Nova POV.

"MATE"

One word. That's all it took and my life as I knew it had changed. My breath left me and my heart started beating erratically as the realisation my chosen mate had found his fated mate hit me like a train. "Relax Nova, remember Axton loves us and we have an agreement in place" I hear Kia my wolf murmur to me. Ignoring the devastation I feel making my body turn numb I put up my mental blocks which I had hardened over the years and I force myself to relax and smile.

"Deep breaths Nova that's it, we knew this day could come. We are strong, we are Luna" my wolf Kia whispers strengthening me.

I look forward and see that Axton is frozen, staring towards the lady in front of him. They are both mesmerised taking in each others eyes, oblivious to the world around them. Despite the pain I feel in my heart and the tears that are threatening to fall I reach forward and place my hand on his lower back, gently I push him forwards. With that, Axton lurches towards her and wraps his arms around her waist, bringing her close and lifting her off of the ground giving her a loving kiss, her hands tangling in his hair. Feeling taken aback by his outward show of passion with his new mate in front of a gathering of Alphas I try to stifle a gasp. I assumed he would introduce himself and explain his current situation with me as his Luna however seeing him take another woman in his embrace so naturally causes my breath to hitch once again as my mind goes blank. Waking up today I had been focused on moving forward to try and sort our rogue problem, now I am faced with the heartbreaking reality my life will never be the same. After a long minute I get control of my breathing once again and force my eyes to look away from the passionate scene in front of me to address the other Alphas who are stood staring in shock at the turn of events.

"How about we all move along to the conference room and begin our meeting, let's leave them to have some privacy." I say in a soft voice, ignoring the stabbing pain in my heart. Looking up I see the sympathetic looks and pity in their eyes which makes my heart tighten in response as I gesture towards the large double doors behind us. "Come, we have lots to discuss" I utter trying to keep my voice strong despite my inner turmoil.

As I make my way towards the conference room I see Alice and immediately I see the questions in her eyes. "Not now Alice, later. Can you please ensure refreshments are brought through for us all" I say via mindlink. Her eyes soften and with a nod of her head she turns towards the kitchen making me grateful she didn't ask for more information as I'm unsure I could answer rationally right now.

Ignoring the whispers around me I take my seat at the top right of the table as I try to straighten my thoughts. "He didn't even look at us Ki" I say to her sadly to which she has no response. Organising the files in front of me I steal a few deep breaths before lifting my head and addressing the room.

"As Alpha Axton is currently familiarising himself with his new mate I will head the meeting, are there any objections?" I ask proud that my voice comes out steady and clear. With a raised eyebrow I look around and see everyone shaking their heads. "Fabulous, then let's proceed. As you are all aware we have had peace for the last 5 years, with the odd loner passing through we have seen no threat until a month ago. It began one night with the attack of 5 rogues on one of our border patrols, we kept two and after interrogation they admitted to following a new Rogue King. Their purpose was as they stated "to take back what was his." These attacks have become more frequent and are increasing in size. Reports have also been made that rogues have been spotted scouting the borders of our neighbouring packs, Midnight Sky and Black Star. If I can pass over to the Alphas of both they can fill us in."

Alpha Jax of the Midnight Sky pack nodded and began addressing the room. "We have had 3 reports over the last 2 weeks of groups of 3-6 rogues scouting our borders. They have not once crossed our borders and have ensured they stayed in neutral territory with no signs of aggression. Last Thursday we were alerted to a group staying towards the northern end of our territory requesting a meeting with myself. I met with them and a rogue who called himself Beta Kingsley asked if I had a she-wolf under the name of Athena Prince living within our pack lands. Upon me saying no he simply thanked me for my time and retreated."

"Did he provide any more information as to who this she-wolf may be?" Interrupted a young man. Alpha Jaxs aura bristled at the interruption before he turned his bright green eyes to the man who interrupted him. "And you are..."

"Blaze, warrior scout of the Moonbeam Pack." His neck bowed in submission.

"Next time ensure there are no interruptions" Alpha Jaxs voice was clear and stern. His Alpha wolf clearly unhappy with his blatant lack of respect. "As I was saying, there was no more said between us. The meeting was short, very short. I believe he sensed no deception from myself and thought there be no need to continue the conversation."

With that he gestured to the Alpha of the Black Star pack, Alpa Brent, to speak.

