CHAPTER TWO

Talia’s POV

"I..I can’t believe you’re doing this to me,” I stammered, backing away from him. “I was chosen by the Moon Goddess to be your mate. I am your fated Luna. What you’ve done… it’s blasphemy.”

Jason didn’t flinch. “The Moon Goddess would never allow the pack to go without an heir. You think she cares about titles more than survival?”

I stared at him, stunned.

“She gave me to you,” I said. “And you spit on that gift.”

“She gave me a pack to protect,” he replied coldly. “And for three years, you haven’t given me an heir. That’s not the Goddess failing us, Talia. That’s you.”

My breath caught in my throat. I could feel my wolf bristling at the accusation and insult. He meant every word. He was using the divine bond as a weapon, as proof that I had failed.

“You think this is all I am?” I asked. “Just a womb to fill? That’s what being your Luna means to you?”

“I think you’re emotional and looking for someone to blame.”

I let out a bitter laugh. I stood in the same room where we used to share whispered plans and tender touches, now looking at a man who saw me as nothing more than a failed investment.

I turned away from him, wiping the tears from my face. He didn’t deserve me, and I wish I had realized this three years ago.

Three years ago, I walked away from everything, my birthright, my name, my title as the Alpha King's daughter. I severed ties with my father, concealed my true rank, and entered the Shadowclaw Pack under the guise of an omega. 

I humbled myself.

I lowered myself.

All for him.

I remembered the way I once looked at Jason like he was the future, like he was worth the sacrifice because he was my fated mate.

Every sleepless night, every hushed whisper, every Elder who doubted me—none of it mattered because I believed in him. I believed in us.

I bore the title of Luna with pride. I ran this pack when he was away. I protected the weak, ensuring order, and earned the respect of wolves who spat at me for being an omega. I made this place a home.

And now none of that mattered because Viki was carrying his pup, something I couldn’t do.

Jason stepped toward me, pulling me into a hug, his voice softening in that maddening way he used when he wanted to pacify me.

"You’ve done well, Talia. You’ve run this pack better than most Lunas ever could. But this," he paused, "this child changes things."

I pushed him away from me. He was trying to comfort me while simultaneously telling me I had been replaced.

“Do you think your half ass compliment is going to make me feel better, make me want to help you raise your bastard with your whore?” I asked flatly, not bothering to hide the contempt in my tone.

Jason’s expression hardened again. "I didn’t expect you to be so selfish.”

My laugh was sharp, humorless. "Selfish? Selfish?! You have no idea what I have given up for you and this pack!”

“I expect you to do what’s best for the pack. Viki will stay here until she gives birth. She needs proper care and your support,” Jason said dismissively.

“So let me get this straight.” I tilted my head. “You sleep with this whore behind my back. You humiliate me in front of the entire pack. And now you want me to serve her food while she rubs her swollen belly and lounges in my bed?”

Jason's expression hardened. “You’re twisting this.”

“No,” I said. “I’m hearing you quite fine. You’re asking me to play nursemaid to your whore.”

“Watch your tone! I’m your Alpha!”

“Why?” I snapped. “She already has your favor. What’s next? Do you want me to hand her the Luna title, too? Since she likes to take things that aren’t hers, maybe I should give her my clothes next.”

"You’re being unreasonable again," Jason snapped. "This isn’t about you."

"It’s not about me? You destroyed everything we built. You desecrated the bond the Moon Goddess gave us. You—"

The door creaked open.

I turned toward the sound, already knowing who I’d find standing there.

Viki.

She stepped in without knocking, her hand resting dramatically over her belly, a satisfied little smirk curling her lips.

“Oh,” she said innocently, “I didn’t realize you two were still… talking.”

Viki looked around with feigned curiosity, eyes shining with mock concern. “Good evening, Luna Talia,” she said sweetly, her voice dripping with insincerity. “I just wanted to let the Alpha know that the healer thinks the pup is strong and already kicking so much. It must be a boy.” She rubbed her stomach for emphasis. “He’ll make a wonderful heir.”

I clenched my jaw so tightly it ached.

‘Don’t react. She wants you to react,’ my wolf whispered in my mind, trying to calm me down, but I was finding it hard not to slap that stupid smirk off Viki’s face.

Viki turned her gaze on me. “You know, I’ve always admired how organized you are. You keep the pack running like clockwork. I hope I can learn that from you.”

“Is that why you were sleeping with my mate?” I asked coolly. “To study my habits more closely?”

Jason growled low under his breath, but I didn’t look at him.

Viki’s eyes twitched. I had hit a nerve. She quickly composed herself and began fake pouting. “You’re being so hostile, Luna Talia. It’s not my fault the Moon Goddess chose me to give Alpha a pup.”

“Nonsense! Get out,” I said.

Neither Jason nor Viki moved a bit.

“I said get out,” I growled.

“You don’t get a say in this, Talia. I’ve tried to be reasonable, but if you’re not listening, I’ll make the decision for you,” Jason said. He snapped his fingers, and two warriors entered the room. They quickly restrained me.

“What are you doing? I am your Luna! Get your hands off me!” I exclaimed.

“You’ll be staying in the guest suite until you’ve learned to behave yourself. Get her out of here,” Jason stated as he picked up Viki to carry her to our bed.

I was not about to let him humiliate me further. I yanked myself from the warriors’ grip. “Don’t bother. I’ll go willingly. But understand this, Jason, you’ll regret this.”