YELENA

I brushed off the thought as we reached Tristan’s mansion, a few minutes from the packhouse, but it felt like we had crossed into another world.

The moment I stepped inside, goosebumps prickled my skin. Everything about the place screamed cold.

The walls were painted in shades of ash, the chandeliers glittered like frozen stars, and the chairs and tables were glass, all polished, sharp, and untouchable. The kind of furniture that made you afraid to even sit.

It didn’t feel like a home, it felt like a place where warmth went to die.

Nyra and I exchanged a look. She mouthed, creepy, and I almost snorted. It was my first time here too. I always wondered why Tristan avoided letting wolves into his private space.

Even though he’d been sick that time, he refused to be treated here; he dragged himself to the packhouse instead. And now… I think I understood why.

The house felt like him. Cold. Guarded and powerful.

Daniel helped me drag my half-unconscious husband to the bathroom. The place was marble from wall to floor, bigger than my entire bedroom back home.

“I’ll be in the living room. I’ll leave soon,” Daniel said, his voice clipped.

I nodded gratefully, but when I turned, Nyra was still planted in the doorway with her arms crossed, her smirk screaming trouble.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, raising a brow. “Your attention isn’t needed here.”

Her smirk widened. “Oh, really? Because from here it looks like you might not be able to handle him. Want me to lend a hand?”

I narrowed my eyes. “He’s not a patient, Nyra. He’s just drunk. And as much as I adore your constant concern... kindly step out. I want to attend to my Alpha… my husband… myself.”

I stretched the word husband on purpose, letting it echo in her ears.

She clutched her chest dramatically. “Ohhh, excuse me, Nurse Luna. Forgive me for offending your royal grace.” She even bowed.

I burst out laughing. “Get out before I throw soap at you!”

Still chuckling, she finally left.

When I turned back, Tristan coughed, making me rush to him. “Sorry about that... she’s crazy,” I whispered, even though he was barely conscious.

I started undressing him, my hands fumbling at his shirt. He was heavy, uncooperative, but gods… he was beautiful even like this. I stripped him down and dragged him into the tub, running warm water to fill it.

His body shivered under the touch of heat, and I quickly peeled off my white wedding gown, the one I swore I’d keep forever. Instead, I slipped into green lingerie that clung to my damp skin.

Sliding into the tub with him, I sighed when his body finally relaxed against mine. His chest rose and fell with uneven breaths.

His face was right there, close enough for me to study. Those striking features, sharp jaw, straight nose, lashes too long for a man... everything about him was unfairly perfect.

I traced my hand down his cheek, into his black hair, soft and thick like strands of night. My lips brushed his without minding the alcohol and all. I didn’t care. I was just… happy. Happy that out of every she-wolf, I was the one who got him.

I splashed some water on his face. He groaned, shaking his head. I laughed, leaning closer to kiss him again.

And that was when it happened.

His hand shot up, gripping my throat.

I choked, my eyes flying wide. His hold was strong, unyielding, even though his eyes were still closed.

“Tristan... It’s me!” My voice came out strangled as I clawed at his arm, hitting his chest with my free hand. “Open your eyes!”

The grip tightened. My lungs screamed. My fingers tangled into his hair and I yanked it once... twice, hard.

His eyes snapped open.

I gasped, water splashing as he released me, staring around wildly. His chest heaved, his face shadowed with confusion.

“What happened?” His voice was cold. Detached. His gaze flicked to me, then away. “What am I doing here?”

I froze. Seriously? That’s what he had to ask? After nearly strangling his wife to death?

“You were drunk,” I spat, rubbing my aching neck. “And I was helping you, until you decided to choke me.”

His eyes darkened for a beat. Then, softly, “I’m sorry.” He pulled me into his chest suddenly, his arms firm and steady. My body shivered against him, my heart racing. “I wasn’t in my right state.”

I nodded. I knew he wasn’t. But still. The coldness in his eyes… it unsettled me.

Then his gaze slid down my body. And changed.

“Stand up,” he said quietly. His tone wasn’t commanding, but something about it made my skin burn.

I swallowed, but obeyed, stepping out of the tub slowly, water dripping down my lingerie. His eyes followed every curve, every drop that slid down my thighs.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, low, almost to himself. But I heard it.

Heat rushed to my face. My chest tightened.

