“Eva, I’ve found my mate,” Xavier declared, his solemn voice echoing through our large and dimly lit bedroom, the weight of his words hanging heavily between us.

My heart sank as I gazed at his devastatingly handsome face, his features etched with determination. Each beat felt like a sharp stab, tearing my emotions to shreds.

“You found your mate?” I stammered, my voice barely rising above a whisper, hoping against hope that he would say otherwise.

Xavier’s grey eyes, once filled with warmth for me, now seemed cold and distant as they locked onto mine. He had been absent for days, leaving me to worry about his sudden change in demeanor.

Then earlier that evening, he returned home with an aura of seriousness and sternness. “We need to talk,” he announced, his voice tinged with seriousness.

Our relationship was anything but a typical family; our union had been forced after a one–night stand. Yet, deep down, I had always loved him, not merely because he was the Alpha’s son and the future Alpha himself, but because he had a special place in my heart.

I had prayed to the moon goddess countless times to grant me the honor of being his mate, but unfortunately, I wasn’t.

The Mooncrest pack, a concealed world within what appeared to be an ordinary estate to outsiders, thrived in secrecy. We coexisted harmoniously with humans, our true identities hidden from the oblivious world.

On the night of my coming of age,I had gotten drunk and ranted to Xavier how frustrated I was that I couldn’t feel the mate bond between us.

He was also intoxicated, and we found ourselves entangled in a passionate embrace, this happened only months after he had taken on the role of Alpha.

The morning after, I felt the weight of my heart’s desire and impulsively proposed to him, urging him to take responsibility for our actions and marry me.

Despite not being fated mates, I believed love could transcend the boundaries of destiny.

Xavier looked conflicted, his brow furrowed as he pondered my proposition. “But I’m not your mate,” he stated calmly.

“It doesn’t matter, you don’t have a mate. It’s been five years since you came of

you came of age, this would be the sixth year, which would mean you don’t have a fated mate,” I tried convincing

him.

Throughout the wedding preparations, Xavier displayed cooperation but remained emotionally distant.

I clung to the hope that he would eventually love me, just like parents, who weren’t fated mates, my mom and dad weren’t fated mates but had grown to love each other, after my dad died, heartbroken mom followed.

She was completely heartbroken and couldn’t do without him. Being fated mates wasn’t necessary, Xavier would grow to love me.

I was sure, so very sure.

We had only been married for six months now. Xavier fulfilled his roles as a husband almost robotically.

I was respected as Luna and as his wife, I wanted more, to be close to him as a real loving couple but he was always so distant.

But I settled for what he could give, a functional relationship not a loving one believing with time, I could win his heart.

Then, everything changed abruptly. Xavier returned home this evening with a spark in his eyes, unlike any I had seen before.

“I need to tell you something,” he began, a mix of excitement and guilt in his voice.

“I’ve found my mate.”

My heart shattered anew as he described her, a radiant smile on his features as he described her, he never smiled at me that way, that had never been meant for me.

I couldn’t help but wonder where I fit in his life now.

Xavier explained that his newfound mate had been badly injured when they found her and was currently at the hospital, prompting him to leave.

With a heavy heart, I watched him walk away, the realization sinking in ‘I won’t be coming home anytime soon!‘ that was what he came to tell me.

The next morning was gloomy and dark, just like how I felt. What’s going to happen now?

I wondered. What would happen to I and Xavier.

I lay in bed lacking the motivation to leave my room.

The sheets smelt of him, I cuddled it unwilling to leave this room dominated by his scent. I remained in bed the whole day feeling sick, drowsy and dizzy.

I had my meals there jn my bedroom lacking motivation to move about.

On the third day, I lay there wrapped in the sheets that clung Xavier’s musk and ice scent, my mind filled with uncertainty about the future for Xavier and me.

Lying in bed, I clung to the sheets, which still carried his scent.

It was an unwillingness to leave this room that seemed dominated by his presence. However, the sound of three raspy knocks interrupted my thoughts.

“Good morning, Luna. The chores have all been completed.

We got a call from the Alpha’s office. He forgot some documents, the deeds of a land? It’s in a blue file, and he has sent Adam to have it delivered,” my house servant, Martha informed me.

“I’ll go myself. Tell Adam to wait; he’ll drive me to the office,” I instructed, mustering the strength to get up and face the day.

