The Alpha’s 90-Day Luna: Ruin of the Alpha (Book 2)

Watching Sloane’s composure shatter through the monitor, Holden frantically worked his contacts. His face paled as he realized the tactical blunder they had both committed.

"We both miscalculated the lunar cycle," Holden muttered.

"Explain yourself," Sloane demanded, her claws digging into the mahogany desk.

"The only reason Ava appeared at the Hai Yi Center with such calm was because there was no overlap. A-List Chats shifted their broadcast schedule two weeks ago, pushing it back by an hour. We were so fixated on the old routine that we completely overlooked the change."

Because the eighth hour had been the show’s traditional slot for years, Sloane hadn't bothered to verify the announcement. She had built her entire trap on a detail that no longer existed.

"That female is far too cunning for her own safety!" Sloane hissed.

"What is our play? Do we simply sit here like pups and watch her dominate the airwaves?" Sloane slammed her palms onto the desk. She had exhausted her influence, resorted to silver-tipped threats and kidnapping, only for Ava to outmaneuver her without breaking a sweat.

In truth, when I first scented the threat against Lisa, I was already en route to the studio. The moment I confirmed the Pacific Crown Gala was at the seventh hour and my interview was at the ninth, I knew I could strike both targets. I found it almost laughable that Sloane would leave me a two-hour window to dismantle her plans.

Did she truly think she could tether me so easily?

Zephaniah, watching the monitor from the wings of the studio, let out a rough chuckle. "Knowing Sloane’s arrogance, she definitely did the math wrong this time."

"You think so?" I had asked him earlier.

"I’d bet my rank on it. She didn't realize the broadcast had shifted," Zephaniah replied.

Upon leaving the chaos of the Hai Yi Center, I was supposed to board Zephaniah’s transport, but I caught the unmistakable scent of the High Alpha’s car in the shadows of the lot. I gave my handler a quick nod of explanation, pulled open the heavy door of Connor’s vehicle, and slid into the leather seat.

"I believe I told you to stay within the estate," I said, though my voice lacked any real bite.

Connor turned, his eyes glowing faintly in the dim interior. He reached out, taking my hands in his and examining my palms with a focused intensity. "You brought the Northern Enforcers with you. Why did you find it necessary to use your own hands to strike? Don't they burn?"

I had expected him to ask about Lisa’s recovery or the fallout at Vale Media Group. Instead, his only concern was the sting in my skin.

"It burned at first," I confessed, leaning back against the seat. "Now, it’s just a dull thrum." I had delivered five strikes with the full weight of my lineage behind them; it was impossible not to feel the reverberation.

Connor gently massaged my palms, his expression a mixture of exasperation and deep affection. "I never imagined you would personally engage in such a brawl."

"Did you truly believe I was a wolf without teeth?" I smiled.

"No, but 'someone' clearly knows they have the High Alpha at their back, which gave them an excess of courage!" Connor teased, though his tone remained doting. His current softness was a jarring contrast to the cold authority he projected at the Vale Hills Estate. "You still haven't learned... you have the most powerful pack in the territory at your disposal, yet you refuse to call on us for the small things. Must you make me worry?"

"Sometimes, one must feel the heat of the fire to remember why we fight for those who cannot," I replied. Lisa had endured the humiliation and the silver threats without once considering a betrayal. The sting in my hands was a small price to pay for her loyalty.

Connor understood my spirit better than anyone. He knew I was the type of wolf who would walk through silver fire for my kin.

"Furthermore, Sloane still has the elder hidden away."

"Are you not on your way to demand his return?"

I leaned my head against his shoulder, surprised by his insight. "There are moments, dealing with monsters like Sloane, where I fear I am losing my own light. But for what I did to Riley and how I am about to strike at Sloane... I have no regrets. I want her to know that she can hunt me all she likes, but if she touches my pack, I will ensure she never knows another moment of peace."

Connor kept his eyes on the moonlit road ahead, his voice firm. "No matter how dark the path becomes, as long as you are Ava, you are my mate."

My heart swelled, but the words of love felt too small for the moment. Instead, I leaned over and nipped sharply at his shoulder—a primal mark of possession.

Connor didn't flinch; the corners of his mouth simply curved upward. He understood the language of our kind: sometimes you love someone so fiercely you don't know where the skin ends and the soul begins.

Ultimately, it was Sloane’s own oversight that allowed the world to see me sitting comfortably in the A-List Chats studio.

I appeared before the audience in a gown the color of twilight. My hair fell in loose waves, and my makeup was minimal, presenting a natural, unshakeable Luna to the New York pack. When I smiled, the dimples in my cheeks softened my lethal reputation.

