Nova's POV

I felt my chest warm and my throat dry. I cried silently, staring at my birthday cake. It was smashed to smudge the table and was covered with bodily fluids.

I almost threw up at the sight but knew it was my mate and his breeder’s doing. They've done the deed in my chambers while I was away to attend pack matters.

Sleep was out of question for several days after that. I was throwing up everything I ate. But I coped quickly. It was hard to share your love with someone else who will carry your mate's child for the pack.

Three days later was a unique annual festival. I had to suck it all up. I'm the Luna after all.

Festivities called for happiness and prosperity. But my happiness was snatched away and I've been an empty human shell for several weeks.

It was a vibrant gathering at Graymoon packhouse. I was left alone and stranded while the alpha, my mate Nate Killjaw was greeting guests and announcing I was 'sick'. I was perfectly healthy.

I didn't know why he mentioned that to everyone and asked me to stay silent in a corner. I felt as though he was hiding something from me. But the reason showed itself quickly.

"I have an announcement." Nate requested attention. Alphas and betas of other packs joined us that night for celebration. I was finally going to know what he had to announce.

Unwavering, Nate's pearly smile shined as he invited a guest, "Karen Weaver,"

My blood started boiling. What is she doing here?

Karen Weaver had become the spotlight, as usual. She bumped into me intentionally when passing by. I was irritated. But that was when I noticed a second heartbeat from her.

Nate summoned her upstairs delicately. Her walk to the stage with her elegant gown looked like a dance. Karen smiled at the crowd before reaching to the mic and saying,

"Graymoon shall finally be graced with a male heir."

My world came crashing. She was carrying my mate's child after all. A child I couldn't give to Nate as his mate.

Tears threatened to fall and give away my tremendous heartbreak. But I sucked it up once again.

"I heard they conceived the traditional way. Good for them!" I heard another pack’s beta say. I got sick to my stomach. They conceived by deceit. That's what they did. That too, behind my back.

All eyes were on Karen and Nate as she proudly caressed her baby bump. Another hand joined to caress it - My mate's. I refused to cheer and clap for them, initially. I was so hurt and felt like the world came crashing down on me. But I didn't want to seem vindictive or a killjoy.

I clapped only when Karen's flared expression fell on me. She was noticing everything I did. And she walked back down, receiving numerous congratulations.

"Didn't mean to ruin your anniversary, Nova. Sorry." Karen winked and said. I smiled back, containing the shudder of disgust before replying,

"It's alright. Wasn't anything special anyway. You get used to it when no one celebrates your union when it falls on a Blood Moon festival each year." I spoke the barren truth. Karen jumped her eyebrows.

"Well, I want happiness for the pack that gave me a second chance at life." I heard her say in a sweet voice.

"I agree." I replied flatly, having lost all respect for my mate's breeder best friend. Karen wasn't appreciating my cordial responses. She wanted to stir up drama, like usual.

When I saw Nate walking down the stage to greet us, I wanted to remind him of today. That it was our anniversary.

Back inside the packhouse, a small cake with decorations awaited for Nate and I. I was looking forward to making things right and celebrating our anniversary in private.

But when Nate walked over and snaked his arm around his best friend, I lost all hope.

"How's the pregnancy going?" I asked, trying not to grit my teeth. They've already sinned and there was no point in making them confess.

Nate clicked his tongue and stepped forward.

"Didn't I do it for the pack? For us, my love? We've been trying to have a strong heir from your womb for five years. It should be a Luna's duty to produce an heir but..." Nate stopped himself from continuing. I smirked softly. He was pressing on my wound wantedly.

"Don't be shy, Nate. Say it." I urged him to continue. Instead, Karen stepped in and said,

"I told you we're doing this for your pack." Karen's tone was sharp, as if threatening me. I raised an eyebrow.

"'Your pack'? So you accept that you're not from our pack?" I tricked her. Karen stumbled in her words, turning to her lover for rescue.

"Stop acting up, Please. I know you're upset we hid this pregnancy behind your back." Nate tried to shush me but I wasn't having it. I would've loved to see him in my place. If he cared at all, how would he react if I let another man pleasure me and plant his seed in me? I wondered.

"And that you've impregnated her ‘traditionally’? Bold move, Nate. You put me through so much pain." I said, finally finding out why my chest hurt so bad the night of my birthday. Suddenly, Nate hissed to retort,

"I was in pain too, dammit. I mated with you. I only slept with Nova for an heir." Disgust filled my body when he said that.

"Very well." I said and turned to leave. Nate tried to bring me back but I had gone back to the balcony. The Blood Moon seemed like a curse in periodic occurrence for me.

Every time it bloomed in the sky, impending doom awaited me. I hated it. I loathed that if I ever made a wish on this special lunar event, it would turn into my curse.

"My love..." Nate's gentle voice pulled me out of my trance. As much as I hated what he was doing, he was still my mate. An alpha who had responsibilities.

"I had to do what I had to." Nate said before curling his arm around me.