A part of me yearned to see Xavier, to understand his thoughts and the implications of his newfound mate. I clutched the documents in my hands, feeling the weight of my responsibilities as Luna pressing down on me.

Once dressed, I rushed downstairs, acknowledging the greetings of the servants as I passed by them.

“Where to, Luna?” the driver, Adam, asked as I gracefully got into the car.

“The company,” I replied, my heart pounding heavily in my chest.

I needed to see Xavier.

The drive to the company was short, but it felt like an eternity with the weight of uncertainty on my shoulders.

As we arrived, I walked into the magnificent building that housed Xavier’s company. It stood tall and imposing, a reflection of the man who owned it.

Making my way to his office, I hesitated outside the door, taking a moment to gather my thoughts.

When I finally entered, I found Xavier seated behind his desk, engrossed in his work. His presence still had the power to render me speechless.

For a moment, I stood there, admiring his broad shoulders and handsome features.

However, his gaze met mine, and any warmth I had hoped to see was replaced with

disinterest.

“I brought the files,” I said, my voice steady, placing the documents on his desk.

He nodded, acknowledging my gesture but saying nothing.

“Have you had lunch? We could eat together,” I suggested, my heart hoping for a chance to talk, to connect with him again.

“There’s no need for that; I promised Bella we’d cat together,” he replied, and a pang of jealousy struck my heart at the mention of his mate’s name.

“Bella?” I questioned, unable to hide my curiosity.

“My mate,” came the curt reply, and I felt a mixture of sorrow and bitterness rise within me. “You remember the conditions that led to our marriage, right? It was all a big mistake.

“As for Bella, she’s been through a lot.

She was being trafficked, practically hidden and in captivity when we rescued her.

That was why it took me this long to find her. I have a mate now, Eva,” he said, his eyes holding the truth of his love for Bella.

My heart clenched as I listened to his words, understanding that our relationship meant nothing.

“You want to announce her as your mate?” I asked, my voice quivering slightly.

“I can’t. At least not now. She’s too weak to be Luna. Apart from her injuries, she’s a gamma.

So she’s weak. I can’t cast you aside; the pack will not approve of it. I still need you to stand in as Luna. It’s not a request but an order, I am ordering you as your Alpha,” Xavier stated authoritatively, his eyes burning with passion for Bella.

“Yes,” I nodded demurely, my heart aching with the realization that I would be living in the shadow of his true mate.

“What about me?” I whispered, unable to suppress the pain in my voice.

“I only married you because of the mistake. You were never my mate, Eva. I’ve found her now. Know your place,” he said coldly, and I understood that there was no room for me in his heart.

“You’ll be well compensated. Don’t worry.”

As I sank into a nearby chair, I felt my dreams shatter into a thousand pieces.

It had only been days since we had grown closer, shared moments of intimacy, and I had foolishly believed it meant something more.

But now, it was clear that he belonged to her, and I was merely a temporary placeholder.

Turning to leave, my heart heavy with sorrow, a lady rushed past me, heading straight for Xavier’s office.

Our eyes met briefly, a sense of déjà vu washed over me, as if I had seen her before.

Hurrying into the office, Bella threw herself into Xavier’s arms, and my heart ached as I witnessed the depth of their connection. Xavier held her tenderly, his voice soft and caring as he spoke to her.

There was a love between them that could never be replicated with me.

That was the mate bond, it’s the real thing I’ve been with Xavier but he never looked at me that way, but he just met Bella but there was clear and burning love in his eyes.

I’ll wait outside, I murmured, my voice choked with emotion, unable to bear their intimacy any longer.

“Wait,” Xavier called, his tone still cold but firm.

Turning to face him, I braced myself for whatever he was about to say.

Eva, this is Bella, my mate. Bella, meet Eva, we are married. She’ll be performing the Luna function for now until you’re safe,” he introduced us, his gaze softening as he looked at Bella, and becoming detached as he glanced at me.

One's body language couldn’t lie.

Bella regarded me with a smug smile, and I could feel her disdain for me, understanding that I was an obstacle in her path.

“I’m sure we’ll get along” I managed to say politely, though my heart felt heavy with pain.

“Thank you,” Bella replied, her words laced with underlying tension.

