3

Tanya’s Pov

I parted my lips, trying to speak up but words failed me. I just stood rooted to the ground like a statue as I stared at them.

Was this really happening or was I in some kind of lucid dream?

As if confirming my question, Elder Gregory spoke, snapping me from my thoughts.

“Tanya… you need to understand that Leon made a difficult decision. Theresa’s pregnancy ensures continuity of the pack and stability.”

I scoffed bitterly. “Stability? So what happens to me? Am I to be discarded since I bear no importance to preserve the pack?” I squealed in rage.

“Enough!” My father commanded, a small frown etched in his brows. “You will watch how you speak to the elderly.”

“Is this your concern, Father? Leon cheated on me and today was supposed to be the coronation!” I clapped back, daring the consequences. I hate the way everyone was pretending not to acknowledge the truth.

I waited. For an outcry. For someone--anyone to say this is unacceptable.

But no one stepped forward to defend me. The man that once stood by my side, defended me and loved me was in the arms of another woman.

My gaze hardened as it landed on Leon and Theresa holding hands like a couple. But this time, they already were and I was the outcast.

A few seconds later, my stepmother stepped closer, reaching for my hand, her grip tight.

“Tanya, tune your voice down a bit,” she murmured urgently, glancing at the door. “You're causing a scene.”

My heart dropped. That's all she cared about?

I yanked my hands free of her grip, my spine bristling with anger and disappointment.

“I can't believe this is all you all care about right now!” I shrieked.

“Tanya control yourself,” my father chided. “This matter cannot leave these walls.The coronation will still hold tonight regardless. This pack cannot survive a division.”

“I don't want to be a part of it, Father. Besides, Leon already got himself a Luna , hasn't he?” I said, glancing at Leon and Theresa with fury churning inside me.

“See it as part of your duty, Tanya,  for the greater good. The Moon Goddess is smiling on us today. It is still your day.” Luna Racheal said softly with a smile that didn't reach her eyes as she tried to coax me.

 Nothing was going to convince me to carry on with this charade!

“My duty? What exactly are you asking me to do?”

A deafening silence.

Then my father answered.

“You will still remain a part of this pack, if you're willing to be reasonable.”

Reasonable.

The word hit me like a hailstorm.

Elder Gregory added the icing on the cake.

“You will stay in the pack as a family, supporting Alpha Leon and Theresa. This also implies that you will help raise the child like your own.”

Family. Not mate. Not Luna. Just a backup.

Just convenient.

I caught the smirk dancing at the corners of Theresa’s lips and my stomach churned in rage.

This can't be happening! To be a third wheel and raise the child of another? I had always wanted children of my own and to raise them alongside the man I love.

I shook my head frantically, refusing to cower in shame and acceptance.

“In other words, you want me to watch them build a life on top of my bones? I refuse to be a part of this blasphemous act!”

My wolf howled in support.

A low gasp rippled in the room.

The elder stepped forward, his tired eyes suddenly sharp and stern.

“Be careful of the words you utter, child. This is clearly what the Moon Goddess wishes for this pack. You should do your duty and-”

“I beg to differ, Elder Gregory. I feel the bond weakening with every word. It's only right that I do what's best for me.”

“What are you insinuating, Tanya?” My father demanded hastily.

The room suddenly held its breath.

I briefly closed my eyes and opened them slowly, my resolve hardening.

I turned to look at Leon, gingerly taking a few steps toward him.

Theresa's grip around him tightened as if I was going to steal him away.

Relax, he's all yours.

I smiled through the thin red veil of rage.

“What are you doing, Tanya?”  Leon asked in a low voice.

My eyes darted around his fine features I once held dear to my heart–golden locks framed his face, his deep-blue eyes that once held a gentle light underneath them were suddenly dark.

It was as if I was looking at an entirely different person.

I cleared my throat, taking deep breaths.

“Alpha Leon Ashton,” I started, causing a hint of fear to pass between his eyes when he suddenly realised what I was about to do.

“No, wait-!”

“I hereby reject you as my Alpha and sever our bond as one.”

At once, a sharp, excruciating pain sliced through my chest and burned my wrist. A brutal confirmation that the bond has been severed.

A loud gasp erupted in the room.

“What have you done?!” The elder demanded, his mouth agape in shock. “Leon still remains your mate.”

“Not anymore.” I snapped.

“If you walk out that door?” my father said coldly, “you do so as a backless wolf.” 

With those final words, I turned on my heels and stormed out of the room.

“Tanya, wait–!” I ignored Leon calling out to me as I fought back tears.

So long Crystal Blood Pack. The next time we meet, it will be war. They will pay for everything they have done!

*****

Immediately after I returned to my room, I didn't waste any time and started packing what I could carry.

No extravagant jewelry, clothes or shoes. Just a few casuals, boots, a hunter knife and my late mother’s old moon pendant.

Darkness swallowed me as I slipped past the gate. I could still hear the faint drums and trumpet signaling the commencement of the coronation rites.

A bitter smile crept to my lips as my heart dropped. It was supposed to be me but it seems like the moon goddess has other plans.

As I trudged deep into the wilderness, the pack's light faded slowly until complete darkness surrounded me.

I could barely see three feet ahead of me.

Damn it. How on earth would I survive out here?

A faint moonlight peeked through the dark clouds as I approached a small clearing.

Phew! A little light at least.

But my relief was short-lived when I heard a loud snap of a tree twig.

I paused, my heart pounding aggressively against my chest.

“Who's there?!” I demanded in a  shaky voice.

No answer came.

Was I being followed?

As I turned to use the other way, I caught some strange movements from the corner of my eyes and instantly halted dead in my tracks.

I narrowed my gaze, and immediately, it dawned on me.

Panther shifters!

My heart thumped in my chest like a hailstorm, rattling my bones.

What on earth were panther shifters doing out here?!

They emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing in the dark with malicious intent.

Panic clawed up in my throat.

They took a menacing step forward, their claws flashing in the faint moonlight, unsheathed and ready to tear me apart.

I stumbled backwards, my breath hitching in my throat as I instinctively reached for the hunter dagger but they were faster.

Oh no! Was this the end for me?