The ceremony was supposed to be perfect.

I was Caroline Sullivan, Luna of the Red Moon Pack, and tonight was meant to be my proudest moment. For years, I stood by Jack Red’s side, my mate, my Alpha-to-be, supporting him in every battle, every decision, and every challenge that came our way. He was my world—strong, charismatic, and the kind of leader our pack admired without question.

Jack wasn’t just my mate; he was my partner. Together, we had a bond others envied, a connection that felt unshakable. Or at least, that’s what I thought.

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of my dress for what felt like the hundredth time. White and silver shimmered under the soft light, the tiny moonstones stitched into the gown catching and reflecting every glimmer. It was tradition, the ceremonial dress every Luna wore to honor her Alpha.

I was supposed to feel proud. Excited. Ready to stand beside him as he claimed his place as Alpha. Instead, I felt… uneasy.

Jack had been distant for days. It wasn’t like him. Jack, my steady, warm, ever-confident Jack, had become a stranger. When I reached for him, he pulled away. When I tried to talk to him, his answers were clipped and cold. “Just busy,” he’d say, over and over, brushing me off like I was an afterthought.

I adjusted the dress again, fidgeting with the moonstones along the bodice. My reflection stared back at me, pale and tense.

“You’re overthinking,” I whispered, trying to convince myself. “He’s just stressed. That’s all. Tonight will fix everything.”

But the unease clung to me, refusing to let go.

The ceremony hall buzzed with energy. Pack members filled every corner, dressed in their finest. Everyone smiled and laughed, excited for the celebration. Jack was their Alpha, their leader. And tonight, they would honor him.

“Caroline!”

I turned to see my friend Beth rushing toward me. Her dark curls bounced as she grabbed my hands. “You look beautiful! Jack is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you.”

Beth tilted her head, studying me. “What’s wrong? You don’t seem excited.”

“I’m fine,” I lied.

She didn’t believe me, but thankfully, she didn’t push. “Come on. Jack’s probably looking for you.”

I nodded, but my heart felt heavy.

Jack wasn’t looking for me.

I searched for him anyway.

The packhouse was enormous, with hallways that twisted and turned like a maze. I checked the dining hall, the main office, even the balcony where he liked to clear his head. He wasn’t there.

“Where are you?” I whispered, frustration bubbling in my chest.

Then I heard voices.

Low, quiet whispers came from one of the side halls. My footsteps slowed as I followed the sound.

“I don’t care what they think,” a familiar voice said.

Jack.

I stopped in my tracks, pressing my back against the wall. Why was he whispering? And who was he talking to?

“You’re the one I truly want,” he said, his voice softer now.

My stomach dropped.

Another voice answered him, a woman’s voice. “Then prove it.”

It was Clara Sinly.

Clara was a pack member. Beautiful. Confident. And always near Jack. I’d seen the way she looked at him, but I never thought…

My hands shook as I peeked around the corner.

They stood close, too close. Jack’s hand rested on her arm, his head tilted down as he whispered to her. Clara smiled, leaning in like she didn’t care who saw them.

My chest tightened.

This couldn’t be real.

Jack wasn’t like this. He wouldn’t do this.

But he was.

“I’ll figure it out,” Jack said, his voice firm. “But tonight, you need to keep your distance.”

Clara laughed softly. “Don’t worry. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

I couldn’t breathe.

My mate, my Alpha, the man I was supposed to spend my life with, was standing here, whispering sweet nothings to another woman.

My hands clenched into fists.

I wanted to scream. To storm into the hallway and demand answers. But my legs wouldn’t move.

Instead, I turned and ran.

My dress swished around my ankles as I hurried back to my room. My heart pounded in my ears, and my breath came in short gasps.

I slammed the door behind me, leaning against it as tears streamed down my face.

“What am I supposed to do?” I whispered.

This was supposed to be our night. The night Jack and I celebrated his leadership, our bond, our future. But now, all I could see was the way he looked at Clara.

The way he touched her.

The way he whispered, “You’re the one I truly want.”

I sank to the floor, my head in my hands.

The mate bond burned in my chest, a repeated display of our connection. I felt everything he felt—his happiness, his anger, his love.

But tonight, all I felt was betrayal.

The ceremony was starting soon. I was supposed to stand by Jack’s side, smiling as the pack cheered for him. But how could I?

How could I pretend everything was fine when my heart was breaking?

A knock at the door startled me.

“Caroline?” Beth’s voice called. “Are you in there?”

I wiped my tears quickly, forcing myself to stand. “I’m here.”

The door opened, and Beth stepped inside. Her smile faded when she saw my face. “What happened? You look…awful.”

I shook my head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

“Caroline…”

“I said I’m fine,” I snapped.

