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.

YELENA

I got home, and my husband didn't let me rest; he didn't even let me talk about the horrible incident that happened to me.

He just said," Come on, whatever happened, you'll overcome it."

He grabbed me and kissed me passionately," I have missed you," he murmured in my neck, and I shivered, making me forget all the thoughts that were going on in my head.

I felt at peace again.

I wouldn't lie Tristan was everything a woman would pray for. He was everything I needed.

His mouth moved further to my breasts, tearing my transparent short gown that I had changed into. His mouth dominated my breast and I moaned as my fingers tangled into his hair while his other hand went to pressed my other breast.

He removed his mouth from the other breast and sucked in deep, hungry and possessive. I moaned as I closed my eyes. He stopped suddenly, and I opened my eyes to look at why he stopped.

"Stand up and strip," he commanded and I stood up slowly, blushing shyly as I removed the dress completely in his presence.

"Come here," he ordered again, and this time I looked carefully at his eyes to see if I could at least find something relatable to what I had for him, maybe an inch of love, but I found nothing except his normal calmness with coldness.

I ignored it again, if he didn't love me, he wouldn't look at me, not to talk of having sex with me. I assured myself, I went to him and he placed me on his lap, he smiled and his fingers went to my clit, I closed my thigh quickly as I became more wet.

"Spread," he ordered again, and I shivered, and this time two of his fingers went into me. My grip on his shoulder tightened more and more as he moved his fingers in and out of me.

"Ouch!!" I moaned almost closing my eyes," Look at me. Don't close your eyes," I raised my teary eyes full of pleasure at him. I reached to kiss him, but he held back, which surprised me, though he had kissed me before, but he always initiated it, except when he was sleeping, and I stole kisses from him.

He loved you, Yelena. I assured myself that he wouldn't have kissed me if he didn't, right?

A loud moan tore out of my mouth as he jerked his fingers in and out of me suddenly, then he removed his fingers and lifted me to remove his already hardened dick, and made me sit on him. I let out a pleasure-crying moan.

"Ride it," his voice was stern, but I did quickly, using all my strength. I jumped up and down. He let me do the work as I placed my hands on his chest. I tried to kiss him again, but he grabbed my hair instead and kissed me brutally, which made me moan into our kiss.

My ass banged his dick harder as I felt my thigh shivering, he let out a moan and grabbed my breast tightly, I closed my eyes, hoping he would release his hand and it would relieve the pain mixed with pleasure that ran through me, but he didn't, and I kept on riding him so hard.

"Ahhh!"

"Fuck!!" He moaned.

"Tristan..." our moans and the sound of the bed filled the room.

He released my breast and went to grab my ass. He did the work this time as he thrust into me hard and deep," Fuck! You're so good for him," he whispered, and I moaned loudly.

"I'm cumming..." I yelled, but it was as if he didn't hear me, as his pace increased, and I gasped. Then his pace reduced, his thighs shaking as he released into me.

I slumped into his beautiful carved chest, and we stayed in that position for a moment before the thought surged through my head," Can I ask for something?" I asked, and he didn't say anything for a while, probably thinking about what I could possibly ask for after giving me everything.

But finally he spoke," Yes, what's it?" His voice was colder, different from the way he used to talk to me but I ignored it again.

"Mark me as your mate," I said, and he pulled me up from him immediately, although he put me gently on the bed."We can talk about that next time. I'm hungry."

He got out of bed, grabbed one of his white towels, and walked towards the bathroom.

I swallowed as I covered myself on the bed," He will definitely do that when he's ready. I'm his wife after all," I muttered under my breath.

He got out, and I almost threw myself on him again. He was so damn cute."What are you doing?" He asked looking at me naked on the bed.

"Waiting for you," I smiled, spreading my arms at him.

He shook his head," I have had enough for tonight, go and take your shower, and let's eat."

I nodded, brought back my arms to myself, got down from the bed, put on the torn short gown, and entered the bathroom.

I got out, wore a matching off-shoulder red top and black shorts with him.

Then we reached downstairs, and I went into the kitchen to serve us.

YELENA

"Was this for me?" I almost screamed as I stared at the mountain of files stacked on my desk.

"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it too this morning," Nyra said, giving me that pity look she was so good at. "I guess he hates you so much and was looking for a way to send you packing from this hospital."

I let out a long sigh and sank into my chair. "Who wouldn't hate a mate that rejected him?" I muttered under my breath. Then louder, "He won't succeed in whatever game he's playing. I'll show him I'm the Luna of this pack and I can do anything."

"Sure you will," Nyra said with a smirk, pinching my cheek like I was five. "He has no idea how strong you are."

"Nyra," I groaned, swatting her hand away.

She laughed and started flipping through the files, counting like they were cards. "One, two, three..." She snatched a few before I could stop her.

"You don't have to do that. I'll handle them myself."

She stared at me like I just told her I wanted to clean the whole packhouse with a toothbrush. "You can't," she said with a wicked grin. "I'll come back for more once I'm done with these. He's nothing compared to us." She winked dramatically.

I couldn't help but laugh. That was Nyra. Always dramatic, always ready to start a rebellion.

Before I could reply, another nurse walked in, smiling from ear to ear. "I can help too, Luna."

