When My Mate Marked Another at Our Luna Ceremony

The morning of the Mate Ceremony dawned with perfect clarity, as if the Moon Goddess herself had blessed this day. I stood before the mirror in my preparation chamber, smoothing down the front of my ceremonial silver gown. Three years of devotion had led to this moment—tonight, Levi would finally mark me as his Luna.

"Perfect," I whispered to my reflection, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. My wolf, Luna, purred with anticipation inside me.

*Soon*, I promised her. *Soon we'll be complete.*

The Black Moon estate buzzed with activity as I moved through the halls, checking final preparations. Crystal glasses gleamed on tables adorned with white roses and silver ribbons. Everything had to be perfect for our Alpha's ceremony.

"He's in his office," Marcus, Levi's Beta, informed me with a curt nod. "Last-minute preparations."

I smiled gratefully and made my way down the corridor. The heavy oak door to Levi's office stood slightly ajar. I raised my hand to knock when I heard her laugh—that tinkling, manipulative sound I'd come to recognize.

Nina Cunningham.

My fingers froze mid-air as I pushed the door open just enough to see inside.

Levi stood behind his desk, his broad shoulders blocking my view of Nina. But I could see his hands—those strong, capable hands that had never once caressed me with tenderness—adjusting something around her neck.

"There," he murmured, his voice carrying that rare warmth I'd spent three years trying to earn. "It suits you perfectly."

Nina turned, her fingers touching the diamond pendant at her throat. Her eyes met mine through the gap in the door, and her lips curved into a smirk.

"Cleo," Levi acknowledged coldly as he noticed me. No greeting. No warmth. Just that corporate tone he reserved for business transactions. "The guests will be arriving soon. Make sure everything is in order."

"Of course," I replied, my voice steady despite the crack forming in my heart. "I just wanted to—"

"Play your part," he cut me off, already turning away. "That's what matters today."

Nina's smile widened as she leaned closer to him, her hand lingering on his arm. "Don't worry, Cleo. I'll take care of our Alpha."

---

Hours later, the great hall glittered with candlelight and champagne flutes. I stood beside Levi as he addressed the assembled pack members and dignitaries, his hand never once seeking mine.

"Tonight marks a new chapter for the Black Moon Pack," he declared, his voice carrying effortlessly across the room. "A chapter of strength and unity—"

The explosion cut him off mid-sentence.

One moment we were standing in opulent splendor; the next, we were plunged into chaos. Screams erupted as debris rained down from the ceiling. The acrid smell of smoke filled my nostrils as flames erupted along the far wall.

"Rogues!" someone shouted. "They've attacked!"

In the confusion, a heavy beam crashed down, pinning my leg beneath its weight. Pain shot through me as I cried out, my bones grinding against each other.

"Levi!" I screamed,