BITTER BETRAYAL

If there was one thing Jordan hated most, it was gatherings. But as the Crown Prince, he had no choice.

The maids helped him into his dark blue jacket, matching pants, and a light blue long-sleeved shirt. One of them carefully fastened his cufflinks when a soft knock echoed from the door.

"Come in, Chris," Jordan's deep, seductive voice filled the room.

Chris entered, dressed casually, his white hair tousled.

"Is there a problem, Chris?" Jordan asked, running a hand through his dishevelled hair as he checked his reflection in the mirror.

Chris hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yes. Three teenagers were found dead on the road leading to the forest."

Jordan turned to face him. "And?"

Chris exhaled. "Their limbs and intestines are missing."

The temperature in the room dropped instantly, causing the maids to shudder. Jordan's expression darkened.

"What creatures were they?" he asked coldly.

"All humans, Your Majesty. A girl and two boys. Ken said they had been missing for three days."

Jordan's eyes narrowed. "There's no way James would harm three innocent humans. I want you to investigate this."

Chris bowed respectfully before leaving.

At the party, Jordan was led to the VIP section. The birthday boy, James—the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack—grinned as he spotted him.

"Jordan! You’re finally here!" he exclaimed, flashing a cheeky smile.

"Happy birthday, James." Jordan handed him a triangular box.

James eagerly unwrapped the gift, revealing a white rose with silver dust along the edges. The room fell silent.

James' eyes widened. "Jordan… don’t tell me this is what I think it is?" His voice trembled, tears gathering in his eyes.

"It is," Jordan confirmed. "You can use it to save your mate and unborn child."

James shot up from his chair, hugging Jordan tightly.

"Thank you, J. Thank you so much! This is the best gift anyone has ever given me." He sobbed, hastily wiping his tears.

"Avni is like a sister to me," Jordan said, patting his shoulder.

"Bros! I’ll be right back!" James bolted from the room, prompting laughter from the others.

"Looks like he's over the moon," a young blond-haired man chuckled.

Just then, James’ Beta approached and bowed. "The Alpha has prepared a gift for all his single friends."

"What about the married ones?" a huge, bald man asked with a sly grin.

"He has something for them as well."

From behind the red curtain, beautiful, curvy, naked women emerged. A blonde with large blue eyes and plump lips sauntered toward Jordan, settling onto his lap.

"How do you want me to serve you, my prince?" she whispered seductively.

Jordan was about to push her off when a familiar scent assaulted his senses—lotus flowers and lemon mint. His gaze snapped up, landing straight on Norah.

His eyes narrowed.

'How did she get into the VIP section? Who let her in?'

Then his frown deepened.

‘What the hell is she wearing?’

Half of her breasts were exposed, and he hated it. They were even wearing matching colours. Not that it helped his mood.

"Curse the mate bond," he muttered.

"My prince, did you say something?" the woman on his lap asked.

He ignored her.

Norah's eyes darted around the room, searching for something—until they locked onto his. Their gazes held, unwavering.

Recognition dawned in her eyes, and he saw them widen in shock.

‘She figured it out,’ Jordan thought grimly.

Before she could react, he grabbed the woman’s neck and sank his fangs into it. But the moment her blood touched his tongue, he spat it out, cursing.

The room fell silent.

Norah's hands clenched at her sides.

She had seen him before. He was the prince who had broken into her room and forcefully drunk her blood.

Now, she was watching him feed on another woman. Her chest ached, and before she knew it, she was fleeing.

"That bastard!" she heard Charity hiss beside her.

Norah turned to see Sasha looking pale. She followed her gaze and spotted Hunter, holding a beautiful brunette by the waist, laughing with another man.

Sasha stiffened.

"Don’t be sad, Sasha. He doesn’t deserve you," Marilyn said gently.

"Sasha, she’s right," Charity added.

Sasha wiped her tears and nodded. "Let’s have some fun!"

With that, they grabbed their drinks, toasting loudly. Hunter turned at the sound, his eyes widening in shock as he spotted Sasha.

Ignoring him, the girls sipped their wine, the burn spreading down their throats as tipsy set in. They moved to the dance floor, swaying seductively.

Single males flocked toward them. One grabbed Norah’s waist, pulling her closer.

Jordan saw red.

He abruptly stood, causing the woman on his lap to fall with a surprised yelp.

"What’s wrong, Jordan?" someone asked.

He didn’t answer. His gaze flicked to the dance floor, but Norah and her friends were gone.

"The air is cold," Charity muttered, rubbing her arms as they walked through the foggy forest.

Owl hoots, chirping crickets, and a distant wolf’s howl filled the night.

"I’m scared," Grace whispered, gripping Norah’s arm.

"Look!" Sasha pointed ahead.

A massive, glowing red heart pulsed in the darkness.

They gasped.

"It’s beautiful," Norah breathed.

"Who’s going first?" Sasha asked.

"Me!" Charity raised her hand eagerly.

"Let’s go alphabetically," Marilyn suggested.

"Which means I go last," Sasha pouted.

"You can go before me," Norah reassured her, squeezing her hand.

Sasha hesitated. "Norah… is it weird that I still want to give Hunter a chance to explain?"

Norah smiled. "No, it’s not. Follow your heart."

Charity, unable to wait, placed her palm on the heartstone.

"I can see him!" she squealed. "He’s a handsome Latino! I saw myself walking down the aisle toward him."

"Me next!" Grace stepped forward, but moments later, she pulled away, looking devastated.

"Is he not handsome?" Charity teased.

"I… I don’t have a soulmate."

Tears filled Grace’s eyes.

"We’re so sorry," they murmured, embracing her.

Sasha grew nervous. Would she have a soulmate? Would it be Hunter? Marilyn also worried. And Norah… every time she thought of a soulmate, the only face that came to mind was Jordan’s.

Before Marilyn could step forward, a rustling sound came from the forest.

They gasped, huddling together.

A figure wrapped in bandages stepped out.

"Well, well, well. Jordan’s mate, as I live and breathe."

Norah’s heart stopped.

Grace suddenly walked to the woman’s side, smiling cruelly.

"Grace?" Marilyn stammered.

Grace rolled her eyes. "This woman is our mistress. I’m not human—I’m a witch."

"What do you want from us?" Sasha whispered.

"We only want Jordan’s mate. The rest of you can go."

Norah’s heart pounded. She had a sinking feeling they were talking about her.

Marilyn stepped forward. "We’re not leaving her behind."

Grace sneered.

Then, without warning, she plunged her hand through Marilyn’s chest.

Blood sprayed. Marilyn collapsed.

Screams filled the air as the girls scattered into the night.

"Perfect," the bandaged witch cackled. "Let the hunting begin."