After My Mate Fell for the Omega, I Let Him Go

The scent of incense and moonflower filled the air as I sat cross-legged in my designated oracle tent, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight. The Black Moon Pack's annual Moon Festival was in full swing outside, with laughter and music echoing through the night. But here, within these sacred walls, I offered a different kind of guidance.

"Thank you, Oracle Lilith," whispered a young she-wolf as she gathered her belongings, eyes wide with hope after I'd revealed her mate would appear before the next full moon. "Your wisdom is a gift to our pack."

I smiled gently, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "The Moon Goddess speaks through the cards. I merely interpret her will."

As she exited, another unmated she-wolf entered, her nervous energy palpable. These readings were my purpose tonight—guiding those seeking their fated mates during this sacred celebration.

"The cards will show you your path," I assured her, shuffling my worn tarot deck with practiced precision. Three times exactly—never more, never less. This ritual grounded me, connected me to the Moon Goddess.

But even as I spoke words of comfort to others, a hollow ache persisted in my chest. My wolf, Luna, whimpered softly within me.

*He's not here again.*

"I know," I whispered under my breath, careful to maintain my composed exterior.

Outside, couples danced beneath the harvest moon, their mate bonds glowing with visible energy. Alpha pairs led the traditional ceremonies, their auras intertwined in ways that made my heart twist with envy.

Where was Grayson?

My fingers traced the mate mark on my neck—faded now, barely visible unless I concentrated. Once, his touch had burned there, a constant reminder of our bond. Now, only the faintest warmth remained.

"He's busy with Beta duties," I told myself, though the excuse rang hollow even to my ears.

---

"You need to eat something," Mya's voice cut through my thoughts hours later. She entered my tent with a plate of food, her practical nature evident in the way she shoved it into my hands.

"Thank you," I said, managing a small smile for my oldest friend.

Mya's eyes narrowed as she scanned the tent. "Still no Grayson?"

"He's training the new recruits," I replied automatically. "Beta responsibilities."

Mya snorted, not bothering to hide her skepticism. "On Moon Festival? Please."

I looked down at my uneaten food, pushing it around with my fork. "He has important duties."

"More important than his mate?" Mya's bluntness was both refreshing and painful. "Lilith, this isn't the first pack gathering he's missed. When was the last time you two ran together? When did he last attend a ceremony with you?"

Luna growled softly within me, her anger mirroring my own growing unease.

"He's preparing for his formal Beta ceremony," I insisted, though my voice lacked conviction. "The pack needs strong leadership."

"And what about what you need?" Mya asked softly.

I couldn't answer. What did I need? A mate who looked at me with warmth instead of impatience? A