Luna Rejects Cheating Alpha

The Moon Ceremony designs had taken me three weeks to perfect. Each symbol, each color choice was carefully selected to honor our pack's heritage while incorporating modern elements that would make Devon proud. I couldn't wait to show him.

"I've finished the ceremonial arrangements early," I told Beta Marcus as we left the inter-pack planning meeting. "I should be able to surprise Devon before dinner."

Marcus nodded, his expression unreadable. "You've outdone yourself this time, Luna Emersyn. The Silver Lake Pack will be impressed."

I smiled, tucking my portfolio closer to my chest. Three years as Luna of the Moonstone Pack had taught me the importance of these ceremonies. They weren't just traditions—they were the glue that held our pack together.

The familiar scent of pine and earth that always lingered around our pack house hit me as I approached our private quarters. But something else cut through it—something floral and sweet that didn't belong.

My wolf stirred inside me, suddenly alert.

*Something's wrong,* she whispered in my mind.

I quickened my pace, my enhanced hearing picking up voices from behind our bedroom door. One was unmistakably Devon's deep timbre. The other...

"You need to be more careful," Devon's voice drifted through the wood. "We can't risk anyone knowing yet."

"Everyone already suspects," a female voice purred. "Your Luna hasn't given you an heir in three years. The pack is talking."

My hand froze on the doorknob. The floral scent was stronger here—vanilla and something else. Intimate. Familiar in a way that made my stomach twist.

"The doctor confirmed it this morning," the woman continued. "I'm carrying your heir, Devon."

The portfolio slipped from my fingers, landing silently on the plush carpet. My wolf howled in anguish as the truth crashed over me like ice water.

"Raegan," I whispered, recognizing the voice of Devon's assistant.

My mate. My Alpha. With another woman.

I backed away, my legs unsteady. Three years of devotion, of supporting his leadership, of enduring the whispers about our childless state—all while he...

"Our timing couldn't be better," Raegan's voice continued. "The pack needs this. They need me."

I stumbled backward, nearly colliding with a servant who quickly averted her eyes. She knew. They all knew.

---

The pack meeting hall buzzed with anticipation the following evening. I sat rigidly beside Devon on the raised platform, my face a careful mask of composure despite the hollow ache in my chest.

"Brothers and sisters of the Moonstone Pack," Devon's voice rang out, commanding immediate silence. "I have wonderful news to share."

His hand found mine, squeezing it in warning. I kept my eyes forward, refusing to meet his gaze.

"As you all know, the future of our pack depends on strong leadership and continuation of the Alpha bloodline." His voice swelled with pride. "Today, I'm honored to announce that Raegan Gomez has been blessed by the Moon Goddess."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as Raegan stepped forward, her hand resting protectively over her still-flat stomach.

"She carries the future Alpha of the Moonstone Pack—my son."

The room erupted in cheers while I sat frozen, my fingernails digging crescents into my palms. Devon's grip tightened painfully on my hand.

"Furthermore," he continued once the noise died down, "Raegan will be assuming certain... ceremonial duties that befit her new status."

My ceremonial duties. My designs. My place.

"Emersyn has graciously agreed to mentor her in these responsibilities," Devon added, his Alpha tone making it clear there would be no argument.

I felt the weight of every stare in the room. Elder Theodore stepped forward, his weathered face solemn.

"For the good of the pack, Luna Emersyn," he said, loud enough for all to hear. "We must all make sacrifices."

One by one, the pack elders nodded their agreement. I was being asked—no, commanded—to accept this humiliation for the pack's benefit.

---

Three days later, I found myself in Raegan's new quarters—a suite near the pack house's east wing that had been hastily prepared for her.

"I just need to collect my design notes," I told the guard who reluctantly let me pass.

But what I found stopped me cold.

Spread across her desk were detailed drawings—my drawings. The Moon Ceremony designs I'd created, down to the exact placement of sacred symbols and color choices I'd explained to no one.

"These are perfect," Raegan's voice came from behind me. "Your... former designs will make quite an impression at the inter-pack gathering."

I turned slowly, meeting her triumphant smile.

"Devon's parents insisted I use them," she added, running her fingers over my work. "They've been collecting your designs for months. Such a shame you won't be presenting them yourself."

My wolf surged forward, clawing at my restraint. These weren't just designs—they were my heart, my talent, my contribution to the pack I'd served faithfully.

And they had all conspired to steal them from me.

As Raegan smiled, something inside me hardened. The pain remained, but alongside it grew something new—something with teeth.

"Enjoy them while you can," I whispered, my voice steady despite the rage building inside me.

Her smile faltered slightly, as if she sensed the shift in me.

After all, even a betrayed Luna has her limits.