Being cast aside by the entire pack and my husband after dedicating my life to this pack wasn’t in any of my plans. All just because of the real mate’s arrival.
She took everything I worked hard for in the palm of her hands. My reputation, the entire pack, and my husband.
Now, I’ve planned to sever everything, yet how did it come to this?
“I want you to suffer as I did, to feel the pain as if they were your own; every agonizing second of it.” I smirk as my throat stings, coughing up more blood. Tears streamed down my husband’s bloodshot eyes, a satisfaction I never expected I’d feel at my dying moments.
“N-no! I’m sorry, please . . . Please I’ll be good, okay? I’ll chabge.” he held me close to his trembling chest, his sobs reverberating through the air — the last I breathed in before I gave in to death’s arms.
Or so I thought.
“Do you really want him to feel the same pain you endured?” The blinding light asked. It was no doubt, The Goddess.
“Yes.” I answered before I felt myself waking up.
Three Months Ago
“You are invited to George and Milly’s union.” I read the invitation once again. A rushed wedding from our Gamma, instantly marrying her mate after finding her on one of the nearby packs three days ago.
To which, I was unfortunately invited. Ugh, great.
Alone on a special table designed to where the Alpha and Luna should be sitting side-by-side as the entire reception was overflowed with chatters of the bride, I sighed, sipped on the wine in my hand before raising the glass up to my face, the girl on the glass’ reflection stared back at me, its auburn eyes glowering. My auburn eyes.
It didn’t take long before my gaze was pulled away as the wine glass fell down from my grip, down the shining marble floors before it shattered loudly into pieces as someone pushed me to the side, leaving me staggering for balance.
What a way to induce some bad luck on this wedding, Morana.
“Oh Goddess, Luna! I am so sorry. Please forgive such a grave mistake!” I look down at the Omega on my feet, now begging for me to spare her life.
I raised my gaze unto the crowd, eyes, both from strangers and my very own pack members, glowered down at me, waiting to see how I would react.
Alright then, you wanna see someone kind? You get to see someone kind.
I’ve been living my life trying to appease everyone in this pack. I’ve done it so much it’s already been an integral part of me: being a people pleaser. I’m doing this to stay beside Logan, to always be the Luna they wanted me to be. Someone perfect with no flaws in sight.
I would do it even more if that’s what it takes to stay where I am now.
I smiled down at the sobbing woman, pulling her up to my level. “It’s alright. Stop apologizing.” I muttered and her eyes were wide as she picked up her tray on the floor.
She stammered a few more apologies and was about to walk away before I stopped her halfway.
“Make another mistake with all these other invited packs around and it will be your last carrying a tray around with those hands.” I subtly whispered, not taking away my gaze towards the large crowd.
She swallowed her fear before nodding quietly and walked away. I sucked in a deep breath before flashing a warm smile to everyone in the room.
“Everyone, please, pardon the commotion and enjoy Milly and George’s wonderful day!” I exclaimed, quietly looking around.
Someone important should be here, sitting beside me, and yet is nowhere to be found. I gnaw on the insides of my cheeks, trying to spot him from the masses. I use my senses.
“You,” I called one of the Omegas taking dirty dishes back to the kitchen. She halted and bowed her head after hearing herself being called. “Where is your Alpha?” I asked, or rather demanded.
The teacups on her tray rattled from her nervousness. I rolled my eyes. “I do not — I do not know, Luna.” She replied. I sigh, rubbing my aching temples.
She’s overreacting for someone who’s simply being asked a question. “Find him.” I ordered and she instantly nodded her head, walking off.
Where is he? He should already be beside me as we’re a minute away from making a speech. We talked about this last night.
Gamma George was already marching towards me, a large smile etched on his face.
Here we go.
“Luna, it’s so good to see you here in my humble wedding. You look marvelous again in this—um . . . your usual get up.” He eyed me from head to toe, seemingly unable to form words to explain my appearance yet is trying his best to be nice about it.
Leather boots, leather corsets, armored sleeves, and braided hair as though we’re heading for war. I have always dressed up differently, which in turn has provided me with both comfort and convenience, and unfortunately, criticism. For a Luna should always be lady-like — elegant.
And I was by far, the exact opposite of how their ideal Luna should look.
I roll my eyes at him, “Congratulations, Gamma. I’m so glad to see you finally getting tied, yet you still got those insecure comments in you. Perhaps you were rejected by the blacksmith again in your request to have well-designed armor like mine?” I retorted, which he replied with a lighthearted chuckle.
