Chapter 1

I stood at the ward's threshold, my fingernails biting into the wooden doorframe.

Through the narrow gap of the half-open door, I saw Alan Thorne's father, Darian Thorne, and his mother, Thalia Ravenwood. They both cradled a pup, their faces glowing with joy.

Even Alan, typically so cold and distant, wore a surprisingly gentle expression as he cradled the pup in his arms.

But the moment his gaze met mine, the warmth in his eyes vanished. He gently set the pup down and walked toward me.

"Anna. You're finally back. I missed you."

As he reached out to touch me, I stepped aside, avoiding his hand.

Thalia's gaze swept over me with disdain, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Well, look who finally decided to show up. Did you enjoy yourself out there? I hope you haven't forgotten that you're the Luna."

Darian moved in quickly, trying to defuse the tension. "It's good to have you back," he said, though his eyes never left the pup cradled in his arms.

"You've arrived just in time for the christening. As Alan's mate, you owe it to his pups to play your part."

Thalia's expression softened. "The pups haven't been named yet. You and Alan should choose their names together. And don't worry, so long as you behave and stay out of trouble, your place as the Luna is secure."

I looked at them blankly.

Was I supposed to smile and thank them for their generosity?

Or was I meant to lash out, furious at their arrogance?

I didn't know.

They behaved as if I had been meant to stand beside these two pups—pups fathered by my mate, yet brought into the world by another she-wolf.

After Darian and Thalia left, Alan's phone rang. He shot me a worried glance before stepping outside to take the call.

Now, only Leah Hawke and I remained in the ward.

She looked radiant, her hair gleaming with a glossy, well-kept shine.

It was obvious the pack had cared for her well over the past six months, pampering her with all sorts of supplements.

Behind Leah's calm, submissive facade lurked a flicker of triumph and defiance, as if she already believed that bearing the pups had guaranteed her victory.

"You've been away from the pack for so long. Alan had no one to care for him. But don't worry, I was there every day. I stayed by his side, for you."

Her fingers brushed lightly against the pups' cheeks. "You know, Alan's been so gentle with our pups—just like he used to be with you. But now that you're back… You don't even look at them. Can you imagine how much that must hurt him?"

"Leah," I said, my brow furrowed as I held her gaze, "there's no need to pretend. The compensation Alan gave you was more than enough for you to leave and live comfortably. But instead, you chose to come back and seduce him—and now these pups are the proof."

Leah's expression shifted the moment she was caught.

Without hesitation, she let out a cold, jarring laugh.

"Yes, I seduced Alan on purpose. These pups are my way out of being an Omega. Soon, I'll be the Luna. So what if you've seen through me? You can't stop me. You're nothing but a defeated pawn."

Suddenly, she thrust the pups into my arms.

Their soft, milky scent washed over me—a fragile, heartbreaking reminder of their innocence.

Before I could react, she lashed out, striking the pups and knocking them from my arms.

They hit the floor with a sickening thud, their sharp, piercing cries cutting through the air.

Through the sound of their wails, Alan burst into the room.

He quickly pushed me aside, disbelief written all over his face.

I stumbled backward, watching as he hurriedly gathered the pups in his arms.

His eyes shifted from concern to shock before settling into a cold, heavy disappointment.

That look of disappointment stung more than any slap could.