The full moon loomed on the horizon, its glow casting an ethereal silver light over the dense forest surrounding our pack territory. Our family—my pack—had planned a retreat deep into the heart of the Lycanthrope Highlands, a rare opportunity to connect with the wild energy that coursed through our veins. I had spent months organizing everything: selecting the best hunting grounds, securing lodges near the Moonstone Crater, and ensuring every pack member had a place.

But everything changed when she decided to come.

Erica.

A lone stray wolf from another territory, once bonded to my mate Felix in their youth. The bond was broken when her family relocated to another territory, but her return had stirred deep and he was once again reminded of their childhood love. When Erica heard about the retreat, she pleaded about joining us. To my shock, Felix not only agreed but went a step too further—he gave her my place and that action got me angry, Felix was behaving like a child, whose lost eye-candy got returned to him.

“Camila,” he had said, trying avoiding my eyes, “Erica is homeless. She doesn’t have anyone to take her on a trip like this. I had no choice but to give her your spot on the moon-bound flight.”

I stared at him, disbelief mingling with the wolf inside me. “You canceled my ticket? The retreat was my idea, how could you take such a decision without informing me about it. Is it fair on your part to do this to me after my all my efforts to make the trip a success.

“You’ll still come,” he said nonchalantly without any remorse,passing me an old paper ticket. “Take the Iron Fang Train. It’s a 36-hour ride, but you’ve always said you enjoy the scenery. So I suggest you take this and join us later.”

The ticket was for the last carriage—a hard seat among rogue traders, pocket pickers, dirty merchants and outcast wolves.

I glanced at the rest of the pack for support, but none came because they turned the other way. My in-laws, the elders of the pack, avoided my gaze. My father-in-law stared intently at his hands, as if he was seeing them for the first time My mother-in-law offered a placating fake smile.

“Camila, Erica and Felix have a strong bond that predates you,” she said softly. “Surely you can understand. She’s delicate—she wouldn't endure the journey by train.”

“Exactly,” chimed Nicole in excitement, Felix's younger sister, her golden eyes sparkling mischievously. “You’re strong, Sis. If anything happens, you’ll handle it. Erica wouldn’t last a day out there, she's a delicate one.”

Anger simmered beneath my skin, the wolf threatening to surface. “Strong or not,” I growled, “I am his mate and at the same time, his lawfully wedded wife. Is that nothing to this pack?”

Feloxscowled angry with my words. “Enough, Camilla. Erica is now family and a member of our park. Stop making this about yourself only.”

At that moment, the door swung open, and the rationale behind my frustration strode in proudly.

Erica.

Her raven-black hair shimmered like the moonlit river, and her scent—a mix of pine and wolfbane—filled the room. She carried herself with the confidence of a Luna even though she had no pack or family to call her own.

“Erica, you’re here!” Nicole rushed forward, her body wagging like an eager pup. She grabbed Erica’s hands and cooed, “I’ve missed you so much! If only you’d stayed behind after your family relocated ,you’d already be Luna of our pack!”

My mother-in-law followed suit, pulling Erica into a warm embrace. “You’ve always been the daughter I dreamed of,” she said. “No one else compares with you.”

I clenched my fists tightly, my claws threatening to pierce the flesh of my palms. “I’ve given everything to this pack,” I said, my voice low but steady. “I’ve raised Nicole as if she were my own sister, cared for the elders, and brought strength, fame and respect to our pack’s name. And yet, you betray me for her?” I voiced out my anguish, barely controlling my voice that was trembling with tears.

Erica smirked, her sharp canines flashing. “Oh, Camilla, don’t be so dramatic. Felix assured me it wasn’t a problem. I even offered to take the train, but he insisted on me comfortable.”

Nicole laughed, looping her arm around Erica’s. “Can you imagine her being on a train? With rogues and outcasts everywhere? No way. You, on the other hand, look fierce enough to keep them at bay.”

Their laughter echoed like a howl in the night.

Felix stepped forward, trying to placate me with his usual charm. “Come on, Camilla. I know this isn’t ideal, but you’re strong enough to handle it. And didn’t you want that new wolfbane pendant? Why don’t you get it as a gift to yourself?”

I raised a eye brow. “Oh, you’re suggesting I buy it myself now?”

Felix flinched at my words. He was fully aware of who provided for this pack. His meager contributions barely covered his extravagant expenses, while my connections had brought wealth and stability to his family name.

