The Trop
The Trap
(Melissa’s POV)
+25 BONUS
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the woman who looked back at me. Dark circles shadowed my eyes from nights of fitful sleep, and my normally smooth skin appeared sallow under the harsh fluorescent lights,
“Just get through this,” I whispered to myself. “One public apology and then you’ll be Mrs. Blackwood.”
My wolf Zoe whimpered inside me, sensing my distress. She’d been restless for days, mirroring my growing anxiety about the upcoming humiliation at Ryan Quinn’s birthday celebration.
The thought of standing before Silvercrest City’s elite supernatural community and admitting I was the “other woman” made my stomach churn. But what choice did I have? Dominic Blackwood had made it clear – either I publicly apologize to Amber Chase or my marriage to Ethan would never be approved by the pack.
I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm myself. Last night’s nightmare still felt vivid – standing in the center of the Moonlight Club while everyone pointed and laughed, their faces morphing into grotesque masks of judgment. In the dream, even Ethan had turned away from me in disgust.
My phone buzzed with a message from Victoria Chase: *Are you ready for tomorrow night?*
I typed back quickly: *I don’t think I can do it. There will be so many people.*
Her response came immediately: *Call me.*
When I did, Victoria’s voice was low and conspiratorial. “Listen carefully. I might have a solution, but you’ll need to suffer a bit.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, hope fluttering in my chest.
“What if you had an accident? Nothing too serious, but enough to postpone this public spectacle?”
I gripped the phone tighter. “What kind of accident?”
“A fall,” Victoria said smoothly. “Somewhere public enough to have witnesses, but not so public that everyone sees it happen. The second–floor corridor at the Moonlight Club has a short staircase that would be perfect.”
My heart raced. “You want me to deliberately fall down stairs? I could really get hurt!”
“Just a few bruises,” Victoria assured me. “Much less painful than the public humiliation Dominic has planned for you. Besides, wouldn’t you rather control when and how it happens than risk a panic attack in front of everyone?”
She was right. The thought of standing before all those judging eyes made my chest tighten painfully.
“There’s something else,” Victoria continued. “I need to ensure Amber is there when it happens. We need a witness who matters.”
“Why?”
Victoria’s laugh was cold. “Because my dear sister has been causing problems for both of us. This will solve two problems at once.”
I hesitated, thinking of the risks. But then I remembered Ethan’s promise – after we were married, we would move to the Eastern Territory where his father had connections. Away from Amber, away from Dominic, away from all of this.
“Okay,” I finally agreed. “Tell me exactly what to do.”
(Amber’s POV)
The Moonlight Club glittered with excess. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across the crowd of Silvercrest City’s werewolf elite, all gathered to celebrate Ryan Quinn’s birthday. I adjusted the high neckline of my white lace–trimmed dress, feeling strangely conspicuous in such conservative attire.
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The Trap
+25 BONUS
“Perfect timing,” Paige whispered, linking her arm through mines we surveyed the room: “I’ve invited everyone who matters
and everyone who gossips.”
A raised an eyebrow. “Just how many people did you invite?”
Paige grinned, looking striking in an outfit identical to mine. “Let’s just say the guest list includes the hosts of ‘Supernatural Secrets‘ and the entire editorial staff of ‘Moonlight Society.“”
“You invited tabloid journalists?” I asked, genuinely impressed by her thoroughness,
“And social media influencers. By midniglit, Melissa’s apology will be trending across all supernatural networks.” Paige’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. I even arranged for photographers from the River Pack to be here. They hate the Blackwoods and will make sure this spreads beyond our territory.”
I stared at her. “You really thought of everything.”
“That’s what best friends do,” she replied with a wink. “Oh, look who’s here.”
Ryan Quinn approached us, Dominic Blackwood following a few steps behind. Ryan’s eyes widened as he took in my appearance. “Amber Chase in white lace? That’s a first,” Ryan teased, his gaze appreciative. “What happened to your usual style?”
I smiled politely. “Just felt like a change.”
Ryan turned to Paige, giving her outfit a cursory glance before returning his attention to me. “You look beautiful. Both of you.”
Paige’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Dominic, how do you think Amber looks tonight?”