I turned to leave, deciding to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

The empty stairwell provided a quiet sanctuary where I could finally let my tears flow freely.

Xavier and Bella were a perfect fit, destined for each other, while I was merely a replacement, a fake.

The real mate was back now

My heart ached for the dreams I had foolishly held onto the hope of a loving and

functional relationship with Xavier.

It was now clear that he would devote himself to his true mate, Bella,

Heart hammering in my chest and holding back tears I walked away.

Just as I got to the stairs I heard someone call out my name.

Turning, to the caller, it’s her Bella walking towards me with a menacing and mean look on her face.

********

The moment Bella was informed of Xavier’s wife’s visit to his office, she hurriedly left the hospital heading there.

Curiosity and a desire to assert her position as his true mate fueled her actions.

Bella wanted to see what Eva looked like and make it clear that she was the one destined to be with Xavier.

As she approached, she couldn’t help but feel a strong wave of anger, sensing Eva’s presence as a strong and capable werewolf.

It was intimidating, compared to her, she was a nobody.

It was clear, she didn’t need anyone to tell her.

Looking at Eva she felt a bitter surge of anger, she would have to compete with that.

Chapter 3

She studied Eva as Xavier introduced the both of them. In front of her stood an attractive and ravishingly beautiful she–wolf, and Bella couldn’t help but compare herself to her.

Bella knew she was no match, physically or in status, and that she could never compete with Eva.

She was merely an ordinary gamma, not fit to become Luna.

The only confidence she had stemmed from the mate bond she shared with Xavier.

Determined to secure Xavier as her mate and husband, Bella knew she had to get rid of Eva.

She needed the Luna position for herself Xavier kindly offered to take Eva back to the hospital and asked her to wait for him to finish some business.

This provided Bella with an opportunity to carry out her plan.

As she pondered how to remove Eva from the picture, Bella realized the challenge she faced. Eva was a reliable and beloved Luna; the pack spoke highly of her, making it almost impossible to win their acceptance, Frustration and self–hatred overwhelmed Bella, fueling her determination to find a way to claim Xavier as her own.

Instead of waiting for Xavier, Bella decided to follow Eva as she headed for the stairs.

Seizing the moment, she approached her, calling out to her in a cold and unfriendly tone. With no one else around, Bella dropped the act of being sick and fragile, revealing her true

self.

“Don’t be shameless, Eva,” Bella retorted sharply. “His mate is back now; shouldn’t you leave? The only reason he hasn’t offered to divorce you is because he pities you. You should take the initiative to end things. I am his mate, not you. Stop hoarding what’s not yours,” she spat, her anger and jealousy evident in her words.

Eva looked taken aback by Bella’s sudden change in demeanor.

Eva Frustrated and fed up with Bella’s smug smile and public display of affection with Xavier, I walked away, hoping to escape her taunts and irritation that now fueled me.

However, she relentlessly followed me, seemingly intent on provoking a reaction. My initial sadness turned to a surge of irritation; how dare she talk to me this way?

Unable to bear her presence any longer, I turned to face her, my head held high and my fists clenched in an attempt to appear brave and resolute.

“I am still his lawful wife. You may be his mate, but not everyone gets married to their mates. You can remain his mistress. I didn’t hoard nor did I steal. I’ll remain Luna, doing what’s right for the pack,” I asserted firmly, determined to stand my ground.

Her once beautiful face contorted into a mask of bitter anger and rage. Deep down, she knew I was right; Xavier may shower her with love and emotions, but I was still his wife, the Luna.

She wasn’t fit to be Luna, fully aware of her ordinary gamma status and the vast difference in our wolf bloodlines.

My parents possessed a strong and noble wolf lineage, making me a perfect fit for the role of Luna, a position of royalty. On the other hand, she was an ordinary gamma, the weakest in the wolf hierarchy.

“You’re a mistress, that’s all.” With that I turned to leave.

She walked faster stood in front of me blocking my way to the stairs, then she started backing off slowly, heading towards the stairs.

“What are you doing?” I snapped in frustration, witnessing her sly smile as she continually walked backwards until she reached the edge of the stairs.

Suddenly, she let out a chilling scream and allowed herself to fall, dramatically rolling down the staircase. I stood stunned

couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. She had fallen, and the chaos that ensued was overwhelming.

