After claiming another pack, Kyler Vaughn of the Frostfang Pack was now the most powerful Alpha in the western region. But in all that glory, he seemed to have forgotten someone.

Me, his destined mate, Elsa Thorne.

Seven years ago, I took a poisoned strike meant for him. Because of that, I never awakened my wolf and was left a weak Omega.

A year ago, he promised that once he became the strongest Alpha in the west, we would hold our bonding ceremony. Now that he had achieved it, my heart leapt as I ran to his study, full of hope. The door was slightly open, and I heard his voice.

"We'll move forward with the plan tomorrow. Split into two teams, one for the Ember Pack and the other for the Shadow Pack."

Another voice hesitated. "But Ms. Thorne..."

"Why mention that useless Omega? She'll only slow us down. Enough of her."

I froze outside the door, my excitement twisting into a bitter ache. I remembered the times he went on missions, while I could only wait in our territory for his return. So, this was how he actually saw me.

A stubborn fire rose in me. I would go to the new territories and prove I wasn't useless.

The next day, I disguised myself as a Warrior and stood at the rally point. When asked which team I wanted, the names Shadow Pack and Ember Pack spun in my mind.

His disdainful gaze leaving me flustered, I blurted out, "The Ember Pack! I want to go to the Ember Pack!"

I didn't know that my rushed choice would throw me headfirst into an unknown whirlpool...

Elsa's POV

I pulled my cap lower and wrapped my coat tighter around myself, shrinking into the corner of the car like just another forgettable Warrior. The vehicle smelled of the Warriors' sweat, and the male wolves were talking quietly among themselves.

"I heard the Ember Pack's Alpha hasn't marked a mate yet. The elders are losing their minds over it," one Warrior said.

Another laughed. "From what I hear, the Luna he chose is something special. Strong enough to secure his rule and help him expand territory."

I pressed my lips together, barely holding back a smile. Inside, my heart bloomed with quiet joy. The future Luna they were talking about had to be me!

After all, seven years ago, Kyler Vaughn had already acknowledged me as his fated mate.

Back then, he wasn't the Alpha of the Frostfang Pack yet. He would run through the forest with me, pick wild berries for me, and carve little wooden wolves by hand.

When I was thirteen, I followed Kyler into the woods on a hunt. A Rogue crossed into the territory without warning and lunged at him in a frenzy. Without thinking, I stepped in front of him and took the blow.

When I woke up, the pack doctor told us the Rogue's claws had been coated in soulbind poison, a toxin that suppressed a werewolf's awakening. My wolf would never emerge, and my mind would stay locked in an immature state. I would grow into an adult with no wolf at all, which meant I would be useless.

Kyler had been crushed by guilt, but never wavered. He insisted I was his fated mate, given to him by the Moon Goddess.

He held my hand tightly, his eyes full of pain and devotion. "When I become the Frostfang Pack's Alpha, you will be my Luna."

Deeply moved, I waited. I watched the seasons pass for seven long years.

During those years, Kyler conquered pack after pack, and his power as an Alpha grew. He became increasingly impatient with me, as if being tied to a mate who couldn't even shift was an embarrassment.

The day Kyler was officially crowned Alpha, I ran to find him with a wolf-fang ring I had carved myself.

My heart was pounding as I said, "Kyler, you're the Frostfang Pack's Alpha now. We can finally bond!"

At that time, he was speaking with the elders and honored guests.

He flicked a look at me, cold and irritated. "You got that wrong, idiot. I said we'd bond when I become the strongest Alpha in the western region."

Later, another distinguished guest arrived.

Kyler didn't even glance my way again. Instead, he sighed to the werewolf beside him, Casper Reed. "Casper, I envy you. Your future Luna is smart, capable, and helps you manage pack affairs. Unlike mine..."

I spent the entire afternoon sitting on a huge stone in the garden. I wanted to tell him that it wasn't me who got it wrong, but him who forgot. But then, I told myself it didn't matter. Kyler had a pack to lead, territories to conquer, and a hundred things demanding his attention.

Meanwhile, I only knew how to sew, craft little things by hand, and cook simple meals. I had nothing important to do. Waiting for him, no matter how long, felt natural.

