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?

Valerie

"Enough," I spoke, using a tone that quieted them. I felt like I was a Luna again. Fighting the penetrating stare by my side looked away before continuing.

"Let's resolve this issue."

As a mediator I was meant to listen before making my judgment. Both of them stated their case, the latter being one of the Beta's daughter getting injured by Alyn before a break was proposed.

I was free to walk around as I thought over my judgment but stopped when I overheard murmurs from a corner. It was my former pack members talking.

"This is so annoying. Alpha Tristan barely said a word." one of them hissed which I frowned at.

I noticed it and was equally confused. How did the man who supported Alyn suddenly fall silent?

"Is he still sick? The pack doctor didn't say there was something wrong with him though..." Someone whispered, making my ears perk up.

"Alpha Tristan hasn't been the same since he suddenly fainted." the other hummed, "It's been two weeks since that happened and suddenly this conflict started. He must be going through a lot."

"And now Lu- the Former Luna joined the Shadow Moon pack? What the hell? Do you thi-"

I walked away before I could hear anymore.

'He'd fainted two weeks ago?' my brows furrowed. That never happened in my memories. What changed?

'Many things could have taken place.' I justified,

It was the same way I was surprised that Alyn wasn't Luna yet, or called 'Future Luna' at least. It has been months since I'd left. I would have expected them to have a mating ceremony by now. Was this the reason why?

I quickly pushed the thoughts away. It wasn't my place to think about that anymore.

....

When we returned for the meeting I was ready for the judgment. The conflict that had escalated and taken my life the last time was going to meet its end.

As I took my seat, I spoke.

"The end of this conflict is simple and could have been solved easily if it weren't for pride. As it was the Eclipse pack who had done the first offense, it would be them who would pay the price.

Alyn Valentine of the Eclipse pack is to make a public apology to the Shadow Moon pack and the Beta's daughter. Based on the tradition of packs, the Eclipse pack is obligated to say their public apology and send an offering to the pack."

It was the easiest and simplest resolution. The Eclipse packs weren't short of resources. But would they accept it easily?

I held my breath, waiting for resistance when Tristan suddenly stood up.

"I, Alpha Tristan, accept this punishment." be announced.

I stiffened. Of all the people I would have expected him to argue.

His eyes were still looking at me in that strange way. I forced myself to look away.

Meeting Alistair's gaze, I relaxed. My worries faded as he looked pleased with the judgment, smiling.

"In that case, the conflict between us is resolved," he announced. It was like a weight had fallen off my chest.

Alyn was forced to publicly apologize. I felt her and my parents glare my way. I ignored them. It was harder to ignore how Tristan gaze penetrated me, but I was set on ignoring it.

It didn't matter when I was leaving soon.

But I couldn't. To my surprise, Alistair suddenly proposed an impromptu party to celebrate the reliance of their packs. There was no way to escape as the moment he spoke, suddenly servants and other pack members came in with food, drinks and music. All of a sudden the hall filled with tension had reduced to music and joy, like nothing ever happened between them.

I stepped out nearly 20 minutes after the party began, slipping into the nearby garden for fresh air. It was evening when I'd arrived in the pack and now that things were resolved it was already nighttime.

After sending a quick text to Nina, I relaxed against one of the pillars and looked up at the sky. The crisis that had taken my life had been fully averted. Once they left now, there was no reason for me to contact them.

"Valerie."

I froze at the voice behind me. Snapping backwards I faced Tristan and my breath hitched.

He should have been celebrating. The Eclipses pack had left without so much as blood spilled and Alyn was with him, so why was he here?

Heat prickled me at the look he gave.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped defensively.

"To see you."

Before I could comprehend his words I was suddenly crushed by his arms. Shocked, I realized that he was holding me.

Panicked, I pushed him away, stumbling.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" I cried out, wrapping my arms around myself.

"I needed to see you Valerie," he breathed out, reaching out to grasp my shoulders. I flinched at his touch yet it was gentle as he looked over me.

"Excuse me, Alpha Tristan, but we're no longer mates and ..."

"That doesn't matter. What matters is knowing why the hell are you here?" he snapped, shutting me up, "What were you thinking being in this pack? Were you captured? Are you hurt? How is the baby?"

'Wait...' I froze as I realized.

"How did you know about the baby?" I asked, horrified. Even now it was cryptic and he definitely didn't know back then, unless...

Looking at him, my heart trembled.

That same look came into his eyes,

"I saw it. The baby you lost...when you died." he said.

Disbelief pricked me. This couldn't be happening.

He looked up at me resolutely, something akin to desperation and sadness in his face.

"I know everything."