The Alpha's Regret, the Luna's Rise

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Elaras Pov

The day I was going to tell him about our baby, my fated mate, Alpha Dominic received the news:

his former fiance, my elder sister, Amelia Quinn, was finally awake from her coma.

Dropping me in the middle of nowhere, he immediately rushed to the infirmary. But before I could find my way back to the packhouse, a hound of rogues caught me.

"Hurry up, bitch. Call your mate." They sneered, throwing a communication device in my trembling hands. "If the Blood Alpha pays up for you, we will let you be."

My glassy, wide eyes quivered as I quickly took the communicator as if my life depended on it.

Dominic-

"Ahh! Oh fuck! The alpha oh, he is kinda b-busy" On the other end of the phone, my sister Amelia was panting hard and intermittent moans could be heard.

I froze instantly, my hands holding the communicator trembling slightly, as if a fishbone was stuck in my throat.

It was then I heard my own soulmates voice echoing in the background "Who is it?"

A pause. A wet, smacking sound. Then Amelia's voice again, sweeter than poison:

"It's just a lowly maid asking if we need new sheets.These are completely soiled by my juices"

My knees buckled as I clutched the wall of the warehouse for support, fingernails scraping against concrete as bile rose my throat.

Alpha Dominic, my beloved mate

And my older sister, who used to gently stand up for me when I was bullied.

Were having sex.

Then farther from the phone but still audible, Amelia's voice whimpered between lewd kisses. "Dominic, my womb is full of your seedif this carries on, I can conceive your child in a month.

Are you sure... I should take the morning-after contraceptives after this and not worry about carrying your heirs?"

Large tears tumbled down my eyes as I shook my headsobs wracking my body.

Elara is already my breeder. Since pregnancy is risky for you, no matter how many children you want, I can keep getting her pregnant year after year until you are satisfied.

My vision blurred as hot tears slid down soundlessly.

A.breeder?

DominicHetold my sister that I was a whore for his entire packnot his luna or wife but the packs breeding slut?

I staggered, clamping my mouth shut as fat tears rolled down my cheeks in disbelief. My heart clenched painfully as the line disconnected, leaving me no better than dead.

"Phit." A rogue spat on my face angrily, his saliva dribbling down my cheeks, mingling with my hot tears.

"We went through so much trouble to kidnap the wrong woman! The Blood Alpha doesn't give a fuck about her-"

You think he would care about a fucking whore? Even if rape her, he might not even bat an eyelash...

The rogues encircled me, their leaders yellow canines sharpened in a horrifying sneer But the pup swelling inside her belly might be a different story."

My heart lurched as if lightning had pierced my soul.

They knew?!

"Don't you dare touch my baby!"My entire being shuddered as I thrashed against the restraints, my wrists tearing raw.

Biting my quivering lips, I frantically tried to reach out to Dominic one last time through the mindlink that he kept rejecting till now.

Dominic, please don't disconnect! I am kidnapped by the rogues, I am pregna-

"Elara, wasn't occupying my life for five long years not enough?! A wave of burning irritation burst through the link, suppressing my wolf into submission.

Stop throwing these pathetic tantrums just to grab my attention!"

I shook my head desperately, trying to utter a single word. to scream for help for the sake of our baby before he blocked the mindlink shut.

In that instant my entire world came crashing down as blood rushed to my skull, blurring my vision.

Get rid of her seed. Rough hands pinned me down before I could even breathe.

Gutwrenching cries spilling down my lips as I wailed like a caged animal, throwing threats, before going as far as to plead my assailants.

Do whatever you want to me, but please spare my baby! I withered. Thrashed. Bit and clawed at anything before the unthinkable happened.

A rogue held my hips tightly, sitting on my stomach, his weight grinding my belly like a crushing boulder.

The very next second, dark red liquid trickled down my thighs. With each drop of blood I died little by little.

My body laid paralysed, unfocused eyes staring blankly at the ceiling when my assaulter rode my skirt up to look at the mess between my legs.

"What a waste of time." Then kicked me away.

Minutes bled into hours as I was laid crumpled on the ground, dust mingling with silent tears until the loud sobs tore free, echoing throughout the warehouse.

What a good sister, what a loving mate! I regret loving you Dominic, I regret it so much!

__________________________________

Stumbling out into the cold night air, each step felt like I was walking on thousands of needles, and yet the pain in my body was nothing compared to the agony suffocating my heart.

Alpha Dominic Vale was my childhood bestfriend, the man whom I loved since forever.

I was eight when we first met, eighteen when my wolf finally whispered mate until Dominic broke our mating ceremony without a second thought.

Elara, you are the legitimate heir of White Luna pack. You have your parents' love, the pack's loyalty, a future as Luna.

But Amelia has nothing. She was a human adopted by your parents as a charity case! I cannot abandon her just because you are my mate. Since human life spans are short, you must wait for me patiently.

I had already prepared myself to live unloved, even going as far as to accept an arranged marriage.

But when Amelia fell into that coma and he asked for a chance, I mistook his convenience for love and handed him my heart anyway.

When I finally reached the packhouse, Beta Jayden was pacing at the entrance. The moment his eyes fell upon me, his face drained of colors.

"Luna! What happened to you?! You look like you will collapse any moment-"

"I am fine." I clenched my jaw, lying, despite the shaking tremors in my voice. "Just take me to my sons."

