Chapter 2
My gaze drifted absently to the family of three not far away.
Perhaps sensing my stare, Alpha Nicolas glanced up in my direction, only to quickly look away when our eyes met. I tugged at the corners of my mouth in a self-deprecating smile, unable to pull my gaze away. I just stood there, watching them, as if trying to sear the scene into my memory forever.
As I watched, my phone suddenly buzzed with a message from the Alpha:
*“I'll explain everything when I get back tonight.”*
*“It's Krew's birthday today, please don't cause a scene, okay? Go home and calm down, alright?”*
A wave of nausea hit me instantly. I gripped my phone tightly, not responding. The Alpha glanced my way once more before pocketing his phone, acting as if nothing had happened, continuing to play with his son.
The pack gathering was full of relatives; I couldn't afford to cause a scene in front of so many family members. Otherwise, my parents would be left to bear the brunt of the gossip.
Tired from playing, Angela came over to sit across from me, and the Alpha took out a thermos to pour her some warm coffee. “Warm coffee again? It's such a hot day, I want something cold,” Angela pouted, leaning into the Alpha’s embrace, as if the whole performance was meant just for me.
The Alpha glanced at me before lowering his head and speaking gently, “No, you can't. You're pregnant, and it's not good for the pup.”
Unperturbed by the refusal, Angela merely responded, “Alright then.”
I sat silently, casting my eyes down to hide the resentment underneath. Seven years with the Alpha, and I never knew he had this side to him—gentle, attentive, his eyes brimming with affection. He never looked at me like that.
The Alpha and I had met during a pack alliance meeting, where he was the future Alpha and I was a young pack member. I really started liking him after a particular incident where a rogue wolf tried to intimidate me during a hunt. The Alpha intervened just as the rogue’s claws were inching towards my throat, stepping forward with an alpha command that made the rogue whimper and retreat.
He taught me how to navigate the hierarchy of the packs, how to use my status as Luna to influence others. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without the Alpha's guidance.
After our mate bond was sealed, I thought he loved me. Reality served a harsh lesson.
“Vivienne,” Angela suddenly spoke, snapping me back to reality. Resting her chin on her hand, she grinned at me, “I heard from your mother that you're mated too. Why didn’t you bring your mate along? Maybe he could have a drink with your dear cousin’s mate.”
Her comment caught the attention of Aunt Cheyenne, who looked at me in surprise, “Vivienne, you're mated?”
“When did that happen? Why didn’t we know?”
Instinctively, I glanced at the Alpha, then at Angela, forcing a mocking smile. “Yes, I’m mated. But he’s dead.”
Aunt Cheyenne looked embarrassed, realizing her blunder, and awkwardly tried to comfort me. “Well, it’s alright, you can always find someone else.”
I just smiled, “Sure.”
The Alpha’s face had darkened considerably, but I pretended not to notice. Angela stared directly at me, gripping his hand. “You’ve developed quite a sense of humor after all this time. Haven’t you, Alpha?”
Without sparing me a glance, the Alpha gently stroked her head and said softly, “I don't care about other people. None of this concerns me.”
The words twisted like a knife in my heart. Meeting Angela’s gaze, I spoke loud enough for those nearby to hear, “Yes, I do joke around. Like the fact that my dear cousin is the other mate—nobody knows about that, do they?”
The room went silent as the pack members exchanged glances, curious and judgmental. Angela’s eyes widened, reddening at the corners. “Vivienne, I merely asked a couple of questions. Did you have to be so harsh? My mate is right here—how can you say that?”
I struggled to suppress my emotions, replying, “Cousin, why such a big reaction? I was only joking. Or did I hit a nerve?”
The Alpha gave me a cold, hard look. “Luna Vivienne, if you continue to slander my mate, I’ll have to consult the pack council.”
The love that was once in my mate’s eyes was replaced by an icy stare. Angela’s mother, Summer, was the first to recover, pointing a finger at me, “Vivienne, this is disgraceful. Angela is your cousin, how can you speak like this?”
“I’m calling your mother to find out how she raised you.”
Turning to her, I smiled, “Aunt Summer, I was just joking around.” Then, casting a glance at Angela, I added, “Surely my cousin doesn’t mind, right?”
The Alpha declared coldly, “Luna Vivienne, you are not welcome here. Please leave.”
Whispers among the pack were full of criticism directed at me. The pain in my heart nearly took my breath away. The Alpha, without hesitation, helped Angela up and left.
Seeing his mother upset, Krew grabbed a water gun and started spraying me. “Bad Luna! Don’t bully my mom! Get out! Dad said you’re not welcome!”
“Leave!”
My carefully done appearance was ruined, my clothes soaking wet. I looked utterly pathetic. Angela’s mother practically dragged me out, hurling insults, “Go back home! You’re not welcome here.”
“Go home and let your mother teach you how to behave.”
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