Chapter 2

Ashley’s POV

NEXT MORNING

The birds chirping outside my window told me it was morning. I opened my eyes as sunlight came through the curtains, making the room warm and bright. I yawned and stretched my arms, reaching for Jayden—but he wasn’t there. Confused, I sat up and looked around.

Last night was a blur, but one thing stood out—our passionate night together, and then he told me how he felt. A small smile came to my lips as I looked at the red stain on the sheets, proof I’d given myself to him.

I took a deep breath, got out of bed, and went to the bathroom to wash up. The warm water ran over my skin, washing away sleep but not my thoughts of him.

After drying off, I noticed a short, blush-yellow gown on the dresser. My heart skipped—he must’ve left it for me. I put it on, grabbed my purse, and left the room.

The mansion was quiet as I walked down the hall. I figured Jayden was busy addressing the pack today, officially becoming Alpha.

Outside, it was silent except for hushed whispers. The maids glanced at me, sharing little smiles and murmurs. I couldn’t hear what they said, but something felt off.

“Did you know? Alpha is to pick a new Luna today during his speech,” one maid whispered as she passed by.

I stopped walking, my heart beating fast. A new Luna? My mind spun. He must’ve seen how much I loved him—it had to be me.

Nothing else mattered as much as Jayden. In my heart, I called him Jay—a name full of love. Today would make it all worth it.

I tucked my hair behind my ear and walked faster, excitement growing. Soon, he’d say my name, announcing me as his Luna to the whole Oakwood Pack.

I was nervous, I won’t lie. I’d dreamed of this for years, and now it felt almost too real.

When I reached the grand hall, I saw him on stage, talking to the pack. I stayed near the door, watching. He was everything—strong, in charge, and so handsome.

“Everyone is wondering who our Luna will be,” Jayden’s voice echoed through the hall. The crowd buzzed with excitement.

I swallowed hard, remembering last night—his whispers, how he held me, his promises. My lips tingled, and I felt warm inside.

I pushed those thoughts away—I couldn’t let them take over here, with so many wolves who might notice.

Our eyes met across the room, and I smiled. He smiled back, and my heart grew bigger with hope.

“You will all find out shortly,” he continued, “but for now, please continue with the celebration. I have matters to attend to.”

My smile faded. Why wasn’t he saying it now? As he stepped off the stage, he walked straight toward me.

“Why are you here?” he asked, his voice hard to read.

I blinked, confused. “Of course, I have to be here. Why are you asking me that?”

“You can’t stand here,” he cut in, pointing to the front row seats. “Go sit over there.”

I frowned, annoyed. What was wrong with him? He could’ve just called me up on stage.

I let go of my doubts and sat in the front row as he asked.

Jayden started speaking again, his voice strong. “Our new Luna is someone we all know well. A kind, loving, and brave soul—she is the most beautiful woman on this earth.”

My cheeks turned red. I smoothed my gown, ready to walk up.

“It’s none other than… Daisy Andre.”

When I heard that, my shoulders sank, my face tightened. My smile disappeared, replaced by a frown.

The stage lights hit my face, and I used my hand to block the glare.

Then, someone pushed me from behind, and I fell to my knees as she walked past.

She stepped onto the stage, smiling at everyone while Jayden held her neck and kissed her passionately. My jaw dropped, my hand covering my mouth as my breath stopped. My eyes widened in shock—my mind raced to understand what I’d just seen.

Panic and anger filled my chest, my heart burning with pain and disbelief. I rubbed my eyes to see clearly, making sure it wasn’t a dream. It hit me—my friend Daisy was now the Luna of the Oakwood Pack, chosen by the man who’d taken my virginity.

“She’s my fated mate, most of you might be wondering why we kept it a secret and not announcing it sooner. We just found out a few weeks ago and we were also trying to get father’s blessings,” Jayden said.

“We also needed to make plans in order for the Alpha succession party to go smoothly and successfully.” As he spoke, my heart pounded harder.

No, no, no—I didn’t want to believe it. A few weeks ago? This betrayal, this lie—using me and tossing me aside. How could he do this? How could he stand there smiling with her? Did I mean nothing to him? What about the promises he made last night while we were together?

Tears I’d tried to hold back broke free, streaming down my face.

I looked at the crowd chanting her name, cheering as Daisy stood there, smiling big and waving.

I was beyond horrified.

“What do the two of you think you’re doing at this very instance?” I yelled through the crowd, wiping my tears and glaring at Daisy.

“Why her, Raymond? Why is she to be your mate? Why does she deserve to be your Luna? What about the promise you had made to me, to make me your mate and Luna? Why sudden change of heart all of a sudden, what did I ever do to you other than give you all of me?”

He let go of Daisy’s hand and looked at me. He smiled at first, then laughed, his face turning cold.

It was the first time he’d looked at me like that. His eyes, once full of love, now showed only hate and disgust.

“That was just the numerous mistakes two opposite gender friends make when drunk so don’t read the meaning into it. It was just a fling.” As he said that, I stumbled back, feeling the world close in. I begged the Moon Goddess to let the ground swallow me. He’d humiliated me in front of the whole pack.

My heart felt heavier than ever. I couldn’t believe Jayden saw me as just a fling, a drunken mistake. My hands clenched into fists, and all I could think about was wiping that smug smile off Daisy’s face.

My innocence—did he even remember taking it? Didn’t he recall being the first man in my life? After I gave him everything, this was how he repaid me? The more I thought, the angrier I got, tears flowing again. My heart felt ripped out. I couldn’t take it anymore—I had to act.

Still crying and breathing hard, my anger took over. I pushed through the crowd, climbed onto the stage, turned him to face me, raised my hand, and slapped his cheek.

Slam!