FREYA'S POV

The word punched the air from my lungs. My heart thrashed painfully, a roaring in my ears drowning out everything else.

My vision blurred with tears I refused to let fall.

He got her pregnant? While I waited?

My wolf howled in agony, scratching at the inside of my chest to get out, to attack, to demand answers.

I turned away from them, feeling my whole body go numb. Once I was in my room, I crashed on the bed, curling my body into a ball and feeling the tears run from the corners of my eyes.

I stayed that way until it was dark.

I didn’t have the strength to move. The moment the door creaked open, his scent invaded—thick and musky, wrapping around my collar. My wolf whimpered before I could bare my teeth.

I felt the bed dip, his fingers brushing against my arm, and I shivered.

“Don’t.” I snapped, but it came out as a cracked whisper.

“Freya, what’s wrong?” His voice softened.

I clenched my jaw. How dare he sound so gentle? My vision blurred again, this time with rage.

He cupped my face. My skin burned where he touched. I wanted to slap him. I wanted to lean in.

“You’re different,” I rasped, forcing the words past the tightness in my throat. “I hate the way you’re acting.”

His fingers slipped to my neck. Gentle pressure. My pulse leapt under his thumb.

“You don’t have to worry about Alyssa,” he murmured. “She won’t come between us.”

“Us? There is no us if you’re lying to me.” I scoffed.

He smiled then—slow, knowing. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

My hands balled into fists. “Stop it. Don’t you dare flirt right now.”

But he did. He tugged me onto his lap with humiliating ease. My knees fell open around him, and I felt his hardness, hot and insistent.

“Really?” he drawled, breath ghosting over my cheek. “You’re going to interrogate me while you’re trembling on top of me?”

Fury and want tangled in my gut. I bit back a sob, shaking my head.

His grip tightened on my thigh—a subtle threat beneath the caress. “You know I’d never hurt you. Alyssa’s sick. That’s all. Don’t make me explain again.

I hated the sound of her name on his lips. I hated the weakness in my own.

Tell him to get out.

Instead, I touched his mouth.

“Just kiss me,” I whispered, my voice breaking. I’ll deal with the consequences later.

His mouth crashed onto mine. My wolf howled in triumph and I let it. Even as some deep, cold part of me screamed that this was wrong.

Who would have thought surrendering tonight would cost me everything one day?

*****

The sunlight streamed through the curtains alongside the warm breeze, but as morning came so did my new reality.

I stared at the empty space in front of me, my hand brushing over the rumpled sheets.

He promised to stay with me, but he’s gone so early.

Knock! Knock!

“Luna Freya, it’s time to get dressed.” Chloe’s voice rang through the door.

I blinked the tears away, scooping my body from the sheets and clearing my throat.

“Come in.”

Chloe and her twin sister stepped inside. They were the two strongest female warriors of the Moonhowl Pack. I had single-handedly picked them out after they won their trial exams to become official warriors of the pack.

They noticed my expression and their steps slowed.

“I’ll go get your bath ready.” Raven gave a smile while I nodded weakly.

“Luna, are you okay? You don’t look so well this morning. If you’re ill, I can go get a healer.”

“I’m fine,” I mumbled.

Chloe rubbed my shoulders. “Is it about Alpha Eric?”

“Of course it’s about Alpha Eric. The whole pack is talking about how he brought a little weak silver omega to replace our Luna,” Raven grumbled. “I overheard the servants talking about how Alpha Eric went into that silver wolf’s room before it was even daybreak.”

My heart dropped, fingers tightening around the sheets. So that’s why he’s not here.

He left to go meet her?

Chloe tilted her head at Raven and she quickly snapped her mouth shut, pouting.

“I just don’t like that he’s choosing our beautiful Luna over that wolf.”

“Raven!” I called out, forcing a smile. “He’s still your alpha and you don’t get to question his decision.”

The words tasted like salt against my tongue and I felt my heart bleed.

“But...” Raven grumbled and my brows knotted together.

Raven’s shoulders slumped and she crossed her arms in defiance.

Chloe moved closer. “Luna, Elder Regale is concerned about you after he heard the news of...”

I sighed.

Elder Regale was my adoptive father. He took me in after he found me at the outskirts of the pack because his wife and daughter had died young.

Since I had no memory of my past, he took me in. He’s the only father I’ve ever known, and making him worry like this broke me.

No doubt he was feeling guilty because he was the one who arranged the match between me and Eric, but it wasn’t his fault.

