VALENTINA

The woman standing before me looked terrifying. Her once beautiful face, now disfigured, bore a scar that marred the left side of her cheek. Her long lashes were burned during the attack.

She looks horrible.

A single tear traced a path down her ruined cheek. Everything in her life had been lost, thrusting her into the pain of hell.

Her pearly ivory eyes scrutinised deep within my soul, reminding me of my losses that carved each of my cells with remorse and ache, screaming of my defeat and evoking memories of the past.

I had left my father's protection and entrapped myself in Atlas's deadly web.

I wish I could turn the time, then I would have never left my home and perhaps-perhaps accepted my father's stubborn decision of arranged marriage.

For two years, there wasn't a day that passed when I didn't reach for my phone to call my father, yet dropped the idea. I was angry with him, but after losing almost everything, I felt that maybe I was wrong not to have listened to him.

But no more. Before I lose my life at the serpent's hands, I must leave and return home to my father.

"Luna, Alpha is here. He wants to see you." My maid informed me.

I brushed away my tears. My eyes hardened in a way I never thought possible.

"Hmm," I whispered, and slowly walked out of the closet in my bathrobe.

There he is. My husband, standing with a face no one would ever doubt. Full of charm and innocence, but underneath that facade hides a dangerous demon.

My heart twisted in agony when he flashed his sweetest smile.

I thought he was my safe barrier. I thought he was my one and only, my forever kind of love until he brutally stepped into my soul and tore away my love and belief as if they weighed nothing.

"Baby." He murmured and embraced me in a warm hug that no longer felt warm, but a camouflage of his cruel conspiracy.

I didn't return the hug and stood like a cold statue. The pain of his infidelity had sunk deep within me to even pretend to accept his disgusting touch.

Breaking the hug, Atlas cupped my cheeks. "How are you, love?" he asked. Those soft words felt like a sharp dagger plunged deep into my soul.

Staring deep into his cunning, dark gaze, I realized how foolish I was to fall for his sweet disguise. Worse, I dared to believe he was my safest place.

Had it not been for last night, I would never have recognized this person. I would never have learned that the man I loved most was the cause of my greatest suffering.

It turns out, as I am his destined mate, he was obligated to accept me as his official Luna. Therefore, he schemes against me to degrade me. And here I was, in a dreamy illusion of being accepted by my husband...

"Val, baby, what's wrong?" His words broke my thoughts, and my eyes met his.

A slight twitch appeared on my lips. "Nothing," I muttered. "What are you doing here? I thought you were busy finding a solution to my situation," I said, my voice holding a touch of sarcasm that he did not understand.

Atlas held my hand. "I have already found one," he said like a loving husband.

I wonder what part of his plan he is executing now. With a soft smile, I nodded, "Hmm, tell me."

He turned around toward the closed door of the room. "Come on in," he said.

The door opened, and Beta Jayden entered with a little boy in his arms. Immediately, my heart clenched just by looking at the boy. One glance at him, and I knew he was Atlas's illegitimate son for whom he had destroyed me. The resemblance was unwavering.

Atlas took the boy from Beta and stood before me with a sparkling gaze. "He is Arlen, an orphan, so I thought, why not adopt him?"

When I didn't reply, he passed the boy to Jyaden and again held my hands. "Val, I know you always wanted a baby of your own, but now the circumstances have changed. You can't carry a child. Also, you lost your wolf as well. Besides, the council has already raised a question against you. So, I think if we adopt the boy, I can strongly defend you before them. With an heir, they won't have any grounds to oppose you." He said, using his gentle voice.

I gazed at the man. Everything was just because of this child? He hurt me, both physically and emotionally, so his lover's child could become the heir to the pack.

I wanted to laugh out loud but suppressed. Turning to the little boy, I went close to him and slowly touched his cheeks.

He retreated, yanking my hand away. His expression clearly showed fear and disdain. I offered a cold smile; it was unsurprising that he was Atlas's son.

"He's scared of me. Maybe he didn't like me as his mother," I said calmly.

"What are you saying? It's definitely not like that!" Atlas defended his son hurriedly. "He's just a child, try to understand."

"Of course, I do. After all, anyone would be scared looking at my face," I said, flashing him a small smile.

Atlas let out a sigh that seemed intended to evoke sympathy, though I found his performance rather amusing. His acting was so convincing that throughout our two years of marriage, I never once suspected him, or Sienna.

