Eleanor' POV:

I honestly don't care what Carl's up to anymore. Whatever game he's playing now just doesn't matter.

He's using Katherine to get under my skin, trying to get me to fall apart like I used to. I used to love him so much, and now all I feel is disappointment.

Carl will never realize I've stopped caring. My heart's done-it doesn't beat for him anymore.

I followed his words and stepped into the room the staff had cleaned up. I stayed quiet, waiting while they prepared food downstairs.

Unlike those loud-mouth omegas back at the Alpha's house, the wolves here were polite and kept to themselves. One came up calmly to tell me dinner was ready. I picked out a few things I liked and ate just enough to fill myself.

On my way back, I grabbed a blank notebook and a couple of pencils from downstairs. Back in my room, I holed up and started doing some math-figuring out what little I actually owned. But without a phone or bank card, I couldn't even check my pathetic balance right now.

Being Carl's mate didn't change the fact-I was still dirt poor. Nada. The rewards the Stormfang Pack gave my parents? None of that ever belonged to me. I didn't get a cent. Carl didn't even bother giving me any living expenses.

Half my tuition came from my grandma. The rest? Scholarships and whatever I earned grinding through part-time jobs.

Now the organizers want me to give the trophy back and return the prize money too. It sounds crazy, but there's nothing I can do-they left me no choice.

I lay on my bed, feeling this heavy ache in my chest I couldn't shake. My hand drifted to my neck, touching the moon-shaped gemstone pendant that always hung there.

Carl gave it to me eleven years ago, after he saved me.

It was when I started caring for him, and later, I became his mate.

No matter what happened, I never had the heart to let it go. But now? I might have to.

I clutched the light blue stone tight, whispering a quiet prayer to the Moon Goddess.

I borrowed some cash from one of the staff at the estate. Thankfully, they said yes, so I was finally able to hop a ride and head to this local trade market.

This was the place where werewolves dealt in gems, but I had no clue if my necklace would even get an offer.

"Hey, do you guys buy gemstones here?" I asked as I walked up to a random stall that didn't have anyone around.

I slipped off my necklace and set it gently on the table in front of the vendor. He gave me a once-over, clearly trying to gauge something, then leaned in to inspect the stone.

"Yeah, sure. How much are you hoping to get from it?"

"I don't really know-what would you offer?" I asked, a bit unsure.

I never really understood gemstones, but I knew this one meant something-and it had to be worth a lot.

But something I said must've given the stall owner the wrong idea. He looked at me like I was clueless and sighed dramatically. "The color's nice, sure, but the shape's off. Looks like it's missing a piece, right?"

"Yeah," I nodded, keeping my tone flat.

"So all I can offer is..." He dragged it out like it pained him. "Five hundred."

"Seriously?" I stared at him, totally floored. He crossed his arms and gave me that smug, dismissive look.

I snatched the necklace back and scoffed. "Forget it. I'm not selling."

"I'll go up to two thousand, tops," he snapped at my back, clearly pissed. "You might want to think twice-if I turn it down, nobody else around here's gonna take it either!"

Yeah, that was a threat if I'd ever heard one. Still, no way I was letting it go for that cheap. I hit up a few more stalls after that.

But whatever power he had, it was real. None of the other wolves wanted to touch it.

"Excuse me, miss," I was wandering around, already feeling let down, when a well-dressed man suddenly approached me. "I noticed your moonstone necklace-it's quite something. Any chance you're selling? Maybe we can talk price?"

He gave me a friendly smile, that sharp suit of his totally clashing with the rough vibe of the market. Didn't strike me as a regular vendor.

I didn't even bother responding-just shot him a look and kept walking.

But he didn't give up. Instead, he stepped closer and held out a hand. "Please, trust me. I really do deal in gemstones. Look, that's my shop right over there. Would you mind coming inside? We can chat properly."

I paused and followed his finger to a humble little store tucked in the corner. That made me ease up a bit, so I nodded.

I trailed behind him as he led the way. "Name's Zane," he said as we entered.

He didn't mention a last name. Then again, most werewolves around here kept a low profile. His name rang a bell, though. I wasn't sure where I'd heard it before, but it sounded familiar.