-

The convoy finally reached its destination, and noise rushed in the moment we stopped. Before I even stepped out, I heard wolves cheering in celebration. Servants hurried past with trays of champagne and elaborate dishes, laughter and excitement filling the air.

The Warriors who rode with me jumped out at once, eager to join the crowd. In seconds, they disappeared into the tide of celebration. I was starting to feel claustrophobic and needed a quiet place to catch my breath, so I followed a garden path deeper into the grounds.

Lanterns glowed in the distance, casting uneven light across the walkway. Ahead, I spotted a side hall decorated with white ribbons embroidered with wolf sigils. It looked secluded and elegant, like a temporary resting room.

Without thinking too much, I pushed the door open. The moment I crossed the threshold, I froze.

A she-wolf sat on the sofa in the center of the room, crying. Her head was buried low and her eyes were swollen and red, like she had been crying for hours. My heart ached for her as I stepped inside.

"Isn't bonding with your mate supposed to be a happy thing? Why are you crying?" I asked.

She looked up at me, tears spilling even harder. "I don't want to bond with him."

I was stunned. "Why not?"

She wiped her tears, her voice trembling as she said, "I'll be honest with you. The Luna originally chosen for the Ember Pack's Alpha ran away, and the elders are forcing me to take her place. Everyone says the Ember Pack is powerful, that being their Luna comes with endless privileges. But I... I already have my own mate!"

Wait.

The Ember Pack's Alpha? Wasn't that Kyler?

Realization hit me all at once, and I grabbed her hand without thinking. "Don't cry. The one who's supposed to bond with the Alpha of the Ember Pack is me. I'm the Luna who ran away."

She froze, staring at me like she couldn't process a word I had said.

Before she could speak, I continued, "I'm Elsa, his fated mate. I snuck into the warriors because I was afraid he'd think I was useless and leave me behind. I wanted to come first and wait for him. I'm his mate. How could I ever run away?"

The she-wolf studied my face for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed through her tears.

She squeezed my hands, eyes shining. "That's wonderful. So, you're the Luna they've been searching for."

She quickly helped me change clothes and fixed my hair and makeup with practiced hands.

After everything was done, she said, "You stay here and wait. I have to leave right away. When you see the Alpha of the Ember Pack, make sure you explain everything. Don't let him keep causing me trouble!"

I nodded and settled onto the sofa in the waiting room. Outside, the music grew louder and louder, far more lively than I had imagined. Sitting there alone, I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

So, that was why Kyler refused to bring me to the Ember Pack. He was planning a surprise. He cared so much about our bond that he had even prepared such a grand ceremony!

The more I thought about it, the happier I became. In my mind, I could already see it. With the pack as witnesses, he would mark me, and I would finally become his Luna.

I was lost in the fantasy when frantic voices suddenly rang out beyond the door.

"Luna! Luna, Something's wrong!"

My heart clenched.

The door burst open and a maid braced herself against the frame, her chest heaving.

I clutched the edge of my cloak, my heart racing. "W-what... what happened?!"

She took a shaky breath before speaking, "Luna, my name is Lydia. Alpha just received an urgent battle report about a dispute at the border of our territory. A rival pack crossed the boundary, seized our supplies, and injured our troops. Alpha had to go and handle it personally, so today's bonding ceremony... has to be postponed. Although the ceremony is postponed, Alpha instructed us to treat you as Luna and respect you."

My mind went blank for a beat, then I answered on instinct, "It's okay. The territory and the pack come first. The ceremony can wait."

Lydia stepped closer, her smile cautious and apologetic. "Please don't take it to heart, Luna. Alpha had no choice. If this drags on, more of our pack members will be hurt, and it would damage the pack's authority."

I shook my head. "I really don't mind. If the conflict grows, the losses would be far worse. That would be the real problem."

When she saw that I truly wasn't angry, Lydia finally relaxed. She led me upstairs to a guest room on the second floor.

Late that night, a Warrior came by with a message. They needed to send the Alpha's spare clothes to the front lines. When I opened the wardrobe, I noticed several pieces were worn thin. One shirt even had a faint, dried, old brown stain on the shoulder that looked like blood.

My chest tightened. Kyler must have been through countless fights out there.

