The Fox and her Hound

Olivia's POV

"Thank the Moon Goddess, you finally came back to me, my love," my mate cooed to Emily Brown.

Today, my mate Marsh Walton was officially crowned the Alpha of the Dawn Pack.

Right after he swore to make the pack thrive before all shifters in the pack square, he took Emily's hand, confessing his love for her.

Everyone was stealing glances at me, talking in whispers. The awkward tension was almost palpable.

I froze on the spot, staring at the "love birds" in disbelief.

Because I was Marsh's mate and Luna! I should've been the one sharing the moment of glory with him!

"You okay, Luna Olivia?" Marsh's Beta, Jeffrey Sanders, shot me a concerned look.

I forced a smile, telling him I was fine.

Only the Moon Goddess knew I was bleeding inside.

Of course I wasn't okay! My mate was acting all lovey-dovey with another she-wolf at his accession ceremony!

I walked over to the table and grabbed a glass of red wine, trying to drown my sorrows.

The bitter taste of alcohol spread in my mouth, but it was nothing compared to the pang in my heart.

Just as I turned my head, I saw Emily chatting with Marsh, all smiles.

After he said something that made her chuckle, she pecked him on the cheek.

I clenched my fists, biting my lip to hold back my tears.

The shifters of the Dawn Pack were watching the two, gossiping among themselves.

Since we werewolves had keen hearing, I could hear their chatter loud and clear.

One old she-wolf exclaimed, "Can't believe little Emily's all grown up now."

Another middle-aged he-wolf chimed in, sounding confused, "I remember her mate's Darcy, Alpha Darcy, I mean, from the Moonshadow Pack. What is she doing here?"

"Who knows? But I heard she was Alpha Marsh's first love. If it weren't for Marsh's grandfather's disapproval, she would've been our Luna. But Marsh never stopped pining for her," the old she-wolf replied.

"Poor Luna Olivia," sighed the he-wolf while shaking his head.

My wolf Elara let out a soft whine in my mind, showing her dissatisfaction.

Just like these two were saying, Emily was my mate's first love. And she came to the Dawn Pack out of the blue about a month ago.

Since then, Marsh seemed to have turned into a whole different person. I couldn't find any trace of the man who loved me unconditionally.

Back when his private business was tanking, I merged my company with his just to stop it from going bust. And I even helped him run it using my business talents.

While his corporation was thriving now, he started to give me the cold shoulder, like all my sacrifices meant nothing.

Noticing my stare, Emily snuggled against Marsh's chest, a glint of mockery in her eyes.

I turned away, feeling disgusted.

Spinning around, I decided to make my way to the other side of the pack square, where there was a two-story viewing platform.

After climbing the stairs, I took a deep breath, hoping it would calm myself.

"Why are you standing all lonely over here, my dear Luna? Aren't you gonna join the celebration?" An annoying female voice sounded behind me.

I turned around, only to find Emily smirking at me.

"If I were you, I would get the hell outta here. Marsh's my mate. I'm sure the shifters in this pack wouldn't welcome a whore who tries to seduce their Alpha."

"The only reason Marsh mated with you was that he needed a Luna to inherit the Dawn Pack. I'm the one he loves. Just you wait. I'll make him reject you in no time," she scoffed.

I knitted my brows, wondering what scheme she was brewing.

But soon, I realized what she wanted to do.

She strutted over to the stairs and yelled, "Olivia! What are you doing?!"

With that, she stepped right off the edge.

Caught off guard, I instinctively reached out to grab her.

Yet, she grasped my hand and pulled me down with her.

After a piercing pain, we both tumbled down to the landing.

I lay on the ground, grimacing, while my wolf growled and started healing me.

Soon, I heard footsteps approaching.

"Emily!" Marsh shouted, panicking as he rushed to her side.

Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms.

I lifted my head, an injured look in my eyes, but he didn't even glance my way.

I shifted my gaze to Emily, who was sobbing in Marsh's arms, "Please don't blame Olivia. She didn't mean to hurt me."

"Shhh. I'm taking you to the pack doctor," Marsh said gently.

With that, he carried her off, and the on-looking shifters left, too.

After a long while, I finally managed to struggle to my feet.

"That despicable bitch! Let me take over. I'll end her!" Elara growled in my mind.

"Chill, girl. Don't act on impulse," I tried to calm her down.

When I was finally heading to my room to take a shower, Marsh stopped me.

"You snake! How dare you push Emily down the stairs!" he spat.

"I didn't," I shot back, trying to defend myself.

"She told me so before she passed out! She would never lie to me," he snapped, fuming.

"You trust her over me?! I'm your mate!" I yelled.

Marsh just glared at me in silence.

Then, he brought his pillow and blanket and walked to the guest room where Emily was staying, leaving me dumbfounded.

"Marsh!" I chased after him, trying to grab his arm, yet he spun around and snarled at me.

Feeling intimidated, I stopped in my tracks.

Marsh then rushed towards Emily's room.

Heartbroken, I returned to our room and took a shower.

In the shower, I checked the scratches on my body.

Suddenly, a sharp pain I'd never experienced before shot through my heart.

I clutched my chest and fell onto the floor.