My Luna Stepmother Wants Me Dead

The sun shone brightly across my school compound as excitement filled the air. Today was supposed to be all about me – it was college graduation day, a moment I had been dreaming about for years.

Standing tall in my graduation gown, I felt a swell of pride as I looked at my reflection, adjusting the golden tassel on my cap. Today I was supposed to bask in the glow of all my achievements all these years but my dear father, Alpha Rudolf Cohen decided this was the best day to fix his wedding.

My father – Alpha Cohen had chosen today, of all days to hold his wedding – in the pack’s central clearing. His decision to marry in such a big and open space was to make sure every member of our pack Thunderhowlers pack could attend and witness it.

As his daughter, I had grown used to him making random decisions but this was a pleasant surprise for me, and despite him not having the time to attend my graduation, I was still happy. Since my father was happy… I was too. At least, I’ll get a new mom and maybe another sibling, if I’m lucky.

Still, I wasn’t going to let his wedding overshadow my celebration. I took a quick selfie in my graduation cap and gown, and also found a picture of my father on my phone which I posted online with a caption:

            Graduation day and Daddy’s wedding all in one!

            Whoever is marrying my daddy today, don’t forget,

            I’ll always be the most important girl in his heart.

            #PackPrincess #/DaddysGirl.

As soon as I posted it, so many likes and comments poured in. A lot of people congratulated me on my big day and some even went as far as to tease me about my father’s sense of humour in putting his wedding day exactly today.

 I would be going to the wedding later on in the day… maybe for the reception after the graduation ceremony was over. I was still in my dormitory responding to messages online waiting for my friend to join me so we would go to the graduation hall since it wasn’t time yet.

Suddenly, a commotion outside my dormitory made me drop my phone. I immediately came down from my bed and started for the door wondering what the noise was all about. I immediately opened my door and peeked at the corridor; my eyes widened with shock. A figure had just come out from the elevator dressed in a wedding dress. She was a woman with striking, beautiful, fiery red hair and piercing green eyes that made her stand out wherever was.     

Immediately, I recognized her – she was the woman my dad was set to marry – Her name was Ember Frazier. Although we’ve not been introduced officially I recognized her from the engagement photos I’ve seen with her and my dad.

She had two burly enforcers flanking her on each side and seemed to be coming in my direction. I threw my door wider as I came out to the corridor, a ready smile on my face as I waited for her to come so we could finally greet each other.

Hi there!” I greeted her when she reached. “My name is…”

The words were barely out of my mouth when she slapped me across my face, drawing a gasp from the few members of the pack present.

I blinked, feeling my cheeks redden with embarrassment. A crowd had gathered around us and they were staring at us curiously. More than anyone, I was baffled by her behaviour wondering what I might have done to her that she was picking a fight with me.

“What’s going on?” I whispered trying to maintain my composure.

“Bitch! How dare you!” She snarled. “You think you can challenge me on my wedding day?”

I took a step back, confusion written across my face. A crowd had gathered now and their murmurs had turned into a low hum of concern “What? I don’t understand…".

“Don’t play innocent with me” Ember spat, holding up her phone. On the screen was my recent post – the selfie with my dad I posted a moment ago. “You think you can waltz in here and claim my place as Luna even before I have it!”

I blinked, my mind racing to catch up. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I am not challenging you, Ember. This is my graduation day and the Alpha is…".

“Liar!” she shouted, her voice ringing through the corridor. “You posted it yourself! Trying to show everyone you’re more Important to the Alpha than I am!".

My heart pounded as realization dawned on me. She must have seen my post and misunderstood it entirely “No!” I shook my head, attempting a smile. “You see…".

“Seize her!” she interrupted me again, motioning to the enforcers.

Before I could react, she lunged at me and with a swift swipe, tore at my ceremonial cloak, ripping it from my shoulders. The crowd gasped as I stumbled back, my breath catching in my throat.

I stared at my torn ceremonial robe, everything felt like a dream. Was this even real? Was this some sort of prank – you know the kind where my friends would suddenly jump out from where they were hiding and congratulate me on my passing out?

But it wasn’t. Ember’s face loomed over mine, filled with revenge.

“Ember, Stop!” I cried out, but she was beyond reason now. Her face was twisted with rage and from her pocket, she pulled out a vial. My eyes widened in horror – I recognized the dark, oily liquid inside. It was Wolfsbane.

“No, no, no!” I struggled harder “Please listen to me, this is all a misunderstanding. You’ve got everything wrong,” I pleaded struggling against the enforcers who held me firmly.

Ember advanced towards me, a satisfied smug look on her face, holding the vial threateningly.

“You wanted to play games, little bitch?” she hissed. “Let’s see how you like this!”