He hesitated, guilt flickering across his face. "The Alpha has ordered me to bring you to the elder ceremony immediately. There is a big announcement for the pack. He said from tomorrow, everything will change."

Not having any will to argue I just nodded, following him.

When the gates opened, I found Dominic already seated at the Alphas position as if waiting for me.

The moment his eyes fell upon me, the indifferent face that was always set into stone, broke like shards of glass as if we were transported to our childhood when he blew on my wounds carefully.

Elara, what happened to you?

My lips parted with a rueful smile. I was on the verge to tell him about the rogues and my poor child, seek answers before asking for a proper divorce.

But before a single word could leave my lips, his expression hardened.

If your wolf went for a hunt. he said coldly, straightening his sleeves then you should at least learn to return in a presentable state Elara.

The words landed heavier than a sledgehammer.

Look at yourself. he added, his gaze flicking over me with faint distaste. You are the Luna of this pack. Dont embarrass me like this again.

A lump lodged in my throat, thick and suffocating.

Why has the Alpha called me here? I asked quietly.

Dominic did not answer immediately. Instead, he raised his hand. A soft golden light flickered above my head and then the Luna crown materialized, hovering in the air for all the pack to see.

Silver and sapphire, heavy with the title I had carried for five years.

Before I could even speak, he tore off the Luna crown over my head infront of the whole pack.

"Elara..Amelias condition is fragile. She cannot know that I married her younger sister and even allowed you to carry my legitimate pups.

It will be better if you step down from the luna position.

His eyes briefly glanced at my pale frame. For a moment, a flicker of guilt seeped into his tone, quieter now:

"And..do not carelessly call me husband from now on. Amelia might misunderstand."

My throat constricted violently, as if invisible hands were strangling my neck.

The entire pack held their breath, waiting for me to fall apart.

Oh my god, is Alpha throwing away the mate the moon goddess gave him for a human?

Shh what do you know?! Amelia is his childhood sweetheart, who knew that at eighteen, his wolf would recognize that childhood loves younger sister as his mate.

Yes, he vowed to marry Amelia but after she fell into coma, her parents offered their younger daughter as a replacement to bear his sons.Why else do you think he kept impregnating Elara every month, even when she miscarried nine times in a row

Nine miscarriages. The words stabbed deeper than any blade. I had buried nine children before this one. And now a tenth.

Even the two sons Elara bore are still not registered under her name. Do you understand what that means? Alpha planned to hand them to Amelia from the very beginning."

Shh! This was bound to happen. Everyone knows he only took her as his mate because her pure omega blood can produce a white wolf heir."

Each word landed softly, and yet it felt like my heart was peeling away from my chest, layer by layer, until there was nothing left but raw, bleeding flesh.

Dominic heard the jabbing murmurs before looking at me with a haze of suppressed pity, that was gone as soon as it came.

Fine. My lips parted as I saw my own crumbling reflection in the eyes of the man I had loved for fifteen years.

In that moment, I completely let go of the matebond I had carried like a chain.

"From this moment onwards, I will never call you husband."

From this moment onwards I will consider as if you are dead to me!

That night Dominic didnt return home, instead Beta Jayden showed up with a bouquet of freshly plucked flowers.

Luna. Alpha has sent these for you. Like always.

I looked at the dark red roses, and my mind instantly flooded with the memories of the night when I took a dagger to save Dominic from a rogue attack, the night he finally turned to me, accepted the bond, and made me his Luna.

Kneeling under the moonlight, red roses pressed to his chest he had vowed solemnly:

"Elara, I cannot promise you love. My heart still belongs to Amelia. But I will give you roses every single day so you never forgetyou are my true mate, and I will protect you."

I believed that was enough. That if I let him carve pieces out of memy dignity, my body, my children and smiled through it all one day he would finally look at me.

My lashes quivered as I touched the petals almost absentmindedly before a thorn pierced my finger, making me stagger back as if burned.

"Throw them in the trash." I said, turning away.

My love for Dominic flickered dangerously, like a candle on its last breath before extinguishing completely.

Beta Jayden. My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper as I lifted my bloodshot eyes to meet his. Five years ago, I saved your family, so answer me now.

Your loyalty is it to the Blood Moon Pack or to me?A heavy silence followed as he hesitated before finally answering.

You, Luna. A faint smile touched my lips, broken and hollow.

Good..Prepare for the pack severance bond. Send my message to the werewolf council that I am going to reject Dominic four days from now.

The color drained from his face. Rejection? Luna, you cant! Also, if you sever your bond with the Blood Moon Pack, you will be cast out and become a rogue!

I didnt flinch, replying calmly.

Then let it be.I will take my sons and leave this pack for good.

Jayden left without another word. The door clicking shut as I sat alone in the darkness, hand pressed to my empty womb, the scent of roses choking the air until I finally closed my eyes.

The next day, my eyes fluttered open to small hands pressing against my forehead.

"Is mommy sick?" my eldest son Alec, whispered worriedly.

For a fleeting second, my heart lurched as I bent instinctively, arms opening to pull him to my chest. "I-I am fine, dont worry about me-

Thats good. Alec cut in quickly. If Mommy keeps acting sick, how will she take care of Auntie Amelia?

My hands froze mid-air, eyes widening as the warmth in them shattered instantly.

W-What did you say? My voice came weak as I quivered, praying that I heard it wrong.