He washed his face, rubbing a hand through his wet hair right where I’d pulled him earlier. His jaw clenched faintly, probably stinging from the tug. I almost apologized, but then he stood, towering over me, every inch of him Alpha.

I couldn’t move as he suddenly scooped me out of the bathroom.

My breath hitched, my body frozen, then slowly relaxing in his arms. His chest was solid, his voice deep and smooth when he whispered:

“Let’s see what the Luna of Blue Moon pack can do.”

His tone dripped with challenge. With possession.

My heart thundered.

He set me down, peeled off his wet shorts, and my eyes went wide. The sheer size of him...

“Yelena,” his voice cut through my shock, steady, calm. “What are you doing?”

I realized I had been staring too long. Hard. My mouth went dry, but my body moved on instinct. Kneeling before him, I reached for him, weighing him in my hand.

Goddess help me, how was I supposed to fit all of this in my mouth?

I swallowed, my tongue darting along his length before I wrapped my lips around the head. He groaned, low and rough, as I sucked gently. The sound made my thighs clench.

I took him deeper, gagging slightly, but forcing myself to adjust. My body responded instantly, I was wet, aching, desperate.

He tangled his hand in my hair, guiding me, thrusting into my mouth. His groans filled the room, each one sharper, more demanding. My core pulsed with every sound.

“Fuck,” he moaned, pulling me up suddenly. His mouth crashed against mine, and then I was in his arms again, carried to the massive black bed.

He lay down, pulling me over him. His eyes locked on mine as he shifted my lingerie aside, too impatient to even remove it.

Then he thrust into me. Hard.

I gasped, the sound ripping from my throat as he filled me completely. My nails dug into his chest.

“Tristan...”

He cut me off with another thrust, faster, deeper. The bed rocked with his pace, rough but controlled. Every move of his hips made me cry out, pleasure flooding through me.

His rhythm shifted... slow, then fast, then hard again. My body couldn’t keep up. My moans mixed with his groans until the air was thick with it.

“I...Tristan... I’m...” I screamed, my climax tearing through me, shaking me apart.

He gripped my ass, thrusting harder, chasing his own release. His groan was deep, feral, as he came inside me, his body trembling.

I collapsed on his chest, my body still quivering.

For a long moment, there was only the sound of our breaths.

Then his voice, low, cold, almost a whisper against my ear.

“At least you’ll be useful for this.”

The words sliced through my haze. I froze. Did I hear that right?

But exhaustion pulled me under before I could even think. My last thought before sleep claimed me was that his words didn’t match the way he held me.

And that scared me more than anything.

YELENA

I woke up the next morning feeling lighter than air. My body ached in all the right ways, and my lips curved into a smile before I even opened my eyes.

The warmth beside me was steady, familiar, and intoxicating. I buried my nose into the pillow, inhaling the rich, masculine scent that clung to the sheets. His scent. My husband’s scent.

When I finally dared to look, I almost giggled. Gods, he was beautiful. His chest rose and fell in even rhythm, sharp jawline catching the faint light seeping through the curtains.

He wasn’t just handsome... no, that was too small a word. He was devastating, carved by the Moon Goddess herself, and even in sleep his presence wrapped around me like chains.

And the way he had touched me last night… my thighs pressed together at the thought. Drunk, yet still able to make me see stars. If I hadn’t already known, I’d swear he was made for the sole purpose of ruining me in bed.

Unable to resist, I leaned down and pressed a kiss against his lips. He stirred but didn’t wake, and I forced myself to pull back before I gave in to temptation and climbed on top of him again this morning. Instead, I slid off the bed and padded to the bathroom.

By the time I returned, hair damp and body wrapped in his oversized shirt and shorts, the clock read six. Still early. Perfect. I could at least pretend to be a good Luna wife and cook before he woke up.

The kitchen was massive, with shining steel and marble everywhere. I felt like a thief sneaking in, though it was technically my home now. I turned on the gas, set a pot, and got to work.

Eggs sizzled in butter, the air filling with the sharp crackle. Bacon followed, its fat popping and spitting. Pancakes stacked high, golden and fluffy, while toast browned in the oven.

I squeezed oranges for juice, sliced apples and strawberries, and even attempted sausages though I nearly burned my hand flipping them. By the time I was done, the entire kitchen smelled like heaven and smoke.

