Valerie

"Why aren't you downstairs? Don't you know your parents and Alyn are waiting for you?" He barked, glaring at me.

As tradition stated breakfast within the pack house couldn't start without my presence. It was why I strained myself to wake up so early despite not being a morning person.

Were I not in shock, I would have realized.

"I...I'm sorry," I stuttered, "I was just-"

"Don't make any excuses," he cut me off,

"Alyn just recovered from a cold and you're letting her wait for food? Come and let everyone eat."

I pursed my lips shut as he turned away. not even letting me get a word in. The shock drained away to a familiar ache and I smiled mirthlessly.

Of course, the only thing that mattered to him was Alyn.

I thought I was used to this, but somehow reliving this hurt worse, especially now.

"There you are!" My mother huffed as I arrived, "The food is getting cold. Are you trying to make Alyn fall sick again?"

I clenched my jaw. Alyn could eat anytime wished, just like my parents could if they were in their homes, but that wasn't the case. My parents insisted on coming to the pack house, the home that was just supposed to be for Tristan and I, for everything. With Alyn involved he'd practically given them a home here.

If the tradition wasn't there, I had no doubt that they would have completely forgotten me.

"Mom, it's okay. Don't criticize sister. I'm sure she had other things to do." Alyn smiled gracefully. My belly revolted at the sight when her confessions and that smile remained firmly in my mind.

"Don't excuse her. She wasn't doing anything but being lazy." Tristan said beside me. He didn't even spare another look my way.

Still I sat down. Throughout the breakfast my parents would complain about one thing or the other they found as my fault. Alyn remained silent, defending me weakly only for more hatred to be thrown my way.

Now I saw it clearly, how she easily put them against me, while pulling herself closer. I had even less appetite to eat the foods on the table. They were made to Alyn's liking and my nausea grew. Looking around I saw everyone focused on Alyn. Nobody noticed me, or cared.

Before I knew it I snapped, slamming my hands on the dining table before storming out. I couldn't take it anymore.

I'd anticipated their treatment, but reliving it made things clearer. The moment I shut my room door I let myself crumble in tears

Now I knew everything she'd done, but what would it matter? I'd always fought and done my best for the pack only to be belittled in return. It wasn't just her cunning when they never questioned her or believed me.

Why did I sacrifice anymore for people who didn't care? Who couldn't even bother to be there when I took my last breaths?

There was no fight when she was the clear winner. Either way I would lose and die miserable.

Determination filled me.This time I couldn't let it happen.

My death started with a small conflict, ironically instigated by Alyn with another pack. The solution would have been simple if they listened yet Tristan and the pack disregarded me.

Not just her, the entire pack wasn't safe for me or my child.

The solution was simple; I had to renounce my Luna position and leave the pack to become a rogue.

I shut my eyes tightly. Rushing to my desk I quickly took out a piece of paper to plan.

Life was going to be different, but it would be worth it. I had savings that I rarely touched, except for the pack's sake. With that, I could start a new life and survive in the human world.

Some cities bordered other pack territories, but I wasn't planning on being noticed. If I kept a low profile I could live peacefully amongst humans.

Hope grew in my chest.

Suddenly the door opened and I turned to find Mina there with a tray,

"I know you didn't eat properly, so I made another breakfast." she said, placing the tray on my desk. No doubt she'd heard of what happened at breakfast.

The food's aroma made tears prick my eyes. It was blueberry pancakes, my favorite.

"How are you feeling Luna?" she asked me. She was the first and likely the last who would ask that question.

"Mina," I breathed out. She was only a maid, yet had been the most loyal and caring. I could still recall in my hazy last moments, how she'd held me. She was the only person that truly stuck by me, who shed tears on my behalf.

The vulnerability made me speak without thinking.

"What do you think about leaving this place?" I asked.

"Luna?" she gasped,

I shook my head, "Nevermind. I was just having nonsense thoughts,"

I quickly dismissed her before looking down at the notebook I scribbled in. The plans were rough but I was determined.

I was going to leave.

....

'It was time,' I thought to myself, staring at the party I'd experienced before.

I'd dealt with planning the anniversary party easily. Throughout the week, most of my time was spent on planning for my true goal.

Now, decked in the same white and gold dress I'd worn the last time, I was ready.

And I'd chosen this specific day for it.

