Chapter 2: If only I have shifted

Lisa~

I stared at Simon and Mira, my heart threatening to burst from my chest. My breath caught painfully as I watched him smile—that smile he used to give me—now directed at her, like he’d just found the perfect bride.

Did he ask me to dress up just to humiliate me?

My throat tightened.

Was this his plan all along?

How long had they been together? Had I been some pathetic side game while he built a future with my best friend?

No answers. Only questions—and a rising wave of shame I couldn't hold back. The tears came freely now.Simon’s voice rang through the courtyard like a cruel echo.

“Thank you all for gathering here today,” he said, proud and composed. “It’s with great happiness that I announce the Luna of Ember Pack… Mira Anderson. I urge you all to respect and honor her as she steps into her new role.”

The applause was deafening. Mira clutched his arm, her smile glowing. The red gown she wore shimmered under the lights—my gown.

And just like that, I was no one again. Just an omega. Nothing more.

I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think.

I slipped away through the servants’ path—one only Simon and I had ever used. My hands trembled as I pushed open the door to his private quarters.“Lisa!” Mira squealed, bouncing on her heels. “Can you believe it? I’m Luna now!”

I stared at her, my chest so tight I could barely inhale.

“Congratulations,” I whispered, choking back the storm building in my throat. “Where is Simon?”

She blinked, then tilted her head. “Simon? Oh, you mean the Alpha. You shouldn’t call him that anymore. He’s your brother-in-law now. You’ll need to show some respect—don’t want people getting the wrong idea.”

Brother-in-law.

Respect.

I stared at her like she’d slapped me.That man—the same one who took my virginity, who kissed away my tears, who told me I was his future—now deserved my respect?

“My bad,” I murmured numbly. “Sorry.”

“The Alpha went to get something,” she said brightly. “He’ll be back soon. He’ll be thrilled to see my sister waiting for him.”

Sister. If only she knew what that word meant right now.

The door opened behind us.

Simon stepped in and froze.

I stood slowly. My legs shook.

“You’re back!” Mira rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck.I watched like it was a nightmare I couldn’t wake from.

“This is my sister, Lisa,” she told him proudly, beaming.

Simon gave a small nod. No emotion. No guilt. Just indifference.

“Simon,” I said, barely above a whisper. “You told me I’d be your Luna. You told me to trust you. You gave me your word, you lying bastard.”

He didn’t flinch.

“What did I do wrong?” My voice cracked. “Why lie to me? Why ask me to wear that dress—the same one Mira’s wearing? You cheated on me. With my sister?”Mira blinked, her smile faltering. “Cheated? What are you talking about?”

“Mira, Simon here—”

“Please give us a moment,” Simon said sharply.

She frowned. “You better be quick with whatever this is.” She left, shooting me one last confused glance.

The door clicked shut.

“You are such a—” I began, rage bubbling up.

“Stop,” Simon snapped, his tone like ice. “Just stop.”

I froze.“You don’t really expect me to mate someone who hasn’t even shifted yet, do you?” he asked, his words slicing deep. “How would that look to the pack? A Luna who can’t even access her wolf? You might be cursed for all I know.”

“Simon…” I gasped, my vision swimming.

He sighed. “I cared about you. Even though you're an omega. But I have responsibilities. I must give my people a Luna they can respect.”

“And it had to be Mira?” I croaked. “You didn’t even know she was my sister?”

“I didn’t,” he said flatly.

“How long?” I demanded. “Don’t lie to me.”

He didn’t blink. “A year.”My heart cracked. “A year? You lied to me for a whole year?”

“I’m not the villain here, Lisa,” he said, like he actually believed it. “I’m doing what’s right for the pack.”

He turned to leave.

I sank to the floor. Broken. Forgotten.

I passed Mira in the hallway. She looked concerned, but I had nothing left to say. I would explain—if I ever found the strength.

At home, I collapsed on my bed. The tears came in waves.“If only you’d awakened,” I whispered to the part of me I’d always hoped would come alive. “If only you’d shifted… maybe he wouldn’t have rejected me.”

A soft, sorrowful purr stirred within me—but my wolf remained dormant.

Maybe I wasn’t meant for love. Maybe I was never meant to be anything more than what I was.

The banging on the door jolted me awake.

Mira stormed in, eyes blazing.

“How dare you seduce my man?!” she shrieked.“What?”

“You filthy omega! I took you in. I treated you like blood. And you repay me by throwing yourself at my mate?!”

“Mira, no—it's not what you think—”

“What am I supposed to think?!” she spat. “Simon told me everything!”

“That’s a lie!”

“Simon, Simon, Simon!” she shouted. “Stop saying his name! He’s out of your league! You threw yourself at him like the desperate little mongrel you are!”

“What’s going on in here?” the Beta’s voice boomed.Mira spun dramatically. “Daddy! It’s Lisa! She tried to seduce Simon. She’s trying to take him from me!”

“What?” His gaze landed on me like a curse.

“Sir, please, I never—”

“Get out!” he roared. “Pack your things. You and your brother—leave this house tonight. You betrayed the pack!”

I fell to my knees, sobbing. My brother ran in, confusion in his eyes. But it didn’t matter. The damage was done.

The Beta stormed out.

Mira lingered.

She leaned in close, her voice like a blade.“I gave you everything. And you dared dream of being Luna?” She sneered. “In your next life, maybe.”

She turned to leave—then paused at the door.

“Oh, and Lisa?”

I looked up.

“That’s exactly why your father was killed.”

The blood in my veins turned to ice.

“What did you say?” I whispered.

But she was already gone.