"Valentina, it's not your fault." He whispered, cupping my cheeks.

"Of course, it's not," I softly whispered. It was all your fault.

"Baby, I've decided to adopt this child, not only to present him to the council but because I strongly feel you'd be happier around him. When he'll call you Mother, it will appease your soul. I promise, your wounded feelings will be eased by this little guy." He kissed my forehead, finishing his words.

Ah, how I ever forgot how outstandingly manipulative he is. In our married life, Atlas always had the final word, using his gentleness. He made me believe he was doing everything for my good while stabbing me in the back.

Every time he made me feel indebted to him for his consideration, and I, like a fool, believed him without a question.

He turned to the boy, saying, "Look at him, He is so innocent and craves love. Doesn't your heart wish to adore him?"

His words burned my wounded soul in a repeated move. Making me infertile he is asking me to adore his illegitimate child.

What a disgusting piece of shit.

A subtle smile played on my lips as I nodded. "Undeniably, he's charming," I remarked.

"But, did you observe a striking resemblance? He's your spitting image, Atlas. As if he is your own blood!" I feigned astonishment. "Fate is indeed capricious, isn't it? Yet, I sense a disparity; the little one does not bear even the slightest resemblance to me at all." I faked a longing, sorrowful expression.

My words, nevertheless, stiffened him. His face was drained of colour. A frown of nervousness creased his brows.

"Nn-no baby it's not like that. I-it's just a coincidence." Atlas panicked for a split second, trying his best to take control of the situation. He probably didn't realize this point, out of excitement over his victory.

I almost burst out laughing but controlled myself in time.

Seeing him tense sent a wave of satisfaction through my heart. Although my anguish and losses far outweigh his, I still consider it a success.

"Atlas," I touched his arm, "Don't worry, I will adopt him," I said with an icy smile. Why not play a little before crushing down his desires just the way he did to me?

Oh my dear, dear Atlas, you have no idea whom you have messed with. You knew a loving and obedient wife; now you know the true Valentina Rodriguez.

My acceptance brought tremendous joy to his face. His handsome face which was ugly within, gleamed with mirth and he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"You have no idea how relieved I feel, Val." He kissed my head. "I knew you'd never disappoint me and would make a decision as Luna of the pack!" He almost moved to tears, making my lips twitch at the perfection of his deceit.

"We no longer need to worry about an heir or the throne." His joyous words rang in my ears like a taunt as I watched him with amazement.

"You'll always be my most beloved Luna, baby," he announced, as if his love for me were undying, while the truth is that he never loved me at all.

"I'm so glad to have met you; otherwise, I wouldn't know men like you exist," I said, my taunted remarks were so clear yet nothing entered his fat head.

He gently caressed my cheeks and said proudly, "I know."

Atlas is a manipulative and arrogant man. His ego is bigger than his brain, yet my deep affection for him stemmed from his endearing and charming nature; however, I have since learned that this was merely a disguise.

I'm curious, how many times did he sleep around with his lover behind my back? Perhaps those nights when he stayed out of home with an excuse of important work, and mind me if I say, those nights were countless.

Nowadays, with many chemicals and potions, it's nearly impossible to feel the betrayal in the mate bond. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had to endure so long, and perhaps I could have saved myself from this agonizing anguish and loss.

"Baby, where are you lost?" Atlas asked, interrupting my thoughts again.

"In you," I answered, looking at him intently.

Again not understanding the mockery, he grinned like a fool and touched my head, "hey, get ready; we will meet the council," he said.

A sneer touched my lips as I shrugged. "Well, I feel I don't want to meet the council. In fact, I have another plan," I said calmly.

"And what is that?" He raised an eyebrow, unable to contain his irritation. This is Atlas; he despised disobedience.

My lips curved into a smirk as I took my wedding ring off my ring finger and threw it at him and stated coldly, "I, Valentina Rodriguez, reject you, Atlas Darwin, as my mate, husband and Alpha."

VALENTINA

An anguished howl echoed, piercing the air in the room. The searing pain tore through the quiet atmosphere as I stared at the disgusting man in disdain-it was his howl of a broken bond.

He had let go of his son. Kneeling on the ground, his eyes shot up at me in anger and disbelief.

"Wha-at the fuck is wrong with you?" He emitted a guttural growl. His bloodshot eyes glared at me.

My fists clenched, my nails digging into my soft flesh. With a tight, throbbing heart, I felt the twist of the shattered bond within me.

