Chapter 1

I, Maya Ortega, stared blankly at the cheap metal bangle on the couch. Not just because it was utterly lacking in sincerity, but because that day was the pack's most important Christmas Eve.

I had told Alpha Ethan Warner that I hoped to receive a moonstone from the Moon Goddess forest, as even a very small piece could enhance my healing abilities as a healer.

Earlier that day, I had clearly mentioned to him that I felt my wolf, Selene, was a bit weak lately and needed the energy of a moonstone.

After placing the herbs prepared for the wounded on the table, I took off my blood-stained medical robe.

"Maya, we've already been mates for so long, and you're a powerful Luna. You don't need expensive magical items to maintain our bond as those young she-wolves do."

Alpha Ethan hugged me from behind and casually tousled my hair.

"Going to the forbidden grounds to seek a moonstone from the witch is too risky, and it's not fitting for an Alpha. Besides, this bangle carries the same sentiment as those magical items."

My nose tingled, and a discontented low growl echoed from Selene within me.

Ever since becoming the Alpha of the Shadow Fang pack, Alpha Ethan seemed like a completely different werewolf.

When I was uncomfortable during my heat cycle, he said drinking more cold water would help me get through it, and that he didn't have time and I shouldn't waste precious medication.

When I mentioned wanting a new evening gown to represent the pack at a neighboring pack's banquet, he said pack funds were tight, and it would be better to save the money for more weapons and equipment.

Even the Christmas Eve token of love I had looked forward to the most had turned into a cheap trinket that could be found anywhere.

"You smell quite strongly of medicine, Maya. You should take a shower and change your clothes. I don't really like this scent."

Alpha Ethan released me from his embrace. Then he took off his coat, which still carried the scent of forest dew, and sat at the dining table.

I glanced at his profile, momentarily stunned, and said "okay" before walking into the bathroom.

Hot water poured over my body, steam slowly rising as I stared at my exhausted reflection in the mirror.

For some reason, the account name "True Love Above All" came to mind, and its boastful words stung my eyes.

"He told me that the she-wolf by his side only needs a title. As for me, I need his protection. This is the amulet he has obtained from a witch after visiting the forbidden grounds."

The she-wolf by his side and the cheap bangle…

Suddenly, it all snapped into clarity. After wiping my hands dry, I logged into my social media account and found that post.

The likes were still skyrocketing. In the comments, numerous werewolves were romanticizing this forbidden love, claiming that true love knew no order of appearance. Some even argued that the old she-wolf, who merely clung to the title of a mate, should be the one to step aside.

My fingers trembled slightly as I tried to send a private message to that account.

"Does his mate know about this?"

I took a deep breath and set down my phone. My heart was pounding so fast that it was about to burst.

Six years ago, I was 20 years old. My father, John Ortega, was the previous Alpha, and I was the sole heiress, blessed not only with a powerful wolf but also with a gift for healing.

Alpha Ethan was only an ordinary member of the pack, but he was fiercely ambitious.

After we became mates, he told me I could just stay at the pack house and be a gentle Luna. As for managing the pack and handling battles, he would take care of it all. He persuaded me to relinquish my status as the heiress.

That night, he held me close and vowed, "Maya, I swear to the Moon Goddess, whether you prove yourself on the battlefield or not, you will be my one and only Luna. I will never let you down."

I knew that Alpha Ethan had grown up with deep-seated insecurity due to his humble origins, so I agreed to tone down my edges and become the mate who supported him quietly from behind.

My phone chimed softly, snapping me back to the present. And what caught my eye was the private message reply from "True Love Above All".

"Of course she doesn't know. If that foolish she-wolf knew, she'd be making a huge scene right now."