An hour later, Wesley's luxury sedan glided up the driveway. The night was deep, and he assumed his wife was still out carousing with those eccentric friends of hers-the reclusive vampire and that witch he'd never approved of.

'Out partying and maxing out the credit card,' he thought with a smirk, thinking about Riana for a split second.

What kind of Luna preferred the company of night-walkers and spell-weavers over her own Pack? He silently prayed Willa hadn't inherited her mother's questionable tastes.

Willa clung to his sleeve, dragging her feet as she hopped out of the car. "Do we really have to go home, Daddy?" she pouted. "I want to stay with Aunt Delilah longer."

Delilah emerged from the car and crouched, taking Willa's hands gently in her own.

"We'll see each other again soon, sweetheart. For now, your mother is waiting for you." Her voice was honey-smooth. "She just wants time with you and your father. She'd be heartbroken if you didn't come home."

Wesley watched, pleased. Delilah treated Willa as her own-something he doubted Riana would ever be generous enough to do if the roles were reversed. No, Riana was likely waiting inside, poised for a fight. The thought alone was enough to put him on edge.

Yet tonight, something felt off. A prickle of unease traced his spine.

After instructing his driver to take Delilah to the luxury hotel he owned a few blocks away, Wesley led his daughter inside.

"Your mother's probably not home yet," he remarked, glancing around the overly silent foyer.

"Nope," Willa skipped ahead. "I didn't see her car."

He frowned slightly. Not worried-just curious. It was late.

His obedient wife usually waited up for him when she knew he was back in town. She'd always be there-even with that perfect smile and dead eyes. She always came to the door, offered wine, and asked about his flight like a loyal spouse from some old-school etiquette manual.

But tonight? Nothing.

Silence.

"Daddy, do we have to be home tonight? Can't we just stay at the hotel with Aunt Delilah?"

"Darling, if we don't come home tonight, your mother will insist on joining us tomorrow."

Willa wrinkled her nose. "What if Mommy tries to come with us tomorrow?"

"She won't." His voice was steel.

In all their years of marriage, Riana had learned her place. Patience, beauty, quiet devotion-his word always brought her back in line. "Your mother won't challenge me. I'm her Alpha."

Reassured, Willa's mood brightened. She skipped farther inside, calling for the housekeeper.

As he turned back toward the hallway, Mrs. Leah appeared like a retired ghost, her silver-streaked hair pinned neatly back, her posture so precise she could almost be mistaken for an automaton.

"Good evening, Alpha, Miss Willa. Let's get you cleaned up for the night."

Willa was fond of Mrs. Leah, who had often filled the void of loneliness when both her parents were absent. Most of the time, Willa listened to her, treating her with the trust of family.

Pausing her steps, Mrs. Leah turned to face Wesley.

"Alpha. Luna Riana left this for you." She held out a plain ivory envelope.

Wesley took it without interest, his attention already captured by a message from Beta David.

David: Luna Riana has quietly bought out that failing fashion label. Completely.

'With whose money?' he wondered with a smirk. 'Likely mine.'

"Where is she?" he asked without looking up.

Mrs. Leah whispered for Willa to go upstairs, then turned back with unusual hesitation. "She packed her things and returned to Mystic Town. She. didn't inform you, Alpha?"

"She left?" It was unlike Riana to leave the city without notice.

"Yes, Alpha."

He smirked and continued toward his room.

'Perhaps, she finally knows her place and gave way for Delilah to move in.'

'Wes, I sense something unusual,' Vars, his spirit wolf, voiced its concerns, but was ignored by Wesley.

As he walked up the stairs, he caught sight of Willa lingering on the landing, eavesdropping. No doubt disappointed that Riana hadn't stayed to help finish whatever trinket she was crafting for Delilah.

"Alpha." Mrs. Leah followed, her voice softening uncharacteristically. "Luna Riana didn't look well. She seemed. upset."

"Upset?" A dry, mocking smile touched his lips. She'd never shed a tear in all their years of marriage-as if perfectly content with their arrangement.

He'd assumed as long as she had money to spend, this political marriage would hold. Until he consolidated power. Until Willa was old enough to understand.

If not for that damned night eight years ago, he wouldn't still be bound to her.

Delilah was his true mate. The woman who should have been his Luna.

He had no doubt Riana had orchestrated that "accident". Out of fear that her half-sister would surpass her.

A calculated, greedy move from a woman who'd always been threatened by Delilah's grace.

Dismissing Mrs. Leah with a wave, he continued his way, the envelope still clutched in his hand.

