Rejected Luna's Rise

The baby kicked inside me as I sat alone in our barely furnished quarters, my hands resting on my swollen belly. Today was my birthday—not that it mattered to anyone in the Silvercrest Pack. Especially not to Bear.

I glanced at the clock for the hundredth time. 8:17 PM. The pack house across the grounds was lit up like a Christmas tree, laughter and music floating through the evening air. Someone was having a celebration tonight.

"Did you hear about the Alpha Summit gala?" A female voice drifted through my open window—two pack members chatting as they passed by. "Katherine looks stunning in that new designer dress. Alpha Bear spared no expense."

My stomach tightened. The gala. The one Bear had mentioned last week when I'd asked if we could do something special for my birthday.

"I have pack business," he'd said dismissively. "You'll understand when you're truly Luna material."

But I was his mate. His pregnant mate, carrying what could be the future heir to the Silvercrest Pack. And tonight was my birthday.

Another voice joined in. "I heard Alpha Bear is presenting her with something special tonight. Some say it's a diamond necklace worth thousands."

I pressed my hand against my mouth, stifling a sob. While I sat alone in this cold room with second-hand furniture and hand-me-down clothes, Bear was showering Katherine with gifts and attention.

My wolf whimpered inside me. *We deserve better than this, Lucy.*

"I know," I whispered, stroking my belly. "We deserve so much better."

The baby kicked again, stronger this time, as if sensing my distress. I couldn't stay here anymore. I needed to see for myself what was so important that Bear would abandon his pregnant mate on her birthday.

---

The Moonlight Ballroom glittered with chandeliers and polished marble floors. I stood outside, my hand trembling as I pushed open the heavy glass door. The security guard frowned at my simple dress—the best I owned, but nothing compared to the designer gowns inside.

"ID please," he said gruffly.

I pulled out my pack identification card, hoping he wouldn't notice how it listed me as "Lucy Salazar" rather than "Luna Hughes." He hesitated, then nodded me through.

The ballroom was a sea of wealth and power. Alphas from neighboring packs mingled with their Lunas, all dressed in finery that cost more than I'd spend on food in a year. I scanned the crowd, my heart pounding against my ribs.

Then I saw them.

Bear stood tall and commanding in his tailored suit, his dark hair perfectly styled. Beside him, Katherine shimmered in a silver gown that hugged every curve, her blonde hair cascading down her back in elegant waves. She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Bear's voice boomed across the ballroom as he raised a champagne glass. "I'd like to thank you all for attending tonight's Alpha Summit gala."

The crowd quieted, all eyes turning to him. I pressed myself against the wall, suddenly afraid