The bond I swore to cherish for a lifetime, I broke today. The pain was intense, but it could not be compared to the anguish of betrayal.

I swallowed the burning ache in my soul. My lips twitched at his suffering. "Karma," I murmured. "I rejected you, Atlas Darwin This is where your manipulation ends."

Atlas stood up; since my wolf spirit dissipated, the weakness of rejection didn't linger long.

"But why would you do that? Who gave you the right to reject me?" His tone sharpened. His jet-black eyes dilated further, radiating extreme annoyance.

No wonder his pride was hurt. He clearly desired the result, but his male arrogance flared because I was the one initiating the rejection.

"What are you so annoyed about? I have just earned you your freedom, Atlas. Congratulations." I stated with a slight touch of a satisfying smirk on my face.

Although it could not satiate my traumatized soul, it still felt satisfying to crush his ego.

"I will leave," I muttered with a composed demeanour, looking deep into his eyes. "So, accept my rejection," I demanded.

Atlas raised a brow at me, sending me a look of taunt as if he had heard the most ridiculous jokes of his life.

A cold chuckle escaped his lips as he stepped toward me. "And where would you go?" he asked sarcastically.

"It's none of your business," I refused to answer his question. I was definitely not going to inform him of my plans. "I just want to leave."

After I left my father's shelter, I vowed never to use his name to gain anything. Meeting Atlas, I felt as though I had found a precious gem who would protect me, and I would never have to look back.

So, I never utter anything about my past, living in the delusion of being accepted and loved as I am.

Clearly, I was mistaken, and that cost me everything I cherished. Perhaps it was my karma.

"Valentina, calm down," Atlas said, seeming unexpectedly composed. Slowly, he started walking toward me. "Is it about adoption? If so, why don't you take some time to adjust?" He suggested softly, getting closer. "We will see the council and make the announcement once you're ready."

Raising his hand, he touched my cheek. I, however, did not allow him and yanked his hand away.

"Don't touch me!" I snarled at him, my patience and kindness melting away.

His eyes glowed furiously. "Stop throwing tantrums like a child," he commanded, his raised tone immediately causing the servants and his Beta to lower their heads in submission.

I didn't, though. I kept my eyes fixed on him. I have alpha blood that never learned to submit without my will.

By his expression, he didn't like my strong stance. He is a man who wants women at his feet. He believes only a son can inherit, and daughters should bear heirs for the alpha and follow their husbands.

It astonished me to think I willingly accepted his nonsensical thoughts in my life and let him control me.

"Val, love, calm down," He used his gentle facade once more. "I understand you're going through a rough patch, baby, but you're not alone in this. I'm here with you. We're in this together. I promise you, everything will be alright soon."

"Think carefully, this little one is going to solve all our problems, and we will have our happily ever after," he muttered softly, as though he were coaxing a little child.

"Really?" I arched a brow, as the corner of my lips rose slightly in taunt. "I wonder how you'll conclude our story-by eliminating my existence from this world, or perhaps declaring me crazy before the pack?"

Atlas froze; for a split second, I witnessed his surprised expression before he again suppressed it.

"Right now you're talking like a crazy woman, Valentina. No one's against you, you just need to calm down and think before you speak." He said there was a hint of warning in his words.

I couldn't help but smile. "No wonder," I whispered, realizing how right I was to feel that he planned to eliminate me soon.

"I am calm, Atlas. In fact, I've never been calmer in my life. I do not want you anymore," I stated word by word and walked toward the slightly ajar door.

I technically don't need him to accept the rejection. He already broke it by killing my wolf spirit; therefore, there would be no more pull of the mate bond. Therefore, I'd just leave this hell.

His expression became severe. He clenched his fists, appearing on the verge of losing his composure.

As I was so ready to leave the room, a figure unexpectedly appeared with a worried face, blocking my way.

It was Sienna.

"Guys, what's going on here?" She asked softly, glancing at me and Atlas.

Two years ago, when I met Sienna, she seemed sweet, gentle, and innocent. Since she was the adopted daughter of the Red Moon Pack, I considered Atlas and her relationship sacred, and I never minded their closeness.

Seeing her face, the flare of anger only ignited further within me. And, to make matters worse for the two of them, the little guy in Jayden's arms threw his hands in the air toward Sienna and cried out, "Mama."

Everyone froze, especially the two serpents, making me laugh out loud. Sorry, I couldn't hold it back anymore!!!