He’s used to the nasty tongue his Luna has, thankfully.
“Shouldn’t you be on the stage, as the very groom yourself, announcing our supposed speech?” I raised a brow and he straightened, as though forgetting about his entire purpose of being in this party.
“Right, of course! I hope you didn’t bring any script! I’d be disappointed. Where’s the Alpha?” he asked, fixing the white rose on his suit’s pocket before looking back up at me. I flashed him a smile. “Oh, he’s just wandering around. I’ll go get him.” I replied, avoiding his eyes.
“Got it, you’ll be on queue.” he winked before heading towards his bride. I looked around, biting the thumb nail as anxiety rose inside me.
Where is he?
I waited for a couple more minutes before I noticed George kissing his newly-wedded wife mumbling something before he unhinged his limbs away from her body for once.
He took a glance at me, signaling that it’s my turn — it’s me and the Alpha’s turn to give a speech.
I look around once more, annoyed. One more minute passed before I decided to give up. Wherever he was, he’s surely getting some beatings later for wandering around too much.
“Now, to hear the final speech of the night, coming from the rulers of Dark Moon Pack, Alpha Logan and Luna Morana!” Everyone applauded, or maybe most of them.
Some eyed me up and down.
“She is not even wearing a dress to a wedding! Disgraceful.”
“Look at those leather boots, what is she, a garden gnome trying to act as a warrior?”
“Good Goddess, is that blood on her sleeves. How barbaric!”
I roll my eyes as it took a couple of seconds for those murmurs to subside before they finally realized the real missing feature I should be having by my side right now, not the jewelries, nor the fact I didn’t wear any heels, or that my armor is stained with wine,
but the fact that George announced the Alpha should be walking beside me and yet is nowhere to be found.
Where in the goddamn hell is he?
“Who knew, we’re in a wedding, the Luna, like a bride walking down the aisle, obviously the groom would leave her. What a pity.”
I bit back the urge to slap the mouth of the person who said that before walking in a faster pace towards the stage. It did seem as though I was walking on an aisle as the crowd parted to let me through.
I sighed, looking up at George who stepped back from the microphone and flashed towards me a warm smile. I walked around the stage and to the stairs on the side.
The platform was well designed and packed wIth decorations from its backdrop to the floor. Balloons lined up the edges, adored with the prettiest flowers.
Despite this wedding being rushed, there’s no doubt that any guest examining the place wouldn’t think so. Everything looks thoroughly planned.
I gathered my senses before stepping up the stairs. Even from this angle, I can still hear the murmurs from those who have the guts to talk about their Luna, yet I can’t be sure whether it came from the mouths of the pack members or the outsiders invited to this wedding.
Who knew, it could be from both sides. Afterall, a Luna wearing armor rumored to be stained with blood but actually wine, in a pretty wedding, is something worth talking about.
I smiled at everyone when suddenly, an ominous feeling wrapped around my senses. It’s not anxiety from all the eyes glowering over my every movements nor the fact that I actually didn’t prepare a speech in hopes that the Alpha would be the one talking and I’ll simply stand by his side,
No, it’s a dark, itchy feeling in my chest malicious enough to crawl up my throat. The horrible feeling isn’t radiating from the crowd, but in the walls, behind the assembled stage.
Before I knew it, I staggered back, stepping on the hanging fabric covering the stage as a background. I inhaled and exhaled, trying to fill back the air in my lungs.
My gaze stayed down at my feet as gasps covered the reception room.
What, they haven’t seen a person having a panic attack before? I bite my lip before looking down at Gamma George now below the stage.
“George, I’ll excuse myse—what . . .” I looked at the crowd and their eyes were not fixed on me, the person that seemed to need the attention — perhaps medical attention — but rather, they were staring on the ruined stage.
What are they looking at . . .
I turn to the stage, the situations behind it were now revealed. The speakers on the side that’s been blasting the music for the audience, the unused chairs stacked tight and hidden, and another bewildering sight to see,
Alpha Logan, my husband, kissing a girl, eyes closed as they were deep in lust with each other. Logan was pulling her sleeves down, trying to touch even more skin.
They were so into it that they did not notice the spotlight placed on the two of them as they continued kissing. The panic attack I had seemed to have subsided by the sight.
