Chapter 1

Kristy, My mate Luke’s adoptive younger sister had an allergic reaction and was taken to the infirmary two days ago.

The healer told us the only herbs that could stabilize her condition had just run out.

The last known supply was located outside our territory, near the dangerous borders of the rogue pack’s field.

To save her, I risked everything that night—venturing deep into enemy ground.

After ten grueling hours of searching, I finally found the herbs…

But before I could return, I was surrounded by a pack of rogues.

I was too exhausted to fight a full werewolf squad on my own.

I resisted as long as I could, but after several rounds of attacks, my body gave out.

With the last bit of strength in me, I tried to mind-link Luke—my mate—begging for help.

He refused.

Once.

Twice.

Ten times.

Fifteen times, he rejected me.

And in the end… he didn’t just ignore me—he blocked our link completely.

Abandoned.

Betrayed.

I collapsed into the dirt, bleeding and unconscious, while my mate chose silence over saving me.

When I woke up in the infirmary, I saw Alex—the commander of the Werewolf Tribe—sitting silently beside me, his eyes full of worry.

I gave him a bitter smile. Before he could say a word, I spoke first, my voice firm and unwavering:

“I’ve made my decision. I’ll go to the Northern Territory for training. I leave in 2 days.”

Just as I finished, the door was kicked open with a loud bang.

Luke stormed in, Kristy and our twin pups trailing close behind.

The moment he saw me, he lost control.

His wolf surged to the surface, and before I could even speak, he pointed a shaking finger at me and roared:

“Christina! You pulled this pathetic stunt just to get our attention? To compete with Kristy? You wasted our warriors’ strength for your vanity! You’re not fit to be a Luna!”

My wolf flinched at his fury, trembling in fear.

I struggled to steady my breath, trying to calm her.

And then it hit me.

Today was Kristy’s birthday.

Luke had given the whole pack two days off—just to celebrate it with her.

While, for the Luna of this pack—and his mate—Luke didn’t care at all that I had spent two days searching for herbs and nearly died after being ambushed by rogue wolves.

I had mind-linked him, begging for help. But in return, he dismissed me like a nuisance.

He thought I was just playing games to waste the warriors’ energy.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down my cheeks, and I could hear my wolf howling helplessly at the cruel injustice.

“Luke, I ...”

“You’re still trying to defend yourself, Christina?!”

Luke snapped, cutting me off mid-sentence.

“You don’t even have the courage to admit your fault!”

Chris, my elder son, looked at me with cold, distant eyes.

“Where’s your wound, Mom? You look just fine to me. You ruined Kristy’s birthday—and the entire pack’s celebration—for what?”

Collin, my younger son, let out a heavy sigh, his eyes filled with disappointment.

“Did you lie just because we love Kristy more than you?”

He was about to say more when Kristy stepped in with her usual false gentleness.

“I’m really sorry, Christina,” she said, tears shimmering in her eyes. “I shouldn’t have celebrated my birthday. Could you please stop causing trouble for Luke and the twins?”

“Luke was exhausted from tracking you. He’s barely rested! Chris and Collin were worried sick and didn’t sleep at all. If it helps, I won’t celebrate my birthday ever again—just please stop making things harder for them.”

She was going to wipe her tears away, but Luke quickly leaned in and gently brushed them aside for her.

The next moment, both my sons rushed into her arms, comforting her through their sobs.

“Don’t cry, Kristy. No matter what Mom does, we’ll still love you.”

I stood frozen, staring at this perfect picture of a ‘family of four wolves’.

And in that moment, it felt like a thousand needles stabbed straight through my heart.

Alex stood up, ready to speak on my behalf, but I stopped him with a silent, pleading look.

“No need, Alex...” I murmured, forcing a bitter smile.

Luke let out a mocking laugh, his voice laced with scorn.

“Christina, you’re pathetic. So jealous that you had to stage this whole farce just to get attention—and even dragged Alex into your lies?”

Chris wiped his tears, his voice trembling with grief.

“Mom... I’m so disappointed in you.”

Collin’s eyes were red as he choked out, hoarsely:

“You ruined our special day. I won’t forgive you.”

Without another glance, Luke took them and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

I turned to Alex, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

“I’m going with you to the Northern Territory. I leave in 2 days.”

Alex hesitated, concern flickering in his eyes.

“Are you sure? You won’t be able to come back—not even to see your pups. The training field is sealed. And they’re still so young...”

I met his gaze with unwavering determination.

“I know. And I’m sure. I won’t go back on my word—

Not this time. Not ever.”