"You made me feel less of a woman, less of a Luna, because I couldn't give you an heir. You embarrassed me in front of everyone, Nate." I said, tears falling free now that I had no one to scrutinize me.

Why couldn't it be anyone else? Why did it have to be Karen? The Fallen Alpha's daughter who treated me like shit?

"Shush..." I wept on Nate's shoulder.

"I promise it's going to be fine. Even if you can't be a mother, you will be that child's godmother." Nate said. His words shook me awake from the false dream.

"Godmother? But isn't Karen our surrogate?" I anticipated the worst. But this wasn't what I expected.

"I'm sorry, Nova. Since Karen is carrying our child, she has rights. She's bonded with the child and claims to be its mother. I'm sorry."

And just like that, my opportunity to become a mother to a soul was snatched.

Before I could cry and yell at Nate for allowing this, Karen's erratic scream, followed by a thud, alerted Nate. He sprinted so quickly to her, shedding tears looking at her in distress.

I wondered if he ever shed tears for me. When I was in such pain, two years ago, when rogues kidnapped me and took advantage of me.

It was so unfair…

How convenient was it for Karen?

She fell on the ground unscathed, wine spilt all over herself and seizuring like a fish. However, her seizure stopped immediately when Nate stepped in.

I couldn't take it anymore. There was no other reason for Karen to randomly have a seizure at the entrance of the balcony. Stupidity has a limit and Karen always crossed it naturally.

I watched Nate pick her limp body bridal style and leave the party. I knew he wasn't going to come back. He'd spend sweet time alone with her. So, I left the party to go to my room as well.

My room was a small compartment inside a study. Karen had taken over my chambers upstairs. She needed to stay close to Nate at all times, even if it was on the first floor rather than on the ground floor for guests.

Karen and Nate were childhood best friends. Our Graymoon Pack and Crimson Pack were part of the Trilogy alliance - the strongest werewolf alliance in the world.

A joint attack on Crimson Pack wiped out everything about the pack from the face of the Earth. Except for Karen Weaver. She was the girl who lived.

She was young and exceptionally talented in medicine and healing. She was born healer rank to her alpha and Luna parents.

She was barely eighteen when she sought our pack for help. Nate and I were twenty-two, three years back. Nate consoled her and took her in. That must've been the biggest mistake of his life.

And now, Karen grew more confident in taking over my place as Luna of Graymoon.

It was around midnight. I tossed around to sleep, but couldn't. My mind was a mess. The cake was stuffed into the dustbin, and the damn pillowcase was cold beneath my head. I didn't know what to do.

I received a text message in our group chat. My eyebrows jumped.

- My safe haven...He keeps me warm, healthy, and happy. He's going to be a great father one day! -

Karen's picture with the IV drip and Nate next to her in the healer's hut was posted. Many members of our pack wished for her well being.

I added a comment as well.

- Get plenty rest. I'm going to sleep after anniversary night too -

Texting quickly, I shut the phone off and turned away. Almost immediately, countless notifications from a number pissed me off. I switched the phone off and let slumber take over. Things will be dealt with the next day.

Following a long night of restful sleep, my soul awakened to the sight of countless gift boxes surrounding the room. There was barely any space to walk.

"Beta Ray!" I called loudly. The man rushed in and was awed at the sight.

"Please get rid of them," I said sharply, astounding him.

"But they were from—"

"I know who they're from." I cut Beta Ray off and said. Maybe I was a little too harsh, but my moon was ruined first thing in the morning. I woke up too hungry so I decided to grab a plate from the kitchen.

Nate and Karen were at the dinner table for higher-ranked wolves. Unfortunately, the guests from last night huddled up around the table as well. I lost my appetite.

"Excuse me." Saying, I turned on my heel to leave. However, Nate caught sight of me and rushed to me.

"Hey. Good morning, gorgeous." Nate said and tried to brush my hair behind my ear. I moved away, folding my arms on my chest.

"What do you need?" I inquired formally. His eyebrows furrowed at my indifference.

"Why are you being so distant?" He asked, knowing the answer.

"Because you decided to fuck your best friend and impregnated while keeping me in the dark?" I flashed a fake smile and tried to leave again.

"You're overreacting again. Do you see why I like being around Karen more than you? This is the reason. Everything has to be a bickering for you. I can't." I widened my eyes at his words.

"I'm your bloody mate, Nate. You should've just told me about planting your seed in Karen without making me feel like shit." I exclaimed.

"But it was for our pack, wasn't it? We both have duties and we found a way to keep the lineage. What's the problem?" He replied. Wow. How can he be this dense?

Suddenly, the horrible memory resurfaced like a reminder.

It was my birthday three months ago. It was around mating season, during the peaks.

The elders were discussing whether it was perfect for Karen to be bred by Nate as the breeder. The decision was already made and I had no say in it.

Nate was chained by chrome steel chains as I passed down the hall to go to my room. Karen, then in heat was sent to Nate's room, our master bedroom.

