Since I chose to leave my pack high and dry, I did everything in my power to get my fated mate, Alpha Austin's attention. All my efforts to be part of his pack and capture his heart weren't in vain. Alpha finally recognized me and claimed us as mates.

Pack members envied that I, a weak Luna, had captured an elusive Alpha's heart. Little did they know that he never dared break his principles for me.

I snapped back from reality as I sat on the bench, scrolling into social media only to see Zora's recent post.

Her photo focused on the candy apple in the Alpha's car's familiar front passenger seat, with a caption, [Candy apple from Wolf's Den is the best!]

Alpha didn't allow me to eat in the front seat as he had a mild case of germophobia, which I obeyed. But when Zora did, he condoned it and did nothing.

I convinced myself it was fine, but the truth hit me hard, and I cried.

His habits weren't the real deal. What wounded me deeply was that his principles and rules could easily be set aside for someone else.

Seeing me online, Alpha eventually sent a message to ask if I had gone back to the flat. But I left him hanging, not saying a word.

Since I did not retort, my mate's voice pierced through a mind link. "Food at Wolf's Den wasn't great today. Let's find a different pub next time."

"Are you going to sleep now? Right. Don't forget to light calming incense. Good night," he added, his tone cold.

Still seated, I scrolled through our past conversation. All I sent him were my long, rambling updates, while he coldly replied with "Ok" and "Got it."

I was a real idiot back then, but now I have awakened. I wouldn't want to be fooled by him anymore.

I wiped my tears and finally decided to go home. Once I was done showering, I stood by the balcony and caught a glimpse of a familiar car parked outside.

There he was, as if sensing my presence, rolling down the car window. However, I retreated from the balcony; I didn't want to see him.

The next morning came. I went out, as usual, to do my duties as the Luna of the pack despite not living in the main Pack House.

Even this morning, the familiar car was still parked. I acted as if I hadn't seen it, normally walking.

Out of the blue, my phone rang. The taxi driver called, saying, "You way too tricky and far. Is it possible for you to cancel and book another ride?"

"You can't find the place? I ain't in the mountains! What's the point of being a taxi driver?" I muttered right there, and then I canceled the ride.

The familiar black car pulled from my standing, and the window rolled down to reveal Alpha Austin's sharp features. "I'll give you a ride," he offered.

As much as I wanted to decline, I was running late, so I opted not to reject and hopped into the passenger seat.

Back then, I would have been endlessly chatty, the car brimming with conversation. But today, the silence was deafening, with only the wind's whisper breaking it.

With the Alpha silently driving, he seemed uncomfortable with the silence.

"You didn't have breakfast, did you?" he awkwardly asked, breaking the hush.

"I have not," I said under my breath, paying no attention to him.

"How about I'll get you some breakfast later?" He queried, determined to alleviate discomfort.

"No need, Alpha."

"Skipping meals ain't good for my mate."

"I'm good."

As Alpha continued driving, the silence between us grew heavy until we reached my destination.

I made an attempt to open the car door, eager to finally be free from my mate's presence, which I once longed for. Unfortunately, it was still locked.

Alpha turned to face me. "The Pack House wasn't totally damaged. It has been cleaned and repaired and is ready to cater to us. When will you move back?"

"Oh, not for now. I've paid three months for my flat in advance," I clarified, still attempting to open the door.

Suddenly, the door unlocked at last. I pushed it open with a sense of relief, ready to leave, but then my mate called my presence. "Calista."

I turned around, facing the car.

Alpha Austin hopped out of the car, his black suit highlighting his tall frame. He seemed to be going to an Alpha Summit, looking like a sophisticated, distant Alpha who felt almost unreachable.

"It ain't anyone's fault why the pack is on fire, but the rogues. I've told you for the nth time, and I've apologized for neglecting you," he said, his voice firm as he went closer. "If there's something else bothering you, we should talk it out, not giving each other silent treatment."

I couldn't help but let a sarcastic chuckle escape my lips. "Isn't it how I treat you inside the car the same way you always treat me? Perhaps you just realized now that this means a silent treatment, Alpha?"

Alpha was at a loss for words.

I wasted no time and walked away, leaving him standing behind.

For the next five workdays, I buried myself in my duties as Luna, attending to many ceremonial duties and ensuring every pup's needs were addressed.

Alpha's luxurious gifts and flowers arrived one after another, but I brushed them aside. For the first time, I became aware that living alone had its perks.

I didn't have to worry about what I cooked for dinner, which suited the taste of the Alpha, and I didn't have to worry about when he would be back.