Mom, you shouldnt lie uselessly. Leo said innocently, his tone unusually serious for a child. Auntie just woke up. The healer said she needs a clean, quiet place, so hurry up and clean dads room of all your things!

Alec nodded quickly, tugging at his brothers sleeve as he looked at me with bright, expectant eyes.

Yes! Mom it will be better if you move to the storage room beside our nursery, that way, when we need you, you can come quickly!

Each word landed softly yet it struck me like thousands of needles were prickling my skin.

Leave. I swallowed against the rawness in my throat as my fingers curled sharply at my sides.

The children scowled turning away before shutting the door with a loud bang.

In the past, my two sons lovingly fought over me like I was their sun: who got the first morning kiss, who made the best Mother's Day card, who got to curl up in my lap.

I used to laugh at their silly antics before scooping them both into my arms and reassure dotingly- Mommy loves you both! Stop fighting.

Now their eyes held no love, only disdain.

The door hadn't even fully closed behind them when Dominic walked inside, setting his cufflinks slowly in the mirror.

Amelia is coming back in two days, make sure you prepare all her favorite dishes. Its her special welcoming party so dont wear something too loud.

When I didnt move, didnt rush to him like I always did, his fingers stilled mid-motion.

Only then did he seem to notice me.

Walking towards me he gently pressed his palm against my forehead, checking my temperature.

Are you still sick?" My eyes locked with his.

For a long moment, I just stared at the man who had once held my hand through twelve hours of labor, sweat on his brow, tears in his eyes. "I wish I could suffer the pain instead of you Elara." he had whispered then.

Gone was that boy who fretted over my papercuts. The bestfriend who filled my lap with hundreds of chocolates to just stop me from crying, was long buried under the Alpha title.

If not him..then who else could have poisoned my childrens mind drop by drop until our bond was nothing but a hollow shell.

Dominic frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

I didn't answer, making him sigh. Elara..is this about yesterday? I am glad that you didnt throw a tantrum and just gave up the crown.

He studied me for a moment, then his voice softened. Almost gentle.

It's good that you are being obedient like this. Dont worry, if you continue to be reasonable, I will make sure you lack nothing. You will have a place in this pack. The children will visit you and no one would cast you out.

Once Amelia recovers and understands thecircumstances, I will give the Luna position back to you.

It was then he leaned down without a warning and pressed his lips to mine as if reassuring me.

The instant his mouth touched my skin, revulsion crawled through me like thousands of insects squirming under my flesh.

The sounds of those lewd moans detonated in my head with full force as bile rose my throat. I gagged, scurrying away instantly.

Dominics eyes deepened with meaning.

You.dont tell me you got pregnant again?

Stop it, I am not pregnant.

But Dominic did not paid any attention to my words, He yanked me towards himself, urgently trying to confirm the pregnancy.

"You have done well, this is perfect timing." he said, almost to himself. "Mom is expecting you to give birth to atleast five sons, even if there are one or two daughters along the way, it is of no issue." He grabbed my arm, already pushing me inside the bathroom.

"Go. Take the test. We need to confirm."

I stood there, shaking. My hand pressed to my hollow womb.

Earlier, the excitement that made butterflies flutter in my stomach now appeared excessively hypocritical.

Minutes later, I opened the door. The test in my hand indicating what I had already known all along.

[Not pregnant.]

Dominic took it from my fingers. His face, which had held a flicker of hope, darknened immediately.

"Negative." His voice was quiet. Controlled. "How?"

He grabbed my shoulders gently and yet his eyes that bore into my skull were full of suspicion. "Dont tell me.are you taking contraceptives behind my back?"

Now that you say it. I gritted my teeth I regret not taking them sooner.

Elara!

Dominic snapped before he pinched the bridge of his nose like it was another tantrum.

"We've been trying for months now! Right when I desperately need an heir blessed with a white wolf, you fail me again! He stopped, looking at me like a tool that had gone faulty.

Every single time something goes wrong. You conceive, and thenyou fucking miscarry. He stepped closer. "Something is wrong with your womb, Elara-

Wrong? My wet lashes quivered as I barely looked at him, suppressing my erupting hatred.

Two years ago, heartbroken, with wide open eyes, I had bled on the operating table as the doctors removed my seven-month-old fully developed fetus from my body.

It was then I had heard the doctor whisper to my devastated husband:

Alpha, Lunas womb is badly scarred. She needs time to heal. Even if she is a pureblood omega her body cannot endure another pregnancy so soon. If pushed again she may not survive.

Yet a week later, Dominic still walked into our bedroom and gently fed me a soup laced with the fertility serum that immediately forced any she-wolf into heat.

That night, he had embraced me, apologizing with bloodshot eyes:

Elara, my uncle is eyeing the Alpha position. I received a report that he is colluding with rogues to usurp my throne. I don't know how long I will live to accompany you butonly with strong heirs can I protect you...so dont hate me.

He was the one who ruined me step by step and yet, still had the audacity to blame me?

"Wasnt this all orchestrated by you?!" I spat. "Even when the doctor said my body couldnt bear to carry another pregnancy-

The doctor knows nothing! His jaw clenched hard Your body is made for this!

Made for this.

His words landed like a fist to my gut, knocking the air straight out of my lungs.

He kept pushing my broken body into heat. After every miscarriage, he waited weeks, sometimes days and tried again.

And all along he thought my body was made to endure such pain?

