Luna Rejects Poisoner Mate

I moved through the great hall with practiced grace, nodding to pack members as they bowed their heads in respect. Eight years as Luna of the Silvermoon Pack had taught me the choreography of power—when to smile, when to listen, when to command. The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished stone floor as I settled into my usual chair at the head table.

Marcus appeared from his study, his broad shoulders filling the doorframe. His eyes found mine across the room, and his lips curved into that smile I'd fallen for all those years ago.

"Good morning, my Luna," he said, crossing to place a kiss on my forehead. "I've prepared your tea."

I accepted the steaming cup with a grateful smile. "You spoil me, Alpha."

"Nothing less than you deserve." His fingers lingered on mine a moment longer than necessary before he turned to address the Beta about border patrols.

I inhaled the familiar scent of moon herbs—lavender, chamomile, and something else I could never quite identify. Marcus had started brewing this special blend for me six months ago, insisting it would help with the stress of Luna duties. I took a sip, letting the warm liquid slide down my throat.

Within moments, a dull throb began at my temples. I blinked, trying to clear the sudden fog that seemed to settle over my thoughts. This had been happening more frequently lately—these waves of dizziness after my morning tea.

*Luna?* I called inwardly to my wolf, seeking her guidance as I always did when something felt wrong.

Silence.

My wolf had grown quieter over the past months, her once-vibrant presence in my mind now reduced to occasional whispers. I had attributed it to exhaustion from pack duties, but now...

"Are you feeling well?" Marcus's voice cut through my thoughts, his eyes studying my face with what appeared to be concern.

"Just a small headache," I assured him, forcing a smile. "Nothing to worry about."

He nodded, seemingly satisfied, but something in his gaze lingered a beat too long. I looked away, unsettled by the strange feeling crawling up my spine.

---

Later that afternoon, I found myself in the pack kitchen, searching for honey to add to the herbal liqueur we would serve at the upcoming full moon celebration. The kitchen was mercifully empty, allowing me a rare moment of solitude.

I reached for the top shelf where we kept the specialty ingredients, my fingers brushing against something that didn't belong. Frowning, I pushed aside jars of preserved fruits to reveal what appeared to be a false panel in the back of the cabinet.

Curiosity piqued, I carefully slid it open. Hidden behind was a small stone mortar containing dried purple flowers, crushed to a fine powder. My blood ran cold as recognition dawned.

Wolfsbane.

A forbidden herb in any pack territory. Toxic to our kind in large doses, but in small amounts...

*It weakens a wolf's senses and suppresses the mate