“I’ve carried this pack,” I said, my voice rising. “I’ve given my blood, sweat, and soul to keep us united. And this is my reward?”

The room fell silent. Even Erica’s smirk faltered.

“If Erica is the daughter-in-law you all desire so strongly,” I said, my eyes narrowing, “then perhaps she should start shouldering the burden I’ve borne for many years.”

I left the room, my wolf stirring beneath the surface. The pack’s betrayal had awakened something primal within me, and as I glanced at the rising moon, I knew this trip would not end the way they expected. I would wait till then to extract my revenge for what did and as for Felix, I was done with his him, his betrayal has hurt me the most, seeing him choose his childhood love over dawned reality on me.

The wolves of this pack had forgotten my sacrifices and strength.

It was time to remind them.

“Camilla, hurry up and prepare the feast! The pack’s restless, and the moon’s already risen high,” my mother-in-law, Matron Liana, ordered, her tone sharp, with a high pitch voice. I hated her commanding voice as if I was her maid instead of a daughter.

I didn’t bother responding to her. Instead, I turned to Erica with a pointed smile. “Erica, you and Felix grew up in the same pack, didn’t you? I imagine you used to share meals often.”

Erica’s golden eyes sparkled. “Oh, absolutely! Felix and I practically hunted together every night back then.”

“So, after all these years spent with the outside the pack you must be craving the taste of home,” I said sweetly before turning my gaze to Liana. “Matron, shouldn’t you prepare a meal worthy of Erica's return?”

I sank onto the fur-padded couch, casually turning to watch the flickering shadows of the fireplace. I was done with these ungrateful people and it was time to show them their place. I was done being a daughter-in-law without any regards for timeless sacrifices, which they had all forgotten in the blink of an eye because of a stranger.

Felix stormed in a moment later, his amber eyes darkening with frustration. “Camilla, how could you demand Mom cook? You know she hasn’t fully recovered from her last shift!”

Feigning surprise, I turned to Liana. “Oh, Matron, you’re still weak from the last full moon? Is it serious? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Liana bristled, her wolf instincts flaring. “Who said I’m weak? Don’t you dare insult me!”

“Then what’s the problem?” I asked with mock innocence. “Surely you’d be honored to prepare a welcome meal for Mallory, our esteemed guest?”

Her jaw tightened, her pride forcing her to retreat to the kitchen. Hours later, when the feast was ready, Nicole, Felix’s younger sister, smirked and pulled Erica into my seat at the head of the table.

“Erica’s been gone for years. Surely, as Henry’s mate, you don’t mind yielding your seat for her, right?”

Before I could respond, Liana handed me a chipped wooden bowl. “If the edge of the table is too cold for you, Camilla, why not take your meal to the kitchen? You can clean up while you’re there.”

So I wasn’t even allowed a place at the pack’s table.

“No need. I’ll eat elsewhere,” I said coolly, setting the bowl aside.

Felix’s growl rumbled low. “We’re running tomorrow’s hunt together, Camilla. Shouldn’t you stay in and prepare for the journey?”

I met his glowing eyes without flinching. “Why don’t you pack?”

The silence that followed was thick, and I could feel the tension in the air. I left without waiting for a reply.

I dined alone in the nearby human town, treating myself to a feast of roasted venison and fine wine. The humans didn’t know my kind, and I relished the anonymity. I stayed out late, wandering under the moonlit sky, my wolf’s hunger finally satiated.

When I returned to the packhouse, the interior was quiet, shadows draped over every corner. As I climbed the stairs to my chamber, I opened the door to find Erica curled up in my place, her scent mingling with Felix’s.

The sight made my blood boil.

“Get out,” I growled, my voice laced with an alpha’s fury.

Erica woke up startled, her pale wolf form flickering before her human one took over. She whimpered, “Felix and I were only talking! We must’ve fallen asleep.”

Felix sat up, his protective stance only deepening my rage. “Camilla, stop overreacting. Erica stayed to keep me company while you were gone. That’s all.”

“Then why didn’t you call for me, Felix? Why not wait in the common room like decent wolves? Or is sneaking into my bed some new pack tradition I wasn’t told about?”

His golden eyes flashed with irritation. “You’re making something out of nothing.”

