The Rejected Luna

NYRA

"Why are you still here? Your dear mate went to the obstetrics and gynecology department with that bitch! ”

As soon as I stepped into the banquet hall, I was pulled into a corner by my only friend, Liora.

Today was The Moon Festival.

I am the daughter of the Beta of the Greyfang pack, and even though many people in the pack were reluctant to admit my identity, I still had to dress up for this dinner.

"Here! Someone sent this to me. I thought it might be fabricated, but this photo sure looks real—" she scoffed, jaw clenching. "It must be true.. She must be back and now clinging to your mate," she handed me her phone, anger blaring in her eyes.

I raised my eyebrows and looked down at the screen.

There, in the picture—Rivena walked arm-in-arm with Luca in a healer's clinic—by the OB-GYN department.

Rivera was back? And got entangled with Luca again?

Luca was Greyfang Pack’s Alpha, my to-be-mate and betrothed, the man chosen by the goddess himself—according to a prophecy. And Rivena was a shadow that I had always been unable to get rid of.

She was an impostor, the fake heiress of the greyfang pack, but she had been a princess for 18 years. And I, the true heiress of the GreyfangPack, could only wander as an orphan until the man who changed my life took me in…

I was barely a day old— when I was switched—swapped with a rogue's daughter.

Her mother—a pardoned rogue who worked in the hospital at that time, had just delivered her baby.

She, however, wanted her daughter to live a good life.

So, I had to pay for it.

She switched me with her daughter, Rivena—and she lived eighteen years of my life for me.

It wasn't until two years ago that my biological parents finally found me. Words of promises were sung to my ears. How much I was wanted. How much they needed me—for what I thought would be a blessing, but ended up a curse.

After returning to the Greyfang Pack, I finally learned that they longed for my return just because a prophecy claimed I was a Moon-Marked wolf with extraordinary gifts. Their claims of love were false; in reality, they loved Rivena more.

But my misfortune didn't end there. I had no gift at all. On the contrary, I didn't even have a wolf.I thought that prophecy of Moon-Marked wolf was just a damn misunderstanding!

Therefore, it was only natural that they favored Rivera and ignored me.

My mother said she was innocent, so they would let her stay at home and be my sister. But they didn’t know how hypocritical and vicious my so-called sister is. Or they just chose not to.

She always acted so pitiful that everyone thought I was always bullying her. Sadly, my family also always believed in her and thought I was a bad girl.

She left two years ago, on her own accord—claiming since I was back—a rogue like her didn't have a place in the Pack.

But I knew it all. It was to gain sympathy from the Pack members.

Now, she is back. Not only to steal my life, but my mate and title as well.

I snorted coldly, although I still maintained the elegant posture of the daughter of a Beta, but my heart was already burning with anger.

Although my union with Luca was not entirely my intention, since I was about to conclude a mate bond, isn't it the most basic thing to remain loyal?

Since he and Rivena dared to betray me, they should be prepared to pay the price.

Just as I was about to say something to Liora, Luca and his father arrived.

Everyone in the hall rose to welcome them.

Soon, they took their seats. Dad gestured to me to go sit beside Luca.

As I stood, every eye followed, and murmurs rippled through the hall.

"There she is, the new girl."

"The one who stole Luna Rivena's title?"

"Yes, her."

I had heard this a lot since returning to the Pack.

From the sadness and anger at the beginning to the numbness now, I gradually learned to ignore those words.

I reached where Alpha Luca sat.

"Hey." He barely glanced at me.

I sat next to him, my gaze sharp and icy; they looked like they could kill.

I wasn't here to be intimidated by mere words, I was the intimidator.

I tried to hide my disgust for him. This vile traitor, I would make him pay for his shamelessness in a heartbeat. But not now, not in such a solemn ceremony of the pack.

"May we all have our seats, please," the ex-Alpha, Luca's father, said, and soon everyone else in the hall sat.

He began, "As we are gathered here today, for another joyous night—the Moon festival,"

"Luca, hi." A voice came in a hushed tone behind me.

I turned to see Rivena, the girl who lived my life for eighteen years, was truly back—dressed in a long black, sleeveless gown with a slit to the sides, baring her long tiny legs into view.

After seeing the photos Liora showed me, I was already mentally prepared for her back. But her shamelessness still exceeded my imagination. How dare she show up here?