As he passed Riana's door, nothing seemed out of place. Shopping bags lay on the floor, and dresses were laid across the bed. She'll be back, he thought.

Then his phone rang. Delilah's name flashed across the screen.

"Miss me already?" he answered lightly.

But Delilah's voice trembled. "Wesley, can you come? I'm scared. I think someone's watching my suite. It could be one of your Pack enemies."

Without another thought for the envelope or Riana's departure, Wesley turned and strode back out of the mansion. Some things were more important than that.

A ten-minute drive later, Wesley strode through the opulent lobby of the Moonlight Grand Hotel, his tie loose, adrenaline sharp in his veins. The thought of an enemy threatening his mate clouded his judgment, overriding any lingering unease from home.

The suite door opened an inch before he could use his keycard, then swung wide.

Delilah stood there, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, wearing nothing but a robe the color of sin.

Candlelight flickered behind her. The suite smelled of jasmine and warm skin. The city lights glittered beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, a silent audience to the scene.

"I heard something," she whispered, her voice breathy. "I thought someone was outside."

One hand rested on her chest, the silk robe parting just enough to reveal a tempting glimpse of what lay beneath.

He scanned the room, instincts on high alert, his gaze sharp. "Did you call security?"

She shook her head, her eyes dark and pleading. "I only wanted you."

That gave him pause.

Wanted. Not needed. Wanted.

It was a word that had never found a place in his eight years with Riana. Perhaps this was the pull of a fated bond-raw, undeniable, and utterly selfish.

Delilah stepped closer, her fingers tracing the line of his chest. "I'm sorry. I know you were probably putting Willa to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about you." She licked her lips. ".especially after that shower."

In the haze of heat and arrogance, he knew-she had heard nothing. No one had followed her.

The last thread of his control was shaking. He was, after all, still technically a married man. If Riana ever discovered this, the scandal would ripple through Ambrose City like a tidal wave.

But Delilah had always been bold.

She untied her robe.

Let it fall.

The scent of her desire enveloped him, clouding his senses. Reason was a feeble thing in the face of want-a flame too easily snuffed.

A heartbeat later, he lifted her into his arms and carried her straight to the bedroom.

In that moment, Wesley did not foresee the cost of this reckless choice-or how dearly he would one day pay for it.

Stepping into her old penthouse in Mystic Town, Riana's heart beat a little faster-not with anxiety, but with the quiet hum of homecoming.

"I'm.. home" she sighed with a weak smile hiding the hurt she felt.

The double doors swung open to reveal a sunlit sanctuary. Walls of cream and gold, plush carpets that swallowed sound, the faint scent of sandalwood candles lingering in

the air. Her fingers touched the walls gently while her heart beats in pain.

This had been their first home together before they'd moved to Ambrose-a nest she'd built with her own hands, dreaming of warmth and family for the child growing

inside her.

But Wesley had only ever seen walls. He'd been too lost mourning the mate he thought fate had stolen from him. He blamed her for his sorrow.

Seven years of marriage. Seven years trying to carve warmth into cold marble. Now, the penthouse stood like a museum of the life she'd failed to build-and the one she

was now reclaiming.

"No! I will not think about him. He is my past" She dropped her luggage and padded barefoot across the floor, twirling slowly as her mother's old lullaby escaped her lips. No trace of Wesley's cologne here. No dark leather or Alpha ego.

Just her books. Her scented candles. Her silence.

"Mystic Town," she whispered, pushing open the tall windows. A soft breeze lifted strands of her hair. "I'm truly at home."

She'd bought this place in secret-with Sasha's help. A shell company, a discreet sale Wesley never noticed. He hadn't cared enough to ask who'd purchased it; he was just

glad to be rid of it. Perhaps getting rid of any memory about her.

Exhaustion finally pulled her under. She slept deeply for the first time in months.

Six hours later, a sharp alarm tore through the darkness.

Riana fumbled for her phone, squinting at the screen. 3 AM in Mystic Falls. 7 AM in Amberose City. "Too early"

Then, her eyes opened wide. She recalled it was Willa's breakfast time.

Her thumb hovered over her daughter's contact. She'd set this alarm months ago-a reminder to call, no matter where in the world she was, no matter how short or cold the conversations had become. It was a thread, thin and fraying, but one she refused to let go.

Lately, Willa's replies had dwindled to one-word answers. Fine. Okay. Bye.

And after what she'd overheard. after the birthday night, the rejection, the way her daughter had looked at Delilah as if she hung the moon.

"What's the point?" With a quiet sigh, Riana deleted the alarm. Some threads weren't meant to be held forever. Some you had to let it snap.