Spying a glance to my side, my heart ached. Beside me, Tristan leaned towards Alyn. Feeding her, laughing with her and comforting her. This was our anniversary party, yet he acted like she was his Luna, all in the eyes of the pack.

There was nothing I could do to stop his blatant humiliation. I knew the murmurs surrounding me, all mocking me. Why was I his mate when he clearly favored her? Was it a mistake from the Moon Goddess? Why wasn't I pregnant?

"It's been a year and the Luna hasn't gotten pregnant?" I overheard,

"Maybe if she acted better we would have an heir by now." A particularly loud snicker filled the hall. The whole pack tensed for a moment in complete silence.

My heart ached even though I'd expected those words. Clenching my jaw, I stood up sharply, moving to leave.

I wouldn't get far.

Just like I'd anticipated, Alyn stood up beside me as though ready to comfort me. Yet as I twisted to face her she gasped.

The wine she took stained her green dress and it looked like I was the reason.

"Valerie! What have you done!?" Tristan barked out, standing up

I smiled ruefully, looking at her shocked features. I couldn't believe I was once blind to how fake she acted. This was her plan, to discredit me even more despite everything already being in her favor.

"No Tristan, it was an accident, Valerie didn't mean to." She pleaded, turning wrapping herself against him.

"Apologize!" He snapped, ignoring her words. My parents stood up and glared at me.

'Wasn't it humiliating?' I thought bitterly. He didn't hesitate to show who he really cared for, not even sparing me in front of the pack.

In my past life, I'd argued that it wasn't my fault and nothing worked out. My parents ignored me and the pack only had more rumors, this time of my maliciousness towards Alyn. The only one who met me was Alyn herself, whining innocently that she didn't mean for it to happen the next day.

This time though, it would be different. I smiled serenely before bowing my head.

"I'm so sorry Alyn." I said,

As I looked up I saw the shock on their faces and Alyn's mask fall. Her plan failed.

She'd expected me to protest and cement the issue, but there was no need to. Not when I had my own goal.

Moving away from them, I turned towards the pack.

"It seems like even on a joyful day like this, I keep on embarrassing the pack," I smiled ruefully, "rumors seem to follow me wherever I go and even the pack I try to serve sees me as a burden."

The pack members stared in shocked silence. Did they think I would continue to bear it?

"So, I've made a decision," I said, "the decision to leave this pack."

Lifting my chin, I smiled,

"I resign as the Luna of the Eclipse pack!"

Valerie

Silence filled the hall. Nobody said a word as they looked at me.

"What are you saying! Are you stupid?" My father suddenly snapped, making me turn back,

"I've already thought over my decision father, mother." I said before turning towards Tristan.

"Alpha Tristan, I reject you as my mate. The Moon Goddess bears witness," I said,

Instantly, the bond snapped painfully, but I managed to remain still. The burning sensation lasted as I looked at him completely winded as he stumbled back.

"What the-" he breathed out, looking utterly shocked.

"I know it wasn't your intention to ever be with me. Not when your true love was by your side. I'd been a barrier to that, but not anymore." I said.

"The rumors were right. Our bond was a mistake from the Moon Goddess and I have to rectify that. Now you can be with the sister you wanted all along."

He looked dazed, like he couldn't understand my words, but I knew he would agree.

'You never loved me anyways,' I thought. I was a fool to keep on trying for so long. Now, it was time I moved on.

Looking at him hurt, so I focused on Alyn.

I met eyes narrowing as if she was trying to read my intentions. It only made me smile wider.

'Not everyone is like you Alyn' I thought silently. If anything, I'd just made things easier for her.

"I wish you both happiness." I said before turning away and leaving the hall.

Tears escaped the moment I was out of sight, but I held them back. This was what I'd prepared for. What I needed.

Staying in this pack any longer would kill me otherwise.

Rushing to my bedroom my luggage was already in order and a discreet car was waiting for me outside. Looking around at the lavish place I felt nothing. There was no love to be found in this place.

Gathering them, I turned away to leave when I stopped at the sight.

"Luna" Mina greeted me, carrying a bag with her. I looked up in shock.

"What are you doing?" I whispered in shock as she moved closer. Hadn't she heard?

"I had a feeling when you asked that strange question. I was shocked, but I have an answer ."

"I'll leave with you. You've always been good to me so I'm ready to stay by your side, Luna." she said,

My lips trembled. Without hesitation I hugged her tightly.