She barely gave me a glance, and instead moved her seat, sitting beside Luca where he sat opposite me.

"You didn’t wait for me." She glanced wearily at me. “Let’s sit together.”

"Sure," Luca said in a clipped tone, then took a quick glance at me before returning to focus on his dad's drowned out words.

My insides boiled, and I found my hands clenching into a fist.

The audacity to be here. The audacity for both of them to act like nothing hadn’t happened.

Like they hadn’t been seeing each other behind my back.

Our wedding was in two weeks, yet he roamed about publicly with her.

Soon, the festival went on. A live band played, performers displayed dance arts, pups practiced choreography and joy and laughter filled the halls.

It was indeed a joyous day—for them at least.

Because for me, all I could think of was the seemingly carefree woman who sat opposite me.

I could see the way she tried getting Luca's attention, starting little convos that ended with awkward laughs.

The way her hand 'mistakenly' met with his when she grabbed a glass.

I scoffed dryly.

She wanted everything, didn't she?

I could see right through her, but it just seemed everyone else turned a blind eye.

She could never do anything wrong in my so-called family’s eyes, moreover she was the one they had known for 18 years.

Not me, who suddenly came from nowhere to steal her title.

They would never accept me.

I turned, and saw it.

Looks of disdain, hatred—the way they glanced at me wearily—casting hateful looks.

Instead, they looked at her with warmth in their eyes.

They looked at the one who had stolen my identity—my life— with eyes full of love.

While, I, the true daughter was given nothing other than looks filled with contempt.

They had known Rivina was back for a long time. But no one had asked for my opinion on it, nor had anyone informed me of the news.

The sound of glass shattering pierced through the music.

My head snapped up—liquid splashed across the table, spilling over the edge of my gown.

A server stood frozen, eyes wide, a tray of wine bottles tumbling from her trembling hands. The red wine splattered like blood across the white tablecloth—and all over Rivena's dress.

Gasps echoed. "Luna Rivena!" someone screamed.

Dozens rushed to her side. Warriors. Servers. Even Elders.

"Are you alright?"

"She's hurt!"

"Get towels!"

In the chaos, I sat still—wine dripping from my hands, the sting of embarrassment sharper than claws.

No one looked at me. Not one.

Not even him.

Luca pulled Rivena to her feet, his hands hovering over her like she was made of glass.

A faint smile tugged at her lips when her eyes met mine—mocking, victorious.

I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay composed. But the burn in my chest was louder than the music, louder than the laughter that resumed once everyone was sure she was fine.

When I rose from my seat, the hall quieted briefly, every eye following me—not with concern, but contempt.

So this was how it was going to be.

The imposter gets pity.

The real one gets forgotten.

NYRA

When I walked back into the hall, no one batted an eyelid at my side.

They didn’t care. Or they had already forgotten.

Or they never noticed I was gone.

I sat back in my seat, her gaze swept to mine immediately.

A tiny smirk tugged on her lips as she raised her glass up—toasting to me.

"Little Sis." She smiled.

I merely looked away, gaze falling on Luca's grip on her hand.

He removed his hand immediately, eyes swimming with guilt.

He ran his gaze over me.

"Are you okay? Rivena told me you were splashed too."

I didn't reply. I only grabbed a glass and drowned it down my throat, face hardening.

He frowned, ready to speak but Rivena held him gently.

"It's fine. The air must be too fuzzy for her. Don't be so harsh, after all she was splashed too."

Luca glanced over before nodding curtly.

My gaze moved to Rivena.

Not after what she did.

Luca once promised his bond to Rivena—before everyone learned she wasn't the real daughter. When she left, they chose me, the true heir.

After Rivena left, Luca was always enthusiastic about me. He also told me that his past with her was just an agreement between elders.

I scoffed unbelievably, drowning wine down my throat—ignoring the burning sensation.

Luca casted a glance at me, before looking forward with not as little as a care.

I fisted the sides of my dress, anger brewing in me.

"Alpha Luca? Your turn." An elder's voice rang faintly in my head.

I struggled to concentrate on the rest of the ceremony, but I couldn't.

Not with her sitting opposite me and acting clueless. Like she hadn't just tried to steal my life from me.

Back then too, she never apologized. Just faked innocence. Pretended to be the victim.

She had no idea, she claimed. Her mother was the perpetrator. Why should she pay for her sins?