During my absence from the Pack House, Beta Colter frequently checked in on me during my duty hours.

I didn't mind his visits, as he was the only one I could trust for support, even though I knew the Alpha had sent him.

He wasn't from the Silver Moonlight Pack, and his origins were mysterious. Most believed he was a rogue who had wandered in and found refuge in the pack, though his secrets had yet to be revealed.

Through ceremonial selection, he had been fated as the second in command, whom he once proved he deserved his rank, with the support of the Alpha.

Despite his distant demeanor, he once treated me like royalty, which I never had a taste of with the Alpha—my mate.

Lost in thought, I came back to my senses when he said, "Hey, Luna Calista! Come and visit the pack house sometime. Holding a grudge against the Alpha doesn't solve anything."

He was right—a proper conversation to put an end to this.

"Our pack hosts a Werewolf gathering with the presence of the prominent figures, an alley to the Alpha and pack. Alpha expects you to come," he said, filled with excitement.

"Fine. Tell the Alpha I'll come." Without hesitation, I agreed to join the gathering.

On the day of the gathering, I arrived late, and the anticipated prominent figures all arrived.

Beta Colter welcomed me back, escorting me to the Pack Hall before leaving. Seeing my mate with the other Alphas, their Lunas, and some of our mutual friends, I sighed and braced myself for meeting them.

Eventually, I overheard some playful banter among them.

"Well, to be honest with you, Alpha is used to this kind of hassle. If there's someone out there giving him a cold shoulder, he wouldn't stand a chance."

As anticipated, Zora, brimming with confidence, sat beside my mate in the seat that was supposed to be reserved for me, his Luna. She occupied it as if she owned it.

"Calista is too sensitive, swear. We all have been in the same circle. You know how close I was to the Alpha."

"Of course, we knew! Back then, Alpha was attracted to you and saw you as his potential mate. If you say yes that time, perhaps you'll be his Luna now."

A truth was laid bare right before me. My mate had always claimed he regarded her as a sister, but it turned out he'd once chased her and marked her as his mate.

When I confessed our deep connection and how we were destined to be fated mates, my steps faltered, and my knees nearly gave way.

Alpha interjected the conversation, "That's all part of the past."

I took a deep breath and gripped the nearby chair as Beta Colter left the hall after sending me on my way.

Back in the day, Alpha still went to the Lunar Crest Academy; rumors had it that the Alpha once had a darling he pursued.

I brushed it off as idle gossip, but despite my efforts to let it go, the pain lingered and was impossible to ignore.

I thought my mate was naturally reserved and principled. Unfortunately, I overlooked him; the truth was, I never truly grasped the Alpha.

No wonder I always felt like I was reading between the lines with my mate's thoughts, constantly trying to please him.

It dawned on me that I had never been into the Alpha's heart. I never was.

Zora sounded innocent. "Well, now that Luna Calista agrees to join the gathering, we are here to help after all."

"Perhaps Luna's insecurity stems from her childhood trauma back then?" someone speculated.

I didn't just stand by and listen to their speculations; I presented myself confidently, shutting everyone up—except for the one with his back turned to me.

Oblivious to my presence, he continued, "Alpha Austin's mate has some past trauma, shaping all her insecurities as she grew up…."

He noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere, and his voice trailed off as he sensed something was amiss.

"I guess what I said is right…."

I forced a smile, masking the urge to let my inner wolf shift to zip his unfiltered lips. "Oh, dear, you're right on target. Philosopher in this gathering, huh? So I guess all my confidence is in you now."

In the blink of an eye, Alpha stood, sensing chaos rising. He tightly grabbed my hand, slowly calming me down.

"Calista, he didn't mean any harm to you."

Everyone turned their awkward gaze on me while Zora stood up, trying to ease the tension.

"We're sorry if this doesn't sit well with you, but we're just doing our best to lend a hand," she said, sounding sincere.

I shifted my focus away from Zora, throwing shade at the Alpha. "The time Zora moves into the pack house, there seems to be more to that story."

Alpha forced himself not to lose his cool. "I had to admit that I didn't understand my feelings before. But as I always said, I see Zora as a sister, nothing else."

As soon as he admitted, Zora's face turned pale.

I shook off Alpha's firm grip, and when my emotions became uncontrollable, I grabbed a glass of red wine from the table and flung it into his face.

Everyone's jaws dropped as I dared to disrespect the Alpha in everyone's witness.

It was beyond my control now, and joining this gathering seemed to mark the end of our bond—a decision I already regretted.

"It's been an honor that Moon Goddess made me your fated mate. But Alpha, let's end our bond."