CHAPTER 1
LIORA’S POV
The night air felt cool as I stood on the edge of the Silver Woods, a sacred place hidden in Moonvine where the werewolf mating ceremony was about to happen. I was excited because I was going to unite my life with Derek, the alpha of our group and the man I had loved since we were kids.
My friends, Sarah and Emma, were with me. We gathered in a small open area near the edge of the village. Moonlight came through the trees, making our faces glow as we laughed and felt excited.
"Can you believe it's finally here, the big day?" Sarah said with a happy look in her eyes.
I smiled, feeling both nervous and happy. "It's amazing, Sarah. The Silver Moon is shining down on us tonight, and Derek and I will be joined together under its light."
Emma was curious. "Tell us more about this werewolf mating ceremony, Liora. What happens?"
I took a deep breath, eager to explain the importance of the night. "Well, Emma, when two werewolves find their destined partner, they have this ceremony under the Silver Moon. It's a special event where our souls connect, and we become one according to the law of the silver moon."
Sarah's eyes widened. "So, tonight, you and Derek will become one? Sharing your bond under the moonlight?"
I nodded, blushing a bit. "Yes, exactly. It's a really personal and special act that shows our deep love. It's the final step in making our love stronger and becoming true partners."
Emma looked amazed. "The Silver Moon must make this even more special with its magical energy."
"You're right, Emma," I agreed, feeling respectful. "The Silver Moon has a lot of power and is thought to bless our bond, making it magical. It's as if the moon itself knows and approves of our love."
As we talked, Sarah and Emma couldn't help but smile mischievously. They had something on their minds, and I wondered what it was.
"Liora, you're so lucky," Sarah said, excitement in her eyes. "Tonight, you'll be united with Derek, the alpha! Can you handle all that excitement?"
Emma giggled, teasingly. "We're a little jealous! Being chosen by the alpha under the Silver Moon must feel like a scene from a romance story!"
I laughed, feeling both amused and warm. "It's a bit overwhelming, but I feel really lucky. Derek and I have a strong connection, and tonight, our love will become even stronger."
Sarah nudged me playfully. "Come on, spill the details! What's it like to be with the alpha? Any tips for us?"
I laughed. "Oh, you two! It's not about power. It's about love. Derek sees me for who I am and knows me deeply. Being with him means a lifetime of support, understanding, and loyalty."
Emma's eyes sparkled. "We've seen how he looks at you. He's completely smitten. You must have some special charm!"
I giggled. "It's just love. Love makes us see the best in each other. Derek and I have been through a lot together, even before he became the alpha. Tonight, we'll show our commitment."
Sarah leaned in. "Well, don't forget us when you're the alpha's partner. Maybe you can help us out!"
I rolled my eyes playfully. "Sure thing! When I'm with Derek, I'll make sure you both have special places in the group."
We all laughed as we continued to talk...
..............................
As the moon reached its highest point, shining silver light over the Silver Woods, I went into the sacred area alone. The air was filled with whispers of wind and the sweet scent of the plants around me. I was excited and a little nervous as I walked to the spot where Derek and I were supposed to meet.
But when I got there, he wasn't there. I felt worried, but I told myself to trust his love. Maybe he was busy with pack stuff or just nervous about the ceremony.
I took a deep breath and sat down on a patch of moss. I let the peacefulness of the woods calm me. Time passed slowly as I waited, looking for any sign of Derek.
Then, like a dream, Derek appeared from the moonlit trees. His presence made me feel better, even though there was something different about his look. I pushed that thought away, thinking he was probably just nervous.
"Liora," he said in a husky voice, coming closer with a loving look.
"Derek," I replied softly, my heart racing.
He smiled, looking at my face closely. But as we stood there, about to be together, I noticed he didn't mention my eyes like he usually did. It was strange, but I didn't think too much about it. He was probably just nervous.
He must have sensed my confusion because he leaned in, his warm breath against my skin. "Liora, you look even more beautiful than I remembered," he said, sounding surprised.
I blushed and felt warm inside. "You're flattering me," I said shyly.
Derek touched my cheek, sending a tingle through me. His voice was full of desire as he whispered, drawing me in.
"Liora," he said, his voice full of longing. "Since I first saw you, you captured me. Your charm made an unbreakable bond between us. In Moonvine, I'm lucky to have you as my mate."
His words hung in the air, making us feel electric and passionate. His gaze was intense, daring me to be completely in love.
