My sister and I ended up marrying twin werewolves. My sister got the big strong one, the heir to...

[0:00]My sister and I ended up marrying twin werewolves. My sister got the big strong one, the heir to the pack, but he was cold, distant and always taking his frustrations out on her. She was basically walking on eggshells all the time. Me, I got stuck with a sickly pale twin. But Liam was sweet, thoughtful, and he was secretly a genius. He used his brains to rise to power and become the leader of the pack. My sister was so jealous she tried to ruin me. Then I woke up and we were both back at the choosing ceremony where we picked our husbands. My sister practically jumped on Liam. I just smiled. Did she really think he was such a prize? One Grandma Wolf, the matriarch of the Blackwood pack, presented the twins, Liam and Ethan Blackwood, to my sister and me. These are my grandsons. Take your pick, girls. I stared Ethan and Liam Blackwood right in front of me. It wasn't a dream. Ethan, the elder twin, built like a brick wall. The golden boy, Liam, Ethan's younger brother, had a heart condition since birth, always taking medication. This was really happening. I was back, back at the day we chose our werewolf husbands. My sister Brittany grabbed Liam's hand, all googoo eyes. Liam, darling, I'm going to be your wife. She shot me this smug look. I got it. She remembered everything, too. Our family's company, Hawthorn Enterprises, had been in business with the Blackwood Pack for generations. That's why my sister and I were sent to marry into the family last time around. Brittany heard that Ethan was the heir, Mr. Alpha Male, and she wanted to be the queen of the pack, so she snatched him up, too. Too bad for her Ethan didn't believe in romance and had no patience for drama. She spent her whole life trying to win his approval, but it was always out of reach. I got Liam who treated me with kindness, took me out, showered me with gifts, and made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. He even outmaneuvered Ethan and took over the pack. I was the first lady of the werewolves calling all the shots. Britney couldn't stand it. She snuck into my room and tried to sabotage me. I'll never forget the look in her eyes. Scarlet, you think you're so special now that you're married to the Alpha? I'm going to take it all from you. With my last strength, I fought back. And suddenly, I was back again at the moment of choice. Watching her cling to Liam, I knew my new life was about to begin. I wouldn't let anyone manipulate me ever again. The wedding was a double ceremony. Liam was all over Britney, holding her train, fixing her hair. Ethan just looked tired of the whole thing, like he couldn't wait for it to be over. Britney saw me standing alone and walked over, dragging Liam with her. Scarlett, honey, you've got to know how to keep your man happy or you won't survive in this pack. I glanced at Liam. He was gazing at Brittany with admiration. I noticed the silver promise ring on his thumb. I stepped back, my heart pounding. I forced a smile. I can handle myself. I turned and walked away. Even though it was the past, my body still trembled. Britney thought she'd won the lottery, but she didn't know the real Liam. I'd rather take my chances with Ethan, and this time she was giving me exactly what I wanted. That night I put on a red lace robe. Ethan was propped up in bed, eyes closed, a black wolf tail resting beside him. A werewolf's tail is super sensitive, they don't let just anyone touch it. I took a deep breath and walked over. I gently reached for it, but he suddenly pushed me away. What do you think you're doing? He said, irritated. Ethan, it's our wedding night. I tried to sound soft, come. Inside, I was frustrated. I was making all the effort and he was shutting down. So what? He asked, annoyed. I'm not interested in this. You want peace, stay quiet. I nodded, trying to calm the situation. I understand. I stepped away, not wanting to escalate anything. Ethan clearly had deep emotional scars. In the past, Brittany had tried to force a connection and only ended up rejected. I didn't want to repeat her mistake. So I chose to sleep on the couch that night, giving him his space. The next morning, Ethan woke me by knocking on the bathroom door. I need to get ready, he said. Sorry, I replied, quickly stepping out. He got dressed and left without a word. I followed after him. Ethan, my parents invited us for dinner tonight. You should come with me. He frowned. Can't you go alone? I smiled and gently touched his forehead, trying to lighten the mood. Don't frown. It's bad luck. He seemed