After My Mate Abandoned Me, I Escaped

Chapter 1

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the human town's market square as I wandered between the stalls, breathing in the mingled scents of fresh bread and blooming flowers. Here, among humans who knew nothing of pack hierarchies or mate bonds, I could pretend to be just another woman selecting roses for her dining table.

My fingers traced the velvet petals of a deep crimson rose, and for a moment, I allowed myself to imagine Ethan's face when he saw them on our table tonight. Three years together, and I still hoped for those rare moments when his cold facade would crack, revealing glimpses of the mate bond I believed lay dormant beneath.

"Beautiful choice," the elderly vendor said, her weathered hands wrapping the stems in brown paper. "Someone special?"

"My mate," I replied softly, the word still sending a flutter through my chest despite everything.

The woman's knowing smile faltered as a chill swept through the warm evening air. The market sounds—haggling voices, children's laughter, the clink of coins—seemed to dim as four figures materialized from the crowd.

Victoria Taylor stood at their center, her blonde hair catching the dying light like spun gold. Three Delta wolves flanked her, their presence turning the peaceful market into a hunting ground. Shoppers instinctively stepped aside, some humans sensing danger they couldn't name.

"Well, well." Victoria's voice cut through the air like shattered glass. "If it isn't our temporary Luna, playing house."

My hand tightened on the wrapped roses, thorns pricking through the paper. "Victoria."

She sauntered closer, her designer heels clicking against the cobblestones. The Deltas spread out, subtly boxing me in against the flower stall. The vendor backed away, fear replacing her earlier warmth.

"You know," Victoria continued, loud enough for the gathering crowd to hear, "I've been meaning to thank you, Sophia. For keeping Ethan's bed warm these past three years while he waited for his real Luna."

The words hit like physical blows. Around us, pack members who'd been shopping stopped to watch, their eyes glinting with the anticipation of drama.

"I am his Luna," I said, hating how my voice trembled. "The Moon Goddess—"

"The Moon Goddess made a mistake." Victoria's laugh was sharp and cruel. "Everyone knows Ethan's chosen Luna was never you. You're just a placeholder, a temporary convenience until someone worthy came along."

She stepped closer, her perfume—something expensive and cloying—making my stomach turn. "And guess what, little wolf? Your expiration date is up."

Something deep inside me stirred, a presence I'd kept carefully leashed for so long. My wolf, usually so quiet, suddenly surged forward.

*MATE!* The word exploded through my mind with such force that my body jerked. *Protect what is ours!*

"You're wrong." I stepped forward, my voice gaining strength even as my hands shook. "Ethan is my mate. We've been bonded for three years, and nothing you say or do will change that."

The air around me shimmered, and gasps rippled through the crowd. I felt it