In my previous life, I worked myself to the bone, weighed down by relentless worries, and passed away at just 54 years old. That life was filled with hardship and helplessness. I poured my heart and soul into managing our pack, yet the tangled relationship between Alpha Alonzo and me left me feeling constantly agitated, even leading me to lash out emotionally. The more I tried to stand between him and Theodora, the more passionately they seemed to grow closer, their bond deepening in ways I couldn’t ignore.

I remember the day I endured a traumatic childbirth, teetering on the brink of life and death. While I was fighting for my life and that of our newborn twins, Alpha Alonzo was off enjoying a day at the amusement park with Theodora, his Beta and childhood friend. Only after I gave everything to bring Connor and Willow into this world did I learn from the pack’s healer that I’d suffered lasting physical damage and would never be able to have more children.

Looking at the two tiny, wolf-pup-like babies lying beside me, tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. "These two children are all I need..."

When Alpha Alonzo finally arrived, he peeled a pear for me with a guilty look and apologized, "I'm sorry, Luna Riley. I didn’t know you’d go into early labor, and I’d promised Theodora a week earlier to take her to the park… you understand, right?" We locked eyes for a long moment, and he hung his head in shame.

Alpha Alonzo Henry—a mate who couldn’t grasp the importance of prioritizing his family… To put it bluntly, he simply did not love me. Yet, before Theodora’s appearance, he had liked me, even cared for me. In the despair of our mate bond, I consciously shifted all my love and attention to our two children.

I raised them with great difficulty, failing to realize the crucial role an Alpha plays within a family. Alonzo’s neglect and empty promises set a poor example for them. They grew fond of the sweet and gentle Theodora, calling her "Mom" with affection. Meanwhile, my heart felt as if it had a giant hole, leaking important emotions incessantly.

Theodora maintained her gentle demeanor, softly patting the children’s heads as she smiled at me, "Luna Riley, these two pups take after their father; they adore me." It was as though I had lost completely and utterly. Whether as a mate or a mother, I’d failed miserably.

Back in our packhouse, I firmly forbade the children from disrespecting me any further. Willow snapped, "I just love Theodora! She’s beautiful and kind and nothing like you at all!" Of course, Theodora never needed to cook for herself. Alpha Alonzo would eagerly take on the chore, or he’d split the meals I prepared to share with her. Whenever I looked displeased, he’d be quick to apologize, insisting Theodora was like a sister to him and that I shouldn’t be so narrow-minded.

I was so consumed with the never-ending tasks of running our pack that I hadn’t felt beautiful in ages. Meanwhile, Theodora, who never lifted a finger for pack duties, seemed effortlessly graceful and elegant. She had a loving partner, a daughter who sided with her against me—of course, she was gentle. But what did I have?

Connor was hiding behind his father, shouting at me, "Having you as our mom is so embarrassing! You don’t really love us—you just want to keep Dad around!"

I couldn’t hold back anymore, and as tears and snot covered my face, I grabbed a broom. "Ungrateful pups! You think everything Theodora does is perfect? If that’s the case, take back your lives! Let’s pretend I never gave birth to you!"

Alpha Alonzo hurried to stop me; he dared not provoke me further, so he endured a few hits from the broom. "Luna Riley, they’re just pups. They didn’t mean it—don’t take it to heart!"

Connor, caught up in the throes of adolescence, couldn’t stand watching his father take the hits and pushed me hard. I fell to the floor, my head spinning, as his voice cut through my last emotional defenses. "I don’t have a mom like you!"

I watched the young wolf storm out, my ears ringing with Alpha Alonzo’s disapproval. "When are you going to stop all this drama?" He then ran after Connor, leaving me alone with Willow’s icy stare.

"From now on, I won’t call you mom anymore."

As dawn broke, I sat up, wiping away the tears from my face. The faint scent of rosemary—our mate bond—still lingered in the air, a cruel reminder of what had been. A heavy sense of betrayal gnawed at me from within, yet hunger drove me to get up and make breakfast.