I wiped sweat from my forehead, proud and hungry. But before I could sneak a bite, I heard movement upstairs. My pulse kicked. He was awake.

I rushed, setting the plates carefully... too carefully, because everything here screamed luxury. One plate shattered and I almost died right there, but thank the Goddess it was only a napkin holder and not his favorite china. I placed his food, poured orange juice, and added mine across from him.

When I turned, I froze.

He stood at the end of the stairs, casual in a white off-shoulder shirt and black shorts, hair slicked back neatly. My throat went dry. He was unfair. Cruel. No man should be allowed to look like that in the morning.

His lips tilted, his voice low and thick, “When you’re done drooling, wife, come join me.”

Heat rushed to my face. I forced myself to move, pretending I wasn’t just caught ogling him like some wolf in heat.

“This looks delicious,” he said, sitting at the table. His gaze dragged over the spread and then to me. His face remained unreadable, eyes sharp, voice flat. “As delicious as you.”

Did he mean it? Was he mocking me? I couldn’t tell. I swallowed hard, muttering, “Thank you.”

He lifted his fork, tasted, then paused. My stomach clenched. I stood there like an idiot waiting for his verdict, because apparently, I cared what he thought.

Then his lips curved faintly. “Is there anything you’re not good at?”

I blinked. My face burned. Praise from him was rare, and Goddess help me, it hit deeper than I wanted to admit.

Relieved, I sat across from him, trying to act casual. “Thank you. I’m… happy to have you as my husband. You’re not only the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, you’re also sweet.”

He smiled but said nothing. Not even a compliment back. Typical. Still, I told myself it didn’t matter. He was mine. My Alpha. And I was his Luna. The rest of the she-wolves could choke.

The honeymoon flew by faster than I expected. I thought he’d whisk me away to another country, as the richest Alpha in the region. Instead, he kept me close, in his mansion, under his watch.

At first I sulked, but then he drowned me in kisses and touches and words that made me melt, and I decided I didn’t care where we were as long as he was with me.

I felt like the happiest she-wolf alive.

So happy, in fact, that I didn’t realize I was practically skipping down the hospital corridor until a familiar voice rang out.

“Was your marriage that sweet that you’re about to fly?”

I whipped around. Nyra, my best friend, strutted toward me, rolling her eyes dramatically. Her voice was always dipped in sarcasm, like she lived to annoy me.

“If flying were possible, babe, I’d be halfway to the moon by now.”

She swatted my shoulder playfully. “Take it easy, Luna! People will think you’re possessed.”

I laughed, unable to stop the ridiculous grin spreading across my face. “I can’t. I’m the luckiest she-wolf on the planet and you can’t tell me otherwise.”

Before Nyra could fire back, a sharp voice sliced through the air.

“Lena! Nyra!”

We froze. Both of us groaned in unison as our senior nurse stormed down the hallway, face pinched in permanent irritation.

“You’re late and you’re still walking like you own the place?”

We exchanged a glance, then hurried forward like scolded pups.

She sneered. “One day, I’ll have the new doctor separate you two troublemakers.”

Nyra plastered on a fake pleading face. “We’re sorry, Senior. We didn’t know time had gone.”

The woman hissed and swept past us.

“Wait,” I muttered, tugging Nyra back. “What did she mean, new doctor? Are we getting a new one?”

Nyra shrugged like it was gossip too boring for her. “Looks like it.”

My chest tightened. My husband had begged me to stop working, to focus on being Luna. But I couldn’t. I loved this. Healing, helping, making a difference.

Even when he suggested paying for me to pursue my full medical doctorate so I wouldn’t be stuck as just a nurse, I refused. I wanted to do it on my own, follow the steps like everyone else. Luna or not, I wasn’t cutting corners.

Our old doctor had been a nightmare, a tyrant in a lab coat. I prayed this new one would be different. Hopefully male too... female wolves in power had a way of sharpening their claws on everyone else.

“Oh my,” Nyra whispered suddenly, her hand squeezing my arm.

“What?” I asked.

Her grin spread like wildfire. “It’s a male doctor.”

I rolled my eyes, though relief fluttered in my chest. “Good.”

We pushed into the gathering crowd of nurses. The doctor stood at the front, speaking in calm authority. His voice rumbled low, like distant thunder. The moment my eyes landed on him, my entire body shivered.

