Chapter 5 Betrayal

How could this happen!", she screamed in disapproval of the painful reality before her. A while ago, she struggled to process the bombshell her mate, Alpha Damion, had dropped on her. And now, the scene unfolding was even more heart-wrenching. The lady Damion referred to was none other than her blood sister, her only friend during her confinement at the cabin in the woods. Why did Damion have to choose her of all people to mark as his Luna? " Uhm…Karen, I can explain…," Charlotte stammered, her hands tentatively reaching for Karen's slumped shoulders. " Explain what?!" Karen snapped, her anger escalating. "Explain the fact that you were just marked by my mate?" Her voice cracked, tears cascading down her flushed cheeks. "Wait a moment, what's happening here? Because I'm completely lost," Damion inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What's she talking about?" he pressed, seeking answers from his supposed Luna. However, Charlotte opted to remain silent in response to him, instead directing her plea towards Karen. "It's not what you think, Karen. I... I'm sorry," Charlotte admitted sheepishly, her voice tinged with regret. "You're sorry? So this was the reason you hinted that things might take a different turn, right? It's all coming back to me now. I must have been so naive to have placed my trust in you all this while," Karen scoffed bitterly, a dry laugh escaping her lips. Despite her outward facade of composure, inwardly, her heart seethed with resentment, though all she could manage in that moment was a bitter chuckle. The escalating confrontation had now attracted the attention of bystanders and onlookers in the hall. Karen caught sight of her father, Alpha Adam, and Trainer Marcus attempting to navigate through the throng to reach her, their expressions a mix of concern and urgency. However, Karen could no longer stand the unpleasant sight. Embarrassed by the whole act, Karen hastily gathered the sides of her red gown, her cheeks flushed with a mix of shame and frustration as she fled the castle, seeking solace in the somber embrace of the dark woods. "Karen! Karen!! Come back!" Marcus's frantic cries echoed after her, but Karen paid them no heed, refusing to pause or acknowledge his desperate calls. Alpha Adam's steely gaze bore down on his daughter, Charlotte, before he turned his attention to Damion, who stood bewildered amidst the unfolding scandal. "I apologize for Karen's behavior, Alpha Damion," Adam began, his tone tinged with a hint of regret. "She's merely a spoiled birthday girl who found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time." With a cold, subtle glare directed at Charlotte, he pulled her roughly."Come with me." Charlotte winced as her father's grip tightened, his fingers digging into her arm painfully. "Dad, you're hurting me! I didn't do anything to upset Karen. I was only…" "Save your explanations for later, young lady" Adam interjected sharply, cutting off her protests. Leaning in closer, he whispered something into her ear that ignited a flicker of anticipation within Charlotte's eyes. "For now, we'll address something of utmost importance that will help get you out of this mess" Walking past the curious crowd of onlookers, Alpha Adam paused before Cullen, exchanging a subtle signal that conveyed a clear message to him. Cullen, understanding the cue, approached the discomfited shifters, clearing his throat to draw their attention. "Alright, everyone, party's over. We've got to address this small problem," Cullen announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs and whispers, coaxing the crowd into silence. "Until then, I urge you all to return to your homes and packs and rest for the night." With a dismissive wave, Cullen turned and made his way back into the castle, the murmurs of the shifters resuming once again. He could still hear them buzzing even when he shut the door behind them. "This birthday celebration is sure to be the talk of the town," he muttered sardonically under his breath.