002| Luna No More

~Elara~

~Elara~

Pain greeted me first as soon as my eyes opened. 

I stirred, still feeling very disoriented. 

The thoughts of what happened came to mind, but I wasn’t sure if what had happened was real, or just a dream. 

But then, I heard the whispers flow in. 

‘Did you hear? The Alpha now has an heir,’

‘It is with the woman he returned with.’

‘The Luna heard it and almost lost her mind. 'She fainted.’ Yet another said.

‘Poor thing…. She couldn’t even give the Alpha an heir.’ 

‘She has locked herself in for days now, I feel sorry for her.’

The words felt like daggers, piercing through my chest. 

I hate my ability to hear further away than normal werewolves, especially on days like this. 

I blinked twice, trying to adjust to the lightening. I don’t know how long I slept, but my head was throbbing with a headache. The ache in my heart made me even more aware of everything that had happened. 

The door opened after that, and Mia, my assistant, stepped in. 

Her eyes brightened as soon as she saw me. 

“Luna, you are awake. Thank goodness.” 

“Mia, where is Lucien, how are things going out there?” My voice was hoarse and tired.

She sighed. 

“Luna, things are not looking good. After Alpha announced the pregnancy, horrible rumors began to spread.”

My heart slammed into my chest. 

So, he had made the announcement already. 

I clenched my fists, biting down on my lower lip to keep my sanity. “Where is he now?” My voice trembled a little.

Mia bowed slightly; her voice gentle. “He is presently in a meeting with the elders.” 

My throat tightened.

Probably planning my replacement. 

My fists tightened. “Who carried me back yesterday?” 

“Beta Kyle.”

So, it wasn’t even Lucien.

My body shivered slightly. The ache flared into a rage. 

“I need to see him now.” 

Mia’s eyes widened slightly.

“Luna, I don’t think that’s a good idea—”

I ignored her and got straight into the bathroom to get ready. I needed to know what he was trying to do, why he was doing this.

As we got outside, the pack members greeted me, but it was not the same. 

I could feel the detachment in their voices; I could still hear their whispers in my head.

Just as we approached his office, someone opened his door and stepped out. 

Calistra.

Her eyes widened, and then a smirk appeared on her face.

“Luna Elara. Thanks to the Goddess you are okay.”  

She sounded too sweet, too perfect. 

I tried to ignore her and headed towards his office, but she caught my hand.

“Please let me apologize. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

Her nails dug into my skin. Her gaze was steely, not sorry in any way. 

I yanked my hand free from her hold.

She stepped back, and then whispered with a sweet smile: “Luna, you should rest. This situation could really get worse. I’d hate to see you lose everything.” 

My heart skipped a bit and I blinked. 

Did she just threaten me?

I wasn’t sure. 

Before I could say anything else, she leaned closer, her lips barely moving.

“Word of advice: reject and leave. Or I’ll make your life miserable.”

My wolf snapped at that. 

Ney surged forward instantly. In a blink, I shoved Calistra back against the wall. It wasn’t too hard, but it was enough. 

Everyone gasped. The sound echoed through the hallway.

I froze. 

I saw the shocked expressions on their faces. Which turned judgmental. 

Calistra fell on her knees, cradling her belly, as she let out a pain-filled growl.

A panicked voice came from behind me. 

“The Luna attacked her!”

My heart tightened. “What—?

Calistra’s face was pain-stricken. I didn’t push her that hard.

"What the hell is going on here?"

It was Lucien.

He brushed past me like I was invisible, and rushed to Calistra’s side.

“She… she tried to hurt the baby.” Calistra whimpered instantly. “I— I just wanted to apologize.”

She was lying, that’s not what happened.

I stepped forward. “That’s not true. She threatened me—”

For the first time, Lucien's eyes snapped to mine. 

They were dark and hard. 

“Don’t you dare lie to me Elara, everyone saw it.” 

My chest caved inward at his words.

“You believe her over me?” My voice was barely a whisper. I still can’t believe it. 

He didn’t answer, instead he threatened. 

“If anything happens to my son—” his voice was tight with pain and rage, but his gaze flicked to me, his jaw tightening. “Don’t make me choose.” 

My mouth went dry. 

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t bring myself to say anything else. 

He turned, scooped her into his arms and carried her away. 

I didn’t miss the smirk on her face. Ney whimpered.