I was right next door and I heard it all. Nate couldn't stop himself for the entire night. He must've knotted her countless times for he ensured her pregnancy in one night.

I remember closing my ears with pillows and tears streaming down my eyes. I could hear everything that night. I was in heat too, my senses heightened. It was an awesome birthday gift.

"Anyway, get over it by today evening 'cause Karen wants you at the dinner we booked. She insists." Nate quickly pecked my cheeks and walked away.

I realized Karen wasn't doing this because she wants to be cordial with me. Karen wants to see me suffer.

Fine then.

Two can play this game and I know I'd win.

Revenge was to be served piping hot or freezing cold. There was no in between. And I wanted to play the game of hot and cold with Karen.

I showed up at the venue in my revenge dress. For the first time in years, I flaunted my dark wavy hair that reached my waist. Unlike Karen, I had a tall athletic body. Karen was more womanly, but I boasted the A-Line black dress pretty fashionably.

With confidence, I walked inside the hotel exclusively seating Alpha and Luna ranks.

I was a head turner to say the least. Men and women ogled over my sight. Nate was a victim too, undeniably. So far, I was winning over Karen already. She looked jealous in her hideous lime green outfit.

"You know my order, darling." When the waiter came, Karen ran her hands over Nate and urged him to repeat her 'most frequented order'.

"Green salad with lots of kale, steak and mashed potatoes, with exactly three ounces of gravy. Same for me." Nate smiled giddily at the waiter as he said.

The waiter, unaware of the situation blurted out while pointing to Nate and Karen,

"You two look fabulous as a couple."

My smile fell.

Karen's eyes lit up. Before Nate could correct the waiter, Karen beamed with an obnoxious "Thanks!"

The waiter then stared at me, eyes starry as he asked if I'd take the same order. Nate attempted to say my order to get my trust back but failed terribly.

"Sorry, I'd not prefer crab soup. I'm allergic to seafood. Make it chicken instead with chicken broth. No cilantro, just lemon." I said and watched him walk away with the order.

I turned to Nate. He looked ashamed, as he should be.

"So! When is your wedding?" Karen asked, adding fuel to the fire. Nate pinched her thigh to shut her up. But I was going to go ahead and amuse her.

"Soon. Very soon. Sooner than you think." Karen's eyes lit up fakely at my announcement. Nate was confused but pleased to hear.

"I'm so going to wed you in the grandest venue on earth, my love," Nate promised yet another empty promise. He tried to sneak a hand hold over the table, but I subtly withdrew mine.

Karen, taking the opportunity flashed their interlocked fingers over the table. She smirked when I noticed and looked at her. But I was looking at something else.

"Nate? Where's our engagement ring?" My question caused panic in the male, who's usually calm and composed.

"In the car. Sorry." He replied guiltily, Karen and him exchanged knowing glances. Not that I cared.

"Well, throw it away." I said nonchalantly.

"W-Why?" Nate asked suspiciously. He smelled danger, but he had nothing to worry about as I lied through my teeth,

"We'd need wedding rings soon, right?" Saying, I took mine off and presented it on the table. He let out a nervous laugh.

"There's no need to give it so soon, baby. K-Keep it until I replace with a wedding band." Nate said and pushed the ring back to me.

With an angelic smile, I took the ring and tossed it in the nearest dustbin. My wolf Rexi chimed in my head, amused, 'Nice shot, babe'.

After dinner, Nate was caught up with few guests which left me with the wrench. We waited for him at the parking.

"You know he would leave you soon, right?" Karen was showing her true colours. I turned to her, unamused and replied.

"I know. I've started my preparations." I said and folded my hands over my chest.

"Ladies! I'm so sorry. We've got guests coming back to the pack house with us." Nate showed up suddenly. Karen's demeanour took a 180.

"Hello, Alpha Jane! It's so nice to meet you!" Karen beamed. Alpha Jane and her beta greeted us.

"Well, I can't have my guests take another transport home. Baby, could you come back in another car? I'll send Ray your way as soon as I get home." I jumped my eyebrows at Nate. He was indeed insisting on me, not Karen. Our packhouse was an hour away, in the woods.

I nodded and let the four take off without me in Nate's matte black Supra.

I let out a shaky breath and walked out of the parking lot alone. The heels were eating my feet away. The lift wasn't working right on time.

I waited three hours for Ray or someone to pick me up. I couldn't even book a transport to go back home.

It was around 2 am when I decided to walk by foot back to the packhouse. I held the heels in my hand and walked barefoot.

I passed by a bar down the highway.

I attracted their attention, all of them were rogues and human thugs. One held a knife openly and threatened me,

"Lady... that's a very pretty dresss. You look beautiful. Mind showing some more to us?"

"Lady, ah...we will keep you good company all night long..."

Two men advanced out of the group of six. The other four were prepared to take me down.

I shut my eyes tightly.

Where was Nate when I always needed him?

Their aura trickled a nervous sweat down my back. Rexi was convinced she couldn't take them all down at once. Damage would be predictably high.

My life was going to get dark real soon.