Strangely, he looked a bit awkward as he stepped inside, like he wasn't used to the place. Odd. But before I could think more, he quickly grabbed a magnifying glass from the table and leaned in to examine the necklace.

"This... wow, this is a great piece. The moonstone's flawless," he murmured.

Then, with a weird look, he asked, "Is there a second one?"

"Nope, this is the only one I've got," I replied honestly.

"Oh, so... where's it from?"

"It was a gift from someone. I'm just curious what kind of offer you can make." I felt a little anxious. I was broke, and I needed to get a phone-and still have some money left to survive. If not, I had no idea how I was supposed to start over.

"Thirty grand," Zane said, watching me closely. "How's that sound?"

I didn't hesitate. "That's a bit low."

Truth was, I had no clue what it was worth. Thirty thousand dollars sounded like a fortune to me. I just said that to see if he'd go higher.

"Fifty. That's my max," Zane said, voice firm. "If that works for you, I'll transfer it right now. If not, you'll have to try your luck elsewhere."

"Deal," I replied calmly. "But I don't have my card on me. Can you send it to my account directly?"

He gave me a suspicious look, so I added, "Also, I'll need some of it in cash."

He hesitated for a moment, and I just stood there quietly, waiting for him to decide. Out of nowhere, Zane turned and glanced toward a corner. I instinctively followed his gaze-and that's when I noticed someone sitting there.

He was so still, it was like he blended into the shadows. His messy black hair dropped over striking green eyes that held a wild intensity. Tall, built, and clearly not your average wolf-how had I missed him until now?

A mask covered half his face, like he didn't want anyone recognizing him.

Our eyes locked. Those deep green eyes didn't waver, and I suddenly felt my heartbeat speeding up. I got a little nervous under his stare.

"Ethan," he said casually as he stood up. Zane gave a respectful nod in his direction, and that clued me in-this guy wasn't just some random wolf. He was important. And he'd just told me his name.

I didn't keep up with the other packs that much, so the name Ethan didn't ring any bells for me.

"Hi, sir," I said awkwardly, fidgeting with my fingers.

Zane stepped away to process the payment, leaving just me and Ethan.

"Relax," Ethan said, hands tucked into his pockets as he glanced at me. "Who gave you that necklace?"

His stare didn't let up. My breath caught a little, and I swallowed hard. "It was a gift... from a wolf I knew."

There's no way I was dropping Carl's name-I had no idea if Ethan knew him, and I wasn't about to take that risk.

Ethan frowned slightly, but that cold, distant look quickly crept back onto his face. He rubbed his chin like he was trying to figure something out, but in the end, all he did was throw me a weird smile and drop the conversation.

I kept my head down, doing my best to stay invisible. I had zero interest in talking to a guy like him-he gave off the same overpowering vibe Carl used to. My gut told me he was probably an alpha.

What would an alpha even be doing in a place like this? Not my problem anymore.

I took the stack of cash Zane handed me and walked off without looking back.

"Goodbye, Carl. We're done, for real this time." I cast one last glance over my shoulder, more sarcastic than sentimental. That necklace was the last thing tying me to him-now it's gone.

With the cash in hand, I bought myself a new phone, then grabbed a ride back home.

On the drive, staring out the window, my mind drifted back.

My dad, Jack, was a delta in the Stormfang Pack. So was my grandpa, Daniel. He fought his whole life for the Pack, loyal to a fault. During a rogue attack, he took a fatal hit protecting Alpha Remy.

Daniel didn't make it, and out of gratitude, Remy gave our family the privileges of a gamma rank. I've got a younger sister, but Remy always liked me best. That's why he picked me to be with Carl.

Carl and I had our ceremony under the witness of the Moon Goddess and Remy, and it was Remy who gave us his blessing.

Because of that, I became the Luna, and the two of us were seen as one of the more privileged pairs in the Stormfang Pack.

Even though they never really cared about me, that place had still been my home. They enjoyed everything, while I took all the pain. I hadn't been back in ages.