I stepped closer, my claws elongating instinctively. “Erica, leave. Now. Or do you expect us all to share the bed like pups huddling for warmth?”

Erica clutched at her cheek where my claws had grazed her. She whimpered again, her voice pitiful. “Felix, she’s scaring me.”

Felix’s gaze softened as he pulled her close, his protectiveness grating against my dominance. “I’ll get you some balm,” he said, completely dismissing me.

Felix avoided my gaze, his focus seemingly on getting Erica a balm. I was angry however, clung to him like a shadow, her smile smug as she whispered in his ear. I stayed back, my wolf prowling just beneath my skin, restless and agitated. My claws itched to strike, my fangs aching for release, but I knew patience was the sharpest weapon.

“Camilla,” Felix called sharply as he approached me, his tone commanding as always “You should mind the tone and language in speaking with Erica, for God sake, you're scaring her. She’s not fully shifted in years and needs someone experienced to guide her.”

I raised an eyebrow, my lips curling into a smirk. “You want me to babysit your best friend? Surely, Felix, you can manage that yourself.”

“She’s my guest,” he replied, his voice tight with frustration. “And it’s your role to welcome her.” Surprise was an understatement when I heard Felix speaking to me in a high pitched voice in the presence of Erica. I was dumfounded with his actions with every passing day.

My laugh was low and humorless. “No, Felix. It’s your role to remember who your mate is.”

This was only the beginning. Erica might have thought she could waltz into my territory and challenge my place, but I would show her the truth. The pack only followed one leader, and under the full moon.

The tension in the room thickened, but I didn’t wait to see how the scene would unfold. Tomorrow would bring a reckoning, and under the next full moon, I would remind them all who truly held the alpha’s place in this pack.

After they left the cabin, I immediately shut the heavy oak door and slid the iron bolt into place. The scent of their presence lingered in the air—wild, sharp, and suffocating. I stripped the sheets from the bed, tossed them into the fire pit, and replaced them with clean linen. Earbuds in, I drowned out the howls of the pack in the distance and fell into a restless sleep.

The next morning, Felix stormed into the clearing where I was chopping wood, his golden eyes flashing with fury.

“What was that last night, Camilla?” he growled, the timber of his voice low enough to send a chill down my spine. “I knocked for ages, yet you didn’t open the door! You knew I’d be forced to stay in the common lodge with her. Are you trying to humiliate me?”

I leaned on the axe, sneering. “Of course, I did it on purpose. I thought I’d give you and Erica a chance to bond. You’re welcome.”

His jaw tightened, his claws curling slightly. “Are you insane, Camilla? Why would I want to bond with Erica? You’re my mate!”

“Oh, so you still remember I’m your mate?” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Funny, because ever since Erica came back to the pack, it’s like I’ve been reduced to a ghost. You all acted like I never existed, I'm done being played like a fiddle.”

Before Felix could reply, Erica appeared, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight. She was the perfect picture of innocence, her expression soft and contrite.

“Please,” she murmured, her voice like honey. “Don’t argue because of me. This was supposed to be a peaceful pack retreat. I’d hate for my presence to cause any tension.”

Felix turned to me, his tone shifting into something sharper. “Look at Erica, Camilla. She’s trying to ease things, unlike you with your endless provocations.”

A snarl bubbled in my throat, but before I could respond, my mother-in-law, joined in, her aura of dominance pressing down on me. “Camilla, your behavior is unacceptable. Locking your mate out? Such defiance is unbecoming for an alpha’s daughter-in-law. But we’ll let it slide this time—pack unity is more important.”

Then Aaron ,my father-in-law, spoke, his tone laced with contempt. “This is why you should’ve been disciplined as a pup. A mate’s role is to respect her bonded, not defy him! Maybe we should remind you what submission looks like.”

Nicole, Felix’s younger sister, snickered. “You’re lucky, sis. With your temper, Felix might just replace you with Erica. I mean, it wouldn’t be the first time someone’s lost their bond.”

I caught Erica's gaze, her silver eyes brimming with triumph. She was grinning ear to ear happy with what the statement made by Nicole. I wished I could slap her in the moment she passed that sarcastic comment towards me, but I would let it slide because I had bigger plans for Felix and his ungrateful family.

I was dumbfounded with the same people I spent years of sacrifice for. People I treated like my flesh and blood but what did I get in return? I was treated like an outsider.