"From now on call me Valerie. I'm no longer your Luna." I said, sniffing.

She nodded as we separated.

"Living outside the pack may be difficult. Are you sure?" I asked,

"Yes L...Valerie," she smiled.

Letting out my breath I held her hand.

I was going to the unknown, but at least I won't be alone.

...

TWO MONTHS LATER

"Thank you for visiting us." Mina waved at the leaving customer. Once the store was empty she relaxed on the counter.

"Finally it's time for a break," she groaned before stretching.

"Don't get your hopes up," I chuckled, leaving the counter, "I'll get tea for us."

"Goddess yes," she sighed like I'd offered her a lifeline. Rolling my eyes at her dramatics, I stepped out of the shop.

In two months, everything had changed.

We'd moved to a completely different city, miles away from the pack. It was situated in-between borders where no packs would notice us. I'd chosen this area and spent half my savings to buy an apartment and the small building below it.

Together, we'd started up a flower shop business which grew within a small time. Despite my initial worries, I'd adjusted well to the human world and the anxiety faded away.

Here I was finally free from the burdens I suffered. There were no risks, no scrutiny or pain. I was free.

The lingering ache of the broken bond still twinged here and there when my mind flew, but I managed it.

"Thanks," I murmured, winking at the staff before leaving the neighboring cafe. As I neared our shop, my instincts spiked.

Something was wrong.

True to my thoughts, I stepped in to find men surrounding the shop. Werewolves.

Mina looked at me fearfully. Thankfully she wasn't harmed.

"Who are you?" I asked cautiously, eyeing the men surrounding my shop.

"Luna Valerie," one stepped forward, "we mean no harm, but Alpha Alistair would like to see you."

I froze.

"Alpha Alistair sends his regards,"

Alistair, Alpha of the Shadow Moon pack.

The same pack that had a conflict with the Eclipse pack. The pack that tried assassinating Tristan in my past life. The same pack that killed me.

Fear caught my throat, but I swallowed it back. This city was near his border, but it was far enough from notice.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

"Okay." I finally said,

Mina whimpered as they released her and moved towards me. I tried to pass her an assuring glance before as they led me out.

As I entered their car, I shut my eyes, steeling myself for what would come next.

After driving for nearly half an hour, we'd arrived in the infamous pack.

Worry filled me. There was no reason for me to be afraid. I'd left before the conflict between the packs started and even then it wasn't caused by me but Alyn, who had disrespected the pack during a meeting between multiple packs. What could have been solved by a simple apology had escalated when Tristan had taken to her defense, fueling the tension. That was months away from happening and there wasn't a certainty that it would happen again so it didn't answer the question;

How did he find me and why did he bring me here?

None of the men had tried to hold one since I followed them, likely because of my easy acceptance. I simply followed their guide until they led me to the room.

As I stepped inside, I faced the man I was meant to see.

I had only seen Alistair once- in the meeting that fell apart. My thoughts of him were fleeting and anxious when the pack and by extension, I was on the end of his rage, but as a rogue lone wolf, I didn't know how to feel.

I felt the same suffocation the day he'd declared to destroy the Eclipse pack. But I wasn't sure why.

"You're far away from home Luna Valerie." His voice boomed, sending shivers through me. His long dirty blonde hair glowed golden in the light, filtering against his cheekbones.

'He was handsome' I noted. Handsome and unpredictable. Dangerous.

"I'm not Luna anymore. You should know that by now," I retorted, trying to keep my heart stable.

"So it's true then, you abandoned your pack?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Why did you call me here?" I asked instead of answering his question.

He leaned forward before speaking,

"Since you've become a rogue wolf near my border I would like to make an offer. Join my pack and become my personal advisor."

I looked up, shocked. That was the last thing I expected him to say.

"Why?" I asked, dumbfounded and he chuckled.

"I've heard of your skills in your pack. You're praised as an effective Luna hence why I'm surprised they let you go so easily. More than that, you're...interesting." he smirked.

"So what do you say Luna- sorry, Miss Valerie?"

Valerie

Join his pack?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I had just gained my freedom, and the last thing I wanted was to be chained to another pack, bound by their rules and expectations.

But, refusing Alistair's offer wouldn't come without consequences. I'd be making an enemy of him, and that was a risk I wasn't sure I was willing to take, especially from him, who had brought about the death of me and my child.