I didn’t understand why.

Nyra gripped my elbow. “Lena, what’s wrong?”

My knees wobbled. My wolf stirred, restless. “I… I don’t know,” I whispered.

“Are you sick?” Nyra asked louder this time. Heads turned. Some nurses gasped.

“Luna?” Voices rippled with alarm.

What the hell was happening to me?

The crowd shifted, opening a line as the new doctor stepped forward. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with hair dark as night. His eyes lifted and then they changed to golden mixed with red.

My breath caught. My wolf trembled, then howled inside me.

“MATE!”

The word tore from my lips before I could stop it.

My eyes widened in horror.

What?!

No. No, no, no.

YELENA

My heart was beating so fast I was sure he could hear it. Like, actually listen to it. It thudded so loudly that I thought the ground might just open up and swallow me whole, preferably taking me straight to my husband while it was at it.

How could I forget that I hadn’t met my mate yet? And yet, here I was already married. Married to the Alpha of this pack, of all people. The irony could choke me.

His eyes swept over me, slow and angry, like he was memorizing every inch of me just to burn it later. Then he turned and walked away. Just like that. No words, no threats... just cold, simmering fury.

I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding. Great. Maybe I’d survive the day after all.

People around me murmured, probably gossiping about the “Luna who already had a mate.” I barely ignored them. If I listened, I might just faint or punch someone, and neither option was great for my Luna reputation.

“Wow,” Nyra said, appearing beside me with that annoying smirk she wore whenever she enjoyed my misery. “Who would’ve thought? Luna Lena actually has a mate.”

“Don’t remind me,” I groaned as she dragged me away from the curious eyes.

Once we reached our desk, I dropped my bag like it weighed a ton and opened my wardrobe. My eyes went straight to the golden ring on my finger. My heart twisted instantly. Tristan’s ring. My first love.

I traced the edges with my thumb. My mate might be handsome, okay, fine, too handsome but he was nothing compared to Tristan. And Tristan loved me. I couldn’t cheat on him. I couldn’t betray him.

I’d chosen Tristan. That was final.

The rest of the day dragged painfully slow. We attended to three patients, but my mind was all over the place, stuck between guilt, curiosity, and confusion.

What would my mate do if he found out I was already married and not just to anyone, but to the Alpha himself?

‘Would you accept him if you weren’t married?’ my wolf, Lena, asked quietly inside my head.

I didn’t answer. Mostly because I didn’t know. I thought I’d always wanted Tristan. And I did. Right?

I was still arguing with my wolf when a woman’s scream snapped me back to reality.

“Nurse Luna!”

I blinked and froze. Oh no.

The mother of my patient was glaring daggers at me. Her son was wincing in pain.

My eyes dropped to the syringe in my hand. My stomach sank. Oh. My. Goddess. I injected his lap instead of his butt.

“OMG... I’m so sorry!” I squeaked, grabbing his thigh like I could undo the mistake with pure panic. “I swear it was an accident!”

The mother’s mouth dropped open. “You injected my son’s lap?!”

“I-I mean, technically, the drug still works no matter where it goes, right?” I stammered, reaching for the small bottle of relief oil, the one we used for burns and muscle pain. I rubbed it gently into the area, mumbling, “Just a little bit of herbal balm and moonleaf extract, he’ll be fine, I promise.”

The woman’s face was pure horror. “What were you thinking about? You could’ve killed him!”

Okay, that made me almost laugh. Not out of disrespect, but because really? A tiny misplaced shot?

“I’m so sorry,” I said quickly, trying to sound serious but calm. “You’re right, I made a stupid mistake. But don’t worry, he’s not in danger. I just gave him the right medicine in the wrong spot. It’ll still work. He’ll just need some rest.”

She eyed me suspiciously, as if trying to decide whether to trust me or stab me with the syringe.

After a pause, she sighed. “Fine. Just... focus next time. You’re the Luna. People watch you.”

“I will,” I promised, giving her my best sheepish smile. “No more accidental injections. Probably.”

When they left, Nyra was holding back her laughter so hard she was shaking. “You’re so dead, Luna. First, you forget your mate exists, now you’re trying to murder children.”

“Shut up,” I muttered, though a small smile broke through. “At least he didn’t faint.”

Before she could reply, another nurse hurried over. “Nurse Luna, Doctor Jackson needs your attention.”

