The morning sun filtered through our bedroom curtains as I carefully arranged the breakfast tray—Reed's favorite blueberry pancakes, fresh coffee, and a single white rose I'd picked from our garden. Today marked nine years since we'd first mated, nine years of hoping our bond would finally complete itself.

I'd woken before dawn to prepare everything perfectly, my heart fluttering with the same nervous excitement I'd felt as a young she-wolf. Maybe today would be different. Maybe today Reed would finally look at me the way Connor Pierce looked at—

No. I pushed that thought away, focusing on the tray in my hands.

"Reed?" I whispered, settling beside him on the bed. "Happy anniversary."

His dark eyes opened, and for a moment, I saw something soft there. Then his expression hardened as his mind-link activated, that familiar distant look crossing his features.

"Alpha Reed." Dior's voice echoed through our bond, sickeningly sweet even in my head. "I need you. My heat cycle is starting, and I'm scared. Please come to me."

The breakfast tray trembled in my hands. "Reed, please. It's our anniversary. Can't she wait just—"

"This is pack business, Estrella." He was already throwing off the covers, reaching for his clothes. "Dior needs protection during her vulnerable time."

"But she's been having heat cycles every few weeks lately. That's not normal—"

"Are you questioning my judgment about my chosen mate?" His Alpha tone sliced through me, making my wolf whimper and retreat. "Dior is young and needs guidance. Unlike some she-wolves who can't even fulfill their basic mate duties."

The pancakes grew cold as I watched him dress, each button on his shirt another nail in the coffin of my hope. "What about us? What about our bond?"

Reed paused at the door, not turning around. "What bond, Estrella? After nine years, if there was something real between us, don't you think it would have happened by now?"

The door slammed behind him, leaving me alone with the ruins of our anniversary breakfast.

***

Evening brought the pack run, our weekly tradition where the entire Crimson Ridge Pack shifted and ran together through our territory. I'd always loved these runs—the freedom, the unity, the brief moments when I felt truly part of something.

Tonight felt different.

I shifted into my wolf form, my silver fur shimmering in the moonlight. Around me, the pack gathered—thirty-seven wolves strong, built from nothing through Reed's leadership and my hidden resources. My wolf preened with pride at what we'd accomplished, even as my human heart ached.

Reed's massive black wolf stood at the front, commanding and powerful. Beside him...

My blood turned to ice.

Dior's smaller brown wolf wore the Luna ceremonial necklace—the sacred silver chain embedded with moonstone that marked the Alpha's true mate. The necklace that should have been mine. The necklace that had been crafted specifically for Reed's Luna by the pack's artisans.

She caught my stare and deliberately lifted her head higher, the moonstone catching the light as she pranced closer to Reed. The other wolves noticed too—I could smell their confusion, their questions. Some of the older females whined softly, recognizing the wrongness of it.

The run began, but I couldn't focus. Every step felt like running through quicksand as I watched Dior parade at Reed's side, the ceremonial necklace bouncing against her fur like a declaration of war.

When we returned to the pack house, I cornered Reed in his office.

"She's wearing my necklace."

Reed didn't look up from his paperwork. "It's not your necklace, Estrella. You've never been officially recognized as Luna."

"Because you've never completed our mate bond! Because you refuse to acknowledge what the Moon Goddess—"

"The Moon Goddess?" He laughed bitterly. "If the Moon Goddess wanted us together, don't you think she'd have made it easier? Don't you think our bond would be stronger?"

Before I could respond, his mind-link activated again. This time, his voice echoed in my head too—a deliberate cruelty.

"Estrella," Reed's mental voice was cold and commanding. "Report to pack healer Marcus Stone immediately. You'll undergo fertility rituals to prove your worthiness as my mate."

My wolf snarled, the sound ripping from my throat before I could stop it. "Fertility rituals? After nine years, you want to test me?"

"I'm making an announcement at the Pack Alliance Summit next week." Reed finally looked at me, his eyes empty of any warmth. "I'm officially declaring Dior as my Luna. If you can prove your fertility and strengthen our bond before then, I might reconsider."

The world tilted. Nine years of sacrifice, of hiding my true identity, of pouring my pack's resources into his dream—and this was how it ended? With ultimatums and public humiliation?

"And if I refuse?"

Reed's smile was cruel. "Then you'll be demoted to Omega status, and Dior will take her rightful place as Luna of the Crimson Ridge Pack."

Something inside me snapped. Not broke—snapped back into place. Like a bone that had been dislocated for nine years finally popping back where it belonged.

"You want to test my worthiness?" I stepped closer, and for the first time in nine years, I didn't lower my gaze. "Be very careful what you ask for, Reed Bennett."

His eyes flickered with something—surprise? uncertainty?—but his arrogance quickly returned.

"Empty threats don't suit you, Estrella. We both know you can't survive without our bond, incomplete as it is."

I smiled, and it felt like the first genuine expression I'd worn in years. "You're right about one thing, Reed. It's time to find out exactly what I'm worth."

Reed's dismissive words hung in the air between us like poison. I stood there, watching him return to his paperwork as if I were nothing more than an interruption in his important Alpha duties.