She threw herself down the stairs and fell. She lay at the end of the stairs writhing in pain. “Help, she pushed me.” She cried.

“What?!” I snapped, feeling my frustration and irritation intensify.

Upon closer observation, I noticed that Bella wasn’t badly hurt; she had taken care not to fall in a way that would cause serious injury. Xavier rushed out to her side, his concern evident, and I felt a pang of jealousy that he was giving her all his attention. He threw an angry gaze in my direction.

Bella was carried out of the building and into a car to be rushed to a hospital. I followed behind, instructing Adam to follow Xavier’s car. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and amazement; just what was she up to? I knew I hadn’t touched her. The smug smile she gave me before releasing herself to fall from the stairs flashed before my eyes, and suddenly it all became clear – she did it on purpose to make me seem evil and make Xavier hate me. At the hospital, I waited in the waiting room while Bella was taken to the emergency ward. She had badly bruised her calf, but she concealed a smile in my direction, mocking and taunting me. Enraged, I couldn’t hold back any longer and walked into her room.

“You did it on purpose! I never pushed you. Admit it!” I yelled, my anger boiling over. Before I could reach her, Xavier stepped in, grabbing and shoving me away. The betrayal and disbelief in his eyes cut deep. “How could you hurt her?” he growled. The hospital belonged to the pack, and people were all around, witnessing this confrontation.

“Not only did you push her, but you’re also denying it! Have you always been this way? Cold–hearted and wicked? You could have killed her!” Xavier’s words echoed in my ears, and my heart shattered at his accusations.

Sitting on the cold hospital floor, I felt humiliated and lost, while people peered through the doors to see what was happening. The pack, who once respected and admired me as Luna, now saw me as a spiteful woman trying to harm my husband’s mate.

“Get out. Right now,” Xavier ordered, his voice filled with anger and disappointment. I stumbled off the floor, shock and confusion overwhelming me. “Xavier, believe me, I didn’t do it. I never pushed her,” I pleaded desperately, but he seemed unwilling to listen. “Go home and wait for me,” he instructed, and with a heavy heart, I obeyed, walking away stunned and unsure of how to salvage my relationship and reputation.

I truge down the stairs still in a daze, I couldn’t believe what had just happened.

As Adam pulled into the driveway of our gated mansion, my mind was still in turmoil. I exited the car almost robotically, my heart heavy with the burden of the truth that had been twisted against me.

As I passed the servants, I couldn’t even hear their greetings. The whispers about the incident followed me like a dark cloud, painting me as a villain in the eyes of the pack.

In the solitude of my dark bedroom, I grappled with my emotions, trying to make sense of

the situation. I knew I had to explain everything to Xavier, to make him understand the truth. Bella, just what was she up to? Framing me up like this wasn’t necessary.

She studied Eva as Xavier introduced the both of them. In front of her stood an attractive and ravishingly beautiful she–wolf, and Bella couldn’t help but compare herself to her.

Bella knew she was no match, physically or in status, and that she could never compete with Eva.

She was merely an ordinary gamma, not fit to become Luna.

The only confidence she had stemmed from the mate bond she shared with Xavier.

Determined to secure Xavier as her mate and husband, Bella knew she had to get rid of Eva.

She needed the Luna position for herself Xavier kindly offered to take Eva back to the hospital and asked her to wait for him to finish some business.

This provided Bella with an opportunity to carry out her plan.

As she pondered how to remove Eva from the picture, Bella realized the challenge she faced. Eva was a reliable and beloved Luna; the pack spoke highly of her, making it almost impossible to win their acceptance, Frustration and self–hatred overwhelmed Bella, fueling her determination to find a way to claim Xavier as her own.

Instead of waiting for Xavier, Bella decided to follow Eva as she headed for the stairs.

Seizing the moment, she approached her, calling out to her in a cold and unfriendly tone. With no one else around, Bella dropped the act of being sick and fragile, revealing her true

self.

“Don’t be shameless, Eva,” Bella retorted sharply. “His mate is back now; shouldn’t you leave? The only reason he hasn’t offered to divorce you is because he pities you. You should take the initiative to end things. I am his mate, not you. Stop hoarding what’s not yours,” she spat, her anger and jealousy evident in her words.

Eva looked taken aback by Bella’s sudden change in demeanor.