The truth that I have been avoiding since so long stood stark naked at this moment. In all five years of marriage, Dominic had never once seen me as his matefrom the first day of our marriage he had been planning a glorious return for my adopted sister.

Since she was a human who could not survive giving birth to an Alpha pup he was using me as her surrogate all along.

My fingers curled sharply at my sides despite the agony jabbing my heart.

Elara, even if you had contraceptives these days. Dominic stepped closer, towering over me. "...It ends tonight. You are my wife, so dont forget it's your duty to serve your husband."

My blood turned to ice as he embraced me, his fingers already unbuttoning my top.

For a second I almost lost all my reason and shoved him away hard.

"No! I dont want it!"

Dominic's eyes turned cold. "No? Are you refusing me now?"

He frowned, racking his fingers through his hair before looking at me with quiet, terrible certainty.

"Elara. Have you completely forgotten who is the one keeping your White Luna Pack afloat now? Your mother and little brother all depend upon me.

Blood rushed to my ears and for a moment I almost thought I misheard before he continued.

If you don't behave, you can forget about your father's medical treatment."

My father-Alpha Alexander of the White Luna Pack was Dominics mentor, the man who helped him claim his position as Alpha and treated him like a son.

His last words before falling into a coma by poison was to ask Dominic to protect me for life.

And now he was using my own father as a bait?

The fight drained out of me like blood from an open wound. My arms fell limp at my sides before trembling as they fumbled with the hem of my shirt.

Dominic sighed. Now, its not that hard is it? His eyes didn't waver. They moved over my body like he was inspecting livestock.

I pulled the shirt over my head, my skin burning raw as his took in my breasts, my stomach, the scars from the miscarriages pale, silvery lines he had never bothered to notice before.

When he laid me down on bed I clenched my jaw tightly, tears pooling in my eyes as my body trembled beneath him while he took whatever he wanted and labeled it as love.

"Get cleaned up." He finished, standing up before straightening his clothes.

Minutes passed as I turned my head away, my entire body quivering as I refused to even glance at him.

All those innocent memories I had clung to like a lifeline now appeared like a brand of red hot iron on my soul.

Eight years ago, the son of a rival Alpha had cornered me in the garden almost ready to defile me when Dominic found us.

Beating the man until he lay unconscious in a pool of his own blood, Dominic hadnt even cared about the punishment that came as fifty whiplashes, splitting his back open.

The mate who raped me tonight was the same boy who pulled me close beneath his blanket that night, his arms trembling around me. No one he had whispered against my hair dares lay their hands on you Elara.

Watching my frail back shuddering with silent sobs, Dominics tone softened a bit Elara, I am doing everything for your own good.

Good?

Building a life where Amelia would have your heart and throne, and I would have the storage room and secret midnight visits like a dirty mistress was for my good?

If you take care of Amelia she will recover soon.once she is completely stable, I will tell her the truth about our arranged marriage, I am sure she will forgive you.

Forgive me?

Something inside me snapped, anger seeping through cracks in my composure.

In four days I will reject you.

This mate bond that you trampled uponI will tear it apart with my own hands.

I will become the first she-wolf in wereworld to reject her mate.

I didnt even realise that I had passed out until I woke to the empty space beside me. Dominic was already standing by the window, shirtless, running a hand through his hair.

His eyes found me still curled on the bed, still wearing the clothes I had pulled on after he finished before he looked away.

"Elara." His voice was quieter than usual. I was really angry about the test, so I handled you roughly."

My body still reeling from the shock, recoiled when he came close wordlessly and kept a transparent glass box on the bed.

I recognized it instantly, the red sapphire, passed down through generations of Lunas that I always desired, and yet when I accidentally touched it once, Dominics voice had called the butler coldly: Send it for cleaning, its all dirty now.

Now he kept it there without a word like a makeshift band-aid meant to mend my trampled heart.

He paused, then added, almost like an afterthought "Are you okay?"

The man who had forced himself on me, threatened my father's life, used my body like a vessel now asked if I was okay.

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat.

"I will be." I said softly. "If you help me with something."

I lowered my gaze, hiding the storm rising beneath it.

His brows furrowed slightly. What is it?

A property transfer. I replied without hesitation, already turning toward the drawer. I want to invest for Leo and Alecs future.

I pulled out the document, my fingers steady despite the tremor running through my chest.

Dominics eyes softened instantly, a flicker of pity reflecting in them.Then something else.something almost smug.

I know Elara. he said, almost under his breath. Youve always put me and the children first.

Don't worry, he added, almost gently. I won't mistreat you.

He barely spared the document a glance before taking it from my hands and signing without a question like he was being generous.

He patted my cheek. Today, prepare a grand feast for your sister, make sure she is well settled.

He walked out. The door clicked shut as I looked at the documents.

[PACK SEVERANCE BOND- Elara Quinn, no longer a member of Blood Moon Pack.]

I stood there, the divorce papers clutched in my hands until they turned ash white. Throwing the documents inside a suitcase, I collected all my belongings and prepared for departure.

He wanted to enjoy both pleasures: the purity of his childhood sweetheart and the utility of the mate he had broken, too bad I had enough.

His pack, his support or even his love, he could keep them all to himself!

With that I picked up the luna broach I once desired like a dream and weighed it in my palm, a miserable smile clouding my eyes as I communicated with the werewolf auction house.