"You think I'm bluffing?" My voice came out steadier than I felt, each word carefully measured.

He didn't even look up. "I think you're desperate. Nine years, Estrella. Nine years of you clinging to a bond that barely exists, begging for scraps of attention like a pathetic omega." His pen scratched against the paper with deliberate indifference. "Face reality—you have nowhere else to go. No pack would take a failed Luna, especially one who can't even complete a mate bond."

The cruelty in his voice hit me like a physical blow, but something strange happened. Instead of the usual crushing pain, I felt... clarity. Like fog lifting from my mind after years of confusion.

"You're right," I said softly, and his pen finally stilled. "I have been pathetic. I've been so desperate for your love that I forgot who I really am."

Reed's head lifted, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion at my calm tone. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I smiled, and it felt like the first genuine expression I'd worn in years. "It means you're about to find out exactly what you're losing, Reed Bennett."

His laugh was harsh and mocking. "Empty threats don't suit you, Estrella. We both know you're nothing without me. You're weak, you're broken, and you're mine whether you like it or not."

I turned toward the door, my hand resting on the handle. "We'll see about that."

"Where do you think you're going?" His Alpha command crashed over me, but for the first time in nine years, I didn't flinch.

"To remember who I used to be."

***

That night, I sat alone in our bedroom—though it had never really felt like 'ours.' Reed was with Dior again, no doubt celebrating his upcoming announcement. The Luna ceremonial necklace probably still hung around her throat like a trophy.

I closed my eyes and reached deep within myself, past the years of suppression and submission, searching for the connection I'd buried so long ago. The mind-link that came with my birthright.

*Father?*

Silence stretched for long moments, and I wondered if I'd lost the ability entirely. Then, like sunrise breaking through storm clouds, his familiar presence filled my mind.

*Estrella.* His mental voice carried surprise, relief, and something that might have been pride. *My daughter. I was beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten how to reach me.*

Tears I'd been holding back for hours finally spilled over. *I need to come home, Father. I need to remember who I am.*

*Tell me everything.*

So I did. Nine years of pain, sacrifice, and humiliation poured out through our bond. I told him about Reed's coldness, Dior's manipulations, the fertility rituals, the public announcement planned for the Summit. With each word, I felt something awakening inside me—my wolf Selene, who had been dormant for so long I'd almost forgotten her voice.

*You've endured enough,* my father said when I finished. *The trial is over, Estrella. You've proven your strength in ways I never imagined. It's time to reclaim what's yours.*

*What about the pack? Reed's territory?* Even now, part of me worried about abandoning what we'd built.

*Built with Silvermoon resources and warriors,* he reminded me gently. *Resources that can be withdrawn. The question is—are you ready to show Reed Bennett exactly who he's been taking for granted?*

For the first time in years, Selene stirred within me, her silver eyes gleaming with anticipation. *We're ready,* she whispered, her voice stronger than it had been since our first shift.

*Then prepare yourself, my daughter. Tomorrow's Summit will be... educational.*

***

The annual Pack Alliance Summit buzzed with the energy of dozens of Alphas and their entourages. The grand hall of the Riverside Convention Center had been transformed into a showcase of pack power and politics. Reed stood near the main stage, Dior glued to his side like the parasite she was, both of them basking in the attention.

I kept to the shadows, wearing a simple black dress that Reed had chosen—something appropriately submissive for his 'weak Luna.' The other Alphas barely glanced my way, which had always been the point.

Until Alpha Mitchell arrived.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating the kind of old-fashioned dominance that made my skin crawl, Mitchell surveyed the room like he owned it. His gaze landed on me, and his lips curved in a predatory smile.

"Well, well," he drawled, approaching with deliberate slowness. "Reed Bennett's famous Luna. Though from what I hear, that title might be... temporary?"

Conversations around us quieted. Other Alphas turned to watch, sensing drama.

"Alpha Mitchell." I kept my voice neutral, but Selene bristled beneath my skin.

"Such a pretty little thing," he continued, circling me like prey. "But tell me, dear, what exactly do you bring to your pack? Besides decoration, of course."

Heat flooded my cheeks, but before I could respond, Mitchell's voice boomed across the hall. "Reed! Your Luna looks thirsty. Perhaps she could fetch drinks for the real Alphas? I'm sure she's good at... serving."

Laughter rippled through the crowd—cruel, dismissive laughter that cut through me like claws. Reed stood frozen, his jaw tight, but he made no move to defend me. Dior's hand tightened possessively on his arm, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Go on," Mitchell commanded, his Alpha tone pressing down on me. "Fetch drinks like a good little omega."

Every eye in the room was on me. Waiting. Judging. Expecting me to submit, to scurry away with my tail between my legs like I always had.

Instead, I smiled.

"Of course, Alpha Mitchell," I said sweetly. "Right after I make a quick phone call."

Confusion flickered across his face, but I was already reaching for my phone, my fingers steady as I dialed a number I knew by heart.

"Father?" I said loud enough for the entire hall to hear. "It's time to bring our warriors home."