Eva Frustrated and fed up with Bella’s smug smile and public display of affection with Xavier, I walked away, hoping to escape her taunts and irritation that now fueled me.

However, she relentlessly followed me, seemingly intent on provoking a reaction. My initial sadness turned to a surge of irritation; how dare she talk to me this way?

Unable to bear her presence any longer, I turned to face her, my head held high and my fists clenched in an attempt to appear brave and resolute.

“I am still his lawful wife. You may be his mate, but not everyone gets married to their mates. You can remain his mistress. I didn’t hoard nor did I steal. I’ll remain Luna, doing what’s right for the pack,” I asserted firmly, determined to stand my ground.

Her once beautiful face contorted into a mask of bitter anger and rage. Deep down, she knew I was right; Xavier may shower her with love and emotions, but I was still his wife, the Luna.

She wasn’t fit to be Luna, fully aware of her ordinary gamma status and the vast difference in our wolf bloodlines.

My parents possessed a strong and noble wolf lineage, making me a perfect fit for the role of Luna, a position of royalty. On the other hand, she was an ordinary gamma, the weakest in the wolf hierarchy.

“You’re a mistress, that’s all.” With that I turned to leave.

She walked faster stood in front of me blocking my way to the stairs, then she started backing off slowly, heading towards the stairs.

“What are you doing?” I snapped in frustration, witnessing her sly smile as she continually walked backwards until she reached the edge of the stairs.

Suddenly, she let out a chilling scream and allowed herself to fall, dramatically rolling down the staircase. I stood stunned

couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. She had fallen, and the chaos that ensued was overwhelming.

She threw herself down the stairs and fell. She lay at the end of the stairs writhing in pain. “Help, she pushed me.” She cried.

“What?!” I snapped, feeling my frustration and irritation intensify.

Upon closer observation, I noticed that Bella wasn’t badly hurt; she had taken care not to fall in a way that would cause serious injury. Xavier rushed out to her side, his concern evident, and I felt a pang of jealousy that he was giving her all his attention. He threw an angry gaze in my direction.

Bella was carried out of the building and into a car to be rushed to a hospital. I followed behind, instructing Adam to follow Xavier’s car. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and amazement; just what was she up to? I knew I hadn’t touched her. The smug smile she gave me before releasing herself to fall from the stairs flashed before my eyes, and suddenly it all became clear – she did it on purpose to make me seem evil and make Xavier hate me. At the hospital, I waited in the waiting room while Bella was taken to the emergency ward. She had badly bruised her calf, but she concealed a smile in my direction, mocking and taunting me. Enraged, I couldn’t hold back any longer and walked into her room.

“You did it on purpose! I never pushed you. Admit it!” I yelled, my anger boiling over. Before I could reach her, Xavier stepped in, grabbing and shoving me away. The betrayal and disbelief in his eyes cut deep. “How could you hurt her?” he growled. The hospital belonged to the pack, and people were all around, witnessing this confrontation.

“Not only did you push her, but you’re also denying it! Have you always been this way? Cold–hearted and wicked? You could have killed her!” Xavier’s words echoed in my ears, and my heart shattered at his accusations.

Sitting on the cold hospital floor, I felt humiliated and lost, while people peered through the doors to see what was happening. The pack, who once respected and admired me as Luna, now saw me as a spiteful woman trying to harm my husband’s mate.

“Get out. Right now,” Xavier ordered, his voice filled with anger and disappointment. I stumbled off the floor, shock and confusion overwhelming me. “Xavier, believe me, I didn’t do it. I never pushed her,” I pleaded desperately, but he seemed unwilling to listen. “Go home and wait for me,” he instructed, and with a heavy heart, I obeyed, walking away stunned and unsure of how to salvage my relationship and reputation.

I truge down the stairs still in a daze, I couldn’t believe what had just happened.

As Adam pulled into the driveway of our gated mansion, my mind was still in turmoil. I exited the car almost robotically, my heart heavy with the burden of the truth that had been twisted against me.

As I passed the servants, I couldn’t even hear their greetings. The whispers about the incident followed me like a dark cloud, painting me as a villain in the eyes of the pack.

In the solitude of my dark bedroom, I grappled with my emotions, trying to make sense of

the situation. I knew I had to explain everything to Xavier, to make him understand the truth. Bella, just what was she up to? Framing me up like this wasn’t necessary.