In the darkness of a home that was finally hers again, she allowed herself one final tear. Then, she closed her eyes and chose to sleep a little longer.

The morning sun cast long, gentle shadows across her room. When the door clicked open from the outside, Riana's instincts flared. Who could it be?

With a flick of her wrist, a controlled arc of fire shot from her palm. A reflex from her self-defense act.

"Hey! Watch it! It's me!" Sasha sidestepped the flames with vampiric speed, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement. "You must be really tired not to be able to sense me"

Riana blinked, sitting up in bed. She'd returned in such a hurry she hadn't even had time to meet her friends yet. "What are you doing here?"

"Surprise, Wolf-Witch Queen," Sasha bounded onto the bed, pulling Riana into a hug before she could even pretend to be asleep. "Looks like your powers are sharper than

ever. The Winters pack is in for a shock! They're so busy fawning over Delilah's'pureblood' status they never recognized the real treasure right under their noses."

"I'm not their Luna anymore," Riana said, rising. "I signed the papers."

"You signed? And Wesley just. let you? That mangy dog didn't even try to fight for you?"

Her words made Riana laughed while she gave her friend a quick hug. "The divorce agreement was drafted right after we married,"

"What a dick! You were OK with that?"

Riana offered a bitter smile. "My signature is probably the one thing he's been waiting for all these years."

"Oh, Riana," Sasha pulled her into another embrace. "He's going to regret this. He lost a treasure."

"He doesn't matter anymore." Riana glanced at her phone. No messages from Willa. A flicker of pain crossed her eyes, but she buried it quickly. She turned the phone off,

determined to be present. "Hey, let's get some breakfast. Let's not talk about him"

***

(An hour later, still at home)

*

"Earth to Riana," Sasha teased, her amber eyes glinting playfully. "You've been staring at that sandwich for five minutes. What's on your mind? You should be celebrating! Blood?"

"Ew, no," Riana looked up, forcing a light laugh. "Just. planning for the next move. I have plans.. just thinking.. when, how.."

Sasha could read her like an open grimoire. "Riana, you're lying. What's going on with your little heir? Is her fluctuation still happening?"

Riana sighed, finally taking a bite. She could not hide things from Sasha, "Willa will stay with Wesley. For now. Until I get things in order here."

Sasha's voice softened. "Are you okay? No call from your pup today? You used to call her every morning."

"Not today."

"You're hiding something." Sasha got closer to whisper, "That tone in your voice, something is not quite right"

Leaning in, Riana lowered her voice. "I'm planning to attend the Moon Gala."

"No!" Sasha's jaw dropped. "Shut up! This weekend? Oh, you're going to cause chaos."

A wicked grin spread across her face, making Riana laugh genuinely. "All those years of secret training-this performance will be worth it. I hope Carlita can make it on

time."

"I'm excited and nervous. But at least Delilah won't be there this time."

Sasha rolled her eyes. "Don't even play modest. If it weren't for the. unexpected circumstances back then, you would've been the shining new Queen of the Gala, not

that wannabe Delilah prancing around like her homewrecker mother's 'pureblood' line actually means something. She's never had to face real power like yours."

The Moon Gala wasn't just some stuffy party. It served as the grand prelude to the most magnificent festival in werewolf history - the Moon Gathering.

Occurring once every four years, the Moon Gathering was a spectacle of power-a night where alliances were forged in blood oaths and broken with fangs. The winner

gained significant influence, their voice carrying weight in supernatural society for years to come.

Eight years ago, it was supposed to be Riana's debut. Her powers were still stabilizing, but she was confident she would stun everyone. She wanted the packs to see who the true, worthy heir was.

But her unexpected pregnancy changed everything. For Willa's safety and stability, she had to postpone her plans indefinitely.

Riana shook her head, a new light in her eyes. "Enough about the past. I have something to show you."

"A new pair of shoes? New designer dress –"

"No, something better. Hold on"

Riana walked to the bookshelf, slid out a false panel to reveal a hidden safe, and retrieved a crystal vial pulsing with a soft, rose-gold light.

Sasha's eyes widened. "Is that-?"

Riana nodded and winked, "Thanks to Rowan and his R&D team, the latest breakthrough from my company,"

Pride threading her voice. Riana continued, "I'm calling it the Xena Formula. Named after my grandmother. She was the most powerful witch Mystic Town had ever seen. It took us four years and a dozen disasters to make it work. Almost.. blew up the whole lab"

"Does it. work?" Sasha leaned in, mesmerized.

"It neutralizes inherited magical suppression codes. Permanently. Sasha, I can finally access my full potential. We all can. Freely."