"Ma'am, we've arrived," the werewolf driving gently reminded me from the front seat.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I took a shaky breath, opened the car door, and walked up to the villa that felt both familiar and foreign.

"What are you doing back from Alpha Carl's place?" a sharp voice suddenly cut through the air.

Eleanor' POV:

The she-wolf in front of me was dressed to the nines, swaying her hips as she approached with that all-too-familiar sneer.

She was my mother-Ivy.

"Mom," I called out a bit stiffly.

"I asked you-what are you doing back here all of a sudden?" Her eyes shot daggers at me. "Don't tell me you got kicked out?"

I clutched my hands, silence pressing down on my chest like a weight. I felt like I couldn't breathe.

"Look at the mess you've dragged us into!" Ivy snapped. "We can't even hold our heads up around the other werewolves!"

"I'm warning you, Eleanor. Your tie with Alpha Carl was something your grandfather gave his life for. Your job is simple-take care of the alpha, give him kids, continue the Stormfang line. Got it?!"

"I'm ending the mate bond," I said flatly, the corner of my mouth pulling into a cold smile. "So yeah, looks like your grand plan's about to go up in smoke."

I couldn't stand another second of her yelling, so I turned on my heel and headed straight for the house.

Carl's family couldn't stand me, but honestly? That was mostly thanks to mine-with the one exception of my grandmother. Ivy had been using my bond with Carl to squeeze more and more out of them, always asking for more like it was owed to her.

"Eleanor!" Ivy's voice exploded behind me, full of anger as she stormed over. "How dare you break the mate bond with Alpha Carl? Are you out of your damn mind? Get back here right now!"

"What's all the yelling?" Jack stepped out just then, clearly irritated. "The whole house can hear you screeching!"

I stood by the door, quietly looking at him. "Dad."

"Eleanor? What the hell are you doing back here?" Jack looked stunned. "After what you pulled, Carl still didn't kick you out of the pack, and you have the nerve to come home instead of groveling and fixing your mistake? Turn around and go back!"

For them, the bond between Carl and me was never about love-it was leverage. I was just a pawn, something for them to trade for power and status. To them, all I was good for was being Carl's plaything, forever stuck in a role I never chose.

"I'm ending the mate bond," I said, clenching my fists. "I came back to-"

"Smack!"

A sharp slap landed across my face.

Pain exploded through my cheek, my head spinning. I staggered, barely staying on my feet as blood welled up in the corner of my mouth.

Jack's face was twisted with rage. "I won't allow it!"

I held my face with a shaking hand, taking in a shaky breath. "I'd rather die than be Luna another second."

"If you even think about doing that," Jack yanked my shirt hard, his eyes full of menace, "I'll break your damn legs and throw you out of the pack. You wanna live like some rogue the rest of your life?"

"Doesn't matter what you think. My mind's made up."

"I'll kill you!" Ivy screamed as she charged at me. She grabbed my hair, yanking me to the side, then slammed me to the ground and began hitting me over and over. Her claws tore through my skin like paper. All I could do was curl up and protect my vital parts-my body barely had any strength left in it.

She pressed harder, choking me with both hands. I gasped for air, clawing at her arms. "You think you can defy me and get away with it? You ungrateful brat. Do you have any idea how many girls dream of being a Luna?"

"Eleanor, run!" My grandma Zoe dashed in, shoving Ivy aside. "Get out of here, now!"

She motioned frantically while yelling at me, trying to shield me. Tears blurred my eyes.

I looked at her-at the only one who still loved me. My chest felt like it had been crushed into shards, every piece cutting deeper into what little strength I had left.

Her frail hand pushed me forward, and without another glance, I wiped my tears and bolted out the door.

"You damn old hag! No dinner for you tonight! Starve for all I care!" Ivy spat behind me, screaming in rage.

I bit my lip hard, forcing back the tears stinging my eyes. Deep down, I swore to myself-I'd survive this hell and bring Zoe out of it with me.

Looking a complete mess, I stumbled out of the mansion and made it to the front gate-and that's when I saw Carl.

A pile of cigarette butts littered the ground near him while a wolf shifter crouched nearby cleaning up the trash.

