I switched off my phone , unable to stare at Giana's post any longer . The restaurant felt suffocating with its romantic music and sympathetic glances from staff who realized I'd been abandoned . Without thinking , I walked into a nearby bar with dim lighting and overpriced cocktails . I needed something strong to burn away the night's humiliation . " Whiskey , neat , " I told the bartender . " Double . " Two drinks later , the edges of my pain had dulled enough that I could breathe again . The bar had grown crowded , but I barely noticed until a familiar laugh cut through the noise . Kane . He sat in a private booth surrounded by well - dressed wolves , his arm around a beautiful brunette . I should have slipped out unnoticed , but he looked up and our eyes met . His expression shifted from surprise to amusement as he made his way toward me . " The future Luna in a place like this ? " he said , leaning against the bar . " I'm shocked . " " Don't start with me , Kane . Not tonight . " He studied my red - rimmed eyes and the empty glasses . " What happened ? " " Nothing unusual , " I replied bitterly . " Just Raymond proving Giana comes first . Always . " I signaled for another drink , but Kane intercepted . " She's had enough , " he told the bartender . " I'm not done , " I protested . Kane caught my wrist . " What did Raymond do this time ? " Everything came pouring out - the birthday dinner , Raymond's distraction , seeing him with Giana , the damning social media post . " It's my birthday , " I finished , voice breaking . " My birthday , and he couldn't even pretend to care . " Kane went still . " Today is your birthday ? " I nodded miserably . Without a word , Kane paid my tab and signaled to his party that he was leaving . The brunette looked annoyed , but he ignored her . " I'm taking you home , " he said , steadying me as I stood . " I don't need your help , " I insisted , though my wobbly legs betrayed me . 1/5 Chapter 25 +15 BONUS " But you need someone's , and I'm the only one here . " The cool night air cleared my head slightly . " Your friends - your date- " " Can manage without me , " he replied , opening his car door . " It wasn't important . " The drive was quiet except for my occasional directions . I leaned against the window , watching streetlights blur past . " Why are you helping me ? " I asked . " No one should be alone on their birthday . " At my house , Kane walked me to the door , steadying me when I stumbled . " Will you be alright ? " he asked as I fumbled with my keys . I nodded , not trusting my voice . The alcohol made everything too raw , and I feared what I might say if he stayed . " Thank you , " I managed , avoiding his eyes . Kane gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear . " Happy birthday , Aurora , " he said softly before leaving . I watched him drive away , feeling a strange ache that had nothing to do with Raymond's betrayal . *** I woke with a pounding headache and fragmented memories . Humiliation washed over me as I recalled my breakdown and Kane's unexpected kindness . What had I been thinking ? Venting to Kane - Raymond's friend , the playboy who'd already seen me vulnerable . I'd handed him more ammunition to mock me with . The doorbell interrupted my regret . I dragged myself downstairs in my rumpled dress , not caring how I looked . Raymond stood on my porch with a small package and apologetic smile . " Happy belated birthday , " he said . " I'm sorry about last night . There was an emergency with- " " Giana , " I finished flatly . " There's always an emergency with Giana . " " It wasn't like that . " " I saw you give her a present , Raymond . I saw her social media post about her ' surprise dinner . " He looked ashamed . " I can explain- " " Don't bother . " I refused the gift . " Why are you really here ? " 2/5 Chapter 25 " I tried calling after I left . I was worried . Where did you go ? " I thought of Kane's gentle touch . " Out , " I replied simply . " Aurora- " " I don't want your gift . Save it for Giana . " I closed the door before he could respond , leaning against it until I heard his car drive away . +15 BONUS Three weeks later , I stood listlessly in front of my mirror . Tomorrow was my wedding day . The thought should have filled me with excitement , not hollow dread . Even though I knew the marriage was just a contract , some childish part of me still harbored hope that things might change . My birthday had killed that last spark of hope . A knock interrupted my thoughts . Lilly burst in without waiting for an answer . " Get dressed ! " she commanded , tossing a dress onto my bed . " We're going out ! " " Out ? Lilly , the wedding is tomorrow . " " Exactly ! It's your last night of freedom ! " She grinned . " I've planned a fabulous surprise bachelorette party . No excuses ! " Before I could protest , she pulled me into a whirlwind of preparation . An hour later , we arrived at a private room in an upscale lounge where my closest friends waited to celebrate . The room was beautifully decorated , a " Luna - to - Be " banner hanging on one wall . Despite my melancholy , I was touched by their effort . As wine flowed freely , the conversation turned increasingly personal . " You're so lucky , " sighed a pack member who didn't know the truth . " Marrying your childhood sweetheart , and the future Alpha! A fairy tale . " I forced a brittle smile . " I am lucky , " I lied , hiding behind my glass . " Raymond is so handsome , " another added . " Remember how you two would sneak off during gatherings ? Inseparable since you were pups ! " These memories belonged to a different lifetime - one where Raymond had looked at me with genuine affection . " I heard he's spending a lot of time with that new girl , " someone whispered loudly . " The rogue . Giana ? " 3/5 Chapter 25 +15 BONUS A hush fell over the group . Lilly's eyes flashed . " That's enough , Melissa . They're just friends . Right , Aurora ? " All faces turned to me . I sipped my wine instead of answering , which was answer enough . Lilly clapped her hands . " This is a celebration , not gossip ! Let's play Truth or Dare ! " Everyone agreed eagerly . When my turn came , Melissa fixed me with a challenging gaze . " Truth or dare , Aurora ? " Something in her tone made me hesitate . " Dare , " I said , avoiding questions about Raymond . Her smile turned predatory . " Kiss a man in this bar . A real kiss - your last taste of freedom . " The group erupted in giggles . I stared at Melissa in disbelief . " Raymond's probably doing worse at his bachelor party , " someone added . The thought of Raymond with Giana flashed through my mind . " Fine , " I said , standing unsteadily . " One kiss . " I scanned the lounge , wondering who to choose , when my phone rang . The Alpha mansion's number . " Hello ? " I answered , stepping away . " Miss Aurora , " Bernard's voice was tense . " Come to the pack house immediately . " My blood ran cold at his tone . " What's happened ? " " It's the Alpha heir , " Bernard said , lowering his voice . " Alpha Marcus caught him and that rogue girl together in the garden . It's ... it's bad , Miss Aurora . Please hurry . " I ended the call , my heart pounding . " I have to go , " I told Lilly , grabbing my purse . " There's trouble at the pack house . " Her eyes widened in concern . " Do you want me to come with you ? " I shook my head . " Stay with the others . I'll call you later . " The drive to the pack house took fifteen agonizing minutes . As I pulled up , I could immediately sense the tension in the air , Raised voices echoed from inside , and several pack members lingered on the porch , their expressions grim . I rushed inside to find the main hall in chaos . Alpha Marcus stood in the center , his face contorted with rage , while Luna Elena tried unsuccessfully to calm him . And there , looking defiant yet shaken , stood Raymond with Giana cowering behind him . 4/5 Chapter 25 The truth was finally out . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!