Felix ignored my silence, dragging several travel bags toward me. “The pack leaves in an hour. Don’t make us late.”

My mother in law shoved a large duffel into my hands. “You’ll take the land route. It’s safer for someone in your... state. Besides, it’ll give you time to reflect.”

I glanced at the mountain of luggage—eight enormous bags that reeked of privilege—and offered a tight smile. “Of course. I’ll catch up.”

As soon as the pack’s vehicles roared out of sight, I grabbed my phone. A call to a disposal crew later, all the luggage was gone, replaced by the sweet satisfaction of freedom.

When the pack's alpha-worker asked, “Are you sure about this, ma’am? These are valuable.”

“Keep whatever you want,” I replied, my voice cold. “None of it matters anymore.”

Afterward, I called my lawyer, ensuring my escape was clean and final. I booked a solitary cabin deep in the northern forest, far away from Felix, Erica ,and their manipulative pack politics. I

Not long after I settled in, my phone buzzed. It was Felix calling. I knew the reason he was calling and I was ready.

“Camilla, the lodge says they don’t have our reservation. Where’s the confirmation?”

“Oh, that? I canceled it,” I said, my voice calm and at the same time agitated with anger.

There was a pause before his voice erupted in a growl. “Why would you do that? Where are we supposed to stay?”

“Anywhere you want, Felix,” I said coolly. “You’re the alpha, aren’t you?”

“Don’t play games with me, Camilla!” he snarled. “Why cancel the reservation?”

“I’m done with you. With this pack. With all of it.

“Circumstances?” I shot back, incredulous. “You’ve flaunted Erica in front of me for months, let your family humiliate me at every turn, and now you think pack law will fix this? You’re delusional, Felix.”

You’ve made your point. Enough of this rebellion. Pack law dictates that a mate belongs with her bonded—no matter the circumstances.” Felix spoke out in an angry time, he was thinking gaslighting me would make me overturn my decision of leaving him. it was a declaration of my worth.

No longer would I let Felix, Erica, or his family dictate my life. They wanted to play games with dominance and submission? Fine. They could play alone. I was done being a caring daughter in law for a family who never reciprocated my kind gesture.

I hung up and silenced my phone. The distant howls of the pack faded as I shifted into my wolf form, embracing the freedom of the wild. For the first time in years, I felt like a new being. I spent the next few days in quiet bliss. Spending solace like a currency under the moonlight, But peace, as I’d learned, never lasted long.

Suppressing her anger, Camilla inhaled deeply, her nails biting into the soft flesh of her palm. Even in her human form, the wolf within her growled in frustration.

“Fine,” she said through clenched teeth, forcing a tone of calm. “I won’t argue with you this time, Felix. But you better pull your weight. Book the lodge for the rest of the trip, decide on the hiking trails, and secure all the permits in advance.”

Felix’s voice was dismissive. “Got it.” The line went dead before she could say more.

Camilla stared out at the forest bordering her village. The trees swayed under the silvery glow of the full moon, calling to a primal part of her she hadn’t embraced in years. Her pack had warned her about mingling with humans like Felix—selfish, parasitic. But she had ignored them. She thought love could tame her beast and bridge their worlds.

Her phone buzzed again, yanking her from her thoughts.

“Transfer me fifty thousand dollars,” Felix barked. “I’m short on cash.”

Camilla frowned. “What for? You know we’re supposed to save for the cabin renovations.”

“It’s normal to spend money on a trip,” he said, his tone laced with irritation. “Hurry up! I need it now!”

“No,” Camilla snapped. Her canines itched to elongate. “You’ve got some nerve demanding money from me like it’s your birthright. Proud of leeching off your wife, are you?”

Without waiting for a response, she hung up and blocked his number, her claws inadvertently puncturing the phone case.

By morning, the pack’s whispers reached her. Erica the she-wolf Henry had taken as his mistress, flaunted her prize on social media: a gleaming diamond-encrusted collar and a designer bag. The caption read: Spoiled and loved by my favorite human. Thank you, Mr. Theron.

Camilla growled, her body trembling with rage. Henry’s audacity was unrelenting. A man earning a mere three thousand a month had no business gifting such luxuries unless he planned to repay his debts in blood—and Camille had no intention of covering for him.

That evening, Felix called again, his voice sharp. “Where are you? The whole family is waiting for you!”