I blinked. "You can?"

"Of course." She didn't wait for my approval before grabbing four files. "He shouldn't be stressing our Luna just because you're with our Alpha."

I stared at her, stunned, as she smiled and hurried off.

Normally, the nurses liked me. Some whispered behind my back, sure but none of them had ever gone out of their way like this. This felt different. Like they suddenly remembered I wasn't just one of them, I was Luna.

Before I could process that, another nurse rushed in, panicking. "Luna! Help me!" she gasped, shaking. "My patient isn't moving. I don't know if it's the drug, the injection, or..."

"Okay, okay, calm down." I stood immediately. "Take a deep breath."

She tried. Failed. She tried again.

"Good. Now let's go see him," I said, leading the way to the ward.

Inside, the patient was pale but breathing faintly. A few minutes of quick work and he finally relaxed into sleep.

"Thank you so much, Luna," Anne said, relief washing over her face. "What would I do without you?"

I smiled softly. "You'll do amazingly, Anne. Just remember, no one's above mistakes. You did the right thing by calling for help." I patted her cheek, and she blushed red as a tomato.

Walking back to my desk, I blinked in surprise. The files... they were almost all done. I frowned and checked the first one... patient name, symptoms, next appointment, everything filled out. Then another. And another.

Before I could question my sanity, Nyra's hand landed on mine. "Don't stress yourself, Lena. Everything's already done. You just have to deliver them to the doctor."

I looked up at her, stunned. "Don't tell me you did the rest?"

She shook her head proudly. "Of course not. The other nurses took some and finished them too. They adore you. Guess they've been waiting for you to finally become their Luna."

My heart softened. "Thank you." I threw my arms around her neck in a tight hug.

"Hey, hey! Don't strangle me, crazy wolf!" she choked, laughing.

I tightened my grip just to annoy her. "Say you love me!"

"Ahh! Okay! I love you, now let go!"

I laughed and pulled away. She rubbed her neck dramatically. "I'll report you to Alpha Tristan for this abuse."

"Please do," I teased. "Maybe he'll ban me from work for a week."

She gasped. "Then I'd have to deal with everything alone? Never mind."

I shook my head, grinning as I gathered the finished files. Some slipped from my grip and scattered across the floor.

"Be careful, clumsy Luna," Nyra muttered, bending to help.

We both froze when a piercing scream echoed from the reception area.

"Please help us! Someone help!"

We ran toward the noise. The scent of fear and blood filled the air. A young boy was being carried in, limp and pale, his mother crying as nurses rushed to assist. My chest clenched at the sight.

"Come on, Lena, let's go," Nyra urged, tugging my arm.

"Wait," I said softly, my gaze drawn outside through the glass doors.

A sleek black SUV, one that screamed Alpha royalty pulled up to the front. The car door opened, and out stepped a woman dressed in royal blue.

She had dark hair pulled into a perfect twist, her heels clicking sharply against the tiles. Her aura hit me before her scent did... authority, arrogance, power.

"Is that who I think it is?" Nyra whispered beside me.

I swallowed hard. "Yes, It's her. Alpha Tristan's younger sister."

Nyra's eyes widened. "Marie?"

I nodded, still staring.

"Do you think she came here for you?"

"I don't know," I said quietly, though my gut twisted.

Marie had come back... and Tristan hadn't told me? Not a word.

Why?

"Luna, the doctor asked for a file," a nurse called from behind.

"Oh. Right." I turned, forcing my legs to move even though my mind was spinning.

"Go," Nyra said with a grin. "And face him with your chest high."

I snorted. "You and your big mouth."

Still, I straightened my shoulders and walked into his office.

Jackson was behind his desk, pen in hand, pretending to read something or whatever he thought he was doing. His scent filled the room, earthy, strong, infuriatingly familiar.

I dropped the files on his table.

He looked up slowly, his eyes annoyed and sharp. "Did I tell you to drop them?"

I arched my brow. "What else was I supposed to do? Look at them? Eat them?"

His jaw clenched. His eyes flashed black for a second before he controlled himself.

He didn't take the bait. "I asked for a file, and you brought everything. Have you done them all?" His voice was calm, but I could hear the disbelief buried in it.

"Yes," I said flatly.

He leaned back, studying me. "How did you manage to do that fast?"

"Was that what you wanted to ask? Not the file?"

A muscle jumped in his jaw. "You've grown bold just because you're Luna."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh please, I've always been bold. You just never noticed."

His nostrils flared, and for a brief moment, I saw something flicker behind his eye, something that looked a lot like hatred.

Then it vanished.

He picked up the files, flipping through them. "I'll have to check these myself. I don't believe you can do a good job."

"Please do," I said sweetly, turning toward the door. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

He gave a short nod, pretending I didn't get under his skin. But I saw the vein pulsing in his temple.

As soon as I stepped out of his office, the air in the hallway felt heavier. My mind wasn't on him anymore, it was on Marie.

Tristan's sister. His precious little princess.

What was she doing here?

The question burned through me, louder than my heartbeat.

And when I turned the corner, I froze.

Because standing right in front of the reception area, smiling like she owned the place, was Marie.

And her eyes, cold, calculating, and way too familiar landed directly on me.