Dominic’s piercing blue eyes met mine, sending a flutter through my chest. “Beautiful,” he said simply. “Perfect for the evening.”
Something in his gaze made me feel as though he could see right through me, understanding exactly why I’d chosen this particular outfit for tonight’s performance.
Ryan was quickly pulled away by other guests, and Dominic excused himself to return to the Alpha–only room on the third floor. As they walked away, Paige’s composure crumbled.
“Did you see that?” she whispered, hurt evident in her voice. “He barely even looked at me.”
I squeezed her hand. “Paige, you should go with him. You’re his fiancée.”
She shook her head, blinking back tears. “What’s the point? He doesn’t want me there. He never has.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, guiding her to a quieter corner.
“I’ve loved Ryan since we were cubs,” Paige confessed. “But he’s never felt the same. The only reason we’re engaged is because our packs arranged it. He’s never found his fated mate, and the Quinn Pack needs a Luna.”
I watched Ryan on the dance floor, two women in revealing dresses pressed against him. “And you’re okay with that?”
“What choice do I have?” Paige’s voice cracked. “I keep hoping he’ll see me – really see me. But nights like this…” She gestured toward Ryan, who was whispering something in one of the women’s ears.
“You should join him,” I encouraged. “It’s his birthday, and you’re his future Luna.”
Paige shook her head, her eyes filled with resignation. “I’d just be interrupting. Besides, I don’t want to embar than I already have.”
myself more
I sighed, feeling a strange kinship with her struggles. “I hope at least one of us finds true happiness with a partner.” Paige’s eyes welled with tears. She thrust her untouched drink into my hand. “I need to use the restroom/Excuse me.” As she hurried away, I watched Ryan continuing to flirt, oblivious to his fiancée’s pain. I understood Paige’s reluctance all too
2/3
The Trap
+25 BONUS
well. How many times had I stood on the sidelines watching Ethan charm other women while I pretended not to notice?
An omega waitress in the club’s uniform approached me. “Excuse me, Miss Chase? Someone is asking for you by the elevator entrance.”
“Who is it?” I asked, setting down Paige’s drink.
“They didn’t say,” she replied. “Just that it’s urgent.”
Curiosity piqued, I followed her directions to the elevator area. As rounded the corner, I spotted Melissa James standing alone by a side hallway. When she saw me, she quickly motioned me over
“Amber, please,” she said, her honey–colored eyes wide with desperation. “I need to talk to you.”
Reluctantly, I followed her into the hallway, maintaining a safe distance. “What do you want?”
“Please don’t make me do this public apology,” she begged, her voice trembling. “There are so many people here. I’ll get on my knees right now if you want.”
She moved as if to kneel, reaching for my leg. I stepped back quickly.
“Don’t touch me,” I warned, my voice cold. “And don’t pretend you suddenly developed a conscience.”
“Please,” she whispered. “I can’t handle all those people staring at me.”
My wolf Cora growled inside me. “You should have thought about that before you agreed to Dominic’s terms. You chose this, Melissa. You decided that marrying Ethan and becoming part of the Blackwood Pack was worth the price of a public apology.”
“You don’t understand-
”
“I understand perfectly,” I cut her off. “You wanted the status and privilege that comes with being a Blackwood. Well, this is part
of the deal.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I love him. I’ve always loved him.”
“And I was just collateral damage?” I laughed bitterly. “Save your tears for someone who believes them.”
I turned to leave, but Melissa’s next words stopped me cold.
“Amber, I gave you a chance and you didn’t want it!”
Before I could respond, a piercing scream cut through the air. I spun around to see Melissa tumbling down the stairs at the end of the hallway, her body hitting each step with sickening thuds before coming to rest at the bottom.
In that moment, clarity washed over me. This was a setup. Victoria’s plan to avoid the public humiliation while making me look responsible. I recalled my earlier conversation with Paige about how I could face Ethan socially after partnering with Dominic.
“It’s impossible unless everyone has amnesia,” Paige had said.
Amnesia. The perfect solution stared me in the face. If I couldn’t make everyone forget, I could pretend to forget myself.
I took a deep breath, noting Melissa’s position at the bottom of the stairs. Then, before I could reconsider, I let myself fall forward, allowing my body to tumble down the same staircase, embracing each painful impact as the price of my freedom.
