Renege

I stepped into the beige heels and rose from the bed. Walking in these was going to be a challenge, but they made me feel sexy.

I moved to the full-length mirror, taking in my reflection.

The dress was stunning. It hugged my body perfectly. I wasn’t exactly curvy, but this dress made my hips look great. The emerald green satin felt smooth against my skin.

The dress ended just above my ankles, clinging to me like a second skin. A slit on the left side ran up to my mid-thigh, revealing a hint of leg.

My legs had a bit of tone, thanks to my daily, intense training.

My gaze drifted to the bags in the corner of the room. I was planning to leave right after the wedding.

A soft knock sounded at the door, and a familiar scent filled the room.

I could smell my brother because I’m a werewolf. Half human, half wolf. To be a werewolf, you need the genes in your blood.

We live in a pack, just like wolves do, but we’re civilized, and we don’t eat humans. That would be weird.

My brother, Silas, was the current alpha, the leader of our pack. The alpha role is usually passed down through the family unless someone challenges the alpha for the position.

The beta, or second in command, was William. Sometimes, packs have a third in command, the gamma.

The alpha takes care of the pack members and handles important matters.

My dad was the previous alpha, and Silas, being the oldest, took over. Silas was twenty-six and still looking for his mate.

I also have a sister who’s twenty-four, which makes me the youngest at twenty-one.

Our mother is a touchy subject for us because she died eleven years ago.

“Scar, you ready? It’s almost time,” Silas called from the other side of the door.

“Just a minute,” I replied, giving myself one last look in the mirror before heading to the door.

I opened it wide, letting him in, and quickly scanned his outfit. He looked sharp in a black suit, his bow tie matching my dress.

His gaze landed on the bags in the corner of the room, and he let out a heavy sigh.

He looked at me, defeated, and said, “You’re still leaving.”

“You know why, Silas,” I replied, meeting his gray eyes.

I’d always been a bit envious of him. He got Mom’s beautiful eyes while I got Dad’s brown ones. But at least I got Mom’s blonde hair.

“I don’t understand why you have to go. What happened to Mom wasn’t your fault!” he argued.

“Then whose fault was it? If it weren’t for me, she’d still be here. She’d be so happy for Sarah.

“He’s already killed someone I loved, Silas. I won’t let it happen again.”

“We can protect ourselves, Scar,” he pleaded.

“Please, Silas, it’s my last day here. Let’s not fight,” I begged.

He sighed deeply and pulled me into a tight hug.

“Where are you going?” he asked, his voice heavy. My heart twisted in my chest.

“I can’t tell you that,” I admitted, avoiding his gaze.

“Will I see you again?”

“I don’t know, Silas.”

The silence that followed was unbearable. I wanted him to say something, anything.

“Please say something,” I urged.

“I still don’t think you should go, but if that’s what you want, I won’t stop you. Just take care of yourself and don’t worry about Dad and Sarah.

“I’m worried, Scar. What if he finds you? I’ll never forgive myself if he hurts you. I know you’re stubborn when you make up your mind, but don’t forget to keep in touch.”

I gave him a sad smile and nodded.

We were closer to each other than we were to Sarah, but I had to let go of everyone now before I lost them forever.

“We should get going,” he said, glancing at the clock on the wall.

“I don’t think Sarah wants me there, Silas. She hates me, and I don’t want to ruin her wedding day.

“I should’ve left last week, right after I turned twenty-one,” I said.

“She doesn’t know you’re leaving. Once she finds out, you’ll be gone forever. She’ll regret not seeing you on her wedding day, and I don’t want that,” he explained.

I nodded, still unsure.