All Chapters of The Cursed Alpha's Substitute Luna : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

INARAI needed to hit something. Hard.The worry about Elder Thorne had been gnawing at me all morning, twisting in my gut like a bad meal. Even after Grayson’s sweet words and those slow kisses last night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was walking on thin ice. So instead of hiding in my room overthinking everything, I threw on training clothes, fitted black pants and a simple tank top that let me move freely — and headed straight to the training grounds.The field was busy with warriors sparring under the midday sun. Sweat already glistened on their skin as they grappled and shifted partially. I rolled my shoulders, feeling my wolf perk up with excitement. Fighting always cleared my head.A few of the younger wolves waved at me, calling out greetings. I smiled and joined a group practicing hand-to-hand. For the first twenty minutes, I lost myself in the rhythm — blocking strikes, throwing counters, feeling the burn in my muscles. It felt good. Normal. Like I was proving to

INARA'S POV The pack was buzzing with excitement for the first time in weeks. Word had spread quickly — a small but important victory against a rogue scouting party near the eastern border. No major injuries, just a clean win that boosted everyone’s spirits. Grayson decided it was the perfect excuse for a moonlit gathering in the central clearing. Nothing too extravagant, but enough to lift morale and let the pack celebrate together.I stood in front of the mirror in our chambers, smoothing down the soft emerald dress I’d chosen. It hugged my waist and flowed around my legs, simple but pretty enough for the occasion. My hair fell loose over my shoulders, and I’d added a touch of scent that I knew Grayson liked. My wolf felt restless in the best way — excited to be out with him publicly as his Luna.Grayson stepped up behind me, his reflection appearing in the mirror. He looked devastating in a dark tunic that stretched across his broad chest, sleeves rolled up to show those powerfu

INARA'S POV The high from the border mission didn’t last nearly as long as I wanted it to.Two days had passed since that intense moment in the woods, and my body still remembered every touch, every growl, every promise Grayson had whispered against my skin. But instead of floating through the days like I should have been, I felt like I was carrying a stone in my chest. Elder Thorne’s threats kept creeping back in at the worst times — during meals, while I was helping with the younger wolves, even when Grayson pulled me close at night. Walk away quietly. Fraud. You’ll weaken the pack.I tried to act normal. I really did. But the distance crept in anyway.This morning, when Grayson reached for my hand across the breakfast table, I let my fingers slip away a second too soon to grab my cup. His silver eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t say anything in front of the others. Later, during a pack meeting, he sat me beside him like always and brushed his knee against mine under the tab

INARA'S POV The morning started peaceful enough, but peace in a pack like Silverfang never lasted long.I was in the main hall helping sort supplies when one of the mothers came rushing in, face pale and eyes wide with panic. “Luna Inara — it’s the pups. Three of them from the eastern dens woke up with high fevers and terrible coughing. The healers are overwhelmed and the usual herbs aren’t working fast enough.”My stomach dropped. I didn’t even hesitate. “Take me to them. Now.”Grayson was in a meeting with the betas, but I sent word through one of the warriors and followed the mother quickly across the compound. When we reached the small cluster of dens, the scene broke my heart. Three little ones, barely five or six years old — lay bundled in blankets, flushed and coughing weakly. Their parents looked terrified.The healers were doing their best, but they were short on fresh silverroot and moonpetal, two key herbs that grew better in Moonveil’s milder climate.I knelt beside the

INARA'S POV The morning after the festival, Grayson surprised me right after breakfast.“Get changed into something practical,” he said, leaning against the doorway of our chambers with that intense look in his silver eyes. “You’re coming with me on a border patrol today.”I blinked, halfway through braiding my hair. “Me? On patrol?”He crossed the room and tugged gently on my braid, pulling me closer. “Yes, you. I want you by my side. You’ve proven you can handle yourself in training. It’s time you see what we’re really dealing with out there.”My heart did a little flip. Part excitement, part nerves. “Alright, Alpha. But if I outfight you again, you owe me.”His low chuckle sent warmth through me. “Deal.”I changed quickly into sturdy pants, a fitted top, and boots that wouldn’t slow me down. We left with a small group of betas and warriors — just enough for a scouting run, not a full force. The forest air felt crisp as we moved through the trees, Grayson staying close to me the w