Chapter 2

I drove as fast as I could. The moment I got home, I dragged out my suitcase and began stuffing clothes into it.

Only one thought remained in my mind. 'I have to leave this place forever.'

In my haste, I accidentally knocked a stack of documents off the table, scattering them across the floor.

They were the recent medication records for members of the pack. I collected them from the medical center yesterday.

As the Luna of New Moon Pack, I was responsible for keeping track of every member's medical records.

My gaze casually swept over the scattered documents.

The one on top belonged to my dad. It covered his medical records for the past month.

It was completely blank.

Two weeks ago, I'd told him I wanted to accompany Walter to the border. The very next day, he'd claimed that his old injury had flared up and asked me to stay behind to manage the pack.

That had been a lie too.

I'd barely put the document down when hurried footsteps came from outside.

"Layla–" Lucas pushed open the door while looking flustered. "I heard someone saw you driving to the border alone. How could you be so impulsive?"

He looked down at me. His gaze then landed on the document in my hand. He stopped.

I said nothing.

"Looks like you know everything now," he said.

"Yes, I do."

Lucas slowly sat down and leaned back in his chair before clasping his hands together. Surprisingly, his expression grew calm.

"You shouldn't have gone to the border. You should've told me first," he said.

I didn't answer. I simply lowered my head and continued packing.

"Layla." He sighed. "Everyone in the pack knows about Walter and Lupita. When Scott was born, I was the one who agreed to let Lupita stay at the border."

I remained silent.

Lucas walked over and pressed his hand firmly against mine. "Listen. Walter is the Alpha of New Moon Pack. He needs an heir. The wolfsbane poison damaged your body back then. New Moon Pack cannot afford to have no bloodline successor. This was a necessary decision."

I pushed his hand away without even looking at him.

The year I'd been poisoned protecting Walter, everyone had watched me lie in a hospital bed while secretly setting up another family for him at the border.

Not a single person had asked what I wanted.

"You're the Luna of New Moon Pack. You were the Luna before, you are the Luna now, and you always will be the Luna. No one can take that position from you.

"Lupita is only a Beta. Her name will never appear in the pack registry. If you're uncomfortable with the arrangement, you can bring the pup back and raise him yourself. You'll be his mother.

"Besides, what difference would knowing make? Walter's strength holds this entire pack together. Your duty is to stand by his side and maintain stability, not lose your composure over an insignificant Beta. For the sake of the pack's stability, this is what you should do, Layla."

Lucas finished speaking and looked at me. He was clearly expecting a response.

I had no desire to argue with him any further. After all, I was leaving soon anyway.

"Fine." I looked up. "We'll do it your way."

Lucas seemed visibly relaxed. "Wonderful, Layla. Scott is six years old now. He needs an official status. Once they return, we'll hold an adoption ceremony and register the pup under your name."

"Fine," I replied perfunctorily.

Lucas smiled affectionately, but his gaze soon landed on the suitcase on the floor.

"What are you–"

"Don't worry," I interrupted. "I'm just sorting through some old clothes."

He nodded in satisfaction and turned around to leave.

I fished for my passport, pack identification documents, and a certificate of deposit.

My mom had left me an inheritance. She'd once told me that if I ever needed to leave on my own, at least I wouldn't have to worry about money.

I'd once thought I'd never have any use for it.

After gathering everything, I pushed the suitcase under my bed.

I would never make Walter choose between Lupita and me, and I would never become Scott's mother.

I refused to be anyone's second choice.

This time, no matter what it cost me, I would leave.