The Luna He Discarded Was His True Fated Mate

I’ve been living in Kohen’s packhouse for five years. On the surface, I was just the orphaned werewolf he took in, a poor college student he sponsored. But behind closed doors, I was his secret mate, bound by a bond he never acknowledged. When the Murphy Pack announced his marking ceremony with Sophia Weaver next month, I was thrilled, waiting for him to finally claim me. But then, I overheard a conversation between him and his fellow Alphas.

“So, who are you really marking this time? Surely not that orphan, right?”

“She’s just a stray; how could she possibly stand beside me as Luna? If it weren’t for her rare bloodline, I wouldn’t have kept her around…”

“It’s great that Sophia’s fully recovered now. After all these years, it’s finally over.”

One of the Alphas laughed, “So why don’t you just pass her over to me? I’d like the chance…”

Kohen shot him a glare, his Alpha tone sharp, “Get lost. Even if I cast her out, I’m not giving her away!”

At that moment, I realized the past five years of his kindness were nothing more than using me as a blood bank for his intended Luna, Sophia, and a convenient companion. I stumbled to my room, pulling out the pack agreement that had long expired.

Kohen, it’s not you who’s leaving me; it’s me who’s done with you.

When Kohen returned to the packhouse, he found me packing my belongings. For the first time, I saw a flicker of panic in his eyes.

“Where do you think you’re going? You’ve been here for five years; why this sudden urge to leave?” he said, pulling me into a tight embrace. His Alpha aura pressed down on me, but I refused to yield. “Don’t be difficult. Who else do you have besides me?”

Sensing my cold demeanor, he tightened his grip, his voice softening, “Stay with me, darling. After a little while, I’ll take you to the mountains for a pack run, okay?”

I lifted my eyes slightly, meeting his dark gaze. He looked as if he loved me, yet I knew he was just trying to calm me down. I remained silent, unsure whether to confront him and shatter his pretense of affection. The emotions running through me were as intense as the kiss that followed.

As he buried his face in my neck, his hands began to wander. Looking at his insatiable expression, my mind drifted back to what I heard in that room. Disgusted, I turned my head away, avoiding his touch.

“Kohen, have you ever truly loved me in these five years?”

His hands paused, a flash of irritation crossing his eyes. “What do you think? If I didn’t love you, why would I want to be with you all the time?”

I stared into his eyes, catching that fleeting moment of insincerity. “Then tell me, at the marking ceremony, will you acknowledge me as your mate?”

As soon as the words left my lips, the desire on his face faded, replaced by a deep frown. After five years together, no one outside his close circle knew I existed.

“Given your current status, I worry exposing you to the pack would invite scrutiny. I don’t want you to go through that. When the time is right, I’ll make our bond known.”

His words always seemed to be in my best interest. Coupled with his thoughtful gestures—gifts, sweet nothings—I’d never thought secrecy was a big deal. Only now did I understand: he wasn’t unwilling to mark a mate; it was simply that I wasn’t the one.

The realization was a punch to my heart, nearly suffocating. Clenching my fists tightly, I held back my tears. “Don’t ask such foolish questions. You’ll find out eventually…”

Kohen deflected, his hands continuing to explore. My body stiffened, instinctively recoiling from his touch. When his hand slid beneath my shirt, I stopped him. “I’m not feeling well today.”

It was the first time I hadn’t gone along with him. I’d never refused before, especially not when it came to intimacy. Kohen was momentarily stunned, withdrawing with a displeased frown.

“What? Playing hard to get? Since when did you learn that?”

I bit my lip, shaking my head. “No, I really don’t feel well.”

His gaze tightened with annoyance, ready to press further when suddenly, his phone rang with a distinctive ringtone—the one set for Sophia. The tension in his brow eased as he quickly answered the call. Half a minute later, smiling broadly, he hung up and turned to me.

“I’m going to pick someone up. Make some ravioli; she’ll want it when she gets back.”

Reflexively, I snapped back, “I’m not her cook. If she wants ravioli, she can make it herself.”

Kohen was taken aback, his Alpha tone sharp, “Camila, don’t be stubborn. Everyone prefers someone who listens.”

With that, he hurried out. Watching his retreating figure, bitterness engulfed me. I’d been so obedient, at his beck and call, for five years. But now, I understood who I really was and what kind of life I wanted.

Staring at the pack agreement Kohen hadn’t even glanced at since he came in, I picked up my phone and dialed a number I hadn’t used in nearly six months.

“Is this Roger Burke? Please tell Apollo Ellis I’ve decided. I’m ready to acknowledge him and come home.”