Screw My Childhood Sweetheart His Alpha Brother Marked Me First novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Next morning, I woke up wrapped in Ryder’s arms. Felt warm. Safe. Impossibly content.

Slipped out of bed carefully–trying not to wake him–and headed downstairs for coffee.

Knox and two other guards waiting in the kitchen. Grinning like idiots.

“Good morning, Luna,” Knox said cheerfully.

Blinked. “Uh… good morning?”

“Just wanted to say thank you,” one of the others said. “Alpha Ryder told us you’re the reason we’re all getting year–end bonuses and raises.”

Laughed. “Oh. Yeah. You’re welcome.”

Knox leaned in conspiratorially.

“And, uh… we may have some info you’d be interested in.”

Raised an eyebrow. “What kind of info?”

Grinned. “Little secrets. About Alpha Ryder. And his… feelings for you over the years.”

Eyes widened. “Oh?”

“Oh yes.” Knox pulled out his phone. “For example–did you know he used to rearrange his entire schedule just to ‘accidentally‘ run into you?”

Another guard chimed in: “And he kept every single birthday gift he ever bought you. Even the ones Mr. Grayson was supposed to give you but

didn’t.”

“And,” Knox added with wicked grin, “he once almost challenged Mr. Grayson to a dominance fight ‘cause Grayson made you cry.”

Stared at them. Heart swelling.

“He… really did all that?”

“And more,” Knox said warmly. “Alpha Ryder’s been in love with you for years, Luna. Just never thought he had a shot.”

Felt tears prickling corners of my eyes–but happy tears this time.

“Thank you,” whispered. “For telling me.”

Knox grinned. “Anytime, Luna.”

Didn’t take long before Mr. and Mrs. Thornwolfe showed up at my parents‘ place to officially lock down our engagement.

Ryder and I set the wedding for early summer.

Day we were supposed to do engagement photos, Aurora hit me up.

Wanted to grab coffee.

Walked into the café–Aurora was already there.

nathar Marked Me First!

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But she looked… different,

Not wrecked or broken like I’d expected.

She looked lighter, Like she’d finally dumped a ton of baggage she’d been hauling around forever.

“Grayson and I broke up,” she said the second I sat down,

Took a sip of my latte. Kept my tone even. “You never really liked him anyway.”

Aurora let out this short, kind of bitter laugh. “Nope. Really didn’t.”

Leaned back in her chair, twirling her cup absently.

“Owe you an apology, Freya, Only reason I ever got close to Grayson was ‘cause of you.”

Raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything.

“Had a crush on Ryder for years,” she admitted–tone super casual, like she was talking about the weather. “And I noticed he used to drive to campus all the time. Just to watch you from a distance. Never approached. Never interrupted. Just… watched.”

Shook her head, wry smile tugging at her lips.

“Drove me insane. Known Ryder since we were kids, and he’s always been cold to women. Completely indifferent. But with you? You were the

exception.”

Met my eyes–expression clear, unbothered.

“So I decided to take something you cared about. Thought if I stole Grayson, maybe it’d hurt you the way you hurt me just by existing.”

Laughed now–genuinely amused.

“But all I did was shove you straight into Ryder’s arms. Karma’s a bitch, huh?”

Took another sip, totally unfazed.

“Worst part? Actually agreed to date Grayson. Thought… if I couldn’t have Ryder, at least I could marry his brother. At least I’d see him at family

dinners.”

Rolled her eyes at herself.

“Pathetic, right? But here’s the kicker–we were together for months. Three full moons passed. And he didn’t touch me. Not once.”

Leaned forward, eyes sparkling with something like dark amusement.

“Both Thornwolfe brothers are completely obsessed with you. And you know what? Done being jealous.”

Blinked. Surprised by her tone.

Aurora grinned–sharp, self–aware, free.

“Applied to study abroad. My mom told me something that finally clicked: when you’re young, it’s okay to have a few relationships that crash and burn. Helps you get over being ‘boy crazy.“”

Stood up, slinging her designer bag over her shoulder with effortless confidence.

“Turns out, life gets way better once you stop treating men like they’re the main event. They’re just… accessories. Nice to have, but not

Ti Alnha Brother Marked Me First!

Chapter 11

necessary.”

Gave me this genuine smile–no bitterness, no regret.

“Congrats on your wedding, Freya. Seriously. You won. Enjoy it.”

Found myself smiling back. “Thanks, Aurora. And… good luck. With everything.”

She winked. “Oh, don’t need luck. Got a full ride to Oxford and a therapist helping me unpack my daddy issues. Gonna be fine.”

And with that, walked out–head high, shoulders back, completely unburdened.

Sat there for a second, genuinely impressed.

Good for her.

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