Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by his Brother

I needed to stop the bleeding.

I swallowed hard and rushed to my dresser, rummaging through it until I found a handkerchief. I pressed it against the wound, gritting my teeth as I applied pressure.

Please stop. Please stop.

Minutes passed, and finally, finally, the bleeding slowed. I let out a shaky breath and carefully dressed the wound, making sure the bandage was secure.

I turned to the mirror.

The girl staring back at me looked... shaken. Pale. There was a desperate edge in her eyes that I barely recognized.

I inhaled deeply, gripping the edge of the dresser. I have to get a grip.

I couldn’t let this secret slip.

If anyone knew about the mark... if anyone realized whose mark it was—Axel’s reputation would be ruined. He would be ruined.

And I couldn’t let that happen.

So, I made a vow.