This left me with the worst kind of dilemma.

I weighed my options, my mind racing with the pros and cons.

Could I really trust Alistair? Even if I could trust him as an Alpha, then what about the pack?

Was I considering it? No.

The more I thought about it, the more conflicted I became. I was torn between my desire for independence and the potential dangers of refusing Alistair's offer. The silence between us seemed to grow thicker, heavier, as Alistair waited for my response.

I didn't know what to do.

If I refused, I didn't know what he'd do. But joining his pack...

My breath hitched. After minutes of thinking, it finally came to me.

"No," I finally spoke, making him frown before I rushed out

"I won't join your pack, but I have an alternative deal."

He stopped, raising an eyebrow but I continued speaking while hiding my nerves.

Once I finished, he chuckled but I stayed firm. Even though I could tell it wasn't what he wanted, he finally nodded.

"You make a fine bargain. Fine then," he agreed, raising his hand to shake

"Pleasure to work with you...Valerie." he purred,

I didn't reply, shaking his hands. The moment I touched him a sharp zing courses my senses. I couldn't barely process it as I let go, meeting his icy blue eyes.

"Likewise," I only managed to muster.

As I left the hall my mind circled the sensation. Had I done the right thing?

....

ONE MONTH LATER

That day, I had set up an alternative deal, one that was enough of a compromise between us.

Despite rejecting his offer, I agreed to be his personal Advisor and Pack mediator when necessary. In return I was given my freedom with an added bonus of protection within our city and his pack. It was a middling deal where we both got what we wanted.

In the end I didn't mind it. Mina took over some of the work in the flower shop while I was made to attend their pack meetings at least twice a week.

Working alongside Alistair was intimidating but unexpectedly, he'd loosened up around me, acting more like a lax boss and sometimes friend even though I still kept my distance. He'd continuously offer me a pack position and I would often reject it. Other times however, he would call, and it was unpredictable whether it was serious or not.

Like he did now.

"Sorry," I apologized, leaving the counter while calling Mina over to take care of the customer. Taking out my ringing phone I quickly answered only to receive curses.

I instantly stiffened at the thundering rage in his tone. I'd never heard him this angry before.

"What happened?" I asked,

"It seems like your former pack doesn't know the meaning of respect, nor do they understand what they'd just done." He spat out.

My blood turned cold.

As he explained, my heart fell. It happened exactly how it did in the past, with Alyn starting a problem that escalated this.

"What are you going to do? Did you declare war?" I asked, trying to not shake. I'd sworn off any contact with them but the thought of the war starting again...

"No," he chuckled and my breath hitched in relief, "why would I? After all, I have a mediator don't I? One that is coincidentally related to the pack."

Relief instead twisted into worry.

Maybe I'd hoped things would change, but I was proven wrong. There was no escaping this.

The Eclipse pack, my parents, Alyn and Tristan. I was going to face them again.

Days passed after Alistair announced his decision. He'd been the one to pick the place which was unsurprisingly his pack hall. With all the details set in place all that was left was for me to face them.

I had the time to prepare throughout the drive to the venue. Now I was ready.

I murmured thanks as the pack guards lent me a hand in stepping down. Whether due to my continuous stay or the deal, they had become much friendlier and polite. Some of the pack members greeted me on the way, but it still didn't stop my anxiety.

Stepping inside, I opened the door and was reunited with both packs. My past and present.

"The Shadow Moon Pack Advisor, Valerie Valentine!" They announced.

It took everything in me to not stumble as I walked in, ignoring the stares. Only as I sat in my place in the middle seat between both packs did I finally look up.

My former pack members were looking at me with shock, as if they had seen a ghost. My parents were also present, eyes wide.

And Tristan... I froze under the force of his stare. He didn't look angry but...different. Heated in a way that I'd never seen him look before.

My father suddenly rose, red faced.

"What is this Alpha Alistair? How dare you capture our daughter to mediate this fight?" he shouted,

"Be careful of your words Mr Valentine," Alistair cut him off, "She is no longer your pack member or Luna, as we and many other packs are aware of. You all were proud to say so as well during the annual meeting so why are you all complaining now?

She accepted my position of her free will. There is no reason for you all to complain unless...you're worried about something?"

Murmurs began but I couldn't focus. Why was Tristan still looking at me so intensely?