[Sell this antique broach to the highest bidder in two days. Five years ago my wedding jewelry costed 2 million dollars, make sure you get rid of that thrash and convert it into hard cash today.]

Since my fathers life is so cheap to you Dominic, I will drain all your resources and transfer him back to the White Luna Pack.

Soon the day of Amelia's welcome party arrived.

The packhouse was drowning in the sickly sweet scent of white roses as the grand door swung open.

You must along with her, Elara. Dominic murmured under his breath, his hand settling on my shoulder in a light squeeze. Dont embarrass me.

Wearing a high-slit white gown, Amelia looked like an angel descending from the heavens, unlike my plain self, who was almost invisible.

"Sister!" She held my hands, yet her eyes strayed toward Dominic, looking at him like she was wronged.

I was so worried about you. she said, her voice trembling slightly. Do you hate me, Elara?

I stilled.

We are sisters, but you never once came to see me in the hospital. Her lashes lowered, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. I almost thought you didnt want me to wake up.

A few nearby guests had already begun to turn, drawn in by her soft, breaking voice.

I was just busy. I replied coldy not wishing to even look at her eyes shining with hidden pleasure.

I was about to turn away when her loud voice made me freeze in my tracks.

Elara no matter what happened to our pack I never would have guessed that my own little sister would become the pack breeder."

The word landed like a slap, making me freeze..

"If Father knew" she continued, her voice trembling with manufactured sorrow, "he would be so sad."

Shutup!!

She flinched just enough to look convincing before a vicious gleam sparked in her eyes..

I know she rushed to say, shaking her head as if blaming herself. Youre angry you have every right to be. Its all my fault.

After I fell into a coma, you had to become your brother-in-laws breeder and even gave birth to mine and Dominics children.

I-I dont blame you for sleeping with my fiancce ElaraNow that I am back, I will surely compensate you, whether its money or jewelry that you fought with me all those years ago, I will give them all to you.

Amelias tears trickled, acting like a saint who was showing mercy.

The moment those words fell, the entire atmosphere turned to ice, gossip erupting like wildfire.

[I always thought Elara was the victim. Turns out she's just a greedy gold-digger who seduced her sister's husband!]

[To think she acted so noble all these years when really, she was just renting out her womb for cash and jewels.]

[A lowly woman like that doesn't deserve to be Luna. No wonder the Alpha is giving the crown back to the real one!]

My eyes shook violently as my vision swarmed red with rage when Dominics gaze bore into my skull.

Cold, sharp and heavy with warning.

Endure it. Dont forget whos been supporting your family.

I almost sneered, looking at the pair of lovebirds in contempt. Setting my wine glass with a heavy thump, I looked Amelia dead in the eyes.

"If you're so sorry, sister, then perhaps you can find a good man for me to marry.

Since you're so generous with compensation dont forget to add the grand villa and mansions my blood father transferred to you, an adopted daughter out of charity."

Amelias smile froze, the gentle fragile mask flickering dangerously.

It seems Elara has drunk herself to madness. Dominics dark eyes locked into mine as his hand clutched my arm tightly, making blue bruises bloom on my skin.

His voice dropped in rage. Dont act all innocent and wronged, its not like you didnt went out of your way to seduce me to fuck you. Now that Amelia is extending her hand for forgiveness why cant you accept it?!

With that he pushed me away like a pest before walking towards Amelia, taking her into his hold like she was a treasure.

Elara has no reason to be angry, if anything she must apologise to you properly. She took away your place beside me and tried to surpass you, its all her fault.

I will make sure, she spends rest of her life repenting her sins.

My chest tightened as my lungs were squeezed painfully.

Despite knowing the years of neglect I had endured by his side.the miscarriages, the fertility serum, the way he had used my body as a vessel for Amelia's future children, Dominic spoke for me like I was a child throwing a tantrum.

My heart sank with an anguish so deep I thought I might drown in it.

I turned away before they could see the emptiness settling inside me.

Each step felt distant, like I was walking outside my own body as I slipped out onto the balcony, breathing in the cold night air.

"Oops is that you sister?" Amelia's voice called out mockingly from behind me.

"If I didn't know better, I would have assumed that was a servant's uniform." Her heels clicked against the marble tiles as she approached me with a smirk, her diamond bracelet catching the light while she scanned my dress from top to bottom.

Oh my, your have so many scratches on your neck.dont tell me that day you were really kidnapped and tormented by rogues?

Her eyes widened like a perfect opera actress as a delicate hand rose to her lips, feigning shock, while her eyes glittered with quiet mockery

Sister, if they raped you, lets go for a chekup immediatelywho knows which dirty thug might have planted his seed in your belly, its better to abort it now-

Watch your mouth! At my dead set eyes glaring at her sharply, Amelias eyes gleamed, and she took a leisurely step closer, voice dropping like a blade.

Angry already? Then maybe this grand news will lighten your mood sister.

Tomorrow on your own freaking wedding anniversary, Dominic is going to marry me. In a week, I will legally become your childrens mother. She tilted her head slightly, watching me as if savoring the moment.

If you want, I can definitely make you my maid of honor. She laughed.

For a moment, I couldnt hear anything before I lowered my gaze, my fingers trembling faintly at my sides before stilling completely.

After everything you gave them how does it feel to be discarded like a common whore?

