5

EMILY

Seeing Sean again felt like stepping into a whirlwind. The moment I'd spotted him at the Pack training centre, my heart began pounding. His familiar face sent waves of memories crashing over me. I didn't want it, but I couldn't stop it.

"Emily!" My heart dropped when I heard his voice. I turned, unsure of how to respond.

"Sean, it's been a while," I said, trying to sound casual, but my voice wobbled.

"Yeah, it really has. I've missed you," he said, taking a step closer, his eyes sparkling with that charm I once adored, until that night that changed everything, that night I'd walked back to my dorm thinking Gretchen was really reading, only to walk in on her humping his dick. My stomach twisted. I should’ve felt happy, but instead, I was flooded with confusion.

I glanced over my shoulder, searching for Chase. He'd been by my side constantly, but seeing Sean right now made me question everything.

"Do you want to grab coffee," he asked, wearing that infectious smile. "I, um..." I stammered.

The warmth of his smile felt like slipping on an old sweater that didn't quite fit anymore. Before I could answer, Chase appeared, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Emily, are you okay?" His voice was low, almost protective. "I'm fine, Chase. Just catching up with an old friend, Sean."

I replied, trying to just keep my tone light. Sean shot Chase a glance, there was a hint of challenge in it.

"We were just reminiscing about old times. Right, Emily?" I nodded, but inside, I felt like I was being torn in two. I'd started to truly love Chase. He had done so much for me, we were mates, and he made me feel cherished in a way I hadn't experienced before. But Sean... he represented a part of my past I couldn't shake.

"Why don’t we all go together?" Chase suggested, his voice tight with uncertainty. "I'd love to hear what you two have been talking about."

Sean’s expression shifted. "Nah, it's okay. I just wanted to see how she's doing."

When Sean stepped back, Chase's body tensed as the possessiveness radiated off him.

"No, I want to be a part of this," he insisted, clinging to my side as if I would disappear if he let go.

"Chase, it's fine. Really." I reassured him, but my chest felt heavy. Why was I stuck in this confusing triangle?

Over the next few days, the tension between Chase and Sean seemed to get more charged. Whenever Sean was around, Chase would become overly clingy, wrapping his arm around me or uncharacteristically kissing me.

"Just stay close, okay?" He'd whisper.

"I'm right here, " I would reply, trying to ignore the way Sean’s presence made my heart flutter against my will. Despite my efforts to stay focused on Chase, the pull I felt toward Sean lingered, a soft whisper of nostalgia. I remembered the stolen kisses, the passionate bouts and the times we made up.

I felt guilty for these feelings, especially since Chase had been nothing but supportive. One evening, I received a text from Gretchen. She wanted to meet. I was surprised because after everything, I thought we'd drifted apart.

"Hey, Emily!" Let's meet at that restaurant near the woods. Sunshine restaurant. I really want to fix things between us," she wrote.

I hesitated, glancing at Chase who was focused on training. Maybe it would be okay to talk things out with Gretchen.

"Okay, I'll be there," I replied.

When I got there, the first thing I noticed was Joe secluded it was. Something about it nagged at the back of my mind.

"Hey," I called out, spotting her at a table in the corner.

She waved me over, smiling. "Thanks for coming! I just wanted to talk. You know, about everything that's happened."

We spoke for a while before she suggested we order something. When the waiter brought our drinks, we clinked glasses and drank to friendship. But soon, almost suddenly everything felt hazy.

"Gretchen, what's in this?" My voice was slurring. She laughed, but it didn't sound right.

"Just relax, Emily. Everything will be fine." Before I could respond, darkness swallowed me.

---

My head felt so heavy when I woke up, and I blinked against the harsh light. I was beside myself with utter confusion as I looked around. This wasn't the restaurant anymore. I was in a dark room.

"What... where am I." The panic creeped into my chest as I whispered. Then I heard a voice.

"Emily?"

I turned and saw Sean sitting beside me. My heart dropped.

"Sean?" I gasped, pulling the blanket away from my body. "What happened?"

"I don't know, we were set up."

Before I could process what was going on, the door swung open with a loud bang and Chase stormed in. He was seething. "Emily!"

"Chase, wait-" I tried to explain, but he cut me off. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Chase, it's not what it looks like!" I pleaded. He looked so disappointed, and disgusted.

"It looks pretty clear to me! Emily, I trusted you. How could you do this to me?!"

A pang of guilt exploded across my chest, but he had to understand that I was also in the dark here, even though it didn't quite look like it.

Sean raised his hands in defence. "This wasn't our choice, Alpha. We got drugged."

Chase grabbed my arm and yanked me up from the bed. "You're going to regret this!"

"Please I didn't do anything."

His guards soon scurried in, before dragging us away, and throwing us into the dungeon. The whole time I tried to explain, he wouldn't let me.

After what felt like hours, we were dragged out to the balcony that oversaw the moat. Pack members were gathered already and Chase entered.

"Sean, you are sentenced to death for your betrayal.”

"No! You can't do this!" I yelled but he didn't even spare me a glance.

"And Emily, you're banished from the Pack."