"Ready to come back with me now?" Carl's tone was sour, his smirk cold as he stared me down. "You ran off without a word."

"I can find my way back on my own," I muttered, sniffling. I tried to brush past him, keeping my distance. But out of nowhere, Carl grabbed my arm and yanked me back hard. I let out a pained grunt as I stumbled right into him.

"I came here to drag you back myself," he growled next to my ear. "Don't be stupid, Eleanor."

"You're out of your damn mind!" I wrestled to break free, but his grip only tightened, making my arm throb with pain.

I sucked in a shaky breath, furrowing my brows. My voice trembled, "Even if you saved me eleven years ago, even if I was in love with you for seven years and stayed with you for three... you helped destroy me in Stormfang Pack. I lost everything because of you. Isn't that enough to repay what I owed you?

"I already sold the necklace you gave me. I'll pay you back that money when I can.

"I'm doing everything I can to stay away from you. Why can't you just leave me alone?

"Please, Alpha Carl, I'd rather die anywhere than in front of you!"

Tears streamed down my face as I shoved his hand away. Just being near him made my stomach churn, like I might throw up any second. My whole body would start shaking-yeah, it was that bad.

I used to love him like crazy. And now? I hate him just as fiercely.

Carl didn't give a damn about what I said. He grabbed me roughly and dragged me toward the car. "You're coming with me."

There was no point fighting back. I was too weak.

Inside the car, I pressed myself against the door, trying to stay as far from him as physically possible. Even a few inches felt better than nothing.

He ignored how uncomfortable I clearly was and tossed a new laptop and phone onto the seat next to me. "I bought these for you."

"I don't want them," I said coldly, my voice flat.

"I gave them to you, so you're taking them," Carl snapped.

"I said I don't want them!" I screamed, my voice cracking.

Before he could say another word, I rolled down the window, grabbed both the laptop and phone, and hurled them out. They hit the ground and shattered on impact.

"Eleanor, what the hell is wrong with you now?" Carl snapped, shooting me a furious glare. Clearly, I'd pushed his buttons. He lunged at me, shoving me down into the seat. "Keep acting like this and I'll fuck you right here!"

"Don't touch me! You make my skin crawl!" I shouted, twisting away.

"Crawl?" Carl let out a cold laugh and yanked at my clothes. "Don't act like you're some innocent little thing.

"Oh, right-wasn't it you begging to sleep with me before and I turned you down?

"Well, guess what? I'm making that happen now."

His hands tore through my clothes, exposing me in a blink.

Carl's grip locked around my throat while I fought him off with weak, trembling hands. His fingers moved over me, brushing past my underwear-and I felt a wave of nausea crash over me. I was shaking all over.

Total despair wrapped around me like a chokehold.

Eleanor' POV:

Carl yanked down my bra, his hands seizing my breasts, kneading them roughly.

I gasped in pain, a wave of unwanted pleasure surging from my chest, mixing with the despair that twisted deep inside me.

Pleasure and anguish ignited within me, tangled and uncontrollable. I curled in on myself, trying to resist, but my body betrayed me.

The werewolf driving slammed the partition shut, locking us into our dark, private space.

"Please..." I choked out, my voice barely a whisper.

Carl didn't answer. Instead, his hand slid into my panties. The delicate fabric tore beneath his fingers.

He began to stroke me, slow and deliberate, teasing the slick folds of my core. His palm brushed across my thighs and hips in cruel, lingering circles.

"I hate this," I whispered, but my body was already trembling beneath his touch.

My legs quivered, and heat pooled between them. My breathing grew frantic; I bit my lip, trying to stay silent.

Carl chuckled darkly and pressed harder, faster. I couldn't stop the cry that tore from my throat.

Tears slid down my cheeks as I trembled under his hand, my body shaking with betrayal. And then-release.

Warm wetness spilled from me as I climaxed, my mind going blank, my muscles giving out entirely.

Carl pulled away, his touch vanishing. My thighs trembled, my entire body limp and drained.

I thought he would take me then, force himself inside-but he didn't.

Instead, he sat back, his jaw tight, his eyes cold and unreadable.

I curled into myself again, arms wrapped around my chest, finally free of his grasp-but not the fear.