"Val, it's not what you're thinking; he's just close with Sienna." Atlas attempted a failed explanation, making my lips curve into a sardonic smirk.

"And here I thought he was a warrior's son, recently orphaned. How did he become close enough to Sienna to call her 'Mama'?" I inquired, throwing a knowing smirk at the selfish man.

"Valentina, I-I was close to that warrior's family, so he knew me well!" Sienna blurted out, and I burst into laughter.

My gaze curiously fixed on Atlas; his face had turned dark. "Once he is just an orphan, and next, he is the son of a warrior. Interesting. Why don't you two just sit together and do your homework before spitting out your lies?"

"Valentina, listen to me. You're not-" Atlas tried to convince me again, but I dismissed him with a wave of my hand.

"Oh please, the boy who's your exact copy, calling Sienna his mother-I might be a fool, but not enough to fail to see the clear truth," I said. I feel nothing but ridiculously annoyed.

"And must I tell you Atlas, I had witnessed you and your "sister's" deeds last night, so sacred and pure." I sneered as my taunting words fell, stiffening them both.

"I am done with your betrayals, Atlas, I just want to leave this fucking place and get rid of you and your fake empathy." My tone sharpened as I stated those words icily.

"Alright, fine, I accept that we had an affair and Arlen is our son," Sienna spoke as if she was frustrated with everything. "But look at him," she pointed at Atlas. "Even after you lose your wolf, your beauty, he is still willing to accept you as his Luna, and you're being nothing but a selfish brat."

Just as fake and poisonous as Sienna is, she suddenly acted magnanimously and tried to convince me. Well, nothing much, just another manipulative bitch.

"Besides, where would you go, leaving the pack? You're just a wolfless, weak, and disfigured omega, how would you survive out there? So it's better to go down on your knees and beg him to accept you and shelter you." She advised me arrogantly which only made me smirk in utter disgust.

I wonder how they would react once they hear my true identity.

The people I loved and trusted used me, hurt me in ways that I never expected, and now trying to announce how great they are. Well, what could be more expected from these traitors?

"Shelter?" I chuckled; the sarcasm rang on the walls. "How? By orchestrating my demise? Or, by launching a rogue attack on me and hurting me? or better, killing my wolf?" I snarled, the rage in my voice heating the atmosphere.

Their eyes widened in disbelief which made me chuckle coldly at their stupid faces. "Your game ends here," I murmured, feeling drained.

I just wanted to leave this place, I have had enough of their betrayals. I couldn't fight them staying here, I just wanted to return to my father and stay with him forever.

However-

"What are you but a scarred, wolfless omega, Valentina?" Atlas's words halted my steps, making my eyes snap in his direction.

In just a few seconds, his demeanour changed. His usually kind and gentle eyes had turned dark and evil. It didn't surprise me, though; I had already gotten a taste of his cruelty. He simply dropped the act, no longer faking it since his deeds were revealed.

"You think once you step out of the pack, you'll survive? What do you have? You only had your beauty, now it's gone. You're now worse than an omega." He sneered at me.

Tilting his head, he tsked. "You only have two options: either walk out and get ripped apart by the rogues and other creatures, or kiss my feet, and maybe I'll give you shelter in some corner of my territory. Accept my son, put on an act before the pack and the council, and live a good life."

His words resonate deeply within me, burning my heart with a fury that inflamed my veins. Anger overtook me and before anyone expected, I rushed to him, raised my hand, and landed a hard slap on his fucking sorry face.

"I'll see you very soon, Atlas Darwin. Just wait and watch." I gritted my teeth and then I turned and walked out-my head high, my heart in pieces, and my wounded soul howling in grief.

** The city, pack, and kingdom's names used here are the author's invention and have no connection with reality. **

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VALENTINA

"Drinks, ma'am?" The polite voice of the air hostess caught my attention.

"No, thanks." I shook my head at her, flashing a smile that hid beneath my black mask.

The air hostess politely approached the other passengers with a nod. I sighed and gazed out the small window of the aeroplane.

I am returning to my home, the place where I truly belong.

Except for the white clouds in the bright daylight, I could see nothing. It is basically pointless to look out. So, pulling down the cover, I carefully picked up the magazine I had taken from the airport.

The new Ohio actress has been in the news lately. She's trending on all news channels and in magazines. However, the second I turned the page, I discovered a different face-a man with devilish charm.

