A Love That Lingers

I shook as I hid behind a tree near the old altar.

I quietly watched Anderson, my Alpha mate.

He held a shiny silver crown, the one meant for a Luna and gave it to Leah.

Leah's eyes shone with happy tears.

She lowered her head, and Anderson put the crown on it.

Right after the crown was placed, Anderson held her tightly.

They kissed lovingly in front of everyone.

The long, hot kiss lasted a full twenty minutes.

Leah, with a red face and out of breath, gently patted him. Only then did he stop and smile.

A cold wind blew, moving the hanging branches.

I then saw that my whole pack was there under the bright moonlight.

My younger brother, Rhys, the one I used to protect, was standing in the center of the ceremony. He was leading it.

He wore a robe with the pack's symbol on it. His eyes were full of love for his stepsister, Leah.

A long time ago, Rhys and I had barely lived through the pain Leah and our stepmother, Maryanne Swift, caused us at the place where we were punished.

There, we were hurt with needles, shocked, drowned, and almost burned.

But he had completely forgotten.

He spoke loudly and with feeling, "Tonight, at this special time, we see two hearts become one—our strong Alpha, Anderson, and our wise Luna, Leah.

"Together, they will lead us to great things. From now on, they are not just our leaders but the symbol of the Frostmoon Pack's future."

As soon as he finished, the other werewolves began to dance around them. Excited howls and songs filled the air as Anderson and Leah turned to the moon, holding hands.

They started their promise to the Moon Goddess. Watching them, Rhys felt very emotional.

When they finished their promise, he shouted loudly, "Now go and enjoy your passionate night! Don't worry about us!"

My eyes dropped as tears formed in them. The wolf inside me cried out in pain.

I called Rhys, the same brother who once promised to always be there for me and protect me. But he just curled his lips in a look of disgust and ignored me.

I didn't stop and called Anderson next.

From where I watched, I saw his face turn cold when he saw me. He didn't want to answer, but after Leah whispered something to him, he finally picked up.

I rubbed my swollen stomach and asked softly, "Anderson, what are you doing? Are you coming home tonight?"

He laughed in a mean way and replied cruelly in front of everyone, "Can you stop trying to watch me? Irene, you're already pregnant. Being so worried and jealous isn't good for the baby.

"Or are you just so desperate for an Alpha's touch that you can't live without one?

"I've told you many times that I came to the old altar with Leah to study the powerful remains of the great wolves! Only a mean, disgusting she-wolf like you would always think an Alpha's duty is cheating!"

He kept hurting me with his words.

My heart broke into many pieces. Holding back the pain, I whispered, "It's my birthday today. You promised you would celebrate it with me every year…"

You said that even if the world ended, you would always be by my side on this day.

So, even while pregnant, I bravely walked through the dangerous forests and steep mountain paths alone, pushing past my fear just to come find you.

But when I arrived, the wolves here told me there were no old wolf remains. There was only the Alpha of the Frostmoon Pack, who often came here.

An Alpha who had been planning for half a year to have his marking ceremony with his Luna at this altar.