My mind drifted back to the night we became mates-a night that had felt like sweet torment, one that left me breathless and aching in ways I couldn't explain. I had surrendered to him then. I had wanted him.

But not now. Not like this. I don't crave him anymore.

His tenderness? Never meant for me. That was always Katherine.

"Cut it out. Don't look at me like that," Carl snapped. "It's not like I actually fucked you."

"I was just teaching you a lesson, so you'd quit losing it on me all the time. You think I wanted this?

"And God, look at your body. So bony it's depressing. Like hugging a damn skeleton."

He kept going, eyes full of disgust as he stared at me, naked and exposed. I lowered my head, trying to block out his words.

This wasn't the usual him. He wasn't acting cold and silent like before, but somehow, it felt even worse.

My clothes had been torn up by him, and I didn't dare move an inch.

Eventually, he seemed to notice I had nothing on. He took off his jacket and tossed it at me. "Put it on."

I took it without a word and wrapped it around my thin frame.

He kept staring, that mocking smile growing sharper. "Don't you hate me? So why are you even wearing my clothes? You act like I disgust you, like you couldn't run far enough from me-this monster of a werewolf."

"You tore my clothes," I lifted my head slowly, voice full of dry sarcasm. "Guess that means I get to wear yours now. Or would you actually prefer me walking around naked?"

"Sharp tongue as always, Eleanor," Carl gave a low chuckle. "But you're only allowed to follow my rules now."

He wasn't wrong. So I shut up. That's pretty much been my go-to lately-just acting like he doesn't exist. Silence was safer. Especially with him. I couldn't trust what I'd do if I kept talking.

Neither of us said another word the whole way back to his private villa. As soon as we got there, I headed straight upstairs and tossed his coat aside like it burned.

After a shower and a quick lie-down, nearly an hour had passed.

"Luna," a knock came from outside, one of the staff. "Alpha's been waiting a while."

I took a deep breath, opened the door, and forced myself downstairs to face Carl.

The servant silently led me into the dining room. Carl was already sitting there, water glass in hand like nothing had happened.

"I'm planning to go back to campus tomorrow," I said, sitting down and grabbing a strip of bacon.

I didn't bring up the whole bond thing. After how unhinged he'd been today, it was clear I needed a better play-something subtle.

Carl scoffed. "You do realize that plagiarism mess blew up, right? And you still want to go back?"

"Exactly," I replied calmly, chewing as I talked. "I've got work to finish. I'm getting that diploma, one way or another."

"Think whatever you want," Carl suddenly snapped, slamming his cup down hard before storming upstairs.

His face looked like thunder, like something I'd said just hit a nerve. I raised an eyebrow, totally confused.

Still, seeing him that pissed off weirdly made me feel a lot better.

"What the hell is Carl freaking out about now?" I tilted my head, still puzzled. "Does he seriously think I shouldn't even try going back to the academy?"

I couldn't wrap my head around his need to control everything I did. He used to barely care, and now he wants to be all up in my business?

I finished my dinner slowly, like I had all the time in the world, then headed upstairs too.

*****

Next morning, I left early, just told the housekeeper where I was going.

The design academy wasn't exactly close to the Stormfang Pack, so the ride took a while.

As soon as I stepped on campus, someone shouted, "Eleanor's here!"

That one yell drew all eyes to me. "No way, is that Eleanor? She actually showed up?!"

"She basically trashed the academy's rep... what a joke."

Keeping a straight face, I walked toward the entrance as a wave of nasty whispers and insults crashed over me.

They were clearly shocked to see me, but mostly, there was so much disgust in their eyes.

I hadn't set foot in the design academy for a whole month. Ever since the plagiarism scandal blew up, I'd dragged a ton of negative press onto the school. They clearly didn't want me around anymore. But today, I had no choice-I had to come sign some papers agreeing to the academy's punishment.

The Starluxe Competition was the biggest deal out there-everyone knew it was the gold standard.

Being accused of plagiarism during the finals? Yeah, that hit like a truck. The fallout was brutal. If it weren't for my track record-stacked scholarships and top achievements as a top werewolf designer-I would've been booted out without a second thought.