The whore was never me. I said almost too calm to be breaking from within If you want Dominic you can have him. afterall since you treasure my leftovers so much, I will once again throw it your way."

Leftover? The haughty smile on Amelias lips was wiped out instantly. "Dominic and I were always meant to be!

You were nothing but a warm body while I was gone but tomorrow everything is going to change.

She stepped closer, her composure slipping just enough to show the venom beneath.

"Tommorow Dominic will fuck me in your marital bed." She lifted her chin, triumphant. "On your own loving anniversary we will spend our honemoon in the same bed you made your children."

The words that could have killed me once, now faded into nothing but a dull ringing in my ears.

"That night you were screaming to be rescued from rogues.Dominic was inside me. Sister, it was so damn hot as he grabbed my hair and made me do wild things god." She grinned.

"He said you were too much of a prude to try such stuff, too vanilla for his liking. That touching your like big breasts he almost thought that it was an animals uddersit almost made him puke.

Something inside me snapped as my wolf surged wildly almost seeing red.

"Mommy!"

The word came from behind me. Small, sweet, desperate.

I spun around.

Alec and Leo stood at the balcony entrance, their faces flushed as tears gathered in their eyes.

My heart lurched with a fragile, desperate hope. My precious childrendid they finally came to protect me?

My arms opened instinctively. "My babies-"

But they ran past me straight to Amelia.

They clutched her legs, burying their faces in her white gown. I staggered back, my arms still open as they stood infront of Amelia protectively.

You are bad! We hate mommy!! Auntie loves us the most!

My heart splintered as Leo shouted. She even taught us a special language we were going to use it to wish you on your birthday-

His voice faltered for a second before hardening.

But you dont deserve it!

Alec stepped forward clearly annoyed. His voice was clear and rehearsed. as he repeated the words he was taught.

[A slut like Elara will never enter daddys heart. She must leave."]

Leo recited next, his small face serious. like he was doing just that for the sake of Amelia.

[After mommy is gone, auntie will make sure we are raised like bastards. Not as heirs. Just the illegitimate children of a lowly prostitute.]

The words melted into my ears like red hot iron.

My entire being froze like I was thrown in an ice cellar.

The language Alec and Leo spoke was foreign. They didn't know what they were saying. They glared up at me as if giving proof of how Amelia cared for them and taught them things I couldnt.

My pupils shook violently as something inside me snapped beyond control.

My hand moved before I could stop it.

A sharp slap cracked across Amelia's face. She staggered back, hand pressed to her reddening cheek, eyes wide with feigned shock.

"I am the Luna of Blood Moon Pack" I said, my voice low and steady. "If anyone here is a mistress, it's you."

Silence.

For a single heartbeat no one moved.

Then Amelia's knees buckled. She crumpled to the ground like a marionette with cut strings, her hand rising slowly to her mouth, fingers trembling as if she couldn't process what had just happened.

"Luna?" she whispered, faint and fragile, like a practiced actress delivering her finest performance.

Her eyes lifted to mine glassy, shaken, beyond broken. A masterpiece of victimhood.

Then those eyes shifted. Just past my shoulder.

"Dominic" Her voice cracked, barely above a breath. "What is sister saying? Did you accept her as your mate? Am I just a mistress?"

My blood turned to ice.

I spun around.

Dominic stood at the balcony entrance. His face was stone. His eyes black with fury.

I hadn't heard him approach. Neither had I seen the guests gathering behind him, their faces a mix of shock and glee.

"Elara." His voice was low. Deadly. "What did you say to her?"

My mouth opened. "She is lying! She already knew-"

"I didn't mean to cause trouble sister!" Amelia sobbed from the ground, clutching her chest. "I swear I didn't know you became my fiancees luna!

The arranged marriage you and Mom set up for me five years agoI won't fight it anymore sister.

Even if the groom is fifty years older than me. I swear I will obey you!

The atmosphere froze.

Really? Then go ahead and marry. The moment those words escaped my lips, Amelias crocodile tears paused, she had expected me to rush out crying and deny the false allegations and yet I gave her nothing.

Enough. Dominic's cold gaze lined with disgust pierced through me, the disbelief in his eyes gave way to profound disappointment.

Everyone leave. The party is over.

The guests dispersed at once, some casting pitying glances toward Amelia while others looked at me with open contempt.

When the balcony was empty, he turned to me, his voice low and deadly. So this is what youve stooped to. You couldnt win my favor so you came after her instead!

Are you going to be swayed by every single sentence she says Alpha Dominic? My cold response chilled the atmosphere.

Amelia came to provoke me herself, even going as far as to call our children illegitimate bastards. You can simply check the surveillance stone and see what I am saying is true.

Anticipating potential trouble, I took plenty of precautions of installing several extra surveillance stones and sure enough, they had now proven their worth.

Amelia clearly had not anticipated such a contingency, a flicker of panic flashed through her eyes.

The moment Dominic noticed this, and a look of suspicion clouded his gaze.

Just then, Alec and Leo like a pair of protective little cubs stepped forward to shield Amelia with their bodies.

Their childish voices rang out, firm and unwavering:

"No need to check the surveillance stones! Its true we were called bastards!" My heart almost sighed before the next words detonated like a bomb.

"But it wasnt auntie who called us that, it was mom!"

My eyes widened before my entire being trembled as if shrouded with disbelief.

Bad mommy! Alec shouted, his face red with fury. "You hurt Auntie! It was you who told us that if we follow Auntie we will be called illegitimate!