In the kitchen, I found Willow and Connor hurriedly heating up leftovers from yesterday. When they saw me, they instinctively shielded their plates as though I, their Luna, was about to swipe their scant meal. In an earlier time, tensions ran high between us, exacerbated by Alonzo's convoluted relationship with Theodora, the Beta who had always been a thorn in my side.

Ignoring their possessive behavior, I moved to the stove and made myself a bowl of ravioli with a splash of olive oil, tossing in some chopped bacon and a few vegetables to satisfy my hunger. The children's carefree days were nearing an end. Connor and Willow had always lived comfortably, spoiled and never needing to help out at home. In our pack, households expected pups to pitch in, especially as they grew older. Some even stopped their daughters from attending school to focus on pack duties. The Henry household wasn’t wealthy, and most of our expenses were covered by my earnings. Every day, I walked about six miles to oversee the pack’s textile mill, managing a dozen machines and earning a modest salary that kept us afloat.

Alonzo, as the Alpha, was supposed to be the provider, but his income was often squandered. He earned a decent sum from his role as the pack’s educator, but as soon as he got paid, a chunk ended up supporting Theodora, who couldn’t fend for herself. The Henry household relied heavily on me to stay afloat while my mate frittered away money on trivialities and our pups spent without a care.

Footsteps sounded outside, and Alonzo entered, his towering frame filling the doorway. His dark eyes glanced at us, and I felt the faint pressure of his Alpha aura, even now. "Riley, what are you doing up? You should still be resting. What if you compromise your health?" he asked, concern in his voice.

I didn’t reply. Willow pulled at Alonzo’s sleeve. "Dad, sit down and eat," she urged.

A silence enveloped us, broken only by the sound of chewing. Connor stood up suddenly. "I’m full. I’m off to school now," he declared, his voice carrying the brashness of youth.

Connor looked to Willow, then glanced at me, silently expecting me to fill their water bottles with coffee. Willow, backpack slung over her shoulder, followed her brother, bidding a quick farewell. "Dad, we’re off to school," they said in unison.

Connor hesitated, noticing my indifference. He scowled and kicked the chair as he left. Alonzo frowned at his behavior. "Why are you so irritable?" he sighed, his Alpha tone softening slightly.

Willow suddenly remembered, "What about our coffee thermoses?"

"Hurry up and fill them, or you’ll be late," Alonzo instructed. Seeing that I wasn’t going to move, Willow went to pour the coffee herself, her hands trembling slightly.

A sudden yelp pierced the air as the kettle slipped, and hot coffee spilled everywhere. Her pants were soaked instantly. Alonzo rushed over, concern etched into his features, and quickly pulled at her pant leg. Connor dashed back inside, his voice sharp with frustration.

"How could you be so careless?"

"You’re grown up now; can’t even pour a cup of coffee? What’s wrong with you?"

I finished my meal and pushed my chair back as I rose. Willow watched me with tear-filled eyes, both accusing and pitiful. I looked at her, indifferent. "Take her to the healer," I said flatly, my voice devoid of the warmth it once held.

Willow watched me retreat into the room, tears streaming down her face. She felt as if something had quietly begun to change. Her thoughts drifted back to a time when things were different.

[When I was little and spilled hot coffee, Mom would rush over immediately, embracing me tightly and hurrying me to the healer.

And not just then…

There were countless times…

Whenever I was hurt, she’d fret over scars, crying her heart out over my pain.

But today, she’s so unfeeling…

How can she be so unfeeling? I’m her daughter…]

Back in my room, I retrieved my secret stash of money. Over the years, I’d squirreled away a little each month, always fearing some family emergency. I counted it carefully—$323 in various bills and coins. This money would be my first step toward a new life. I planned to use it solely for myself.

Once I regained my strength, I intended to reject the mate bond with Alonzo and leave this pack for good. The thought of uttering the rejection vow—“I, Riley Gonzalez, reject you, Alonzo Henry, Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack, as my mate”—filled me with both dread and resolve. But I knew it had to be done. This was no longer my home, and I was no longer the Luna they needed.