I closed the gap between us, our lips meeting with a promise of deep love. Derek held me close, his touch making me feel alive.
In his arms, I whispered, "Derek, we were meant to be. Thinking of being yours makes me so happy. In your arms, I find happiness, and I feel free like a wolf under the moon."
He came even closer, our eyes locked. There was so much energy between us, making everything else disappear.
Our lips met in a passionate kiss, making me feel alive. His touch made my heart race. It was just us and the connection we were about to make.
Under the moonlight, we embraced, our love growing stronger. Our souls became one, and we gave ourselves to the moment.
*******
LIORA'S POV
Still entangled with my love on the cold floor of the forest, a feeling crept up to my heart that I could not ignore. I just sealed myself to Derek, the man of my dreams, making myself his true mate, but something seemed amiss with all this. . .
Suddenly,
I heard a noise in the bushes that was sudden and shocking, breaking the peaceful night. My heart raced as I looked towards the sound. In the moonlight, a person came out from the darkness. He looked exactly like the man I had just been close to moments ago. It felt like someone had replaced my reality with a confusing copy.
Time seemed to slow down as we locked eyes. I was shocked, and he seemed to have a lot of emotions in his eyes. The air was thick with tension, like a silent storm between us. It was like a frozen picture, two identical men about to reveal something.
A heavy silence hung in the air, and I felt a heavy weight on my chest as I realized the truth. I hadn't given myself to Derek. I tried to speak, but I couldn't find the words. The person I was entangled with was not Derek. I had given myself to another man, a stranger who seemed to be identical with Derek.
I stammered, "Derek?" My voice shook, and I looked at the two identical faces in front of me. It felt like a terrible dream, a nightmare I couldn't escape.
Derek's eyes showed many emotions, and he seemed unable to speak. He slowly shook his head, as if trying to deny the painful truth.
I felt a mix of emotions—confusion, betrayal, and a sense of being violated. It was like the ground beneath me had shifted, and I was lost. Derek's twin brother, someone I didn't know until now, stood like a dark shadow between what I thought was true.
This realization was like a heavy fog, suffocating me. I had given my body and heart to the wrong man. The pain of it overwhelmed me, a storm of emotions that threatened to drown me.
In the cold moonlight, I had to accept that I had unknowingly betrayed myself—betrayed my heart, my trust, and the love I thought was unbreakable.
I couldn't stop staring at the scar on Derek's chest, a scar that had always represented his strength. But now, it was proof of the deception that had ensnared me. The truth hit me hard, shattering the trust I had built around my heart. I had been deceived, and I felt like a puppet in a deceitful game. If only I had noticed the absence of that scar earlier, if only I had seen through the lies. I blamed myself for my naivety and felt the pain of love betrayed by deceit.
"Derek, please wait!" I cried as I stood up, reaching out towards him.
But Derek had already turned away and was disappearing into the woods. His footsteps echoed in my ears, and it felt like my heart was breaking.
Tears blurred my vision as I stretched out a trembling hand towards the spot where Derek had been. "No, please," I whispered. "I didn't know, I swear."
Drake's laughter cut through the night, a cruel sound that made my betrayal even more painful. He sat on the ground, amused by the situation.
"Well, well, well," he sneered, his eyes filled with malice. "My plan worked better than I thought."
I glared at him, my anger evident. "You did this? You set all of this up?"
His grin grew, and his eyes were full of darkness. "Oh, Liora. You never saw what was right in front of you."
I was torn between anger and confusion, my fists clenched.
"Who are you?” I cried out. . .
“Why? Why would you do this?"
His laughter was cold and heartless.
“Who am I? Of course you know, darling. I am your new mate, and you’re mine now,” he laughed out, and even before I could say another word, he started off without another line.
“My name is Drake. I am Derek’s twin brother. He thought he had lost me, but now he found me, just in the right moment where I get to take everything away from him, including you,” Drake said and I am left speechless.
"I’m here to take what should have been mine all along—the pack, the power, and you. You are just an extra package."
My heart hurt as I understood his intentions. . .
“Oh my, Oh my, I’m one hell of a lucky guy. I never would have thought I would end up with a mate as beautiful as you are, Liora,” he said, tracing my cheek with his finger tip, after walking closer to me.
I spat on his face, took my jacket and rushed out, in search of Derek.
Drake laughed hard while I ran. . . I could hear his laughter behind me.