Leo pushed me back with his tiny hands,. "Go away! We don't want you! Auntie is good. You're bad!

We wont let Auntie marry that old man!"

In their innocent, childish voices, they uttered the cruelest of lies.

And in doing so, they completely extinguished the last embers of love still lingering in my heart.

Shutup! I admonished sharply, raising my voice at the children for the first time making them cower back, stumped that the mother who always listened to their tantrums would finally snap.

Amelia, that marriage alliance you are framing me for was surely accepted by mom, but it wasnt for you! It was for me!

"Enough of your lies!" Dominic snapped, cutting me off with a sharp rebuke.

"Our sons are only a few years old why would they lie? Furthermore, who in this entire pack is not aware of your fucking obsession with me since childhood. Let alone marriage, you cannot even survive a day without me!

You really think I cant live without you? I let out a faint, humorless breath, my lashes lowering for a moment before I looked at him again, as if seeing him clearly for the first time.

Let alone fight her over youA soft scoff slipped past my lips.

I would rather throw you away myself-

Before the last word even settled

Smack.

The force snapped my head to the side, my body losing balance as I crashed onto the floor, blood trickled from the corners of my mouth resembling nothing so much as bloody tears.

For a second, I didnt move.

Didnt breathe.

Only the sharp ringing in my ears remained and the stunned silence that followed.

Dominics hand was still raised in the air when he looked at my wide shivering irises that trembled as his limbs froze with the gravity of what had transpired.

All my life, not once had my parents raised their hands at me. All throughout our marriage Dominic never once physically abused me and yet tonight for the sake of Ameliahe even crossed that limit.

Elarayouit was an accident.

The humiliation was horrifying as the hot tears trailing my eyes presented a blurry image of my mate that fathered two of my children looking at me with a guilty expression.

Amelia innocently sobbed with her palms covering her mouth. "Oh my god, I..It was never my intention to create a rift between you...I cannot believe I caused harm to my sister."

Elara, Dominic whispered unsure Listen to me, if you apologise to Amelia, I will forget this incident and we can act like nothing happened at all.

No! This..I never wanted this sister. Amelias eyes flashed with provocation as she sobbed before running away like she was an innocent preson who got bullied until the end.

Amelia! Dominic immediately called before throwing me his last words of so called sympathy.

Elara, go home and apply some medicine. You have disappointed me alot so whatever happens after this is your fault. Like a master commanding his slave he left me behind as he went searching for his true-love without looking back even once.

Two childish voices drifted as I barely stood, my body still reeling from the aftershocks.

"Brother, Mommy looks so miserable. Do you think what we did was a little too mean?"

"No. Dad said we only have one real mom and that is Auntie Amelia, this woman just took our real moms place and drove her out."

"Thats true! Besides, she loves us so much, she will forgive us soon. Come on, lets go find Auntie Amelia..."

The voices faded into the distance as I walked back to the Alphas mansion, the cool evening air caressing the deep wounds on my chest as I looked at the place I gave five years of my life and slowly took off the family potrait that I had so lovingly decorated my home with.

I packed my stuff wordlessly completely emptying the master bedroom as a single call stole the breath from my lungs:

Elara My mother cried on the other end Your dad has come back to the White Luna Pack and thanks to you he has been showing signs of waking up!

The phone call from my mother burned a hope in my chest that was once long forgone. Without waiting for the next day, I immediately summoned the elders council for an emergency meeting.

The Council chamber was cold.

Seven elders sat in a semicircle, their faces carved with age and tradition. They had crowned me Luna five years ago. Now I walked in alone as I placed my final command on the table.

[WHITE LUNA PACK AND BLOOD MOON PACK SEPERATION DECREE]

"I am taking all my territories back." I said. "White Luna Pack is no longer under Dominic. I will rule it myself."

The elders shot to their feet, panic flashing across their wrinkled faces.

"Luna Elara, you cannot do this!" Elder Marcus's voice cracked. "You are still our Luna. The pack needs you! If not for you many alliances would have fallen apart!"

"Amelia is a human" another elder added quickly. "She will die within decades. How can you give up a bond chosen by the Moon Goddess herself? Even if Alpha Dominic took your crown, he has not touched your Luna seal. Not once. You will have your position back soon-"

I raised my hand.

Silence.

"It's just a matter of time." I said quietly, "before he gives even that to Amelia."

The elders exchanged helpless glances.

I looked at each of them. "And a mate like Dominic" I let the words hang. "I would rather live mateless."

No one spoke.

I casually tossed my Luna seal along with a package. "Tommorow, I am returning to my White Luna Pack. This is not a request."

I turned and walked out, behind me, the chamber erupting in frantic whispers.

The next day, the moment Dominic returned home, he instructed the servants to pack his luggage.

Elara, I am going to formally take Amelia as my second wife. I am merely cleaning up the mess you created.

He frowned as he looked at me.

If you were not consumed by jealousy and made Amelia so shocked that she fell ill, I would have slowly explained everything to her and things would have gone back to how it was.

But your mother went as far to arrange a marriage for her? I will not sit idly and see her life being ruined. If there is anyone to blame then blame yourself.

Alec and Leo slipped in the living room, their eyes darting between me and Dominic like they were watching a show.

