Reborn to Bite Back

First thing I did after coming back? Asked the witch for a potion to stall my pup's growth.

Last time, Emily—my mate's omega stepsister—popped out a silver-white pup the same day I gave birth. Mine came out scruffy, fur screaming enemy pack.

James, Alpha of Ebonfang Pack, lost his damn mind. Accused me of cheating. Ripped the bond clean. Tossed me out like rogue trash.

Five years in exile gutted my wolf.

Then he dragged me back with fake apologies and a second-chance smile.

Didn't even last a day. Emily poisoned me. My pup—finally in my arms—died saving me.

The Moon Goddess hit rewind.

This time? Nobody touches me or my pup.

***

I barely made it back to the manor, potion in my bag, when I ran smack into James and Emily heading out.

Hand went straight to the vial. Locked eyes with James. Didn't say a word.

Emily latched onto his arm—syrupy voice, venom underneath.

"Don't get the wrong idea," she chirped. "James is just taking me to a checkup. My body's always been fragile, poor me. He's such a good mate—once your pup's here, I'm sure he'll be a great dad to them, too."

I almost laughed.

Last time, I actually bought their act. Felt sorry for Emily—an omega carrying alone—and treated her better than James ever did.

And what'd I get?

Fangs in my back. From both of them.

Every wolf thought I betrayed my mate. Even Silverlune Pack—my own pack—slammed the door in my face.

And my pup? She saw me once. Just once—before she tore into Emily for me.

Emily stabbed her clean through the heart.

We died that same damn day.

The memory hit hard. I let out a low, bitter laugh.

"Get the wrong idea? What kind of Alpha babies his stepsister while ignoring his Luna and unborn pup? If that's what being Luna means, you can take the damn crown."

James's eyes flashed.

But he couldn't afford to lose me. Not yet. He needed the pup. Needed the lie.

I stared him down, ice in my veins.

He breathed slow. Slapped on that fake-smile mask.

"Babe, don't talk like that. Of course I care about you. Emily's fragile, her loser mate bailed. You know that—what was I supposed to do? Just leave her alone?"

Smooth. Practiced.

He reached for my head like he was checking in.

"Come on, don't be like this. You look tired. Rest, okay? And quit taking random meds. Could hurt the pup."

I turned my head away.

He pulled back, annoyed, then slung his arm around Emily and walked off.

The second they were out of sight, I drank the potion.

Warmth wrapped tight around my core—steady, sure.

I watched them vanish down the path, smiling to myself.

This time, they couldn't get to pin their mess on my pup.

I wanted to see who they'd sacrifice to keep the lie breathing.