He is Andres Donovan, the Supreme regent of all wolves-he's the Lycan King.

This magazine recently published an interview with him that somehow overshadowed the trending actress.

My attention was drawn to his image. Even in the photograph, his golden eyes blazed with an intensity that was quite unsettling. He exuded an aura of both danger and refined elegance, his commanding presence possessing a captivating allure.

Women crave him, yet he is forbidden fruit. He remains unattached, with no pressing interest in taking a mate-not yet, at least.

"Hey, are you reading it?" An excited female voice brushed my ears, and I turned to the female passenger beside me.

Her eyes were fixated on the king with extreme interest. Feeling my gaze, she smiled sheepishly. "Actually, I wanted to buy a magazine, but unfortunately, they were all sold out."

Well, no wonder why.

"Not really, here, take it." I handed her the magazine, and her eyes sparkled. "Thanks! I'll return it to you after reading." She added with a grateful smile.

"It's fine; I won't need it anymore," I said, closing my eyes to avoid further conversation.

The girl's excitement was unbounded, and she thanked me again.

Although the Lycan King was undoubtedly charming, I no longer bothered him. Honestly, the betrayal shattered me within. Nothing excites me anymore.

I fell asleep after a while until the flight attendant woke me up. The plane had landed in Grimaker City.

I took my backpack, which did not have many things. I practically left Shadow Crust with the only belongings I owned with my money.

After completing the airport procedures, I stepped out of the airport. A soft, subtle breeze kissed my face, shivering me with discreetly controlled emotions.

I hailed a taxi and entered, "Ebbon Moon Clan." I informed the driver.

Once the car started, I reclined in the seat.

Atlas and Sienna awakened me by crashing my heart. I realised that I was just a blind fool for not valuing the people who truly loved me.

Two years have passed, and I am unsure whether my family and pack will accept me in this state. Yet, after losing everything, my family are the only people I want to return to.

"We've arrived, ma'am," the driver said, breaking my thoughts as I looked out the window.

The huge entrance to the pack graced my view. My heart tightened against my ribcage as I glanced at the most familiar place in my life.

My sweet home-Ebbon Moon Clan-where I truly belong.

Tears clouded my vision, yet I held them back. I never learned to be weak. Perhaps for love I had once restricted my true nature, and lost my way; within, I am still a warrior and my father's heiress.

But, what if they don't want me back?

The sudden thought shuddered me, yet I controlled myself with clenched fists. Paying the taxi fare, I stepped out of the car with a tight heart.

I looked around. The border guards were standing in their usual places and maybe, there were more than I had known.

I didn't suspect it, though, after all, the Ebbon Moon Clan is one of the most powerful packs in Grimmaker City. My father, Alpha Victor, is the current leader of the pack. He is a born leader, running the pack with strength and precision.

Indeed, I'm the Alpha's daughter and the young Alpha heiress of the pack. This was my true identity, which I had hidden from Atlas, and I am glad I did. He never deserved me.

I walked toward the pack's entrance and stopped by the guards. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" One of the guards asked in a steely voice.

Who am I?-The question stiffened me. For a second, I felt unfamiliar and useless. When I left this place two years ago, I vowed never to return and use my identity, yet here I am, unsettled and suspected.

"Remove your mask; you need to provide your identity," one of them said again.

"You're wolfless, yet you bear the scent of a wolf." One frowned, throwing me a sharp gaze. "Are you a lone omega? Where did you come from?"

His words twisted my heart with an unbearable ache as I was suddenly reminded of my circumstances. Yes, I am wolfless; I couldn't protect my precious companion. Those who once immediately bowed to me in submission now question me.

This only made me smile sadly. How fast and drastically life changes.

"Speak," he snapped. Their stance was threatening; "or we'll arrest you."

I felt defenseless before their questions. A wave of restlessness washed over me. There was no point in arguing; I needed to move my mask. However, given the way my face had been disfigured, I wonder if they will recognize me.

"Hey, remove your mask," one of the guards urged me as a few of them started surrounding me, their sharp gazes filled with doubt and alertness.

With a sigh, I raised my hand to remove my mask, when a heavy, pointed tone pierced the air, drawing our attention.

"What's going on here?" The cold voice fell as I watched the tall, good-looking man whose strong presence made my heart pound with both fear and excitement.

Bundles of memories reopened in my troubled and wounded heart. "Uncle Samuel," I couldn't help but whisper with a tearful gaze.