Alpha’s Betrayal, Luna’s Redemption

My mate had chosen my half-sister, and before I could even step into his pack as his Luna, he had demoted me to a chosen mate.

They acted as though they were my saviors, as if allowing me into their lives was some grand act of mercy.

Jalen Nelson, the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, looked at me with pity in his eyes. "Allowing you to join the pack is already unfair to Ariella," he said, his voice heavy with condescension. "But if you bring your dowry, we won’t mistreat you."

They were so deeply entangled in their affection for each other that I felt like an intruder in their world.

I decided to let them have their happiness—and I would take my substantial inheritance with me when I left.

==============================

Today, the Silva family came to formalize the mark ceremony. I was giddy with excitement, hiding behind the grand hall’s decorative screen to watch the proceedings.

Everything seemed normal at first.

Then, my half-sister, Ariella Gray, rushed into the hall, her presence immediately commanding everyone’s attention. She stood in the center, silent, her eyes fixed on Jalen with a look of longing.

The moment she appeared, Jalen’s gaze never left her.

My parents, the Alpha and Luna of the Silver Fang Pack, were still exchanging pleasantries with Jalen’s parents, the former Alpha and Luna of the Blue Moon Pack. Suddenly, Jalen dropped to his knees.

"I thought I could suppress my feelings and live the life you’ve planned for me," he declared, his voice trembling with emotion. "But when she walked in, I realized I couldn’t."

The elders in the room seemed to understand what was happening but pretended otherwise.

"What nonsense are you speaking?" my father said with a forced laugh. "You must be overwhelmed with joy at the thought of marking Sofia, such a fine young woman."

"I want Ariella as my mate," Jalen said firmly, his Alpha tone cutting through the room like a blade.

My father’s face darkened instantly. "What are you saying?" he demanded, his aura flaring with authority.

"Ariella refuses to be a chosen mate," Jalen continued, his voice unwavering. "So I must ask Sofia to step aside. If she’s willing, she can remain as a chosen mate. If not, I’ll ensure she finds another suitable mate."

His decision sparked outrage from both families.

My father’s voice thundered through the hall. "What do you take my daughter for? You think you can discard her so easily?"

I had never seen Jalen so determined. Even as the four elders berated him, he stood his ground.

"Alpha Hughes," he said, addressing my father with the respect his title demanded, "my true mate can only be Ariella."