surprised. I added, it's fine if I go alone, but in my family, if a husband doesn't accompany his wife the day after the wedding, it causes rumors. He scoffed, but then stopped me. Fine, I'll go. He picked up his jacket and left. I smiled. I was learning how to handle him. Later, I saw Britney and Liam in the garden. They were holding hands like a fairy tale couple. Scarlet, going home to mom and dad's? Britney asked Ethan's. Ethan's meeting me there, I said. Liam narrowed his eyes. I knew that look. He hated being second. Jealousy had driven him to do terrible things in my past life. I walked away without looking back. That night, Ethan and I arrived last. Everyone was surprised he even showed up. I stayed close to him, keeping things calm. Britney sat on the couch with Liam, feeding him grapes like they were royalty. She suddenly turned to me. I wonder if Scarlett slept with Ethan on her wedding night. Her voice was mocking. Before I could respond, Ethan said coldly, a Blackwood wife doesn't speak that way in public. Liam, keep your wife in check. Liam clenched his jaw but nodded. Yes, brother. He led Britney away. Ethan left the room and I followed him, trying not to laugh. Everyone whispered that he was defending me, but I knew better. He was protecting the family name. I took a cab home. Britney was in the living room, applying ointment to her arm. Her skin looked irritated. She quickly hid it. Liam was so sweet tonight, she said. He said he'd love me forever. I just nodded. She didn't realize she was repeating my old life, pain and all. Ethan came home late. I was still on the sofa. He didn't say a word. He just went to bed. I understood him better now. He had trust issues. He kept people at arms length to avoid being hurt. Last time, I read books on how to understand people like him. Now, I would use that knowledge to change things. I made him a special soup with calming herbs and brought it to him. Ethan, you've had a long day. Drink this to relax. He ignored me and transformed into a black wolf, curling up on the bed. I didn't insist. If you're not going to drink it, I'll save it for later. He didn't react. I sat beside him. I know I'm not important to you, I whispered, but I am your wife. At that, he shifted back to human and drank the soup silently. I smiled and gently ran my hand along his tail. Ethan, can I sleep here with you tonight? No, he muttered, brushing me aside. I went back to the sofa without complaint. The next morning, I made the soup again. He drank it without a word. Slowly, he began to calm down. He still didn't say much, but I could feel the shift. This time, I would change everything. Not with force, but with patience. Because I'd already lived the nightmare. And now, I had a second chance. The days after the wedding moved like fog, slow and unclear, each moment heavy with unspoken thoughts. Ethan and I fell into a routine. Or rather, I adjusted myself into the smallest, quietest version of me so I wouldn't disturb the delicate air around him. He spoke little, ate less, and spent most of his time outside, patrolling the northern ridge with the other pack sentries. At first, I assumed it was a form of avoidance. But over time, I began to see something deeper, a loyalty to the pack that ran deeper than blood or marriage. I was not used to being ignored. In my first life, Liam had showered me with attention. Flowers in the morning. Breakfast on a tray. Notes tucked into my shoes. But all of it had a cost. His love was a performance. When the mask slipped, it revealed control, not care. Ethan was different. Silent. Brooding. But honest. I started small. I organized the closet, folded his patrol gear the way soldiers prefer. I set out his favorite kind of tea, bitter root and cedar leaf, something only an experienced wife would know. I didn't hover. I didn't ask for praise. I just existed beside him. I think that was the only way to get close to someone like Ethan. One morning, I saw him hesitate before going out. He stood near the entry, fingers brushing the doorknob but not turning it. Do you want me to braid your hair before patrol? I asked casually, not looking at him. He didn't respond, but he didn't leave either. I walked over, picked up the leather tie from the small dish beside the door and gently began to gather his thick black hair. He didn't flinch. Didn't growl. When I finished, I stepped back. Done, I said. He nodded once and walked out. It wasn't much, but it was more than I had gotten from him the first time around. And it meant something. That evening, the pack council held a meeting. I wasn't invited, of course. Mated females were