"Riana. have you unchained your own powers?" Sasha asked, her voice hushed with concern. "Are you sure this is.. the right thing to do?"

But it was met with a smile from Riana, "Of course. All of it. Unchained"

"That explains the surge I've been seeing in your aura lately. It's like. bottled lightning."

"Well, whatever glow you're seeing, it clearly wasn't enough for Wesley to see my worth," Riana said, a hint of old bitterness surfacing. "He always looked at me like I was impure. Not wolf enough. Not submissive enough. Not pureblooded like Delilah. What he never understood was that my potential was artificially suppressed-dampened by the magical inhibitors they forced on me to control my witch side."

"It held back everything: my wolf's strength, my speed. my light."

"Okay, so Delilah's a coconut-scented bitch, but you're a battle goddess in Louboutins," Sasha declared, squeezing Riana's hand. "And if you get thrown into

supernatural prison for breaking approximately seventy laws, I'm going with you. So will Carlita-I'll make sure of it."

Riana laughed, the sound genuine and bright. "Relax, Sasha. My company will only produce completely legal, carefully dosed vials."

"But mine here," she said, gazing at the shimmering liquid, "is mine."

"It's enough to finally claim what should have been mine all along. And that bitch Delilah is going to have to fight me for it."

Her voice hardened with resolve. "I am the rightful heir to the Regalia Pack, not her."

Glasses were raised-espresso for Riana, a crimson-filled flute for Sasha-in a toast to a future about to be rewritten.

*

(Back in Ambrose City)

*

Delilah always knew how to make Willa laugh. She played games, told outrageous jokes, and let her eat anything she wanted.

She never said, "Sweetie, you can't have that, but Mommy can make you something else."

When Willa was tired or cranky, Delilah didn't sigh or get frustrated-she just scooped her up and asked if she wanted ice cream.

But now, sitting in the vast, glittering emptiness of the mansion, a dull ache settled in Willa's chest. The kind of feeling she could not understand.

Sunlight streamed across the lavish breakfast spread, making her golden hair shine. The same colour she inherited from her mother.

"Daddy.?" she began, her voice small.

"Yes, darling?"

Willa's voice caught. Biting her lips, she looked at him hoping he would look back at her, "Has Mommy said. if she's not going to call anymore?"

For three days, there was nothing. No calls. No texts.

At first, she'd liked it. No one telling her what to do. Saying no to what she desires.

The freedom from her mother's daily check-ins. No more stiff conversations where she had to pretend to care about school or recount her day with friends.

It felt like a victory.

But soon, her heart began to waver.

Mom never just. disappeared. She always kissed her forehead-even when she was angry, tired, or running late. Even when she wasn't perfect. she was always there.

Feeling the awkward silence, Wesley looked at his daughter's conflicted face and opened his mouth to speak, but his phone rang.

He smiled seeing the number on the screen, "Delilah, what is it?"

Willa watched her father leave the table to take the call, wondering what couldn't be said in front of her. He never used to walk away when Mom called, though their conversations were always short and cold. She'd hardly ever seen him smile at Mom, even on the phone.

"Willa," Wesley said, returning abruptly. "Something's come up. Henry will take you to school today."

"Is Aunt Delilah in trouble again?"

"Don't worry, I'll handle it." He ruffled her hair, grabbed his suit jacket, and was gone.

A confusing mix of emotions swirled inside Willa. She'd actually been looking forward to Dad driving her. Mom always drove her to school, even when she had meetings. Mom stayed up all night when she had a fever. Mom braided her hair exactly the way she liked it-even when she was exhausted.

She swallowed her disappointment. Aunt Delilah must be in real trouble for Daddy to rush off like that. He didn't mean to break his promise. She had to be understanding.

She checked her phone one more time, sighed, and stared out the window.

Still, no call coming.

*

***

*

Wesley pushed open the door to Delilah's suite, his voice tight with concern, with his eyes scanning the room with concern, "Delilah, darling, what's wrong? Why are you leaving so suddenly?"

The morning sun streamed in, catching the delicate silk of her chemise and the subtle glow of her makeup. She was a vision of curated perfection.

He swallowed his saliva seeing her wearing a dress revealing the sexy curves of her body. The memory of him kissing her smooth skin, hunger to be inside of her again, made him felt uneasy. The strange desire was again crawling under his skin.

He got closer to reach out to her. To feel her again.

"I have to go back to Mystic Town, Wesley," she said, the curve of her back accentuated as she bent to arrange a suitcase-an unconscious, yet potent, invitation.

