Samantha’s POV

When I got home that night, the silence of the pack mansion felt heavier than ever. Every echo of my footsteps sounded like mockery. The walls that once felt warm now seemed to whisper reminders of what had happened, that I was left at the altar while my supposed mate held another woman in his arms.

I didn’t sleep that night. I kept staring at the empty side of the bed, the side that should’ve been his if everything had gone as planned. The rain outside didn’t stop, as if the Moon Goddess herself wept for me.

By morning, I was already sitting in the garden when Gabriel finally came home. His scent reached me before he did, oak and smoke, sharp and familiar, making my heart ache even when I didn’t want it to.

He looked tired but unbothered, dressed casually, his dark hair slightly messy. When his eyes met mine, I wanted to see guilt in them, regret maybe—but all I saw was calm indifference.

“Samantha,” he said, voice steady. “About yesterday…”

I laughed softly, though it wasn’t out of amusement. “You mean about our wedding day?”

He frowned, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin it. But a child’s life was at stake. You have to understand—the wedding could happen any other day, but a pup’s life? That’s something you can’t postpone.”

A cold laugh slipped from my lips before I could stop it. Inside, my heart felt shredded. He thinks saving that child justifies leaving me before the Moon Goddess.

But all I said was, “You’re right.”

His shoulders relaxed as though I’d just forgiven everything. “I knew you’d understand.”

Of course he thought that. I was always the understanding one, the calm, obedient Luna-to-be who never raised her voice, who always smiled even when her heart ached.

He glanced toward the mansion doors, and before I could ask what he was looking at, she appeared.

Adrianna Jordans.

Her scent, honeysuckle and rain, drifted into the air before her voice did. She walked beside a small boy who clung to her hand, his curious eyes scanning everything.

Gabriel smiled softly when he saw them, the kind of smile that used to belong only to me. “Samantha,” he said, his tone light. “This is Adrianna. You might’ve heard of her. My childhood friend.”

Childhood friend. My stomach twisted.

Adrianna smiled politely. “I’m so sorry for the awkward timing, Samantha.”

Gabriel continued, “She and her pup will stay here in the mansion for now. It’s safer here after what happened with the rogues.”

My gaze flicked to the little boy, Hans. His hair was dark like Gabriel’s, his eyes was the same. I didn’t need the Moon Goddess to tell me the truth. The resemblance was undeniable.

I forced a small smile. “Of course, Alpha. Whatever you decide.”

Inside, something cracked quietly.

The next morning, I woke to noise, feminine laughter, footsteps, the clatter of furniture being moved.

“Omega May?” I called, rubbing my eyes. “What’s going on?”

But when I opened my door, I froze.

Adrianna stood inside my room, surrounded by omega maids carrying boxes and linens. She turned to me with a sly little smile, her fingers brushing over my vanity as though it already belonged to her.

“Oh, Samantha, good morning,” she said sweetly. “I hope you don’t mind. I was just… settling in.”

“In my room?” I asked sharply, my sleepiness vanishing.

Her smile didn’t falter. “Well, technically, this used to be my room years ago. Before I left. It holds a lot of memories, you see.”

“This is my room now,” I said, crossing my arms. “I don’t care what it used to be.”

Adrianna sighed dramatically, her eyes glistening as if she were about to cry. “It’s just that Hans wants to stay here with me. He said he likes the scent, it feels familiar to him. I didn’t want to make a fuss.”

My jaw tightened. “Then perhaps you should ask Gabriel to prepare another room for you. There are plenty.”

But before I could say another word, the door burst open.

Gabriel. His aura filled the room, commanding and heavy. His eyes flicked from Adrianna’s tear-streaked face to me, and his expression hardened immediately.

“What’s going on here?” he demanded.

Adrianna sniffled. “I was just asking Samantha if we could have this room, but she—”

“She what?” he snapped, turning to me.

“I told her it’s mine,” I said firmly. “Because it is.”

He exhaled sharply, running a hand over his face. “Samantha, can’t you just give up the room? How can you be so selfish?”

His words hit like a blade. “Selfish?” I repeated, disbelief surging through me. “You already didn’t show up at our wedding, and now you want me to give up the one space that’s mine? What more do you want me to give up, Alpha?”

For a moment, I thought he’d soften. That maybe the man I loved would show a flicker of remorse.

Instead, his gaze stayed cold. “You’re still not over that? I told you I saved a child. Is that wedding more important than a pup’s life?”

My voice shook. “It’s not just the wedding, Gabriel. You promised me.”