Seeing my gaze fall upon them, Alec offered a half?hearted apology. "Don't be sad, Mom. If you allow Auntie Amelia to live with us, we will love you more."

Leo nodded seriously, his small brows furrowed.

Yeah. If you keep making trouble, we might even stop calling you Mommy.

Contrary to Dominic's expectations I neither bursts in tears nor did I fell upon my knees to reconsider the decision.

Once the words that would have made me vomit blood now only spread through my veins like a dull ache.

I understand. I replied slowly making Dominic scowl, a trace of impatience surfacing in his eyes.

What is this now? Is this another one of your attention?seeking tricks-

No I cut him off quietly. For a moment, even I was surprised at how steady my voice sounded.

I think I have already stood in the way of you and Amelia long enough.

A faint breath left me, almost soundless.

So this time, I wont come between you.just thattoday is also our anniversary so can you give me a little time as well?

Those words came out as a shock making my husband of five years falter.

For a long moment, Dominic didn't speak. He just stood there, frozen, his eyes finally moving past me to the table behind.

To the lavish feast I had spent hours preparing. Every dish he loved, still warm with steam rising and in between them all a large home-made cake saying Happy Anniversary.

Dominics face contorted to that of guilt and shame when he saw me limping while I set the dishes for him.

Unknown to him, we sat down for our last lunch together as husband and wife as our children followed suit.

ElaraI was too angry yesterdayis your wound alright? I hummed making him continue.

There is no need to take what happened yesterday to heart. Even after marrying Amelia, your position as the primary wife remains unchanged. Even the Luna position will come back to you in due time-"

I went to see the healer this morning. My fingers traced the edge of the table absentmindedly, my tone calm as I lied to Dominic for the first and last time.

I thought after everything that happened, I should at least understand her condition better but

I lifted my gaze, meeting his eyes steadily.

They said her body is still extremely fragile and one more shock can push my sister into coma again.

"What are you getting at?" Dominic stiffened.

"Amelia." I let the name hang. "She will feel the bond between us and It will break her heart." I threw back the words he had often used to stab my heart right at him.

A muscle in his jaw twitched. For the first time, something like uncertainty flickered across his face.

"Then what do you suggest?" he asked slowly. "You think I haven't considered that-"

I have a solution though. I let the silence stretch before I spoke, each word clear as glass.

"How about I reject you?"

The moment those words left my lips, Dominics expression darkened abruptly, as if a bolt of lightning had struck straight through him.

Reject?-

His voice faltered for the first time.

But I didnt give him the chance to refuse.

Of course its only temporary. I continued calmly, my fingers still resting against the edge of the table as if I was merely discussing something trivial.

Once Amelia recovers from her heart condition, we can always go back to how we were right? Afterall....didn't you say werewolves live for thousands of years and we have all eternity...just the two of us?"

Dominics expression plummeted further, the conflict in his eyes deepening as his fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the table, as if he was trying to grasp onto something that was slipping out of his control.

For a long moment, he didnt speak.

I didnt wait for his answer.

Silently, I reached out and placed more of his favorite dishes onto his plate, my movements steady, practiced just as they had been for the past five years.

Eat before it gets cold. I said softly, as if nothing significant had just been discussed.

Alec and Leo brightened instantly, the earlier tension melting away as I served them as well, carefully separating the portions the way they liked, removing the spices Leo hated, adding extra sauce for Alec.

Everything exactly the way they preferred.

Dominics gaze lingered on the table.

Only then did it seem to fully register.

Every single dish was according to his taste and the childrens. Not a single one was for myself.

Even the plate in front of me held seafood- his favorite, something I had always been allergic to.

Yet, without a word, I picked up my chopsticks and took a bite. The faint sting spread across my tongue almost instantly, my throat tightening subtly, but I didnt pause and continued nibbling on it despite the uncomfortable feeling making my skin red.

Across the table, Dominic stilled, a flicker of something unreadable crossed his eyes.

Wasnt this how I had always been?

From the very beginning I had molded myself around him and the children, providing everything they needed.

I had loved them enough to erase myself completely.

Of courseI would do this his eyes spoke clearly as he glanced at me. Of course, I would agree to the marriage if it means to keep him by my side.

The tension in his shoulders eased, just slightly.

Only then did he believe me.

The silence stretched between us, thick and fragile, like glass about to shatter before he finally nodded.

Its just temporary. he muttered under his breath, almost as if reassuring himself more than anyone else.

I smiled faintly yet it was all hollow.

"I, Elara Quinn, reject Alpha Dominic Vale as my mate and alpha."

The words fell into the air like a quiet verdict.

For a split second everything stilled.

Then a sharp, searing pain tore through my chest, spreading like wildfire through my veins as the bond between us trembled violently.

Across from me, Dominic stiffened, his wolf howling in agony as he gritted his teeth barely able to sit straight.

I accept. His voice came out lower than usual, restrained, as if forcing the words out.

After the meal, I bid the children farewell.

I hugged Alec. He didn't hug back, his body stiff, his arms at his sides.

I kissed Leo's forehead. He wiped it off when he thought I wasn't looking.

As I turned to leave, I heard their whispers.

"Mom really is stupid; she fell for our trick again."

"She loves us so of course she will always listen to us! Just thinking of us not calling her mommy again would make her sad immediately."

My heart cracked. But this time I merely smiled before taking off my wedding ring and throwing it into the thrash before I took my suitcase and walked out of the mansion.