Everyone was supportive. Even my own parents. Moreover, I was no better than her. I didn't have what the Pack needed me for.

I didn’t bear the mark of the moon-marked wolf like the prophecy stated I would.

"Nyra?" Luca's voice sliced through my thoughts.

I barely moved.

My brows raised questioningly.

It was then I noticed almost every eye in the hall was on me.

He turned to the crowd, "I would like to introduce my mate to you, Nyra. My future Luna."

With that, the hall broke into hushed chatters, soft whispers slicing through the once quiet hall.

Through the hushed tones, I could visibly see the look of doubt on their face. Contempt-filled looks. Even the elders weren't left out, they glanced at me unsurely.

I knew they didn't approve of me. They all thought I was just some wolf-less piece of shit that appeared out of nowhere. They'd rather have Rivera as their Luna.

I rose to my feet and walked to the podium, amidst my own brewing fury.

I faced them with a cold icy gaze.

"As written by the goddess, I, Alpha Luca, would take Nyra Voss, as my mate and Luna."

Hesitantly, hands moved against each other, breaking into claps.

I stood rigid, refusing to take Luca's hands into mine when he offered.

Instead, my gaze clashed with Rivena's who sat stiffly, a visible murderous look in her eyes.

Then I let her know, I didn't hide it. She would regret this.

Coming back to play tricks on me. For daring to think she could take everything that was mine without consequences.

In response, I didn't miss the slight curve of her lips into a smirk.

Game on.

Immediately the ceremony ended. I didn't wait, or pretend to be interested in anything else.

I walked out of the hall, my silhouette moving with elegance—a great contrast to the anger burning in me.

When I reached my apartment, I pushed the door open, storming in.

I strode to my closet, swiftly moving my hands through the clothes. I brought it out.

Heavy. White. Elegant. Royal.

My ceremonial wedding gown.

I stood before my mirror, holding it like a prize to be auctioned.

Our wedding was in two weeks. Yet. He did that.

My eyes shut close, and when it blared open—trails of white flashed through my eyeballs.

I didn't think twice.

I dug my fingers into the fabric, instead, something poked out—claws.

My breath hitched.

Serene.

I didn't wait. Didn't blink.

I dug into it, and tore it apart. I didn't stop.

I continued. Till it was unrecognizable, no more royalty, but nothing less than a rag.

I let the pieces flutter around the floor, and I watched—satisfactorily.

My brows raised abruptly.

"Serene?"

But she was gone. Again.

The next morning, I woke up to a text.

An unbelievable scoff left my lips.

Not a call?

A text. That was what I had been downgraded to.

I stared down icily at my phone with annoyance.

~I have something to tell you. Training ground.~

Luca's text read.

The sudden change in attitude was all because Rivena was back, wasn't it?

I didn't bother replying, and just locked my phone.

For two years, Luca had been nothing but nice and considerate towards me.

But now—it seemed his true colors were showing.

I breathed heavily, swiftly grabbing an outfit. Perhaps he was ready to man up and tell me the truth about how he's been messing around with that wrench.

How dare he claim me before everyone when he had been cheating on me?

By the time I reached the Pack estate, my rage had settled into something colder, sharper.

I straightened my face, eyes cold and unwelcoming.

But of course, as the unloved Beta's daughter who suddenly came to steal their golden egg's life, eyes followed me even as I stepped into the training grounds.

Warriors who trained under Luca's sharp swift commands, paused to watch me.

His brows raised icily and he turned to see what the distraction was.

His icy gaze softened into something else. It wasn't warmth. Annoyance. As though, I was a disturbance in the air.

But I didn't miss the flicker of guilt that flashed across his eyes.

That only made my insides boil. So, it was true. He truly was cheating on me. With her.

My teeth clenched together tightly but I mirrored down my expression and walked over to him, my legs not swaying once.

Despite being an asshole, the moon goddess blessed him with unmatched beauty that no one in Greyfang could rival.

His huge arms grabbed me swiftly, pulling me aside without a word.

"What?" I didn't bother hiding my displeasure as he pulled me to the raised platform at the edge of the training ground.

His brows raised at my attitude, but he didn't question it further.

But what he said next was something that shattered what little patience I had left.

"Rivena's back. Let's postpone the wedding."

NYRA

He paused, his brows raising slightly to see my reaction.

