Chapter 3
A week had passed since my world shattered beneath Marcus's rejection. Seven days of hollow emptiness where the mate bond should have been, seven nights of Luna's whimpers echoing in my mind. I'd been staying at a small motel on the outskirts of Silvermoon territory, using what little savings I had left after Marcus's 'compensation' money had been stolen from my scattered belongings.
Tonight was the monthly pack gathering—mandatory for all members except those on patrol duty. I wasn't technically pack anymore, but something drove me there anyway. Perhaps it was Luna's stubborn pride, or maybe I needed to see Marcus's face one more time before I found a way to contact my family.
I slipped into the grand hall through a service entrance I'd discovered during my time working for the pack. The massive room buzzed with energy as pack members mingled, their excitement palpable. I pulled the hood of my jacket lower, concealing myself in the shadows near the back wall. No one paid attention to me—I was already forgotten, a ghost among them.
The crowd fell silent as Marcus strode confidently to the podium at the front of the hall. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. Even now, after everything, my traitorous heart skipped a beat. He wore a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, his dark hair perfectly styled, blue eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Members of the Silvermoon Pack," his voice carried effortlessly across the hall, that familiar tone that had once whispered sweet promises against my skin. "I've gathered you here tonight for a joyous announcement."
Beside me, two Delta females whispered excitedly. "It's about time he chose a Luna," one murmured.
"Olivia's perfect for him," the other replied. "Much better than that other one."
I dug my nails into my palms, forcing myself to remain still as Luna snarled within me.
"As you know," Marcus continued, "a strong pack requires strong alliances. Tonight, I'm proud to announce my engagement to Olivia Sterling, daughter of Gamma Sterling of the Crescent Moon Pack."
The crowd erupted in applause as Olivia emerged from the side of the stage, her silver dress catching the light as she moved to stand beside Marcus. Her smile was radiant as she gazed adoringly up at him, playing the part of the devoted mate-to-be.
"Olivia will be our new Luna," Marcus declared, his arm sliding possessively around her waist. "Her connections and strength will bring prosperity to our pack for generations to come."
More applause. More cheers. I stood frozen, watching as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead—the same gesture he'd once shared with me.
"The official marking ceremony will take place at the next full moon," he announced. "Until then, please welcome your future Luna."
I'd seen enough. I turned to leave, my vision blurring with unshed tears, when a hand gripped my arm.
"I thought I might find you here," Olivia's voice sliced through me like a blade.
I hadn't even noticed her leave the stage. I pulled my arm free, turning to face her. Up close, her triumph was even more evident—the gleam in her eyes, the slight curl of her lips.
"Congratulations," I managed, my voice steadier than I expected. "You got what you wanted."
"You never stood a chance." Her smile widened, predatory and cruel. "Marcus needs a mate who can bolster alliances, not someone who hides behind her wolf."
Luna roared within me, and for a moment, I felt my eyes flash with their true Alpha gold. Olivia blinked, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features before her confidence returned.
"You should leave Silvermoon territory," she continued. "There's nothing for you here anymore."
I leaned closer, letting just a hint of my Alpha aura slip through. "You have no idea who I am or what I'm capable of."
She stepped back instinctively, then caught herself. "Threats won't change anything. Marcus has made his choice."
As she walked away, her silver dress shimmering under the lights, I made my decision. Tomorrow, I would confront Marcus one last time. He needed to know exactly what he'd thrown away.
And then, somehow, I would find my way back to my pack—to my true Alpha heritage.
The next morning, I stood outside Marcus's office, my heart pounding against my ribs. Luna was unusually quiet, her presence a steady, burning flame within me. I'd dressed carefully in the one professional outfit that hadn't been damaged when my belongings were tossed onto the street—a simple black dress that hugged my curves, my hair pulled back in a severe ponytail.
I didn't knock. I simply pushed the door open and walked in.
Marcus looked up from his desk, surprise flashing across his face before it hardened into cold disdain. "You're not welcome here anymore."
"I arranged the Blackwood Pack meeting," I said without preamble, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. "You owe me credit for that alliance."
A beat of silence, then Marcus laughed—a cold, mocking sound that echoed off the walls of his spacious office. "A low-ranking wolf like you? Don't be ridiculous. Olivia's connections secured that meeting."
Little did he know, the Blackwood Pack was my birthright. And soon, very soon, he would learn exactly what he had rejected.
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