Chapter 2

"So, I will let Amanda take the title of Luna—I don't want to make things harder for Kelvin.

However, I refuse to break the rules of our clan. After all, I am the daughter of the Southern Werewolf General. No she-wolf in our bloodline has ever been claimed as a mate without holding the title of Luna," I said, my voice calm, but resolute.

"That's why I've come today, Luna. Our bond may have been arranged by the Alpha, but I seek your blessing… I want to reject him as my mate."

Luna let out a long, weary sigh and sank into the chair behind her, pressing her hand to her chest.

"Ella… I know the rules of your clan," she said with tired eyes. "But if you reject him, tell me—who else could possibly be your mate? There's no one else in the pack who matches your standing… except perhaps Derek, but he is so…"

She trailed off, her expression tightening at the mention of Kelvin's youngest brother. The name alone made her uneasy. Derek—the troublemaker of the entire pack.

Hearing her hesitation, I stepped closer, clutching her hands tightly, my voice filled with desperation.

"Luna, I will accept Derek—no matter what he is like—because if I don't, my entire family will be humiliated before the whole pack.

No young she-wolf in my bloodline has ever been rejected by her mate. I was publicly arranged to be the future Luna by the Alpha, and I refuse to let the pack witness me being cast aside—his mate, but not his Luna.

That's why I must be claimed by a new mate before the day Amanda is crowned Luna."

Luna was stunned by my response. She hadn't expected that I would actually accept her suggestion—especially since she had only mentioned it in passing.

"Really? Are you sure you want to bond with him?" she asked, turning to face me seriously.

"Ella, you know the rules of our pack. Once I announce the decision, there's no turning back. You won't be able to change it."

I met her gaze, my voice unwavering.

"I will never regret this decision."

Hearing my decision, Luna slowly closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh.

"You were arranged by the Alpha to be Kelvin's future Luna… You've been taught and groomed to take on that role since you were a pup. You are the most graceful and understanding young female in our pack—no one else can compare to you. Kelvin is truly foolish…"

She stepped closer, gently patting my shoulder.

"You know, Kelvin is still young and hasn't earned the full respect of the pack elders. That's why the Alpha hoped you could help him gain their trust—especially since the Southern Werewolf General, your father, is so highly revered. But no one could've expected Kelvin to be so blinded by Amanda… so stubborn in claiming her..."

Luna hadn't even finished her words when Kelvin walked in, Amanda trailing closely behind him.

But the moment Kelvin saw me, he froze—then furrowed his brows in displeasure.

"Ella, you came here just to badmouth me to my mother? I told you clearly this morning—I will not claim you as my Luna. Do you really think I'll change my mind just because my mother pressures me?"

His tone grew sharper, his gaze cold.

"I thought you were understanding and considerate, but I was wrong. You're just another she-wolf obsessed with titles. You pretend to be obedient and selfless, but deep down, you only care about becoming Luna. You've disappointed me."

My wolf let out a broken, hoarse howl. I trembled violently. My claws dug deep into my palms, and warm blood slowly trickled down my fingers.

I stood there in a blur, my mind spinning. I hadn't even processed his words before Kelvin gripped Amanda's hand tightly and turned to his mother, pleading.

"Mom, I have to claim Amanda…"

But Luna cut him off with a snap.

"Kelvin! Your father arranged Ella as your mate years ago. The entire pack knows of your bond. And now you insist on claiming Amanda? Do you have any idea how this will reflect on Ella and her family? Do you know how the pack will view her after this?"

Kelvin stepped forward, grabbing Luna's hands as he tried to explain.

"Mom, I was too young when Father arranged Ella to be my mate. I didn't know what love truly meant back then. But now I do. Amanda is the kind of mate I truly desire—wild, carefree, and unrestrained. She's the one who makes my heart race."

His voice trembled with emotion as he finished, "So please, Mom… I must bond with Amanda. She's the only one I can ever see as my Luna."

Then Amanda stepped closer to Kelvin and spoke in a loud, defiant voice.

"Luna, Kelvin is my fated mate. The Moon Goddess herself blessed our bond—it's sacred and unbreakable, no matter what anyone says. Kelvin is the future Alpha. He has every right to choose his own Luna, and no one—not even tradition—has the power to reject the will of the Moon Goddess."

Luna sneered. "The position of Luna is critical—she stands beside the Alpha and determines whether our pack will grow stronger or fall under the threat of invasion. His Luna must be worthy."

Hearing this, a proud smile curved on Amanda's lips as she lifted her chin and replied with confidence,

"Luna, my father is the Alpha of Shadow Pack. Under his leadership, he has won countless wars and conquered vast lands this year alone. I was raised in the reflection of his strength. I believe I can help Kelvin become a great Alpha—one who will lead this pack to greater glory."

Then she turned to me with a mocking gaze.

"Unlike those she-wolves who only memorize rituals and play politics to gain favor—like meek omegas—I stand apart. I've fought, I've led, and I know power. I'm far more qualified."

I let out a bitter smile at her words. She seemed to forget that although her father had won many battles against other packs, the only war he ever lost was the one I fought in.

If I remember correctly, the deepest scar on her father's chest was carved by my claws—when I leapt behind the Alpha and shielded him from a cowardly attack aimed at his back.