“Don’t worry. I’ll go see him and explain,” I said.

Chloe helped me up. As my feet hit the floor, I heard Raven gasp. My curiosity spiked as she stared at her phone, hands trembling.

“Raven, prepare Luna’s bath and stop slacking off,” Chloe jeered.

Raven blinked uncontrollably between her screen and me. She swallowed. “I...”

My eyes narrowed. “Speak.”

“I think it’s better if you see this, Luna.” Raven said quickly, then she passed the phone to me.

I snatched it quickly, and my wolf groaned in my ears as I froze. Chloe peeked over my shoulder.

“Alpha Eric Attends Pack Meeting with Mistress, Announces Midnight Welcome Party Till Dawn,” Chloe read the pack's tabloids in horror.

“Luna, your birthday is tomorrow and the Alpha... he... How could he do this to you, after all your sacrifice?”

Words couldn’t describe how I was feeling. Was it anger, pain, fury? I couldn’t even tell.

Really, how could he do this to me?

“Luna, what are we going to do?” Raven asked sharply while Chloe held my shoulders as I staggered back.

Most alphas never stuck to one wolf. Some had breeders and countless mistresses, but Eric promised it was only going to be just me because our bond was special.

My teeth gritted as my wolf paced within me, restless.

If he’s taking a new mistress he should do so, instead of humiliating me this way.

Why make a promise you can’t keep and then lie shamelessly?

My fist tightened, forcing the words out. “Get me a new dress. If he wants a show, I’ll give him one.”

*****

FREYA'S POV

The doors swung open. My heels hit the floor hard. Chloe and Raven walked in with me. The room went quiet. All eyes turned on us, their expressions laced with curiosity.

“Is Luna Freya… she’s just arriving?” Whispers filled my ears, accompanied by the pheromones of wolves swirling through the air.

“It’s so unlike her to be Luna for a celebration,” another mumbled.

I kept my head straight. Narrowed my eyes. Held my shoulders straight.

That’s right. For as long as I could remember, I had followed the rules, being the perfect Luna, adhering to formalities without complaint.

But if their Alpha could do as he pleased, why shouldn’t I?

Besides, today was for his mistress, not me.

My gaze met Eric’s, well-dressed, his aura screaming dominance. He was alone, and his eyes lit up when they found mine.

He started to move, but Alyssa stepped in front of him, tugging his arm and let her stop him.

My wolf growled, but I turned my face away.

“Luna, let me get you something to drink,” Chloe said softly.

I gave a nod, knowing she was just trying to make me feel better.

Raven moved closer, and I tilted my head toward her. “It’s a party. You shouldn’t cling too much to me. Try to enjoy yourself.”

“But…” Raven started.

“I want to be alone,” I said firmly, and she nodded.

Chloe noticed the shift in my expression as she handed me the drink. I gave a subtle nod.

I watched them as they strolled through the crowd, and a smile formed on my face.

As I turned on my heel, I felt my foot twist painfully, and I faltered, body stumbling forward. I closed my eyes, expecting the harsh welcome of the floor, but a strong hand grabbed me, yanking me close.

My blinked, finding myself in someone’s arms.

The glass of wine lurched forward and splashed on his face. The drink dripped from his hair down to his chin.

I flinched when cold drops splashed my face, my breath catching at the contact.

My wolf leaned closer, pushing me along.

She knew him, even if I didn’t.

His scent was unlike anything I had ever taken in in my life.

Who was he?

His brown eyes seemed to sparkle as he panted.

“Maya, is this really you” He calls.

His voice made my heart clench. The pain between his eyes was undeniable, and even though I had never met this stranger, he felt like… home.

My eyelids fluttered as pain rippled through me. Vague images flooded my mind, rising up.

I slumped further against him, my face hitting his chest, panting. The glass I was holding slipped, shattering on the floor.

My eyes closed tightly as the pain continued and those strong hands refused to let me go.

Loud, quick footsteps echoed in my ears, and then I felt a hand clamp over my shoulder, tearing me away.

I staggered backward, meeting Eric’s eyes, red with fury. He hissed, turning back toward the man in front of us.

His face went pale, and his throat bulged. “Lord Zaynx Valemount,” he gasped.

Everyone’s attention was fixed on us, and my heart sank as the name sank in.

Zaynx Valemount—the Lycan beast king of Dark Hollow Pack. One of the richest and deadliest packs in the werewolf faction.

As the rumors said, he was a man of no mercy. And I had just dumped my drink on him.