But when I gave none, he frowned.

Truth was, at that moment, I just wanted to slap him in the face.

He hesitated, voice low. "The healer's test came in this morning. It is worse than I thought,"

“I’m afraid we can’t go on with the wedding until she’s well.”

"That's a pity! But what does this have to do with our wedding? I looked him straight in the eyes.

"So why does the wedding have to be postponed once she comes back?"

I didn’t bother to lower my tone.

His brows flickered at my defiance. He glanced around briefly.

"Don't cause a scene." He reached into his pockets. "Here. Take this." He stretched forward a file.

My nostrils flared, not bothering to look at his outstretched hands.

"Is this a joke?" My voice rose sharply.

"No, it's not."

"Is there something you're not telling me?" I snapped.

His breath caught, only for a bit.

His brows knitted. "Do you know something?"

"I don't know. Is there something?"

"No," he said more sharply than intended.

He sighed softly. "Just take this."

"What's it?" I said, still not interested in taking it.

"It holds an ownership document to one of my estates out of town. Take it and stay there for a while. When you return, we'll hold the wedding,"

"An even grander one," he added.

My brows furrowed, and I blinked in confusion.

"I'm confused. Rivena returns sick, I have to leave the Pack to make room for her?"

He huffed, seemingly growing impatient. "Haven't you always wanted to leave the Pack? You said it didn't feel like home!" He didn't bother hiding the annoyance in his voice.

I didn't want to listen to his nonsense anymore.

So I yanked the file out of his hand, and shredded it into pieces with its content.

His mouth grew loose as he watched and his eyes blared with anger.

"Nyra!"

By now, Warriors had now stopped to watch my act of defiance to their Alpha.

"How about this?" I let out a humorless laugh. "Cancelling the wedding is an even better option. Go to hell!" I growled.

And without a last glance, I marched away, ignoring his calls.

"Cancel the wedding, huh? No one would take her in if she did that."

"Her family does not want her anyways."

"She would lose out so badly. No one wants to marry a wolfless girl anyways."

"I can't believe she's being picky when our Alpha's only managing her and doing her a favor."

"She doesn't deserve to be Luna anyways. Rivena's better."

Their words rang incessantly in my head as I walked past.

I growled, fuming with anger.

I was going to ignore until her scent hit me—harshly.

Rivena stepped out of the pack house, four to five maids behind her, and Luca's Gamma behind her as her guard.

She, together with the maids carried baskets filled with fruits, foods and other gifts—holding them to her chest as though they were offerings.

A wide smile played on her lips, her eyes filled with warmth, and her flowy yellow dress moved elegantly with the wind's aid.

Warriors soon surrounded her, gushing over her as she handed them gifts.

Soon, nearby workers in the estate joined, not wanting to miss out on her generous gifts.

"Luna Rivena, you're the best!" A maid gushed with wide happy smiles.

"I personally don't think you're a fake, Luna Rivena. I think you're authentic," a warrior joked and others shared in the laughter.

Rivena giggled fakely—the words seemed to have struck a nerve but she masked it with a smile.

"Thank you all, you're the best." She smiled widely, displaying fake concern.

But I saw right through her deceit. She couldn't care less about any of them.

She only wanted their support—one which she's always had.

So I knew, this was a reminder—to me. That she'll always have what was rightfully mine.

Just like at dinner yesterday, the same way they had disregarded me and fawned over her instead.

It would always be her.

The support of my people. My parents.

I was going to turn, and leave. I couldn't care less. She could have the whole Pack's support for all I cared.

I never truly belonged here anyways. I was never wanted. I was merely a tool they were going to use.

She spotted me, and her lips curved. "Shouldn't the future Luna be doing this for her people?"

Laughter paused, every one now turning to look at me.

I smirked, calm. "Why should I bother? I have you to do it for me."

Her smirk vanished. A deadly expression flashed through her eyes. Briefly.

She smiled.

"How about a sparring match? Shouldn't the future Luna know how to spar?" She faked a pitiful look. "Or is that too difficult without a wolf?"

Some of the maids giggled, while the Warriors exchanged knowing mocking looks.

I smirked. "Don't cry when it hurts."

She frowned, and didn't wait.

She lunged forward, swiftly but sloppy.

I caught her fist, barely moving. I twisted her arms, pushing her backwards harshly.

