Chapter 1: His old flame

Selene's Pov

I should be happy tonight. I mean not only was I 22 today, but today was also my four years anniversary, yet the table was too quiet for a birthday, no less an anniversary.

I sat, fingers curled loosely around the edge of the white box before me, pretending I hadn’t been waiting all day. Mother had sent no message and father? I wouldn't dare expect one.

I should be standing beside my mate, my husband, my Alpha, basking in the love and admiration of our pack. At least we're, or maybe I'm celebrating Four years as his Luna tonight. Four years of loyalty in which, three years was me pretending that I wasn’t breaking inside.

I looked across the courtyard, drawing the window curtains slightly and looked downward, and just as I thought Lucian was with her.

Mira. His first love. The woman who left him, left the pack, left everything behind, only to return as if nothing had changed on our mating party, and ever since she's been coming back every few months, And Lucian, my mate, my husband, my supposed other half, was still somehow caught in her orbit.

He wasn’t holding her right now, but he might as well have been.

With the way his body was angled toward her slightly, while she leaned into him with a tender and sweet smile, whispering something into his ear. Then came the laugh I used to think was meant for me.

My throat tightened, but I refused to look away.

‘They were just friends now. She's nothing to him.’ I chanted what he usually says to me whenever I tried to ask in my head, however,

“Congratulations, Luna,” A voice snapped me out of my thoughts as I quickly let go of the curtains, clearing my throat, before I turned to see it was one of the pack Omegas.

Forcing my lips into a pleasant curve. “Thank you Anemone. What brings you here?“ I asked.

“I came to remind you that the party will be starting soon, you and Alpha must be there soon, the pack is waiting in high anticipation.“ She said with a little smile and I nodded.

“I sure will. Ummm... I have to do something quickly, you go ahead, I will be out in a jiffy. Tell gamma Roslyn to keep them entertained.“

“Alright Luna.“ She nodded and walked out of the dressing room, closing the door behind her as I sunk into the chair beside me.

After some time, I got up and fixed my makeup, then made for the courtyard. As per tradition, we were supposed to go to the hall together.

I stepped into the courtyard, and watched them for a few seconds.

They didn't even notice I was here watching as they were too engrossed in whatever they were saying.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and finally stepped forward, “Lucian,” I called, keeping my voice light.

He turned to face me with surprise, "Sel..."

“You left me waiting,” I said, trying to sound playful and casual, though my voice felt hollow. “The pack members are waiting for us.”

“Oh, The anniversary... Can you just give me a few more minutes? I will catch up with you soon, you know I can't just leave Mira here, she just arrived after all, and I haven't seen her in a while.” he said as if I’m the one interrupting something important.

I know. He hasn’t seen her in months. I know exactly how long because I have spent every day since then trying to be enough.

Mira sighs, placing a delicate hand on his arm before turning to me with a sweet, practiced smile. “Alpha Lucian is just catching up with me, Luna Selene. Don’t be upset. It’s my fault. I should have let him come to you sooner. Lucian, you go ahead with your Luna, I will crash in with the Omega's tonight. And congratulations on your anniversary.” She flashes that fake smile as she turns, pretending to leave. But before she can take a step, Lucian grabs her wrist.

“Where are you going?” His voice softens, the way it used to when he spoke to me. “Didn’t you come to celebrate with us? It’s only right we treat you well, so you don't have to sleep with the Omega's because I had them take your things to the guest room already.”

My head spins for a second. I blink. Did I hear that right?

He actually arranged it without telling me, his Luna, his wife.

“The pack members are waiting,” I say, swallowing hard, “I should get going.”

I turn before I break right in front of them, walking away without another word.

I don’t look back. Even though I was hoping he would at least call me, or even chase after me, he didn't.

***

The party was cold, the anniversary party was no different from mourning for me.

How could I feel the joy of it when my husband has his eyes on his old flame even though we're celebrating our anniversary?

I walked through the hallway leading to our bedroom. Of course, Lucian wasn't anywhere in sight, and I don't think I had enough strength to look for him. But just as I was about to turn the corner,

“Luna Selene!“

I turned my head back to see she was moving quickly to catch up with me, but this kind of scenario isn't exactly what I wanted today, I'm just too exhausted for it, so I keep on moving.

But I underestimated her persistence as she picked up a race, and crossed my path quickly.

“Oh, Selene,” she hums, tilting her head tauntingly, “Why are you walking so fast? Running away already?”

“Excuse me, Mira.” I said, turning to take the other way, but she blocked it just as quickly.

“I must say, you’re quite strong. I don’t think I could last four years knowing my mate’s heart was never mine.”

My fingers twitch at my sides, but I don’t take the bait.

She sighs dramatically, clasping her hands together. “Oh, but Lucian is such a good man, isn’t he? So kind, so responsible he just can’t help but take care of those he loves. But, dear poor Luna, are you among them?”

She lifts her dress slightly as she takes a graceful step forward, and then suddenly, pain shoots up my foot.

“Oh, dear.” She gasps, eyes widening with false innocence as she pulls back. “I’m so sorry, Luna. Did I just step on you? This place is so dark… I didn't even see you there.”

She knew exactly what she was doing. But I swallow the pain, just like I always do. Just like I’ve done for the past three years after she returned. I step past her, not sparing her another glance, even as the sting lingers in my foot.

Even as my heart aches in my chest.

Because she’s right.

Lucian is a good man. A responsible Alpha. A mate who takes care of those he loves.

I just don’t know if I’m one of them anymore.

However, I barely take another step before I feel a hand grip my shoulder.

“I'm not done with you whore! So you don't get to walk out on me!“ She screamed and threw a punch at my back,

I don’t think as I yanked, pulling her forward and shove her aside. She stumbles, hitting the ground with a soft thud.

“Don’t mess with me,” I might have taken it every single time, but not tonight.

I expect her to stand up, to fight back like she always does. But instead, she suddenly bursts into pitiful tears, her shoulders shaking as she clutches her arm.

“I have nothing to do with Alpha Lucian, Luna Selene…” she chokes out between sniffles. “How could you push me so hard? Even if I can't fight back because I’m a weak Omega, did you have to be so hard?”

I freeze. What?

Is this the same Mira who never backed down? No this isn't right, but I knew what a trap it was when I heard footsteps approaching very fast.

I turned my head, and see it was Lucian.