"We have also had similar interactions with the rogues. No aggression has been spotted and I myself had a meeting with Beta Kingsley upon our eastern border. With my answer the same as Alpha Jaxs he retreated and we have not seen any movement since, this happened last Friday." His piercing blue eyes turned back to me indicating he had said what he needed.

"Thank you for filling us all in. I'm unsure as to why they are showing aggression towards our pack, I can assume they believe the she-wolf in question is staying within our pack however I can assure you all we have no she-wolf under the name Athena Prince sworn in to our pack or staying within our territory." I said clearly. "I would like to proceed with requesting a meeting with this Beta Kingsley you have both mentioned, however I do believe it would show unified strength as part of our peace treaties if representatives from both the Midnight Sky and Black Star pack could join me. My plan was to release one of the rogues with a message requesting a meeting on our border, however this morning both wolfs were found dead within their cells. Apart from the silver cuffs to prevent shifting and the injection of wolfsbane to gather the information we have, neither wolves had received any physical harm from us. I believe this to be the actions of a witch to prevent any information being passed on to us..AHHhh." I groan unable to stop the shock of my pain escaping me. I clutch my stomach, biting my lip to try and stop further sounds of pain escaping me. "Deep breaths Nova, I'm here with you." Kia breathed. Whilst I had been able to deal with the pains in my heart, it now felt as if I was being stabbed in my abdomen over and over, the physical pain adding to the emotional distress made me struggle to keep control. "The fuckers" I growl softly through clenched teeth as wave after wave of pain surges through me making my neck burn at Axtons betrayal.

"Would you like to postpone this meeting Luna Nova?" Alpha Jax asked softly. I looked up and I could see concern flitting across his green eyes before they hardened and the Alpha mask was back up. "I mean we can consult our Betas and resume this meeting this evening over dinner if it would be more suitable. I myself find no objection in your request however as you have mentioned a witch may be involved so we do need to consider our packs safety. Although after hearing you I do believe you may be right. We need to focus on the best way forward as allies."

As the pain momentarily subsided and I managed to regain my breath I offered him a small smile of gratitude at his suggestion before straightening my back and speaking "Thank you for your concern Alpha Jax, dinner will be at 7pm served in the dining room. We can discuss the way to proceed then. If you may excuse me, I would like to freshen up and inform the kitchen of our evening plans. Alice is outside the door, she will be more than happy to show you all to the guest rooms I have readied for you." My voice clear yet short indicating the meeting was now over. Everyone stood and began heading towards Alice, sympathetic looks thrown my way. Taking a moment to myself before leaving the room I can't stop the tears from slowly falling down my face, "he was never ours Nova" Kia murmurs to me.

"I know Ki, I knew this day would come but it hurts just the same. We have grown to love this man and now his love towards me will be gone. I just need some time to accept that" I whisper.

"I understand Nova, I'm sure he will come to see us soon. Once we have explained to his mate our agreement we can proceed and end this mateship so we don't suffer anymore pain" Kia soothes me. Hearing those words I shake my head to get a hold of myself and I stand up to leave the room.

Holding my head high and ensuring I have a smile on my face for my pack members, I hide how devastated I truly feel. I make my way outside, however before I can reach the entrance hall a searing pain in my abdomen causes me to call out and tears pool in my eyes. Doubling over the pain only got worse, feeling as if I had been stabbed and the knife was being twisted in my stomach I fall to the ground clutching at my sides. My heart breaks as I realise my mate is so lost in the throughs of passion he hasn't considered the pain he is inflicting on me. I hear Kia growl in anger as waves of loss hit me through our breaking bond. Gritting my teeth I call for Alice silently, "Alice..help. Hurt..." gritting my teeth to prevent the screams leaving my mouth, I groaned, tears streaming down my face.

"Luna...LUNAA" I heard being screamed before strong arms lifted me up off of the floor and my mind went blank.

Jax POV.

"Alice show me to where the Luna can rest, also mind-link your pack doctor and get him over here immediately." I instruct, cradling Luna Nova close to my chest I stand up.

"I have contacted Doctor Trevor already Alpha, he will be here shortly, follow me please I will show you to her room."

I look down at Novas tear streaked face and cradled her closer. Understanding the pain she is in, I can't help but admire her strength and dedication to both her chosen and her pack. I could see the looks of admiration towards her on the other Alphas faces throughout the meeting. We all saw her slight movement to encourage her chosen to speak to his fated, we would have understood if she has requested to postpone the meeting however for her to proceed in the manner she did not only showed us her strength but also her understanding. People were quiet and respectful throughout the meeting, speaking only when spoken to, something which is normally hard to strive for in a room full of hot headed Alphas, however this graceful woman held her dignity and got on with the job at hand. A true Luna.

