Mari’s POV I place the book I’ve been reading on my bedside cabin and sigh as I settle back into my pillows. Maybe reading a steamy werewolf novel before bed wasn’t the best idea. Now my mind is taking a wild ride back to all those hours I spent in this bed, taking every last bodily pleasure I could from Stefan. Stefan, who I haven’t seen at all today. A fact that’s making me restless. I turn to my side and stare at the door, willing him to walk through it. But it remains closed. If I want to see him, it’s getting obvious that I’ll have to go and look for him. Unless he doesn’t want to see me. What did his mother tell him about my sister? Did he go looking for her? Maybe that’s why I haven’t seen him all day. An ache spreads throughout my chest as I think about that. They were childhood friends. She was his destiny. He has been looking for her for years. And somehow, stupid me has managed to convince myself that he’s content enough with me. That I can take her place. God, what’s

Stefan’s POV “Want some more?” I ask Gwen when I notice she has polished off the steak and potatoes I set before her a while ago. She shakes her and grabs her empty plate as she stands. “No, I’m good,” she says, heading to the sink to clean it up. “Thanks for dinner.” “My pleasure,” I say, my eyes following her every movement. Does she know how delectable she looks in that dress of hers? It isn’t exactly body-hugging, but it skims softly over every curve that matters, so it’s not hard to imagine what’s underneath. Knowing that she has only got a pair of panties underneath isn’t exactly helping with my self-control. “What will you drink?” She looks behind her shoulder at me, her dark eyes seeking mine. “Can I have a glass of wine? It’s been a while since I had one.” Right. She had to stay away from alcohol while her body was deciding whether to transition or not. But now, she’s out of the woods. Which means she can drink, though only a little. Or actually want to fuck me without it

Gwen’s POV Six days. That’s how long it’s been since Stefan practically ran out of the bed in the middle of what was possibly going to be the best sex I’ve ever had in my entire life. I’ll never know, will I? Six days is also exactly how long it’s been since we were intimate like that. Sure, we’ve been keeping up the nightly runs. But each night, he makes it clear, one way or another, that he isn’t ready to get freaky again. And that’s fine, I guess. It’s not like I’m going through a body-crushing need to have sex with him. Come to think of it, maybe that—having that uncontrollable need—is what will have to happen before I’m in his arms again. But it’s all good, I convince myself as I bring my glass of wine to my lips. It’s not like our relationship is all about sex. Actually, after how everything got started around here, maybe taking a step back from any physical activities of that kind is a good idea. Get to know each other, you know. I mean… We are getting married tonight, f

Stefan's POVTwo Weeks LaterHe was with her. He kicked me out, and then he took her. And I still haven’t figured a single goddamned way to get rid of him. Sure, Levi has been asking around, he has even gone on a few trips to meet some renowned healers, but there’s nothing on that front yet. And when I asked my mother whether there was a way to reverse everything, she said no. We are stuck together, from birth to death, that’s what she said. Something brushes against the back of my hand and I look up to find Gwen staring at me, a crease between her brows. “What’s wrong?” I shake my head. “Nothing.” When she doesn’t look convinced, I add, looking out into the crowded hall. “I hate parties.” She lifts an eyebrow and follows my gaze. “Well, you can’t exactly get out of this one.” I can’t, can I? Tens of Alphas and their mates travelled from far to pay allegiance. Every last one is here, and that means one thing—I won’t be going to any battles any time soon. As long as they all rema

Gwen’s POV There must be something wrong with me. That’s the only reason I’m sitting here, feeling sorry for myself, instead of staying by my twin’s side and making sure she’s okay. A twin I haven’t seen in eighteen years. One I thought was dead. That’s why she feels like a stranger, right? It’s not my fault that I don’t feel any sort of attachment to her. Maybe this is about me getting lost in my mind, thinking of how she was always everyone’s first choice. How I was always her back up. I remember crying for days on end when my mother took her and left me behind. Even at five, I knew my mother didn’t love me like she did her. I never figured out why my mother hated me so much. Enough to erase my identity and force me to live as her favourite daughter when she lost her. And just when I thought I was done living in her shadow, just when I reclaimed my own identity, she shows up again. And goes right into the arms of my mate. My mate, who was her childhood friend. Who looked far