She stumbled, falling on her butt.

Everyone's brows raised abruptly, shock spreading across their faces.

I dust my dress slightly.

Rivena growled loudly, embarrassed but refusing to accept defeat.

She rose to her feet, then lunged again, flying and rolling a kick in the air.

I caught her fist just before it could land on my face. I twisted her arms again, a yelp left her mouth.

I didn't let that register, I pushed back. Hard. She flew back, falling and rolling into the sand—her face eating dust.

I didn't wait. I sped to her, pinning her down roughly.

I clawed at her throat, then dug in deeply.

Gasps filled the air as blood spilled down her neck.

"You talk too much for someone this easy to break." I muttered, voice icy yet calm.

"How's she doing that?"

"Isn't she wolfless?"

"How could she tackle her easily like that?"

Humiliation washed over Rivena and her cheeks heated up with embarrassment.

"Get off me, you wolfless wrench!" she growled with anger.

My hands raised and landed hard on her cheeks, the impact whipping her face to her sides.

Gasps filled the air.

Rivena stiffened in shock, her eyes widening as traces of my palm lined her cheeks.

"You shut up, you thieving bitch!" I growled.

I exhaled sharply, pulling away, dusting my gown.

My brows snapped up when I noticed the strange silence that fell across the field.

Rivena was still on the ground, writhing in pain, dust clinging to her hair and face.

Everyone stared—not at her, but at me.

Then it happened.

A faint shimmer rippled across my skin—quick, like light catching water.

For a second, something burned beneath my palm, a pulse so hot it made me flinch.

I glanced down and saw it—a faint glow, silver trailing through my veins before vanishing as fast as it came.

Gasps echoed around me.

"What was that?" someone whispered.

I looked up sharply, hiding my hand behind me.

"What?" I snapped, though I felt it too—the strange thrum beneath my skin.

Behind me, Luca growled.

NYRA

Luca stormed over, furious."What the hell is wrong with you!?"

He hadn't seen it, but Gamma Mari did—his eyes still pinning my hand with a confused look.

I instinctively pushed my hand further behind.

Angrily as he gazed at Rivena on the ground, Luca pushed me aside.

I frowned, but barely stumbled and so I stepped forward again.

I grabbed a stray basket from the ground, then swung it—smashing it straight into Luca's head with an unbelievable force.

Slow gasps filled the air from bystanders.

Did I just dare to hit the Alpha?

Luca's vision bluffed for a second as rage flared in his eyes.

I didn't wait.

Before he could react, I kicked Rivena's leg once more before turning to leave.

Luca, now recovering from the hit, grabbed me angrily.

"What has gotten into you!?" His voice thundered across the field.

I only looked at him over my shoulders.

"Better me than an enemy pack. At least I didn't kill her." I turned fully, his grip siding off me. "If she's the Luna you want, you deserve her."

His breath caught—briefly.

"You must have thought it wrong, Nyra." His nostrils flared. "I told you before—there's nothing going on between us!"

I scoffed, then passed a fuming Rivena on the ground one last glance—watching her chest rise and fall heavily as she whimpered in pain.

I smirked, taking in the dirt on her face deliciously. "You truly belong in the gutters, Rivena."

With that, I turned and walked away, eyes of the members following me, with their mouths hung open in awe.

Just as I approached my car, Gamma Mari called behind me.

I waited, watching as he walked up to me with a look of arrogance.

When he stopped before me, he stretched my phone forward indifferently.

"It dropped on the field," he said.

I took it from him, but my brows raised when he wouldn't leave.

"Alpha Luca says to drive you home."

I scoffed unbelievably, but my gaze soon turned cold. "Not interested," I said, pulling my car knob.

"You're lucky Alpha Luca loves you. No one defies him and leaves scot-free," he said with as much arrogance as he could.

I continued but he spoke again.

"Earlier—"

My breath hitched slightly.

"What was that?"

I didn't care to give a response. I stepped into my car, slammed the door and drove off.

My breaths were heavy as I drove, heart hammering in my chest.

"Serene, is that you?" I whispered, glancing at my hand for the trails I had seen earlier.

I had never felt that way. Except that one time.

But this was different.

Just as I reached the estate's gates—my phone rang.

My so-called mother’s name flashed as the caller's ID and I bit back a scoff.

Words sure flew around quickly. It hadn't even been a minute.

