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Diana's pov

"She stole her sister's mate"

That was what everyone said about me. But I knew better than to take what was Andrea's, with her claws skin deep in anything she owned or claimed.

But Alpha Zaden was never hers.

In highschool though , they were inseparable- the couple everyone wanted to be like. Zaden was the Alpha's son then, straight out of Alpha training camp and was out in sought of a mate- a Luna to rule by his side. What better than Andrea? With her perfect blonde curls and electric blue eyes, she looked every inch the perfect Luna to be.

And after High school, on the night of the full blood nonon, it was no surprise there that they were mates. But she rejected the mate bond, more tempted by the offer to leave the pack in search of greener pastures and what lay on the other side of the supernatural world than to be shackled with the roles of a Luna.

Zaden was heartbroken. For months, he wouldn't talk to anyone, instead burying himself in his work, upholding his new responsibilities as Alpha.

This was my chance. I thought. Zaden and I were just friends back then. I was the shadow sister, everyone saw Andrea before they noticed me. No one noticed how much I loved Zaden. He was the only one in high school back then who saw me beyond the 'virgin dork who got her wolf late'. He protected me from bullies, sometimes helped dropped me off and even took me out on one of his hunts.

I had shamelessly loved him, but out of respect of my sister, I suppressed it in. Not until she left. And I made my move. It started with a genuine consolation. He wouldn't talk to anyone but me at the time. I helped him- encouraged him to head out for trainings, scouting and camping, accompanied him to meetings, even ensured he was fed and managed the household duties effectively.

In a year's time, while I patiently waited for him to get over my sister, I had managed to slide into his home, taking over as the madam of the house. The Omegas adored me- people from all over were already acquainted with me as Luna.

After much encouragement from my Father, Gamma Ezra, Zaden gave me his mark, and under the full moon blessed by the shadow of the Moon goddess, we became mates.

"He hasn't moved from her side since- he seems to have long forgotten about his Luna since Andrea walked into the party."

The background music of the soiree almost drowned out the blood pumping hard and fast through my veins, rushing into my ears like a stream of water cascading through, but I could hear them- a group of Lunas chattering behind me.

"What could she possibly be doing here? Andrea hasn't been seen around the borders of the pack five years since she left. I wonder why she's back."

Another Luna chuckled, and my heart twinged with pain. My hand around the glass of wine tightened, and for fear of breaking it, I set it aside.

At the end of the room, true to their words, Zaden, my Alpha, my husband, was leaning down, his lips upturned as he openly flirted with no other than Andrea Blackthorne.

"I could wonder- it's obvious she's come to take what is hers. My goddess, Alpha Zaden hasn't looked at his Luna once, such a shame."

Without thinking, I grabbed hold of the glass, emptying the contents into my mouth. I set it down abruptly, reveling in the silence behind me before I strode forward, eyes burning on the tittering pair.

That was when Zaden noticed me. All traces of anger seemed to vanish instantly when those golden irises locked into mine, immediately softening as he reached forward to curl a hand around my waist.

For a second it was bliss, being in his arms, relishing his overpowering scent and the soothing of his embrace, but my gaze fell on Andrea, taking note of the Mirth in her eyes.

Anger resurged within me, with a sharp exhale, I asked, "Good to see you Andrea. When did you get back?"

"Won't you give me a hug, big sister?" She opened her arms, stretching forward. With a pursed smile, I hugged her back, only for a brief moment before she pulled back.

I was in awe at how she's changed so much. Her hair was fuller now, a darker shade of blonde. The dress she had on was magnificent and accentuated every one of her curves, leaving nothing to the imagination. Her body looked like it was sculpted perfectly, and she looked gorgeous. I hated her even more that instant.

"Is Father aware you've returned?" I probed further.

"Yes, he actually persuaded me to come here."

"I'm really glad you did, Andrea." Zaden replied I looked up at him, and back to Andrea, seeing the look they exchanged.

"Me too. It's been so long," she shot me a look. "So many things never change though, do they? You still dress like a nun, sister. "

"If modesty is a strange term to you, I'm not surprised."

"Lest I forget, congratulations on your marriage. I wish I could have attended the ceremony."

"The ceremony was five years ago, but thank you," I grabbed onto Zaden's arm, aware of her gaze falling there. "I'm tired. Let's retire to the room upstairs."

"My darling, the evening just began- and I only just started catching up with Andrea," I bit down on my tongue to stop the words that threatened to leave. "Can you just hang around for a bit? Or stay, I'd appreciate your company."

"Or you can head up alone. He'll join you later" Andrea smirked. The gleam in her eyes was filled with so much malice.

I opened my mouth to protest when Zaden reached forward, gently sweeping my hair to the side before placing a kiss on my forehead. The touch sent sizzling sparks travelling around my body- down to where my toes curled. Desire reflected in his eyes as we locked gazes.

"I'll wait for you." I whispered.

"Who'd have thought." Andrea snickered.

"Excuse me?" I fired at her, brow raised.

She shrugged, slowly sipping from her wine, although her gaze was directed into mine from the rim of the flass. "I just didn't expect Zaden would end up with someone like you. No offence sister, but- "

Zaden chuckled, knots formed in my stomach. "Andrea, come on, she's your sister, be nice."

"It's Alpha Zaden to you, Andrea. And you're quick to forget that I'm your Luna- you will speak to me with respect or I'll give you a shrew claw mark over that deranged face of yours. Try me."