He ignored me. “Enough. Leave this room immediately. You can stay in one of the guest rooms downstairs.”

Adrianna reached for his arm gently, and he let her. Watching her touch him so freely made bile rise in my throat. He used to hate being touched in public, except when it was me.

“Thank you, Alpha,” she whispered, casting me a victorious glance over her shoulder.

And just like that, they left together, her hand still on his arm.

The door shut, and the silence that followed was unbearable.

I stood there for a long time, staring at the room that used to be mine. My scent still lingered in the sheets, in the air, but it already felt foreign. The omegas looked at me awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

“It’s fine,” I whispered. “Leave everything. I’ll pack my own things.”

When they left, I sank onto the edge of the bed, tears finally slipping down my cheeks.

This wasn’t the man I had fallen in love with two years ago. Back then, Gabriel was tender and fierce. He used to hold my hands and say I was the only she-wolf who ever made his heart calm. He used to promise that once we were married, he’d make me the happiest Luna in the world.

Now, I couldn’t even recognize him.

The Alpha who used to chase away my nightmares had become the one living inside them.

I gathered my belongings slowly, a few clothes, my books, the necklace he’d once given me during a full-moon ceremony. I hesitated before placing it into the box.

“Do you remember this, Gabriel?” I murmured softly. “You said the stone would protect me as long as you lived.”

The stone didn’t even glimmer anymore.

By the time I finished packing, the sky outside had dimmed to dusk. I carried my things to the guest room, feeling like a stranger in my own home. The corridors echoed with Hans’s laughter somewhere down the hall, followed by Adrianna’s soft, adoring voice. And Gabriel’s.

Samantha’s POV

My birthday was only a few days away, and despite everything that had happened, the omegas had been bustling around the mansion since dawn, decorating, whispering, carrying boxes of ornaments and ribbons.

For a brief, foolish moment, I thought… maybe it was for me.

After all, Gabriel had always been extravagant when it came to my birthdays. He used to say the Moon Goddess herself must’ve chosen that day to bless his life with me. Two years ago, he’d filled the entire garden with lanterns that glowed like fireflies, gifting me a moonstone necklace that he said matched my spirit. Last year, he’d thrown a feast that lasted until sunrise.

So when I saw the preparations this time, the colorful banners, the boxes marked “decorations,” the sweet smell of honey cake, I felt a tiny spark of hope.

Maybe he wanted to make amends. Maybe he hadn’t completely forgotten the woman who’d waited for him at the altar.

But when the designs finally arrived that afternoon, that spark died.

I unrolled the blueprint for the decorations on the long oak table and froze. It wasn’t elegant or romantic like the celebrations we used to have. No moonlight theme, no silver decor. Just bright balloons, cartoon wolves, and little paw prints everywhere.

I blinked, thinking it must’ve been a mistake. “This… can’t be right,” I murmured to the omega who delivered it.

She looked uneasy. “Alpha Gabriel said these are the final designs, Lady Samantha.”

I thanked her quietly and walked straight to Gabriel’s office, my heart pounding, dread curling in my chest. His door was slightly open, and I could hear his voice before I even knocked, steady, authoritative, the voice of an Alpha who thought he had everything under control.

“Come in,” he said without looking up when I entered.

I stepped inside. “Alpha,” I greeted softly. “I just saw the designs for the celebration.”

He looked up from his desk briefly, his eyes meeting mine. “Oh, good. What do you think?”

“I think they’re…” I hesitated. “Childish.”

“Exactly,” he said without missing a beat, his pen still moving on the documents before him. “It should be suitable for children. It’s for Hans’s birthday, after all.”

My breath caught. “Hans’s… birthday?”

He looked up again, confused by my tone. “Of course. It’s on Saturday. You should also attend—it’ll be good for the pack to see harmony between us.”

Saturday. I stared at him, my pulse quickening. “Alpha,” I said slowly, “Saturday is also my birthday.”

His brow furrowed as if trying to recall. Then his eyes widened slightly, just a flicker of realization, quickly buried beneath indifference.

“Oh,” he said simply. “Right.”

Right. That was all he said.

The silence between us stretched, heavy and suffocating. I wanted him to say more, to at least look sorry. But he just went back to signing papers as if my birthday were some irrelevant detail.

Once upon a time, he’d counted down the days to it. Now, he couldn’t even remember.

I stood there, feeling the sting of humiliation creep up my neck. Then, as if to salt the wound, he added, “Speaking of which, your parents’ pack hasn’t sent their monthly contribution yet. Did you contact them?”

