Rejected Luna, Fated to the Exiled Alpha

Hannah

"I promise you... when I return, I'll finally make you my Luna."

I remembered Brian’s exact words. He said them to me two weeks ago in front of the whole pack before he left for his meeting and today, he was finally coming back home.

I felt so excited I could barely stand still. I woke up very early this morning. I put on my blue dress because I wanted to look perfect for him.

For three years, I worked as the acting Luna of the Moonpeak Pack. I managed the food, helped organized the patrols, and assisted the pack members. I loved the pack, and I loved Brian. We planned to lead the pack together and my dream was finally coming true.

"Good morning, Hannah!" Mark, a young warrior, called out as I walked through the main hall. He bowed his head to show respect.

"Good morning, Mark," I replied with a wide smile.

"The Alpha is coming back today. We are all very excited for you," he said. "You will definitely be our official Luna by tonight."

"Thank you, Mark," I said. My heart felt warm. The pack members respected me, and they wanted me to be their Luna.

I walked into the main kitchen to check on the food. Tabby stood by the ovens. She was the mate of the pack Beta, and she was my best friend. She pulled a large tray of roasted meat out of the oven.

"Everything smells great, Tabby," I said.

Tabby turned around and gave me a massive smile. "I want everything to be completely perfect today. Brian is returning. He is finally giving you the Luna title!"

I nodded happily. I touched the necklace around my neck. My older brother gave it to me. Three months ago, a feral rogue killed my brother. He was my last living family member. Losing him was the worst pain of my life. I still cried many nights because I missed him so much. But Brian held me during those nights. He promised to protect me. Working hard for the pack also helped me heal.

"Are you okay?" Tabby asked. She looked at my hand on the necklace.

"I am fine," I said. "I just miss my brother today. I want him to be here to see this."

Tabby walked over and hugged me tightly. "He would be very proud of you, Hannah. You survived a terrible loss. You take care of all of us. Brian is very lucky to have you."

"Thank you, Tabby. Come on, we need to get ready. Brian will be here soon!"

The mood was amazing. Everyone cheered and talked loudly. I stood on the front porch, feeling proud and ready. At exactly twelve o'clock, the main metal gates opened. Four large black cars drove into our territory.

"They are here!" Tabby shouted next to me.

My heart beat very fast. I felt a huge wave of excitement. I ran down the wooden steps. The pack members formed a large circle around the driveway. They waited for their Alpha.

The first car stopped. The driver opened the back door. Brian stepped out. He wore a dark blue suit. He looked handsome and strong. I smiled so hard my face hurt. I missed him every single day he was gone. I walked forward quickly. I raised my arms to hug him.

"Brian!!" I said loudly with a bright smile. Brian looked at me, but he did not smile. His face was completely serious. He raised his hand and held it flat in front of me, preventing me from getting to him.

I stopped walking. I lowered my arms. I felt very confused. "Brian? Is something wrong?"

He did not answer me. Instead, he turned away from me. He looked back into the open door of the car. He reached his hand inside. The loud noise in front of the pack house died instantly. Everyone stared in silence. Tabby stepped closer to my back.

A woman put her small hand into Brian's hand. Brian pulled her gently, and she stepped out of the car.

I stared at the stranger. She was very beautiful. She had long black hair and pale skin. She wore a green sun dress. She stood very close to Brian. Their bodies touched. I looked at her face. She smiled, but she looked too good to be true. She looked at me like she already won a game.

Then, I smelled the air.

I smelled Brian's natural scent of pine trees and rain. But mixed completely with his scent was the strong smell of vanilla and roses. It was the woman's scent. The two smells were locked together. It was the smell of mates who had completed the mating bond.

My heart completely broke and I felt cold all over. The excitement from this morning vanished completely as I began to realize the horrible truth.

"Brian," I said. My voice shook. "Who is she?"

Brian looked at the ground. Then he looked at me. "Hannah, I am sorry. This is Ava. I met her at the pack." He took a deep breath. "She is my mate… my true mate."

The pack gasped and I heard Tabby also gasp behind me.

I stared at him in pure shock. I loved him for three years. I waited for him. I acted as his Luna. He promised me the title two weeks ago. Now, he brought another woman home. My entire future was gone.

"Your true mate," I whispered. I forced myself not to cry. I did not want to show my tears to the pack. I felt empty inside, but I understood. Finding one's mate was truly a blessing from the goddess.

"Yes," Brian said. He held Ava's hand tightly. Ava smiled proudly at the crowd.

"What happens to me now?" I asked. My chest hurt with every word.

Brian sighed. "You are not my true mate, Hannah. I cannot make you my Luna. Ava is the Luna of the Moonpeak Pack now."

Ava stepped forward. "I am very happy to meet all of you," she said sweetly. But when she looked at me, her eyes were cold and mean.

Brian looked at me again. "Ava does not know how to run a pack. You have done it for three years. I want you to teach Ava how to be the Luna."

I could not believe his words. "You want me to stay and teach her?"

"Yes," Brian said. His voice was strict. "After you teach her everything, you will leave the Nightingale Pack immediately. You must leave. It would not be right for my true mate if you stayed."

I looked at Ava. She wanted me gone, but she wanted my knowledge first. I looked back at Brian. The man I loved was throwing me away. He was kicking me out of my only home. I lost my brother, and now I was losing my chosen mate and my pack. I had absolutely nothing left. Despite my severe heartbreak, I nodded my head.

"I understand, Alpha," I said quietly. "I will teach her. And then I will leave."