And there it was. My heart dropped.

There was no need for her to say his name. My wolf already went nuts. 'Mate. Mate. Mate.'

“Thank you,” I said evenly, pretending my stomach hadn’t just somersaulted into another dimension. “I’ll go see him.”

The nurse nodded and walked away.

Nyra tilted her head. “Are you sure you’re ready for that? I can come with you, you know. In case he tries to bite.”

I gave her a tight smile. “I can handle him. He doesn’t scare me.”

That was a lie. His eyes alone scared the moonlight out of me.

Still, I stood up, smoothed my nurse uniform, pushed my cherry-blonde hair behind my shoulders, and took a deep breath. Time to face the storm.

The hallway to the doctor’s office felt longer than usual, like it was stretching on purpose. I knocked softly on his door.

“Come in,” his deep voice answered, calm but sharp enough to cut through steel.

I pushed the door open, keeping my eyes on his. He was leaning against his desk, arms folded, his eyes unreadable but deadly. His aura filled the room... cruel, dominant, and arrogant. The kind of presence that made your lungs forget how to breathe.

Before he could speak, I blurted out, “I’m married.”

His lips twitched. “I know.” His tone was dry and cruel. “But I didn’t know my mate would be a whore.”

My blood boiled. I clenched my fists so tight my nails bit into my skin. “Watch your mouth! I’m the Luna of this pack!”

He tilted his head, smirking like I’d just told him a joke. “And so?”

He stepped forward slowly, every movement deliberate, confident like a predator studying prey that thought it could roar.

“Why didn’t you wait to meet your mate before throwing yourself at your Alpha?” he asked, his voice was low but sharp. “Or were you too desperate for the title?”

I wanted to scream. He wasn’t entirely wrong, but he didn’t deserve to say it. He didn’t know anything about me, about Tristan, about love.

“I had no reason to wait,” I said coldly. “I was in love.”

He chuckled darkly. “Love.” He said the word like it was poison. “That’s what all sluts say when they’re caught.”

That was it. My hand moved before I could think.

SLAP!

The sound echoed in the office. His head turned to the side with a tight jaw. For a moment, silence filled the air. Then his eyes glowed gold, pure Alpha rage.

Lena whimpered inside me. 'Mate!… you shouldn’t have done that, Yelena!'

I stood my ground, though my heart was pounding so loud I could barely hear. I braced myself. He could slap me, choke me, throw me across the wall but he didn’t.

He just stepped closer until his breath hit my face, hot and dangerous.

I didn't avoid his intense gaze and spoke again, "What's your full name?" I had to reject him as quickly as possible.

“You’ll regret this,” he whispered between clenched teeth.

His scent hit me hard... cedar, smoke, and fury. I hated how it made my chest tighten.

Then he stepped back sharply, dragging a hand through his hair like he wanted to rip it out. “My name is Jackson Luther,” he said, his voice rough. “Do whatever you have to do and get out of my office.”

My throat burned. Lena cried inside me, 'Please don’t do this.'

But I had to. I chose Tristan. I chose love, not pain.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I, Yelena Moonrack, Luna of the Blue Moon Pack, reject you, Jackson Luther, as my mate.”

The words left my mouth like blades. Pain exploded through my chest, a sharp electric pull that made me stumble. I pressed my hand over my heart as the bond began to burn away, thread by thread. My wolf howled inside, retreating to the back of my mind while crying softly.

Jackson’s jaw tightened. He didn’t even look at me. “I, Jackson Luther, accept your rejection,” he said flatly.

And just like that, it was done.

I turned and walked out before he could see the tear that slipped from my eye. My legs felt weak, my chest hollow.

Outside the office, Nyra was waiting. The moment she saw me, she pulled me into a tight hug.

“Lena,” she whispered, using my nickname softly.

I leaned into her, shaking slightly. “I hope I didn’t make the wrong choice.”

“You didn’t,” she said without hesitation, squeezing me tighter.

But as her words sank in, a strange ache lingered in my chest. I wasn’t sure if it was from the rejection or from something deeper I didn’t want to name.

Tristan loved me and I loved him. That was what mattered.

My wolf would heal.

Eventually.

But even as I told myself that, I could still feel the faint echo of Jackson’s voice inside my head.

'You’ll regret this.'

And something in his tone told me… he meant it.