.

I want to argue with her but Charlie pulls me aside. "Forget it, "he mutters, and gives me an accusing look, "You should have dressed better."