Beth frowned but didn’t push. “The ceremony’s about to start. Jack’s waiting for you.”

Her words felt like a knife to the chest.

Jack was waiting for me.

But he wasn’t waiting for me.

Not really.

“I’ll be there soon,” I said, my voice hollow.

Beth hesitated before nodding and leaving the room.

As soon as the door closed, I let out a shaky breath.

I needed to decide.

I could walk into that ceremony, stand by Jack’s side, and pretend everything was perfect. Or I could walk away.

The thought scared me. Leaving Jack, leaving the pack, leaving everything I’d ever known—it felt impossible.

But staying felt worse.

I turned back to the mirror, staring at my reflection. My dress sparkled under the light, but my eyes were dull.

This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to be.

And it wasn’t how it was going to end.

I squared my shoulders, wiping the tears from my face. My heart ached, but I pushed the pain aside.

Tonight, I would make a choice.

For myself.

I woke up feeling worse than the night before.

Jack hadn’t come to bed. That wasn’t unusual. Sometimes he stayed in his office late, going over pack matters. But last night, after what I’d seen, it felt different.

I had to talk to him.

My stomach churned as I got ready. I tried to ignore the sinking feeling in my chest. Maybe there was an explanation. Maybe I’d misunderstood what I saw.

But deep down, I knew better.

When I walked into the kitchen, pack members were already buzzing about the ceremony. They greeted me with smiles, their excitement obvious.

“Luna Caroline,” one of the younger wolves said, bowing slightly. “Last night was incredible. Alpha Jack is so lucky to have you.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you.”

The words felt hollow.

I made my way to Jack’s office. The door was closed, but I didn’t bother knocking. I pushed it open, stepping inside.

Jack sat at his desk, papers spread out in front of him. He looked up, his face calm, but there was no warmth in his eyes.

“Caroline,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “What is it?”

I closed the door behind me. My hands trembled, but I clenched them into fists to steady myself. “We need to talk.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Can it wait? I’m busy.”

“No,” I said firmly. “It can’t.”

His jaw tightened. “What’s this about?”

I took a deep breath. “Last night, I saw you. In the hallway. With Clara.”

Jack froze for a split second, but then he sighed and shook his head. “Caroline, that’s not what you think.”

“Then what is it?” I demanded.

He stood up, towering over me. “Clara had a question about the ceremony. That’s all. You’re reading too much into this.”

“Really?” I said, my voice shaking. “Because I heard you. I heard what you said to her.”

Jack’s expression darkened. “You were eavesdropping?”

“I had to,” I snapped. “You’ve been avoiding me for weeks. Acting distant. And then I find you whispering to Clara, telling her she’s the one you want?”

“That’s enough,” he said, his voice sharp.

“No, it’s not!” I yelled. “You owe me an explanation!”

Jack sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “Caroline, I don’t have time for this right now. The pack needs me.”

“What about me?” I asked, my voice cracking. “I’m your mate. Your Luna. Do I mean anything to you?”

He didn’t answer.

The silence cut deeper than any words could.

Jack turned back to his desk, picking up a stack of papers. “We’ll talk about this later. I have work to do.”

“Of course you do,” I muttered bitterly.

I waited, hoping he would say something. Anything. But he didn’t even look at me.

The pressure in my chest grew heavier. Without another word, I turned and walked out of the office.

The hallway felt colder than usual. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold back tears.

This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. Jack and I were supposed to be a team. We were supposed to trust each other.

But now, everything felt wrong.

I wandered aimlessly through the packhouse, trying to clear my head. My feet led me back to Jack’s office door.

I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Part of me wanted to leave. But another part, the part that refused to be ignored, pushed me forward.

I stepped inside. The room was empty.

Jack must have left to check on the pack.

I glanced around, my eyes falling on his desk. Papers were scattered everywhere, his handwriting scrawled across them.

I knew I shouldn’t. But I couldn’t stop myself.

I walked over and picked up the first sheet I saw. It was a list of patrol schedules. The next was a financial report.

Then I saw it.

A folded piece of paper tucked under the edge of his desk.

I pulled it out, my heart racing.

It wasn’t like the other documents. It was personal.

My hands shook as I unfolded it.

The handwriting was delicate, slanted, and familiar.

Clara Sinly.

Her name was signed at the bottom, but it wasn’t just her name that caught my attention.

The words on the page sent a chill down my spine.

“Jack, I can’t wait forever. You promised me things would change. I’m starting to lose faith in you. Prove that I matter to you before it’s too late.”

My chest tightened.

I stared at the note, my mind racing.

This wasn’t just a misunderstanding. Clara wasn’t just another pack member.

She was something more. Something I couldn’t ignore.

The door creaked open behind me, and I froze.

“Caroline?”

I turned quickly, shoving the note into my pocket. It was Beth.