I slowed down, automatically glancing at the familiar faces of the werewolf students who used to praise me. Now they looked different-some disappointed, some mocking, most just flat-out furious.

Even if things weren't how they imagined, it didn't matter. In their eyes, I was scum. A disgrace to the academy. A shameless werewolf who should've just disappeared.

"There she is," someone muttered under their breath. "Quick, shut the door. Don't let her in. Gross!"

I was just about to reach the studio door when that hit me. Before I even got close, the door slammed hard in my face.

My chest tightened. I reached out, giving the door a soft push-it didn't budge.

Then came the voices-snappy and angry, two female werewolves, no mistaking the disgust in their tone.

"Damn it, get lost! We don't want fakes who steal others' work in our academy!"

"Yeah, you should be ashamed! You stole Katherine's boyfriend, secretly became Carl's mate, and now you're even plagiarizing her work? Seriously, I've never seen a more shameless and toxic wolf than you."

They were Katherine's friends-Phoebe Finch and Poppy Harrington. As far back as I can remember, those two were always glued to Katherine.

The day Carl and I became mates, Phoebe and Poppy blasted a bunch of photos of Carl and Katherine all over campus, dragging me for "stealing" him. They hurled insults at me, claiming I used my grandfather's death to guilt the Stormfang Pack into making me Luna.

Back when I was doing well at the academy, a lot of wolves had my back. No one bought into those lies. But now that I've been labeled a plagiarist, they all fell silent-no one's standing up for me anymore. They're just joining Phoebe and Poppy, piling on.

Still... not everyone turned away.

"Phoebe, Poppy, that's enough! Whether Eleanor comes back or not isn't your business."

"We believe she didn't copy anyone. I saw her design-it screams her style. Why does it have to be Katherine's? What if Katherine copied Eleanor instead, huh?"

"Get out!" Chaos erupted from inside the room.

Voices rose fast-it turned into a mess of yelling and fighting. I heard screams, angry shouts. Sounds like Phoebe and Poppy were dragged away. I reached for the door again-this time, it opened.

A few werewolves were tussling like maniacs on the floor while Phoebe stood nearby, totally losing it and yelling all kinds of stuff.

The moment I stepped in, Poppy's face twisted into a smug, nasty grin. My gut told me something was off, but it was too late to back out.

She whipped out a bottle of filthy water-clearly had it ready for this-and hurled it straight at me. It hit my head, soaking my hair with some sickening stench.

"Hahaha!" Poppy tossed the empty bottle aside, laughing so hard her face turned red.

The fighting and quiet werewolves all froze and backed away.

"Ugh, what the hell is that smell?!"

"I'm gonna puke-it's worse than a public toilet!"

I slowly lifted my head and stared coldly at Poppy's twisted smirk.

She crossed her arms and gave me a mocking look. "What, mad? Then hit me if you've got the guts!"

My fists clenched tight. That urge to snap? It was boiling over.

"Eleanor! If you hit her, you'll get expelled for real-don't do it!" A nearby werewolf shouted anxiously.

I froze for a split second, and it hit me-Poppy did this on purpose. She wanted me to snap, to mess up completely. But if I laid a finger on her now, I'd be finished. No coming back from that.

"You shut your filthy mouth," Poppy snapped, realizing I hadn't fallen for her act. She shot a murderous glare at the wolf who dared to warn me, then stormed up to me, jabbing a finger in my face. "Skanks like you seriously have no shame..."

"What is going on here?!" A furious shout came from outside the room.

The wolves instantly stepped aside. "Professor Donovan!"

Leo Donovan walked in at just the right moment, his face dark with anger as he took in the scene-his eyes bounced between Poppy and me, sharp and accusing.

The look he gave me was a painful mix of confusion and disappointment.

I pressed my lips together, the bitterness rising in my throat.

Once, I'd been the student he was most proud of. Now, all I brought him was disgrace.

"Eleanor," he sighed, voice low but heavy, "come with me. Let's talk in my office-about your withdrawal."

That look in his eyes made me want to disappear.

But right now, I had no other choice.