My knees quickly hit the floor, head bowed, panting. “King Zaynx Valemount, I’m so sorry. My behavior earlier …”

When our gaze met, I couldn’t say anything

His eyes were intense, his face devoid of any expression. He just stared at me hard.

My wolf jumped, but I turned my face away. What was this familiarity that my wolf could sense even when I couldn’t?

“Who is she to you?”

Lord Zaynx didn’t take his eyes off me, even when he addressed Eric.

Eric gave a slight bow. “She’s my Luna, Freya.”

“Freya,” he whispered softly, and I felt my cheeks burn with heat. I gulped, trying to stare at anything but those brown eyes.

“It’s a shame. I thought you were someone else.” With those words, his eyes turned and he walked past me.

I felt a sense of longing, wanting to reach out to him, but I kept my head down.

Eric stretched out his hand to pull me up, but I remembered everything he did. I forced myself to my feet, and he blinked.

I brushed my shoulder past him, but he caught my wrist.

“Let me go,” I groaned.

“What is your problem?” he shot back.

“You seriously want to do this? In front of everyone? Fine.” I scoffed. “My problem is you.”

“Me?” Eric shook his head in disgust. “I wasn’t the one all over another wolf. I saw the way you were looking at him…”

Disbelief rushed through me. I scoffed, yanking my hand from his grip. “He was helping me. That should have been your job as my mate, but you’re too busy frolicking around with your precious Alyssa…”

“Alyssa is my fated mate!” he growled.

Silence.

He clamped his mouth shut, realization crashing over him, but it was too late.

Fear nudged through me.

“What…what did you just say?” My voice cracked, horror lacing every wor

Eric swallowed hard, realizing what he just said, eyes darting away from mine.

He took my wrist and mumbled, “Let’s talk somewhere else…”

I snarled, yanking free. “What’s the point? Everyone’s going to know anyway. How long have you known?” A low, humorless laugh rumbled from my lips, tears brimming.

“The child she’s carrying. It’s yours, isn’t it?”

Eric’s eyes widened, and he grabbed my shoulders. “How did you…”

Thud!

A loud sound filled the air. Mumbles filled the room.

“Lady Alyssa has fainted! Quick, call a healer!”

Eric jumped, his eyes snapping toward the sound. “Alyssa,” he rasped, his body already tensed to rush to her.

I snatched his arm. “Eric…”

“Just hold on, let me attend to Alyssa. She’s more important than this.” He slid out of my grip, and I took a step back, feeling a tear fall.

“Since she’s so important, then make her your Luna.” I gritted my teeth.

Eric’s step faltered. His body turned rigid.

****

FREYA'S POV

"Luna, Alpha Eric sent you this?" Raven mumbled, the distaste in her voice evident as she placed a bouquet of roses.

It had been two days since that welcome party for Alyssa, and there had been no sign of him. I just thought he was avoiding me because I knew about his dirty secret.

What a coward.

The warm breeze twirled through the garden, carrying the scent of fresh earth and flowers. Dim sunlight kissed my skin.

I sat among the greenery, papers and documents from recent pack activities spread on little table, trying to distract myself from thoughts of Eric, but he still found a way to invade my mind.

My lips curved down as I took the flowers, noticing a little note attached to them.

"Happy belated birthday, my Luna. Sorry it’s coming late."

"No apology or an explanation." I scoffed, tossing the note on the floor. "This can't even be classified as bare minimum."

I stared at the flowers, feeling pain tighten my chest. I reached out and caressed them.

"He doesn't even remember I'm allergic to roses." I hissed with a sad smile.

Hearing those words, Chloe, who was standing beside me, snatched them from Raven and tucked them behind her back.

My skin prickled, heat and irritation spreading fast. The cloying scent hit my nose, sharp enough to make me sneeze. My wolf stirred restlessly, teeth bared in my mind.

"Luna, you shouldn't have touched the roses if they're going to make you sick," Raven chimed.

"It's fine... nothing serious."

Raven rolled her eyes and turned toward Chloe, who took a step back. "What should I do with the roses—"

"Sis, is that you?"

A sweet, soft voice ripped through the air and our attention turned to see her—Alyssa rushing up toward me.

She wore a long, light pink dress, her silver hair shimmering under the sun and her round eyes alight with excitement. But I felt nothing but utter disgust.

I noticed two maids beside her and frowned.

She wasn't even officially marked as his Fated Mate and already had servants assigned to her.

Alyssa tried to reach me, but Raven stretched her hand forward, stopping her.