She frowned, stepping inside. “What are you doing in here?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Just…thinking.”

Beth’s eyes narrowed. “Are you okay? You’ve been acting strange all morning.”

I forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

She didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t press further. “Everyone’s asking for you. They want to know when the Luna will make an appearance.”

I nodded absently. “I’ll be there soon.”

Beth hesitated, then left the room.

I leaned against the desk, my legs feeling weak.

The note burned in my pocket like a hidden secret, too heavy to ignore.

I had proof now. Proof that Jack was lying to me.

But what was I supposed to do with it?

My role as Luna was starting to feel like a title without meaning. I was supposed to be Jack’s partner, his equal. But he didn’t treat me like one.

He treated me like an afterthought.

The mate bond ached, a continous display of what I was supposed to feel for him.

But now, all I felt was anger.

And heartbreak.

I straightened, taking a deep breath. I couldn’t let this break me. Not yet.

There were still questions that needed answers.

And I wasn’t going to stop until I found them.

The gathering was in full swing. The packhouse buzzed with laughter, conversations, and the sound of clinking glasses. I stood near the edge of the room, my heart heavy.

Jack moved through the crowd like a true Alpha. Confident. Commanding. Everyone seemed drawn to him.

But I couldn’t shake the memory of the note I’d found. The words replayed in my mind like a broken record.

Clara was here. I’d seen her earlier, standing close to Jack, laughing at something he said. Too close.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

Beth nudged me from the side. “You’re awfully quiet tonight,” she said.

“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile.

But I wasn’t fine. I couldn’t just stand here and pretend everything was normal. Not when I knew what I knew.

Jack caught my eye from across the room. He smiled at me, but it felt hollow. Forced.

I took a deep breath and started walking toward him.

As I approached, Clara stepped into view. She was by his side again, her hand brushing against his arm.

My stomach turned.

“Jack,” I said firmly, stopping in front of them.

He looked at me, his smile faltering. “Caroline. Enjoying the party?”

“I need to talk to you,” I said, ignoring Clara.

His brow furrowed. “Now?”

“Yes. Now.”

Clara smirked, stepping back but not far enough. She was still close, her presence irritating.

“Fine,” Jack said, his tone sharp. “What’s so urgent?”

I glanced around. Everyone was watching. The pack had stopped their conversations, their eyes fixed on us.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” I asked.

Jack frowned. “What are you talking about?”

I looked at Clara. “Her. Why is she always by your side? Why is she in your office, leaving notes?”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Clara’s face turned pale, but she quickly recovered, her lips curving into a smug smile.

“This is ridiculous,” Jack said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

“No, it’s not,” I shot back. “I found her note, Jack. I know something is going on.”

Clara stepped forward, her voice dripping with mock innocence. “Luna, I think you’ve misunderstood. I would never—”

“Don’t lie to me!” I snapped, my voice shaking. “I saw you with him. I heard him tell you—”

“Enough!” Jack interrupted, his voice booming.

The room fell silent.

Jack turned to face the pack, his expression cold. “Caroline has been under a lot of stress lately,” he said. “She’s imagining things. There’s nothing between me and Clara.”

I stared at him, disbelief washing over me. “Imagining?” I repeated.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “You’re being delusional.”

The words hit me like a slap.

A murmur spread through the crowd. I could feel their eyes on me, judging. Doubting.

“Jack,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “How can you say that?”

“Because it’s the truth,” he said.

Clara stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his arm. “Luna, I understand if you’re feeling insecure, but I assure you, there’s nothing inappropriate happening here.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Jack had turned the pack against me in an instant.

He had humiliated me.

I turned and walked out of the room, my vision blurry with tears.

The cool night air hit my face as I stepped outside. I gasped for breath, my chest tight.

This wasn’t real. It couldn’t be real.

Jack had called me delusional. In front of everyone. He had chosen Clara’s side.

I wandered into the forest, needing to be alone. The trees offered a comforting silence, but it wasn’t enough to stop the ache in my chest.

I sat on a fallen log, staring at the ground.

The mate bond tugged at me, a cruel display of the love I was supposed to feel for Jack. But how could I love someone who treated me like this?

Footsteps behind me broke the silence.

I turned, half expecting Jack to come and apologize.

But it wasn’t Jack.

It was them.

Jack and Clara.

They stood a few feet away, their backs to me. They didn’t see me.

I froze, my heart pounding.

Clara leaned closer to Jack, her voice soft. I couldn’t hear what she said, but the way she looked at him made my blood boil.

Then it happened.

Jack cupped her face and kissed her.

Under the moonlight, with no hesitation.

My breath caught in my throat.

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think.

The bond between us shattered into pieces.

Tears streamed down my face as I turned and ran.