"Did they call you?" He crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, inhaling the intoxicating scent of gardenias that clung to her skin. Just a hint was enough to stir his

desire.

"Don't go. We just found each other again. I haven't had nearly enough of you." His hand slid familiarly beneath the hem of her slip. As he felt the warmth between her legs, he groaned.

Feeling the hard evidence of his want pressed against her, Delilah allowed herself a faint, unseen smile.

She stilled his wandering hand but arched against him in a way that made his breath catch. "I can't stay. You're still married to Riana."

"Delilah –"

"What will people say if they think I'm the reason your marriage fell apart?" She turned, catching her lower lip delicately between her teeth. Brushing her lips teasingly against his, she whispered, "I don't want to be the villain, Wesley."

Wesley traced her lips, his gaze darkening. "My pack knows you're the Luna I've chosen. Let them talk. I stopped caring long ago."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "But what if Willa grows up to hate me?"

"She won't," he murmured, his mouth finding the sensitive spot below her ear. "She adores you."

A glint of triumph flashed in Delilah's eyes even as her body melted against his. "And Riana? Seven years is a long time. She's still my sister. I don't want-"

"She was never supposed to be my wife," Wesley growled, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss.

That familiar feeling of losing control washed over him. He prided himself on his discipline, but around Delilah, it evaporated like mist.

Is this the pull of true mates? Or pure lust for her body?

He wondered fleetingly before urgency took over. He tugged the strap of her slip down. "You are my mate."

From an angle he couldn't see, Delilah's lips curled into a cunning smile. She wrapped her legs around his waist, a silent surrender. "Ah, Wes –"

Feeling her warmth again, made Wesley tore her dress revealing her body for him to conquer, "I want you, all of you"

"It's my fault, Wesley. If I had found you sooner, maybe that night."

"That night Riana must have drugged me," he snarled, thrusting into her with raw need. "She lied. I woke up with no memory, and suddenly we were forced into marriage because she was pregnant. And I was made the villain for asking questions."

They moved together, rocking the table she was placed on. The sound of them moaning with desire filled the room as Wesley could not control his strange desire wanting more from her. "You are my mate, darling. I'm sure of it"

"Don't stop. Don't.. stop"

"I would never have married that woman if it weren't for the power this marriage promised," he rasped, moving inside her with a possessiveness that bordered on

rough.

Fragmented images from eight years ago flickered at the edge of his mind but were quickly smothered by Delilah's soothing whispers. "Oh, I know, my King," she crooned like a siren in his ear.

"You never had a choice. But I will always be here for you. Always."

*

***

*

(Back at the Winters Mansion)

*

That evening, the moment Wesley stepped through the door, Willa flew into his arms, her small frame tense with urgency. "Daddy!"

He crouched, catching her gently. "What is it, sweetheart?"

He expected her to say she missed her mother. It was her usual pattern whenever she was upset, and Riana had always been the one to patiently untangle her worries.

In some small, grudging part of himself, Wesley acknowledged that while Riana had been a disappointing wife, she was, at the very least, a competent mother. Perhaps, there were times, a devoted wife.

"Daddy," Willa's voice was all wrong-small and trembling like a wounded pup, "is it true about Aunt Delilah leaving?"

Wesley sighed, finally meeting her gaze. His eyes-the same stormy winter gray as hers-were unreadable. "Yes."

"Why?" The single word hit him with more force than a slap. Tears welled and spilled over her pink cheeks. "Why didn't you stop her? Mommy left, and now she's leaving too? I want to be with Aunt Delilah!"

Wesley was taken aback by the depth of her attachment, one that seemed to eclipse her bond with her own mother. How could he explain the complexities of fated bonds and grown-up conflicts to a child?

"I've spoken with Delilah, darling," he said, smoothing her hair. "She has important business back in Mystic Town. But don't worry, we will be joining her."

"Really?" Willa's eyes widened, hope flickering through her tears.

Wesley offered a gentle smile. "Yes. We won't be separated. Does that make you happy?"

As Willa bounced away, her spirits visibly lifted, a wave of relief washed over him.

The only complication now was ensuring Riana had the sense to keep her distance and

not disrupt their new life once they returned.

Later, with a glass of whisky on one hand, he dialed Riana's number. It rang, then went to voicemail.

Again. And again.

Frustration mounting, he finally connected with his Beta, David, his voice sharp with impatience. "Sync me to Riana's location. Now."

The reply that came was simple, yet it dropped like a stone in his gut.

"Alpha," David's voice was careful, neutral. "Luna Riana resigned from the company this morning."