The wine glass slipped from my trembling fingers before I could stop it.

Time seemed to slow as the deep red liquid arced through the air, catching the chandelier light like drops of blood before splashing across Alpha Mitchell's pristine ceremonial robes. The sacred white fabric, embroidered with his pack's ancient symbols, turned crimson in an instant.

The entire hall fell silent. Even the soft background music seemed to die.

Mitchell's face transformed from smug amusement to pure rage, his eyes flashing with the golden light of his wolf. "You clumsy little bitch!" His hand shot out, iron fingers wrapping around my wrist with enough force to bruise. "Did no one teach you how to serve your betters?"

Pain shot up my arm, but I forced myself not to cry out. Around us, dozens of Alphas and their entourages watched with the hungry attention of predators scenting blood. Some looked shocked, others amused, but all were waiting to see how this would play out.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "It was an accident—"

"Accident?" Mitchell's grip tightened, and I heard the subtle crack of bones shifting under pressure. "These robes have been blessed by three generations of Moon Priests. They're worth more than your pathetic pack's entire territory."

My gaze found Reed across the crowd. He stood frozen, his jaw clenched tight, but his eyes... his eyes held no warmth, no protective fury, no indication that he cared about his mate being manhandled by another Alpha.

Instead, he stepped forward with Dior still clinging to his arm.

"Alpha Mitchell, I sincerely apologize for my mate's clumsiness," Reed said, his voice carrying easily across the silent hall. "Estrella has always been... unsteady in formal situations."

The words hit me like physical blows. Not only was he failing to defend me—he was actively humiliating me in front of the most powerful Alphas in the region.

Dior pressed closer to Reed's side, her voice dripping with false concern. "Oh, Reed, perhaps Estrella is feeling unwell? The stress of the Summit can be overwhelming for... weaker wolves."

Mitchell's laugh was harsh and grating. "Weaker indeed. Tell me, Bennett, is this the quality of Luna you're planning to present to the Alliance? Because frankly, I'm not impressed."

"Actually," Reed's voice carried a note of something that made my blood run cold, "I'll be making some changes to my pack's leadership structure very soon."

The implications hung in the air like poison gas. Several Alphas exchanged meaningful glances, and I caught the whispered conversations starting at the edges of the crowd.

"Changes, you say?" Alpha Rodriguez from the Desert Winds Pack leaned forward with interest. "How... refreshing."

Mitchell finally released my wrist, but not before giving it one final, painful squeeze. "Perhaps you should teach this one proper submission before she embarrasses you further."

***

The ceremonial feast began an hour later, but the tension from my encounter with Mitchell still crackled through the air like electricity. I sat at the far end of the head table, relegated to the position usually reserved for unmated she-wolves or pack members of little importance. Reed occupied the Alpha's chair with Dior beside him in the seat that should have been mine.

The sacred offering bowl sat in the center of our table—an ancient silver vessel carved with moon phases, used to hold the ritual bread that would be blessed and shared among all the packs. It was one of the most important traditions of the Summit, symbolizing unity and mutual respect.

I was reaching for my water glass when Dior suddenly lurched sideways, her elbow striking the offering bowl with deliberate force. The precious vessel tumbled from the table, its contents scattering across the floor as it rang like a funeral bell.

Gasps echoed through the hall. Several elderly Alphas rose from their seats, their faces dark with outrage at the desecration.

"Oh no!" Dior cried out, her voice pitched perfectly to carry across the room. "Estrella pushed me! She was so angry about earlier that she—"

"I didn't touch you!" The words burst from my lips before I could stop them.

But Dior was already in full performance mode, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clung to Reed's arm. "She's been glaring at me all evening, Reed. I think she blames me for your decision to make me Luna. When I tried to move away from her, she shoved me right into the sacred bowl!"

The lie was so smooth, so perfectly crafted, that even I almost believed it for a moment. Around us, the assembled Alphas watched with growing interest, their attention shifting between the spilled offering and the drama unfolding at the head table.

Alpha Mitchell's voice cut through the murmur of conversations. "Well, Bennett? Are you going to let your mate desecrate our sacred traditions out of petty jealousy?"

Reed's dark eyes fixed on me, cold and unforgiving. When he spoke, his voice carried the full weight of his Alpha authority.

"Estrella." The single word cracked like a whip. "Kneel."

The command hit me like a physical blow, his Alpha tone pressing down on my shoulders with crushing weight. Around us, conversations died as every eye in the hall focused on our table.

"Kneel and apologize to these Alphas for your disrespect," Reed continued, rising from his chair to tower over me. "Or face immediate rejection as my mate."

Dior's smile was triumphant as she watched from her stolen seat, the Luna ceremonial necklace glinting at her throat like a badge of victory.

The choice hung before me like a blade: submit to public humiliation, or lose everything I'd sacrificed nine years to build.

But as I looked around the room—at Mitchell's cruel satisfaction, at Reed's cold indifference, at Dior's smug triumph—I realized something that should have been obvious years ago.

I'd already lost everything that mattered.

The only question now was whether I'd go down on my knees, or on my feet.