My jaw tightened. “Contribution?” I repeated slowly.

He nodded. “Yes. The Heaven Blossom Pack has always sent support to help strengthen our resources. I was just wondering if something happened. Perhaps you can remind them.”

I almost laughed. My chest burned with disbelief. “That’s what you’re worried about? My parents’ money?”

He blinked, unbothered. “It’s not about money. It’s about alliances.”

But I didn’t want to hear it. I turned and left before my anger could spill out in ways I couldn’t take back.

By the time I reached the corridor, my hands were trembling. The memory of his calm, detached face haunted me.

So this was what I’d become to him, a connection to a wealthy pack, a symbol of alliance.

That night, as the moonlight spilled softly into my room, I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the shadows dancing across the walls. My wolf stirred restlessly.

I didn’t plan what I was doing next. I just followed the ache in my chest, the faint bond that still tethered me to him even when it hurt. Barefoot and quiet, I padded down the hall toward his quarters.

The scent hit me first—vanilla and rosewater. Not mine. Not his usual earthy musk.

Then I heard it.

Soft moans. A woman’s voice. And his.

“Ah, Adrianna… you’re so much better than Samantha. She’s like a log in bed.”

The words sliced through me like a silver blade.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. My hands went cold, my heart stopped beating for a moment, and then everything inside me cracked open.

I didn’t move. I didn’t even cry. I just stood there, numb, listening to the sound of betrayal echoing through the door.

My wolf howled inside me—a sound of rage, heartbreak, and disbelief all at once. I clamped a hand over my mouth to stop the sob that threatened to escape, then turned and fled down the hallway, my bare feet silent against the marble floors.

By the time I reached my room, my tears were blinding me. My body shook as I fumbled for my phone, fingers trembling so badly I almost dropped it.

I dialed my brother’s number.

He answered after two rings, his voice steady and warm, so painfully familiar. “Samantha? It’s late. What’s wrong?”

The sound of his voice undid me. “Benedict…” My voice cracked. “He… he betrayed me.”

“What?” His tone sharpened instantly. “Who did?”

“Alpha Gabriel,” I whispered, tears choking me. “He—he didn’t come to our wedding because he saved his child with another woman. Adrianna. His childhood sweetheart. She has his son. He’s been lying to me all along.”

There was silence on the other end, the kind that screamed with restrained fury. “He what?” Benedict growled, his Alpha tone leaking through. I could almost feel his power surging through the phone. “I’ll gather our warriors. He won’t get away with this, Sam.”

“No!” I cried quickly. “Don’t, please.”

He hesitated. “Samantha—”

“I don’t want war,” I said firmly, though my voice trembled. “I just need until my birthday. After that, I’ll leave Blackraven. For good.”

“Samantha…” His voice softened, pain lacing through it. “You don’t deserve this. You should’ve told me sooner.”

“I know.” My voice broke. “But I kept hoping he’d change. That maybe the man I loved was still there somewhere.”

“Then let him live with his choices,” Benedict said quietly. “And when you walk away, make sure he sees what he lost.”

“Thank you, Ben,” I whispered. “I’ll be fine. I just need a few more days.”

We hung up, and I sat there for a long time, clutching the phone to my chest.

Outside, the moon glowed full and pale, a silent witness to everything.

That night, I finally accepted what I had been denying for too long—Alpha Gabriel Timothy of Blackraven Pack was no longer my alpha. Maybe he never truly was.

And on my birthday, the day he forgot, I would take back what was mine, my freedom, my pride, and the pieces of my heart he had carelessly shattered.

Samantha’s POV

The dining hall smelled faintly of roasted meat and freshly baked bread, but even that comforting scent couldn’t disguise the bitterness in the air. I sat quietly, across from Alpha Gabriel, while Adrinna Jordans fed her son small spoonfuls of soup as if she owned the place. Her laughter rang through the hall, light and taunting, and when my eyes met hers, she didn’t even have the decency to look away.

She tilted her head slightly, her long neck in full view, bare and marked with hickeys. My stomach churned. The mark of my mate was supposed to be there, but instead, there were only reminders of her nights with him. She was flaunting them, every purple bloom a slap to my pride.

Gabriel didn’t seem to mind. He was focused on cutting Hans’s meat, smiling gently as the boy thanked him. My gaze lingered on that image, a father’s tenderness, the kind I once thought would be shared between us and our future pup. Foolish.

Adrinna’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Samantha, could you pass me the juice on your side?” Her tone was sweet, dripping with false innocence.