I turn to the audience and sadly enough, they also turned to me. Some with a worried look on their faces, some with smirking lips. And for once, I was too numb to even wish I could slap the faces of those brave enough to smirk at my situation right now.
George looked at me, speechless and still shocked. The maid I ordered to call Alpha Logan over arrived panting, carrying a look of fear in her eyes. Ha, of course she knew the person I was looking for was sucking someone else’s face off.
I turn back to the two, still lost in the world only each other’s lips can give before marching over to them. A growl so loud slipped past my lips and with bloodshot eyes, I pulled them apart.
The spotlight was on the stage, on us. The crowd was waiting as to what scene will happen next, as though we’re spectacle — a movie worth watching, providing good-quality drama.
The girl fell on the floor, finally grasping the situation she’s in. Her eyes were wide and she turned to her elbow, blood trickled on it as she scratched herself from falling.
“Who-who are you and how dare you seduce my mate!” I shouted. She only responded with a whimper, staying seated on the ground.
I turn towards Logan, his eyes were drowsy and I instantly shook his shoulders.
“Logan! Logan, wake up!” I yelled at him. His eyes were unsteady, bloodshot and almost red. He looked at me before his gaze landed on the girl behind me. His eyes watched over to her wound and before I knew it, I felt a stinging sensation on my face and I staggered as his palm connected with my skin.
And for the first time, it wasn’t because he was going to kiss me that he touched my skin. No, it wasn’t that. Because for the very first time it was intended to hurt me.
I stepped back and watched him rush over to her, carrying her up in bridal style.
“No one can touch my mate!” He loudly commanded the entire room, hugging the girl tightly as though he’s more than willing to protect her with the cost of his life — with the cost of everyone’s. I could hear the gasps, the glasses, and the walls of the room clattering from the immense power his voice and his commands carry.
Yet out of all the other things in the room, the loudest clatter I could hear was my shattering heart.
Shivering, I still tried to cover my swelling cheeks. Everyone looked at the Alpha and his now supposed-to-be mate on the floor as he tended to her in front of the entire pack. I sucked in a breath before turning towards everyone, their eyes were all over them. A lump formed in my throat which I tried to swallow down, together with the tears that were threatening to fall.No, it can’t just be like this. Why is he with her? He’s mine! I’m the one he loves!My breath was getting ragged as I turned towards the pack warriors. “What are you guys doing? Pull the Alpha away from her!” I growled at nobody but everyone in the room. Everyone looked at me hesitantly before turning their eyes back to Alpha Logan and his mate, and yet no one dared to move.They were too afraid to mess with the Alpha’s current state. He looks like he’s ready to rip everyone to shred once they get close enough.“Can’t you see? He’s bewitched! This-this woman has done something to him!” I shouted once more, pointing
I raised my gaze towards Logan, his eyes brimming solemnly. He was thinking. I always knew that the look on his face means that he’s deep in thought. “What do we do?” Beta Vincent asked. His gaze shifted between the two of us. Logan stood up from the bed and turned towards his Beta. “Who is she, really?” He muttered unknowingly.Goosebumps rose in my skin at the power I didn’t know she had. She was an Alpha’s daughter, afterall.It seems to me that the Goddess is doing her best to pair the two of them together. I instantly shake the thought out of my head. “But—” we both turned to Beta Vincent, a contemplating look on his face. “We’re going to fight back, right?” His eyes searched mine, looking for certainty. I looked away.“Everyone—all the warriors in Dark Moon Pack are willing to fight for us! We can’t just let them trample everyone down with this simple threat.” Vincent added, justifying his words. I stared at him, patriotism in his eyes. “Vincent . . .” I mumble, my heart warm
“Logan! Let her go!” Vincent’s voice was starting to get blurry. I hold onto Logan’s large hand wrapped onto my neck. I was starting to lose my breath and black dots were starting to appear in my vision.“Whoever dares to lay a hand on her deserves nothing but death!” He growled loudly. I close my eyes as another tear fell. This time, it wasn’t due to the fact that I’m being strangled to death, but to the words that pierced my heart more than anything that could hurt right now.He’s really going to kill me.Is this the fate I was destined to? Nothing special but death? I once found solace in the belief that love comes in different forms, and perhaps my purpose lies elsewhere, away from the constraint of a love that wasn’t mine to begin with.But seeing this now, I guess there was no actual hope of me being really happy. I shut my eyes tight, as a lone tear fell, the final breath leaving my lungs. Everything feels heavy despite myself being away from the restraint of the ground.Vin
