Chapter 1

The moment the words left my mouth, the room fell silent.

Mom stared at me in shock. My brother, Theo Hawthorne, set down the blade he had been polishing and snorted. "What kind of obedient act are you putting on?"

Then, he turned to Mom and said, "Mom, she's manipulative. Don't believe a single word she says."

Neither of them believed I could've changed my mind so easily. After all, I had never been the kind of she-wolf who accepted defeat.

During every hunting competition our pack held, I always fought desperately to bring back more game than anyone else.

I never skipped a combat battle, even when every opponent was a powerful werewolf capable of leaving me bruised and battered.

I worked a thousand times harder than everyone else. Day and night, I trained my fighting skills. I studied medicine, diplomacy, and everything that was relevant.

Some werewolves seemed to receive everything in life without ever lifting a finger. Why was it that no matter how hard I worked, I ended up with nothing?

In my previous life, when I learned that my sister, Isla Hawthorne, would become the Luna of Kaden Ashford, the Glorymoon pack's future Alpha, while I was expected to be with his useless younger brother, I couldn't accept it. I had demanded an explanation.

"Why does Isla get to become Kaden's Luna, while I'm stuck with his brother? I'm better than her at everything. I even manifested my wolf before turning 18!"

Since I was young, everyone treated me as if I were invisible. The pack's games were only given to Isla. Invitations to gatherings with other packs were reserved for Isla. Even the most important ceremonies were only open to Isla.

Meanwhile, I spent my days training alone, enduring constant neglect.

I refused to accept it. Every time, I tried to cause a scene, fighting for fair treatment. My mate was no exception.

Kaden's mother, Bridget Lowe, was still evaluating candidates from various packs, searching for a perfect Luna. The bond between Isla and Kaden wasn't finalized.

So, when I calmly accepted reality this time, Mom visibly relaxed.

"I told you Rowan is good too. Being an Alpha's Luna is difficult. There's so much responsibility. You won't be able to handle it. I'm thinking of your best interests."

I agreed.

Mom was overjoyed. She immediately began making plans to visit the Glorymoon pack and discuss the engagement.

Only Theo and I remained in the room. As I turned to leave, he stepped in front of me.

"Mom may have believed your bullshit, but I don't. Whatever you're plotting, forget it. I won't let you get away with it."

I calmly replied, "Whatever you say."

Theo chuckled. The expression on his face was as though he thought he knew me perfectly.

"For months, you've been sneaking off to the Glorymoon pack every night, sucking up to Kaden's mom. Now, she can't stop praising you to Mom. It's obvious she's considering you. After coming this far, there's no way you're giving up."

Theo wasn't wrong. In my previous life, I hadn't given up.

Just before the mating ceremony, a strange illness spread through several packs. I learned that Bridget had fallen sick. Without hesitation, I moved into her moon palace and stayed by her side.

I had taught myself medicine, so I poured everything I had into caring for Bridget. Not only did I treat her, but I also prepared three meals a day and attended to her every need.

When her condition finally improved, I collapsed from exhaustion.

When I woke up, I found Kaden sitting beside my bed. He raised an eyebrow at me and asked, "Is being my mate really that important to you?"

After the mating ceremony, he never forgot what I had done.

I thought we'd become a happy couple. Instead, he felt that I wasn't humble or gentle enough, and that I was too assertive. So, he was distant and cold.

Wanting to close the gap between us, I studied romance and intimacy, desperate to keep his attention fixed on me day and night.

But eventually, Kaden grew bored.

Whenever I tried to get close to him, he'd claim he was too busy helping his father handle pack affairs and began sleeping separately from me.

Before long, Bridget learned about our strained relationship. She immediately summoned him and lectured him furiously.

"If you never wanted Serena as your mate, why didn't you tell me before the mating ceremony? She's intelligent, beautiful, and more capable than most other werewolves. Your father and I think she's the only choice for the future Luna of the Glorymoon pack.

"If you continue treating her this way, we'll have to reconsider whether you're fit to inherit the Alpha title at all."

After that, Kaden changed. He gradually became gentler and more attentive. He stopped pushing me away. He listened patiently and indulged my every request.

In bed, he learned exactly how to pleasure me and make me happy. He constantly showered me with affection and sweet words.

I used to think that whenever I wanted something, all I could do was watch Isla have it instead. Then, I'd cry and beg Theo and Mom for the same attention.

But now, if I merely mentioned wanting something, Kaden would send someone searching for it immediately.

He took care of me and cherished me endlessly. No one had ever treated me so well before. So, of course, I fell in love with him. I fell into his trap.

Whenever I was upset, I would come home and tell him all about my grievances while hugging him.

At night, I would repeatedly dream about the unfair treatment I had suffered from my family as a pup. Lying in bed, I cried until half my pillow was soaked with tears.

Kaden noticed and pulled me into his arms, helplessly soothing me like a pup. "My darling, why are you crying? Look how swollen your eyes are."

He wiped away my tears and gently kissed my forehead. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. No one will ever hurt you."

I looked into his eyes and asked softly, "Really?"

Kaden caressed my cheek and couldn't help but smile.

"Who would dare bully you? I'll make them understand what hell feels like."

My mate treated me well. At least, that was what I believed.

So, I developed an illusion. Everyone had always favored Isla. But now, someone finally favored me.

That was, until Kaden's succession ceremony was over. The first thing he did after becoming the pack's leader was dissolve our mate bond. He wanted Isla to become his Luna.