expected to stay in the background until they produced an heir. I stayed in the house, watching the firelight flicker. When Ethan came home, he was unusually tense. You're angry, I said quietly. He didn't answer, but his shoulders were rigid and his jaw tight. He pulled off his coat and dropped it on the floor. They want Liam to be my second again. His voice was low. The first full sentence he'd spoken to me all day. I thought you demoted him, I said cautiously. I did. But the council says he's more. Presentable. That made me laugh. Presentable. Liam was many things, but loyal wasn't one of them. They think he makes the pack look stronger. Ethan added, sitting on the edge of the bed. And you? I asked. He glanced at me, expression unreadable. I don't trust him, not anymore. Then say no. It's not that simple. I sat beside him but didn't speak. After a long silence, he whispered, they think I'm too cold. I smiled. You are. He stared at me, almost offended. I continued, but cold doesn't mean weak. It means precise. Controlled. They'll figure that out eventually. He didn't reply, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. A moment later, he lay down, not shifted, just human, exhausted. I stood, grabbed the thin blanket from the couch and draped it over him. Thank you, he murmured, eyes closed. It was the first time he said those words to me, and my heart nearly burst. The next day, Britney came knocking. She breezed into my house like she owned the place, wearing designer boots and carrying a basket of fresh fruit like we were neighbors on friendly terms. But her eyes were sharp, calculating. I just wanted to check in on you, sis. You look tired. I smiled politely. Busy but good. She wandered the room like a cat. Liam is taking me to the Spring Moon Ball next week. Apparently, it's the most important event of the year. That's lovely, I said, sipping tea. You should wear green. It's your best color. Her jaw clenched. She hated when I didn't take the bait. And what about you? Will Ethan even show up? He will, I said confidently. We'll be there together. She blinked, surprised. You think that makes you Alpha material? I stood. Brittany, I already was. She didn't stay long after that. Ethan agreed to go to the ball, though it clearly annoyed him. I chose a navy dress with silver stitching that matched his patrol uniform. He didn't comment, but when he offered me his arm before we entered the hall, I knew it had registered. Inside, it was a sea of werewolves and humans, all mingling under the chandeliers. Britney made a show of spinning in Liam's arms, her laughter ringing through the hall. She glanced at us more than once, and each time I caught her, I smiled back, sweet and steady. You're doing this for appearances, Ethan muttered, leaning close as we danced. No, I said softly. I'm doing this for you. He blinked at me, unsure what to say. The next song began and we continued to dance. Halfway through the evening, I excused myself to the balcony. The cold air was a relief. I needed space to breathe. Liam found me there. You look beautiful tonight, he said smoothly. I didn't turn around. And you look just as dangerous as I remember. He stepped closer. Do you miss it, Scarlet? The attention, the power. No, I said. I miss peace. You were never peaceful. He chuckled. You think Ethan will give you that? Eventually. You're wasting yourself on him. You belong with someone who can make you shine. I turned to face him. That's the difference, Liam. You wanted me to shine for your reflection. Ethan doesn't need a spotlight. He just needs truth. He stared at me, nostrils flaring. I walked away. After the ball, Ethan didn't speak for two days. I worried I'd overstepped. But on the third night, he came to the kitchen while I was cooking. That dress, he said suddenly. It looked good on you. I smiled. Thank you. He sat, watching me stir the soup. When I brought him a bowl, he looked me in the eye. Did Liam say something to you? Yes, I replied. But it doesn't matter. He considered that. I'm not good at this. Relationships. I know. I don't want a queen. I want quiet. Then you'll love me, I said. His brow lifted. I don't need a throne. Just a place beside you. He didn't smile, but he nodded. And when I brought the soup to his lips, he drank without protest. Later, as I lay on the couch, I heard his voice. Scarlet? Yes? You can sleep in the bed if you want. I didn't move right away. I let the silence stretch between us like a bridge being built slowly, brick by brick. Then I stood, walked to the bed, and lay beside him, facing the ceiling. He didn't touch me, but he didn't push me away. Progress.