Chapter 2 Broken Dreams - Amber's POV

ChAs the pre-wedding dinner continued, I couldn't shake the unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. The laughter and stories shared between my friends and Paul were overshadowed by a lingering feeling that something was amiss.

I watched Rose and Paul converse with a familiarity that sent chills down my spine. Their smiles and shared glances were laden with a connection that went beyond mere friendship. I desperately tried to push these thoughts aside, but they gnawed at me like a persistent itch.

Dinner progressed, and I found myself lost in my thoughts, the words and laughter around me turning into a distant hum. I wondered if I was overreacting, if my insecurities were getting the best of me. After all, Paul had assured me that there was nothing to worry about and Rose was a dear friend.

As the evening wore on, I couldn't ignore the feeling that I was on the outside looking in as if I were witnessing a connection between Paul and Rose that was meant to be mine.

I excused myself from the table and made my way to the bathroom. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't recognize the woman staring back at me. The glow of happiness that had once radiated from my eyes had dimmed, replaced by a deep sadness.

Tears welled up in my forest-green eyes and I couldn't stop them from spilling down my cheeks. I felt like a fool, a jilted bride-to-be who was letting her imagination run wild but the pain was real and I couldn't deny the sinking feeling in my heart.

I took a few deep breaths to compose myself, determined not to let my emotions ruin this evening. When I returned to the dining room, I put on a brave smile and joined the conversation.

The night continued with more laughter and shared memories but I couldn't shake the feeling that my world was unravelling. I wanted to confront Paul and Rose, to demand an explanation for the unease they had caused but I couldn't bring myself to do it in front of our friends.

As the evening drew to a close, I watched my friends say their goodbyes, their excitement for my wedding still palpable but my heart was heavy with doubt and fear.

Once our friends had left, I turned to Paul, my voice trembling. "Paul, can we talk?" I asked, trying to keep my emotions in check.

He looked at me concern in his eyes. "Of course, Amber. What's on your mind?"

I led him to the living room, away from prying eyes.

"Paul, I couldn't help but notice your connection with Rose tonight. It's been bothering me and I need to know the truth."

Paul's expression shifted, his features a mixture of guilt and uncertainty. "Amber, I didn't want to bring this up tonight but I think it's time you know the truth."

The words hung in the air and my heart pounded in my chest. "The truth about what Paul?"

He took a deep breath, his voice heavy with regret. "Amber, Rose and I were in a relationship, it didn't work out and I thought I had moved on but seeing her again tonight brought back old feelings and I don't think I can go through with the wedding."

Tears welled up in my eyes as the weight of his words settled in. My world had indeed shattered, and the future I had dreamed of was slipping through my fingers.

Paul's revelation about his past with Rose had left me feeling broken and betrayed. I couldn't believe that he had kept such a significant secret from me, especially so close to our wedding day. The pain of his confession cut deep, and I struggled to find words to respond.

Finally, I managed to speak, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. "You were in a relationship with Rose before you met me and you never told me? How could you keep something like that from me, Paul?"

He looked at the floor unable to meet my gaze. "I know I should have told you earlier Amber, but I didn't realize the Rose you always talked about was her. I was afraid it would hurt you and I wanted to put that part of my life behind me but seeing her again tonight brought back a flood of emotions and I can't deny that I still have feelings for her."

I felt a knot in my stomach tighten as I processed his words. "So, what are you saying, Paul? Are you calling off our wedding?"

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know Amber. I need time to figure things out. I can't make a decision in haste."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I turned away from him, unable to bear the sight of the man I had loved for so long, the man who had promised to be by my side forever. "I can't believe this, Paul. You've shattered my world."

As I wiped away tears, I suddenly felt a strange sensation in the room. It was as if the air had changed, becoming charged with an inexplicable energy. I turned to Paul, my confusion evident in my eyes. "Do you feel that Paul?"

He furrowed his brow and looked around the room. "Feel what Amber?"

Before I could respond, there was a loud crash from outside, followed by a chorus of howls that sent shivers down my spine. I rushed to the window and pulled back the curtain, my heart pounding as I gazed into the darkness.

What I saw sent shockwaves of fear through me. In the moonlight, I could make out a pack of wolves, their eyes glowing with an eerie intensity. They were circling the house, their howls growing louder and more menacing.

I turned to Paul my voice trembling. "What is happening Paul? Are those wolves?"

He came to stand beside me his face pale with dread. "Amber, there's something I need to tell you. I should have been honest from the beginning. I'm not like other men. I'm a werewolf."

My heart felt like it had stopped. "A werewolf? You're joking, right?"

Paul shook his head. "No, Amber, I'm serious. I've hidden this part of myself for a long time but I can't keep it from you any longer. Those wolves outside, they're part of my pack."

I couldn't comprehend what I was hearing. My fiancé, the man I thought I knew, was telling me he was a mythical creature. It felt like I had stepped into a nightmare.

Before I could respond, a loud crash echoed through the house, and the front door burst open. A massive wolf, larger than the others, entered the room. I stumbled back in shock as the creature transformed before my eyes into a man, a man I had never seen before.

He looked at Paul with a mixture of anger and determination. "Paul, you can't hide any longer. The pack needs you, and your Uncle is waiting for you."

[End of Chapter 2]