I followed Alice as we headed up the stairs and down a corridor. Nova began groaning in my arms and I instinctively tightened my arms, fresh tears fell down her face as her body contorted with the pain.

"It's just down here Alpha, I've requested some warm towels be...." She tailed off as we both heard the loud moans and grunts from behind the door. Her eyes widened in shock before being consumed by anger. "HOW COULD THEY?" She shouted.

"Unbelievable" I muttered, " Alice can you point me in the direction of my room and I will lay Nova down there for the time being. We can arrange another room for myself later."

With that, Alice glared once more at the door before striding back down the corridor and up another flight of stairs and opening a door on the left. Walking in I was immediately struck by how welcoming it was, soft furnishings graced the room, fresh flowers in a vase on a table along with some refreshments. Putting Nova down on the bed, Alice then sat beside her and began stroking Novas hair, concern evident across her face.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. "Come in" I instructed, not wanting to leave my spot standing beside the bed. Doctor Trevor immediately went to the side of the bed and began his checks. I could feel Zeus pacing back and forth in my head, "you alright Zeus?" I asked. "I feel restless Jax, protective even. That damn Alpha has lost my respect, that is not how Alphas conduct themselves" he growled back. "I know buddy, it's shameful. Let's see what the doctor says." I say turning my attention back to the bed.

"Luna is suffering from a mates betrayal as you have both probably assumed already" the doctor began, " as we are aware Alpha Axton and Luna Nova are in a chosen mate relationship but the betrayal works as in every relationship when there is infidelity after being marked. Intimacy with another outside of the mateship causes extreme pain to the other. If it continues at this intensity we would lose our Luna within a couple of months. I can only hope the Alpha has been caught up in the moment of meeting his fated to not consider the pain he has made the Luna suffer. She needs rest and to stay hydrated. It is of most importance that she looks after her body to the best of her ability. Her wolf is incredibly strong, in fact I don't believe I've ever met a wolf as strong as hers. Together they will lend strength to one another. I cannot do much, however if this continues please let me know and I will come back." With that he left the room.

"Fuck." Alice simply said, tears gathered in her eyes yet refusing to fall.

"I will go to the kitchen and request some food to be brought to us, are you okay here Alice?" I asked. "I can do that Alpha, it is my duty. What can I.." "No Alice, you stay with the Luna. She needs support, the least I can do is get us some food." I quickly leave the room and follow my nose towards the kitchen.

"Having to organise yourself and look after the Luna, not great for a visitor is it" muttered Zeus in my head. I simply shook my head and carried on. Opening the doors to the kitchen my stomach growled loudly. An older lady radiating warmth stood by the oven mixing a pan, she lowered her head and smiled over at me in greeting. "Can I request some food be brought to my room for myself, the Luna when she wakes and Alice. We are also having dinner at 7pm in the dining room, the Luna was on her way to speak to you however something has come up and she needs some rest. If you could do whatever you think is best I'm sure everyone will be understanding."

"Of course Alpha, I will ensure that is brought up shortly. I will include the Lunas pills, Alice will know what to do." She replied. Smiling in appreciation I left and made my way back upstairs. Briefly wondering what pills Nova took before deciding it is not my place to ask such things.

Knocking quietly before letting myself back into the room I quickly see Alice had got a damp cloth and is wiping Novas forehead with it whilst whispering she is going to be okay. Apart from the odd whimper she seems to be in much less pain.

"I'm in half a mind to march over there and give him a piece of my mind for what he's put Nova through today. What both of them have done. I don't even know her name, none of us do, yet they're up there inflicting the most horrendous pain on the most genuinely lovely person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting" Alice seethes to me.

"I kn.." I started before Alice continued "AND in THEIR bed. I mean how dare they. How can he be so heartless as to bed another women, fated or not, in the bedroom that they have shared for the past 3 years. It's like he has forgotten all about her. If he wasn't my Alpha..." she trailed off as if realising she was ranting around another Alpha. "I apologise Alpha, I should have kept my thoughts to myself, I am just upset for my Luna and friend."

I smile, letting her know it's ok. "I understand Alice, believe me when I say I know what pain your Luna is suffering. It's one I don't wish on anyone. She will be grateful for you being there for her. I'm afraid Alpha Axton will have to deal with the consequences of his actions later, if only he had thought about what those may be earlier."