I glanced at the pitcher, then back at her. “You have arms, don’t you? You can reach it yourself.” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care.

For a moment, silence blanketed the table. Then Gabriel slammed his fork down. “Samantha.” His tone was warning. “Can’t you do a simple favor without being difficult?”

I clenched my fists beneath the table, feeling my wolf stir inside me, hurt, humiliated, ready to snarl. But instead, I swallowed the anger, picked up the pitcher, and poured the juice into her glass. Adrinna smiled, smug and victorious, her eyes gleaming with mockery.

“Thank you,” she said sweetly, like poison wrapped in silk.

I wanted to throw the glass in her face.

Gabriel leaned back in his chair and looked at me again, his expression shifting from irritation to cold calculation. “By the way, Samantha. Has Heaven Blossom Pack sent the funds yet? We need additional budget for Hans’s birthday celebration.”

For Hans. Not for me when it was my parent’s money.

My jaw tightened. “You’re asking me about money again?”

“It’s for the pack,” he said simply. “You know Blackraven isn’t as wealthy as Heaven Blossom. If you could just ask your parents—”

I laughed bitterly, cutting him off. “No, Alpha. There will be no more money. I’ve already told my parents to stop funding Blackraven Pack. You have enough assets and businesses to sustain yourself. You don’t need their help.”

The table went quiet. His expression darkened instantly. “What did you say?” His voice dropped an octave, dangerous and sharp.

“You heard me,” I replied, keeping my gaze steady. “No more money.”

The next second, his palm slammed against the wooden table, the sound echoing through the hall. Hans jumped in his seat, and Adrinna gasped softly, though her lips twitched upward in hidden amusement.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” he growled. “You’re cutting off the lifeline that supports this pack. That supports you.”

I stood slowly, forcing my voice to stay calm. “Maybe it’s time you learned to stand on your own without bleeding my parents’ generosity dry.”

Gabriel’s eyes burned with fury. He pushed his chair back so hard it scraped the floor. “You’re unbelievable,” he spat, and stormed out of the hall. Adrinna hurried after him, carrying Hans in her arms as if afraid I might harm them.

But I just stood there, shaking. My nails bit into my palms as I tried to steady my breathing. My wolf whimpered inside me, confused and wounded. How did it come to this? How did the man who once swore to love me above all turn into this stranger who only saw me as a bank connection?

Hours later, the mansion buzzed with noise. Visitors, mostly other Alphas, had come to see Gabriel. Laughter echoed from his office, deep and loud. I passed through the corridor quietly, heading to my guest room, but as I neared the office, their words floated to me, sharp as claws.

“I heard the wedding with Samantha was canceled,” one Alpha said, chuckling.

“Canceled?” another barked a laugh. “Man, Gabriel wasn’t even planning to attend that wedding in the first place.”

Their laughter roared louder. My breath hitched.

Then Gabriel’s voice joined in, lazy and proud. “That whole wedding preparation was worth it. Heaven Blossom sent hundreds of thousands before the event. It was easy money.”

I froze. My blood turned to ice.

“So, you never planned to marry her?” another Alpha asked.

“Why would I?” Gabriel replied, his tone dripping with arrogance. “She’s just leverage. Her pack is rich, and I needed the funds for Blackraven’s expansion.”

The room erupted in laughter again, but my heart was already breaking apart.

And then I saw it, through the small crack of the slightly open door. Adrinna was sitting on his lap, her hands roaming over his chest as she kissed his collarbone. His friends didn’t even look surprised.

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood.

Adrinna’s voice purred. “But what now, darling? I heard Samantha stopped her parents from sending money.”

Gabriel smirked. “If she still wants to eat and live peacefully here, she’ll change her mind soon. I won’t spend a single penny on her stay in my pack.”

A cruel laugh followed.

That was the moment something inside me snapped.

I pressed a trembling hand over my chest as tears spilled down my cheeks. My wolf howled inside me, hurt, humiliated, and furious. Every word I had heard cut deeper than any blade. The love I once protected, the loyalty I held onto despite the betrayal, all of it suddenly felt foolish.

I staggered away from the door, every step heavier than the last. My vision blurred, my throat tight. The truth was out. All this time, I wasn’t his Luna. I was his pawn. His source of wealth. His convenient connection to a powerful pack.

When I reached my room, I collapsed against the bed, letting the sobs finally escape. My mind played back every moment we’d shared—his promises, his warmth, his laughter when we used to talk about our future. None of it had been real.