The two hosts were armed with their scrolls of interrogation. Tonight, I was the one under the spotlight.

The studio had been transformed into a gallery of my triumphs, lined with images from my time at the Nova Star Agency. As the clock struck nine, the signal went live.

After the initial pleasantries, the hosts wasted no time. "Ava, we remember that three moons ago, you were prepared to mate for life. Then, you suddenly announced your return and launched a campaign against Turner Studios. What drove you to make such a definitive break and start your own hunt?"

"Am I permitted to be entirely honest?" I asked, a playful smile dancing on my lips.

"Be wary," the host warned with a grin. "Our pack demands the truth. Otherwise, your words will become the mockery of the territory."

I paused, then spoke clearly. "It was nothing spectacular. I simply scented betrayal and grew wise from the experience. I am a wolf who lets go of a dead trail the moment I see it."

"Excellent. Now, for the question the entire pack is howling for: Are you bonded?"

The studio went silent. Even the host seemed taken aback by her own boldness. Over a hundred fans in the gallery held their breath. In his car, Connor listened to the broadcast, a knowing smile on his face. He had asked me once how I would handle this.

"Yes, I am married," I answered swiftly.

The shock was palpable. No one expected such a direct admission. In his car, Connor’s heart skipped a beat, followed by a helpless, doting laugh. He had to admire my audacity.

I knew that in this industry, those with secrets usually dodged and blurred the lines. By admitting it so casually—as if I were confirming the weather—I made the truth sound like a joke. No one would believe the "Runway Queen" was actually bonded to the High Alpha of the Vale Hills.

"Truly?" the host giggled, playing along. "And who is this mysterious mate?"

"The most powerful male in the entire entertainment territory," I replied.

"Well, then you must be married to me!" the male host joked, and the studio erupted in laughter.

My husband realized then that I wasn't just a model; I was a master of the hunt. I had created a scenario where the truth was hidden in plain sight.

"Oh, look," the host noted, pointing to my hand. "You even have a band. You're committed to the bit! Let the pack see the trophy."

I lifted my right hand, showing the silver ring to the cameras. It was, quite literally, my wedding band. In the car, Connor stroked the matching band on his own finger, our hearts beating in sync across the city.

Zephaniah, watching from the wings, was breaking into a cold sweat. He couldn't believe my recklessness, yet he marveled at how the audience took the truth for a punchline.

"We’ve played enough," the host said, her voice turning serious. "Now, we must address the shadows. Rumors suggest that since joining H World, the pack hasn't treated you well. They say your kills are being given to others. What is the truth behind the H World den?"

Sloane and Holden held their breath in the office. Through the screen, Sloane saw my gentle gaze sharpen into shards of ice.

"The fact that I am sitting here tonight should answer that," I smiled. "President Pierce is a very... 'strategic' leader. We aren't the enemies the rumors suggest. Healthy competition is necessary for a strong pack, and I understand that as an Alpha, she must look at the entire forest."

"In fact," I continued, leaning toward the camera, "I want to share a heartwarming story. Over the last few suns, my assistant Lisa lost the scent of her grandfather. She was so frantic she almost called the Enforcers to start a city-wide hunt." I let the word 'Enforcers' hang in the air.

"The Enforcers were ready to launch a full investigation when we discovered a wonderful surprise. President Pierce, in her infinite kindness, had brought the elder to New York as a gift for Lisa. We nearly had a terrible misunderstanding."

"As you can see, President Pierce is incredibly thoughtful. To ensure we don't burden her any longer, I’m sending Lisa to collect him the moment this broadcast ends. We are eternally grateful for this 'surprise' and will never forget the President’s kindness."

Sloane looked ready to put her fist through the monitor. I was threatening her with a criminal investigation on live television, using the exact same tactics she had used to blackmail Lisa.

I was returning the strike, double.

By announcing to the entire territory that the elder was with her, I had made Sloane his unofficial guardian. If a single hair on his head was harmed, the world would know she was responsible.

Furthermore, by stating Lisa was on her way to collect him, I had forced Sloane’s hand. If she didn't surrender him, she would look like a kidnapper to the public.

The reporters were already howling for the story.

Sloane Pierce had never expected an A-grade model to play the game with such lethal precision. She was forced to endure a total defeat.

In the wings, Zephaniah watched in awe. I hadn't needed to search for the elder; I had forced the enemy to hand him over, safely and submissively, before the entire world.

If anything happened to that old man now, the pack would tear Sloane apart.