As I finished speaking Nova once again cried out in pain, her body shaking and her hands clawing at her stomach. I flinched, without thinking I sat on the bed and lifted her into my lap, cradling her into my chest. I saw Alice's eyes widen slightly before realising her Luna was calming down in my arms. "Keep her safe" Zeus whispered to me before retreating to the back of my mind. Slowly stroking her back I sat there until she began writhing in pain.

"Alpha her neck" Shouted Alice, "somethings wrong, she's burning up!"

I looked and immediately growled, my eyes shifting between those of Zeus and myself I focused on Nova and what was happening. "He f*****g marked her, that bastard has marked her!" I snarled, "has he no acceptance of the laws, he's not only put his Luna through so much pain he's now put her at a risk of dying!"

The door flew open and a tall, well built man came rushing in the room. His aura sneaking out because of his fury causing Alice to lower her neck in submission. "You must be the Beta" I snap. "Where have you been?"

"Nova? Nova? What's wrong?" He cried, "what's happening Alice?" Trying to pry Nova off of me I tightened my grip aware he hadn't acknowledged my question.

"It's the Alpha...he's met his fated. He...he's completed the mating process." Alice says, the Betas face drops. His upset clearly showing. "How could he do that to my sister" he whispered.

He reached for her again, this time I opened my arms and transferred her over to him. He stayed cuddling her on the bed, whispering he's there for her as we waited for Doctor Trevor to return.

Nova POV

I could hear hushed voices around me as well as a strong smell of medicine. Slowly I opened my eyes, blinking a few times whilst my eyes adjusted to the bright walls. I look around and see Alice along with Alpha Jax and Luca sat around a small table in the corner of the room. I realised I must be in hospital, all at once the memories of the pain I had experienced came rushing back. With my neck throbbing I tried to lift my hand. It thumped back down on the bed and everyone heads spun around, realising I was awake they rushed over to my side.

"Water...please" I croaked out. Luca held a glass of water with a straw towards my mouth so I could sip slowly.

"Nova, what he's done to you....I'm so sorry." He said, his voice full of pain. "I was out patrolling, I had no idea what you were going through. I'm sorry I wasn't there."

"It's not your fault Luca, you were doing as I instructed. My neck, what's happened? It's throbbing." I asked.

Alpha Jax came up one side of me, his soft green eyes searching mine. "He marked her Nova. After putting you through so much pain he marked her. You won't be able to feel them intimate anymore however your neck is healing. You no longer hold his mark. You have been out for 3 days now, if your wolf wasn't so strong you wouldn't have made it, there are reasons there are laws about rejecting a mate before marking another. It's normally fatal if not done correctly. You are incredibly strong" he said with a hint of admiration in his voice.

Jumping in Luca snarled "He completely disregarded your agreement with him for that whore.."

"I would be careful how you address her Luca, she is now your Luna" I speak softly interrupting my brother.

"Right. Yes, well about that. She cannot perform Luna duties until she has her Luna ceremony and is sworn in before the pack. Until then you are still acting Luna Nova" Luca continues, "as per your agreement you would be training her in her duties if she is not aware of them beforehand. However due to Alpha Axton breaking that agreement it is now null and void, so it is up to you as to how to proceed from here."

I scoff in disgust, "to think we respected each other. I always knew this could happen, something I've always been prepared for is him finding his fated. Something I was not prepared for was his level of betrayal. I understood a kiss, hugs, cuddles upon meeting her, I supported it. However, to be f*****g her within an hour of meeting her I cannot understand. The primal need to mate with your fated is strong, but I thought what we agreed was set in stone. Clearly not."

"Agreement?" Asked Alpha Jax his brows furrowed in confusion.

"We mated because by the age of 24 Alpha Axton had not yet found his fated mate" I started explaining, "the council and our former Alpha agreed if he had not found his fated by the age of 25 he would take a chosen mate to strengthen our pack. I grew up in a position where I understood the role of Luna , I also had no mate by the age of 21.. it just made sense we would match. This was over 3 years ago, now at age 28 he has found his fated mate. We agreed that if that ever came to either of us we would step aside and let the relationship progress as it should. However we also agreed we would ALWAYS follow the laws for ending a chosen mateship to prevent any harm to one another. Something in which he has not done." I paused to gather my breath, "I will not involve myself in making her understand how to perform as a Luna. Hopefully being mated to an Alpha she has it in herself to lean towards to the role naturally. I will however, allocate someone suitable in helping her to ensure the pack does not suffer. As for Axton, he is no longer my Alpha. Once I have found my strength I intend to move from here and will sever my ties to the pack."