Her favorite must have gone crying to her.

I swiped right and her voice blared through the speakers immediately.

"I need to see you. Right now!" She growled.

I tightened my grip on the wheels, eyes concentrated on the road. "Not interested," I simply said.

That angered her more. "How dare you speak to your mother like that!?"

"Why are you calling?"

Her voice softened, only for a beat. "Did you really pick a fight with Rivena?"

"I'm not exactly free to do that, am I?" I smirked. "I'm a busy woman."

She scoffed loudly. "Busy with what? You're not exactly busy performing your womanly duties to Luca, are you?"

She started her usual tirade—accusing me of immaturity, of jealousy, of never being enough. The same speech she gave every time Rivena cried.

She cleared her throat lightly on the other end. "It happened years ago, can't you let it go?" Her tone softened slightly.

For a moment, heat crawled up my neck. I swallowed hard, before pushing the bile that rushed up my throat down.

But it was only for a fleeing moment.

"Lady Marielle," I called coldly. "You do remember she tried to kill me, right?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" She spoke harshly. "My Rivena would never do that. She has a pure heart."

She never would?

I almost laughed.

Rivena had a pure heart?

A pure heart doesn't lace coffee with wolfsbane.

"And that's why the wedding has to be postponed?"

She paused for a beat. "Oh, Luca told you already. But you don't have to worry, it's only for now. She's very sick, and needs Luca by her side."

I drew back, I couldn't believe my ears. "She's sick—my mate has to stay by her side? And our wedding gets postponed? How much more ridiculous could this family get?"

She didn't bother hiding her annoyance now. "Rivena and Luca grew up together. They have always relied on and cherished each other. You can't take that way just because he's your betrothed." She paused sharply, inhaling deeply. "Just step back for now. Luca will still get married to you. But for now, Rivena's health is top priority."

I hung up before she could say more. The bile in my throat burned hotter than the wolfsbane ever had.

My heart pounded with fury as I leaned back against the headrest, eyes unfocused on the dashboard.

But then — the memories came rushing in.

The scent of fresh coffee. Rivena’s laughter echoing through my room. “A peace offering,” she’d said, smiling sweetly as she handed me the cup.

The next moment, pain— searing and raw — tearing through my throat. My body had collapsed before I could scream. And when I woke up in the healer’s ward three months later, she was crying by my bedside, telling everyone it wasn’t her fault.

Everyone believed her.

Everyone except me.

I clenched my fists until my nails dug deep into my palms, grounding myself in the present. “You won’t win this time,” I whispered.

My phone buzzed on the dashboard. I frowned and reached for it.

A message blinked on the screen.

~My pretty good girl. You’re staying hidden so well.~

My breath caught.

The number was unknown. No name. No clue.

He found me.

Slowly, my gaze drifted toward the window.

The moonlight spilled across the estate, silvering the trees — and for the briefest moment, I saw it.

A silhouette. Still. Watching.

And then… it vanished.

My heart thudded once, hard. I gripped my phone tighter, eyes locked on the empty dark.

He knows I'm here.

He found me.

NYRA

I decided against going to my apartment. I couldn't.

I felt uneasy.

The text. The shadows. That sudden damn surge of energy I felt.

Everything bothered me. And I needed to push them aside for now.

I had other important matters.

Like canceling a wedding.

I didn't get to land a knock when the door pushed open.

"Did you really claw Rivena in front of the whole training ground?"

I didn't even get to say hi.

I cracked a dry laugh. "Hi to you too."

"Come in, tell me everything now." She urged me in.

When I was done, she looked half horrified, half proud.

"You really hit Luca in front of Pack members?" Liora looked so excited.

I lifted a shoulder, pouring myself a drink. "He deserved that, and more."

I wasn't the type to lose my shit, but whenever it came to Rivena, everything she did just seemed to get on my nerves.

Not just me. Even Liora looked angry.

She passed me a thumbs up. "You did great! They both deserved it!" she said, grabbing my drink and drowning it down her throat.

My gaze sharpened. "That's mine."

"Oh—" she muttered, eyes half-wide.

"You know what, let's go get actual drinks at the tavern." She trailed off. I nodded. "—and, I might be able to link you up with hotter guys. I have a girl, she's got plenty of hot guys."

"Yeah, no. Still got a reputation to uphold."