“No.” I raised my gaze towards my husband, my chosen mate. My hopeful eyes met his Teal ones filled with confusion and hesitance. Just when his eyes met mine, he instantly gazed away.“But the elders are not going to accept that, Morana. You’re fully aware of that.” he muttered before moving away from me. I followed him as he paced around the room as though thinking of something to work this out.“Ha . . .” I scoffed, tears building up at the corner of my eyes.Who was I kidding? He would never reject her. No matter what he does, no matter what I do, the matebond will always be stronger than some stupid promise we both made in front of the altar.Logan walked over to me, taking a hold of my shoulders as he tried to make me look at him. “You understand this, Morana, right? I just have to negotiate with Jane and—”“Jane?” I interrupted. His eyes widened, confused. His grip loosed on my shoulders and I instantly shove them away. “You two are on a first name basis now?” I asked, standing
“This is stupid.” I begrudgingly followed behind my husband as we walked out of the pack house and into the woods. We passed by the training area where pack warriors were having duels and improvising their combat skills.They all waved at me and the sour emotions plastered on my face instantly vanished at the sight of them. They respected me and they’re eager to show it.“Be good!” I yelled which they returned with a wide grin, nodding. I flashed them a smile before moving along. “Logan!” I shouted at him. His steps were fast and his height didn’t help.“Where are you going? We need to talk.” I demanded. Grumbling behind him as we walked deeper into the woods. Autumn leaves crushed under my steps, the only sound heard between us. Logan stays silent while I try to gather my thoughts.Why did he even agree? I was already the Luna, I have gone through that game before. I just can’t find another acceptable reason to go through that again just so I could prove my worth. “Logan!” I called.
Logan didn’t come home that night. I don’t know where he went nor was my pride strong enough to look for him. And so I simply eavesdropped my way to knowing his location, but not even the Omegas and the pack members around the house were aware of where he was.I stare at the vanity, the mirror reflecting the empty bed behind me. The memory of us, a day before George’s wedding flashed before my eyes. Us before his mate arrived.What a cruel way to take someone away from me, Goddess.I place the brush down, staring at my own eyes that glared at him with loath earlier. The eyes he last saw before he dashed off, speechless. I don’t think I regret ever saying all of those except for the last part.Maybe Jane’s the only whore here. Maybe he, too, was trying his best to not fall into the matebond’s pull. What would I do if I were him?Perhaps the little Luna who’s so adamant of taking away his mate seemed so annoying when she’s only there to fulfill the duty assigned to the mother of the Pa
“It must be true . . .” “What is?” “You weren’t at Gamma George’s wedding? They were caught kissing behind the curtains!” “Then that must mean she really is the Alpha’s mate!” Everyone’s gaze was on the two who walked the aisle. Jane was clinging onto Logan’s arm with a confident smile on her face as he led them to where I was standing. All the attention they had for a few seconds was instantly over as the audience turned to me. Their eyes felt like they were scanning machines, analyzing — criticizing how I would react.It was the same gaze I had in George’s wedding, that gaze that was neither pity or belittling but scrutiny that could not be labeled bad or good. As if I was under the chain of their approval, waiting to cave in the traps that were being laid out for me.Yet, upon looking down, my eyes met his. The panic from the critical stares of the crowd subsided when I met his Teal gaze.I thought I would be angry now that I’m finally seeing him cave in on their precious mate
“Ha, Logan . . . !” I instantly gasped in surprise when I felt myself being hoisted up on my behind and placed on top of the table. Logan lowered himself to my neck, whilst slowly buttoning down my shirt. I couldn’t and think of anything, but one thing is certain,“This wasn’t supposed to happen . . .” My voice was breathy, flustered and hot. My hands lingered on his hair, pulling him to my body even more. Another gasp came out of my mouth when I felt his wet tongue gliding itself up and down the curve of my neck and shoulder. He was devouring me like an unfed animal. If he didn’t do it with Jane, then this hunger he’s showing would make sense as we hadn’t done it for quite some time.“Fuck, I missed your scent.” he whispered against my skin, sucking hard on one spot. Shit, that would leave a mark! I can’t look like that in front of everyone later!“Logan, s-stop! Hngh . . .” With all my might, I tried pushing him away, rather, the more I fought him off, the more he was getting clo