Chapter 7 We Can't

• Jennifer's POV:
• "I love you, Jennifer."
• Brian's deep voice washed over me, leaving my mind spinning and my body burning.
• What just happened? What did he say? That he loves me? How is that even possible?
• He was the powerful future Alpha, and I'm just an Omega without a wolf. There was no way we could ever be together. Besides, I'm his sister! Even though I'd broken things off with Marcus, he always said I would be like a daughter to him.
• He had high hopes for Brian and wanted his son to lead the pack to greatness, even competing for the position of Alpha King. And I? I can't help him at all. Marcus would never allow us to be together.
• I could feel Brian's eyes locked on me. His hands firmly gripped my chest, making me want to moan, but fear consumed me. I realized he wanted more—he wanted to enter my body.
• No, we can't do this!
• "No!" I screamed and shoved him away. Finally, I had woken up from my dream. I was still in my bedroom, on my own bed, and Brian was nowhere to be found.
• It was just a dream, but it felt so real.
• I couldn't believe I had dreamt about Brian confessing his love to me. I jumped out of bed and downed a glass of ice-cold water, hoping it would help me think clearly. There had to be a reasonable explanation—probably because I saw Brian naked earlier, and Daisy's silly comments about how he liked me were messing with my head.
• Forcing myself to sleep again, I reminded myself that Daisy was handling the wedding cancellation, so no one would disturb me.
• I didn't know how long I'd slept, but when I woke up, loud voices filled the house. It sounded like Claude's voice.
• As I listened closely, it seemed like Daisy was arguing with him.
• I opened the bedroom door and saw Claude sitting on the living room couch, while Daisy's face burned with fury.
• "Jennifer."
• Claude immediately spoke up when he saw me.
• "What are you doing here, Claude? You're not welcome here!"
• I fought the urge to storm over and demand why he betrayed me. Instead, I forced a cold expression, pretending not to care.
• "Jennifer, about last night ... "
• Claude stood and approached me, guilt heavy in his eyes.
• "What? Do you want to explain to me, in front of my friend, exactly how you passionately slept with my best friend last night?"
• My voice dripped with sarcasm, but my anger was already bubbling to the surface.
• Despite everything, I had once loved this man. Remembering his lies and betrayal made my heart ache all over again.
• "Jennifer, I know last night was my fault, but Maya and I are truly in love. I ... "
• Claude tried to continue, but I cut him off. "Enough! Claude, we're over. You don't need to explain anything to me. You claimed I forced you into marriage? Well, now I'm telling you—you're free! From this moment on, Jennifer Hudson rejects Claude Miller as my mate! "
• The moment I said those words, I felt a bonding lift off me, and I saw the relief on Claude's face.
• "Jennifer, thank you."
• Perhaps out of guilt, Claude's voice faltered as he said those words, barely audible.
• Thank me? Really? Haha!
• Watching his face relax, the pain twisted inside me. This was the man who once promised to protect me and make me happy for life. Now, because I cancelled the wedding, he thanked me.
• What a joke. How pathetic I must be ...
• "Get out! I don't want to see you again!"
• I pointed toward the door, almost shouting. I was afraid that if I didn't, I might lose my composure and demand to know why he had betrayed me.
• "Didn't you hear? Get out! " Daisy snapped, grabbing a broom and smacking Claude with it until he hurried out the door.
• All the energy drained out of my body once he left. I collapsed onto the floor and stared blankly ahead.
• He might be a jerk, but he was still the man I loved for seven years. To say my heart didn't hurt would be a lie.
• "Jennifer, if you need to cry, just let it out. You'll feel better after."
• Daisy kneeled beside me, hugging me tightly. Her voice was full of concern.
• "Why would I cry over a despicable man like him? I won't cry. Don't mention him again, Daisy."
• I tried to hold my head high, but the tears wouldn't stop streaming down my face.