My wolf snarled at the sweet lavender scent emitting from her.

"Behave yourself in front of the Luna," Chloe chided.

I turned my gaze away from her, taking the cup of tea that was on my table, slowly bringing it to my lips.

"Sis, I didn't mean to disrespect you. I just thought that we should be close, like sisters." Her tiny voice made my hand freeze before I arched a brow at her.

"Sister?"

"Hmm." She nodded with determination, then her face dropped as she reached over to her belly and caressed it slowly.

"You know, since Eric and I will be expecting a baby soon. Let's be sisters so we can take care of the baby together. Eee told me you can't give birth."

My nails dug crescents into my palm.

The same man who told me he didn't mind not having our own pup was the same person making fun of me to his mistress.

Ironic, isn't it?

"How dare you speak to the Luna like this!" Raven yelled.

My fingers trembled and I set the cup down, forcing back the bile building in my throat. "Did Eric tell you that?" I said calmly.

Alyssa's fingers fidgeted and then she nodded. "Yes, but please don't take this the wrong way. I was just trying to make reference to your condition."

I stood up slowly. Alyssa’s lips parting and eyes fluttering as she took a step backward.

My fingers clenched tighter with each breath. "What do you mean by my condition?"

Alyssa chuckled nervously and shrugged. "You can't have children. But surely it's not shameful for a wolf to remain without a pup.Don't worry, we can raise mine together..."

I latched my hand over her throat, my teeth bared, tears filling my eyes. "You can talk about anyone but don't insult me and pretend to care." I squeezed harder as she choked.

"You may have everyone fooled but not me..."

"Sis... please." Alyssa’s eyes filled with tears, turning red.

My hand loosened from her neck and she crumpled to the floor, gasping, her hands over her throat. Her maids rushed to her side, trying to hold her up.

"Don't you dare call me sis. Until Alpha Eric decides my fate, I'm still your Luna and you will address me with respect." I narrowed my eyes, watching Alyssa still on her knees, panting.

"Do you understand me?" I asked.

Alyssa’s nose flared, the corner of her lips raised in disgust as she cradled her neck.

Her sweet, innocent wolf façade cracking.

"Freya, what are you doing?"

I jolted, hearing Eric's voice from a distance.

Alyssa’s claws darted up, leaving a slow, thin streams of blood spilled around her neck.

My eyes widened in shock. "You..."

Alyssa hurriedly crawled and grabbed my palm with her bloody hands. "Luna, please spare me and my baby. I promise to leave Moonhowl pack," Alyssa sobbed.

"Shut up! Luna didn’t touch you," Raven yelled, trying to pull Alyssa away from me.

Tears were already running down her face.

Shock made me stiff. I had a feeling this little silver wolf was no good, but this was on another level.

Eric shoved me backward, and Chloe caught me quickly. Eric’s eyes landed on Alyssa as he squatted beside her, taking her in his arms as they stood up.

Then his red eyes turned toward me. "How could you..."

"Alpha, it’s—" Chloe tried to speak.

Whack!

The sound rang in my ears. The sting bloomed like fire. My eyes blurred, tears threatening to fall.

Eric, who would never lay his hand on a woman, had just hit me without a second thought. With shaky hands I brushed my cheek, just to see if this was real.

Sadly, it was.

My wolf growled in my ears, and I launched my hand at his face.

Silence fell. Eric’s arms stiffened around Alyssa.

He couldn't believe his eyes.

However, the battle line had already been drawn. What was the use of going back?

"Eric, are you so blinded by love that you can't use your brain?"

"You tried to harm my mate from the pack. I saw you choking her."

I swallowed the lump. "If I wanted her dead, she’d already be gone. I didn’t try to harm your fated mate."

Eric tried to speak when Alyssa coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed against Eric’s body. "Eric, the baby. Something’s wrong with our pup."

The sight of my mate holding someone else was already damaging, so I turned to leave.

"Stop right there. We’re not done," Eric ordered, and I paused.

"Chloe, you’ve learned the act of medicine, didn’t you? Check if our pup is okay."

My heart thumped hearing those words in front of me. Chloe’s gaze shifted to mine, seeking my approval, and I nodded.

Chloe frowned as she reluctantly stepped forward. Raven held on to me gently.

Chloe took Alyssa’s arm and then paused after checking her wrist. Her head turned in confusion.

"What’s the problem? Is our pup okay?"

Chloe’s body trembled. "Alpha, there’s no pup.”

*****