"Oh please, we both know you couldn't give two shits about what anyone thinks. Not especially our Pack members."

I nodded stiffly. "Couldn't be truer."

"You know, I was worried you would come home crying. I should have known better. You're not one to cry," Liora muttered as we slipped into our seats.

"Instead, you gave them both a beating. How hotter could you get?"

I laughed dryly. "Don't you have a shift tonight?" I asked as we hollered a server.

"I took a day off for you."

My brows thinned. "Really? Why?"

She shrugged. "I stupidly thought I would have to console you all night. I was wrong."

"Regular for me. Moonfire Ale for her. She likes it bold." She winked at the blonde server. He nodded with flushed cheeks before leaving.

I shook my head.

She leaned in immediately. "See that? Hot guys everywhere. That darn Luca ain't worth it."

"He isn't." I leaned closer. "Which is why I need you to help me put up a post."

Her brows raised immediately.

She leaned closer.

"A post?"

I nodded.

"About what?"

"I'm cancelling the alliance. Hashtag wedding's off. Caption—To the Alpha who strays, may he find joy in his gutter bride. I withdraw my claim. That kind of caption to spice things up a bit."

Liora stared, mouth parted open. "Are you joking?"

"Of course not." I scoffed, "Thank you," then said as the server dropped our orders.

"I'm not waiting for them to throw me away. I'm cancelling the bond alliance myself."

Liora looked on, completely stunned. "You're serious," she asked, more like a statement.

I lifted my drink to my lips. "Completely. Let's see how Rivena likes me flipping the script." I took a sip and it burned.

"Hmm, strong," I muttered.

Liora just watched, lips still slightly parted, looking as though she was struggling to wrap her head around it all.

"Has Luca's family and yours agreed to this?"

"I mean." She cleared her throat. "You beat them up one minute, the next they agree to call the bond alliance off?"

I scoffed. "I don't need their approval."

"Wow," she muttered speechless.

"I never wanted this alliance to begin with, remember?"

"Yes, but—"

"No but." I cut her off sharply.

I never had a choice nor a say in this alliance.

Greyfang ex-Alpha and Elders had opposed the bond formation between Luca and Rivena when it was outed that Rivena wasn't the Voss's bloodline. Hence, she couldn't become Luna.

Only the one with the Voss's blood running in her veins could.

My parents had panicked.

They couldn't miss this golden opportunity.

They arranged the bond alliance behind my back.

Luca too, he suddenly changed. He took my side for the first time. He couldn't marry Rivena anymore after all.

After Rivena left on her own accord, he suddenly became nice. Buying me gifts, showering me with love and attention.

I had thought he finally saw Rivena's true colors.

I was wrong.

Liora finally snapped out of it. "But—I thought you liked Luca too, you agreed easily to the alliance. And you even went to try out the ceremonial wedding gown two days ago. Why?"

She looked at me confusedly.

My gaze darkened. 'Why?'

“I never liked him.”

“Then why agree to marry him?”

I had my reasons.

But I didn’t say.

I Couldn’t.

"You're asking too many questions. Put up the post. Include the photo of them together at the healer's clinic. A clear one."

She looked like she wanted to speak further, but eventually gave it up.

"If you say so," she muttered instead.

"I just hope you truly don't love him. I don't want you to get hurt."

She immediately logged onto her phone—then to PackLink. It's the werewolves gossip channel without involving the humans.

Words spread instantly through the territory, faster than wildfire.

She soon uploaded the post, adding my caption and including a clear photo making sure the OBY-GYN department was highlighted.

Within seconds, whispers rippled through the tavern. Wolves turned their heads as the PackLink spread.

Warriors at the nearby table looked stunned, some smirked approvingly while some cast me hateful glances.

I didn't flinch, just grabbed another drink.

"They're talking," Liora whispered.

I shrugged. "Let them. Better a rebel than a pawn."

I leaned back, watching the tavern erupt into mayhem.

Liora's eyes suddenly widened.

"What?"

"Luca. He's calling."

I glanced down at my phone, truly his name flashed on the caller's ID.

I leaned back, a smirk decorating my lips.

Soon, tons of messages swooped in.

Mom. Dad. Elders. Luca.

And then a last message popped up.

~You've disgraced this Pack. The council summons you to the hall~

I swirled the last of my drink, then drowned it in a go.

I then typed a reply.

~I'll be there~