"You will leave...?" Asked Alice, tears forming once again.

"Of course I must leave Alice. I came here for the role of Luna, one which I hope I have performed well. I have strengthened the pack as well as the Alpha in my time here. I will not stand by and watch them parade themselves around after they disrespected me so." I said softly, "if Axton had stuck to our agreement I would not have been hurt and maybe things would have been different. I was never going to stand in the way of his relationship with his fated mate, I was going to strengthen it. But they do not deserve that.

"Where will you go Nova?" Luca asked his voice breaking.

"With me." My eyes flashed to his bright green ones. Alpha Jax held my gaze firmly, "you should come with me. Midnight Sky is strong, we are comfortable. You will be near your brother and Alice, you can find a role you are happy in and progress from there. What do you say?"

"You would do that for me?" I breathed.

He nodded firmly. "You have shown incredible strength, to wake after 3 days after what you have been through, it is something I have never heard of before. I slept for 2 weeks when it happened to me. Not only that but to progress with the meeting as you did was admirable. You opened many Alphas eyes that morning. We would be lucky to have you as part of our pack."

"Oh! The meeting! I missed the dinner.."I trailed off.

"It's all been taken care of. Once I have returned to Midnight Sky I will request a meeting with Beta Kingsley, in that meeting I will arrange to meet with both the Black Star pack, the White Mountain pack and the rogues. We will decide what to do from there. You were right, a united front is needed." He said efficiently.

"Did you organise all of that? I believe that's the right path to follow, thank you for your help....with everything." I add on gently, a small smile gracing my lips to show my gratitude. "And what did Alpha Axton say to this?"

There was a pause, the room went quiet as they all looked between themselves quickly.

"Brother...?" I asked quietly.

"Umm, well...he had no say in it. They have not left the room, not once. I tried knocking on the door once you had been stabilised and was met with a loud f**k off. With that I took on the role as acting Alpha supported by the council and agreed with Alpha Jax on his decision. I hope you understand. Once I knew you were no longer in pain from them I could not bear to be near them. I've been staying in mum and dads old cottage, afraid that if I saw them I'd snap."he looked down as he spoke, almost like he felt guilty.

"Of course I understand Luca. You're my brother, you've shown strength and your ability but stepping up. Thank you" I add on gratefully.

"We will leave you to get some rest. The doctor would like to monitor you over night just for precautions. I will get your things organised for you to leave." Said Alice as she slipped back in the room. "Alpha Jax, if I may ask you a question?"

He nodded his head for her to continue.

"Would I be able to travel with Nova and join Midnight Sky? She has been my Luna for 3 years and my friend for 18 years before that. I see no reason for me to stay, my family are no longer here and it is clear my mate is not within this pack. Maybe I will find him in yours."

A smirk flashed across his face, "I've been waiting for you to ask me that question. Of course Alice, get your things ready also. We leave at 11am, we will break both your pack ties upon our departure. If you will excuse me, I have to ring my Beta to arrange your living accommodation and welcome ceremony. Good night everyone". His eyes lingered on mine for a few seconds before softening and with a smile he left the room.

"Wow..."breathed Alice fanning herself, "that man is a total hotty"

I laugh, "he's alright on the eyes isn't he. But let's not forget he is our soon to be Alpha, keep those thoughts quiet from now on Alice"

Chuckling she replied "another hotty of an Alpha has his eyes on you Nova" with that she left the room still chuckling to herself.

"Am I doing the right thing Luca?" I ask quietly.

"Yes." There was no hesitation in his voice as he replied quickly. "You are. What Axton has done to you has been despicable. I am so proud of you as my Luna and as my sister, the pack will suffer from the loss of you but I am here to help it not break down completely. If I wasn't Beta I would be following you, however Axton will face a trail from the council for his actions. He's broken the mateship laws. I need to be here to pick up the pieces" he said.

"I couldn't think of anyone better for the job. Mum and dad would be so proud of you Luca, I know I am. I need to rest and gain my strength. Come see me off in the morning?" I reply quietly as my eyes begin to droop.

"Of course Nova. I'll be here at 7 to start getting you sorted. Good night sis."