I hurried to the kitchen and baked several loaves of bread and a batch of muffins myself, planning to send them along with his clothes. By the time everything was ready, dawn was close. Exhaustion hit me all at once, and I fell asleep at the table, still hugging the folded clothes and meal box.

Half-awake and still groggy, I felt as if someone had been sitting beside me for a long while, then gently lifted me into his arms. The warmth and calm of his presence wrapped around me, making me feel drunk with comfort, safe, and completely at ease.

As I was laid softly onto the bed and a plush blanket pulled over me, I never woke up. I only heard the door close quietly, and his low voice speaking to the maid outside.

"Elder Luna will arrive tomorrow afternoon. She's impatient by nature. Keep a close eye on Luna and don't let her be upset."

When I woke up that morning, Lydia helped me brush my hair, and her voice was bright with laughter.

"Luna, Alpha came back late last night. He kept picking up the suit you pressed and the armor you prepared, inspecting them over and over. Also, he couldn't bring himself to eat the muffins and bread you baked."

She grinned. "Everyone around him was laughing. They said they had never seen Alpha treasure anything like that before."

Hearing that made my heart melt, and I quickly turned to Lydia. "Can you help me ask if there are any old, damaged pieces of armor or scrap cloth? Alpha's armor always has a few small nicks, and it feels like a waste to throw it away. I want to try mending it and maybe add some small pockets to hold first-aid supplies."

As I was speaking, footsteps sounded at the door.

The butler, Oscar Smith, stood there and politely asked, "Luna, Alpha asked me to check if you are settling in well at the manor. If you need anything at all, just tell me."

I pointed toward the empty courtyard. "It would be nice to plant a few fruit trees and some flowers out there."

Remembering how Kyler used to think I was troublesome, I twisted the edge of my dress and whispered, "If it's inconvenient, that's okay. It was just a suggestion..."

But Kyler was more thoughtful than I expected. That very afternoon, servants arrived carrying fruit saplings and trays of flower seedlings. Oscar came in with a fluffy kitten in his arms, saying the Alpha had chosen it himself.

The moment the kitten touched the ground, it rolled at my feet, rubbing against my skirt and leaving tufts of fur behind. The ticklish warmth made my heart ache in the sweetest way.

Before long, raised voices suddenly echoed from downstairs.

An elderly she-wolf's voice, sharp and shrill, cut through the air, "She's only just become Luna and she's already causing trouble! Why are you dragging piles of useless junk into the courtyard? This isn't just a waste of effort to clean up, it's pure chaos!"

I looked down from the stairs, where Lydia was helping an elderly she-wolf steady herself. Her hair was perfectly coiffed, her hand gripped a wolf-fang cane, and her face was a mask of iron.

Lydia tried to smooth things over, saying, "Elder Luna, Luna isn't being wasteful. She's trying to give Alpha—"

"Silence!" the old she-wolf cut her off, striking the cane sharply against the floor. "Do you have any right to speak here?"

I immediately guessed that this had to be Kyler's mother. Lydia had told me she usually stayed at the old pack den. She had come specifically for the bonding ceremony, though her flight had been delayed by the weather.

I had only met Kyler's mother once when I was very young. The memory was already fuzzy. But whenever she sent Kyler homemade treats, she always included something for me. In my heart, she had always seemed kind.

I hurried down the stairs and slipped my arm through hers. "Mother! You're here!"

However, she jerked away from me and turned to the sofa with a look of pure disdain.

She sat down and scrutinized me from head to toe. "You've just become Luna, and already you're ignoring proper duties. You skip important tasks to mess with scraps no one wants. I think you're only trying to waste the pack's resources."

"No, Mother!" I said quickly, bringing forward the results of my morning's work. "Look! I patched the worn areas on the armor. It strengthens it without restricting movement. The little pouches for medicine don't leak, and they hang at the waist for easy access. All this was made from discarded scraps. It saves so many resources!"

The Elder Luna froze, her expression stiffening slightly. "Is this stuff... actually useful? Don't tell me it just looks good but falls apart in real combat."

I nodded hard. "I gave it to a Warrior to test. He said it's practical and convenient!"

The Elder Luna's gaze shifted to the courtyard. Spotting the newly planted fruit trees and flower seedlings, she let out a cold snort, pointing toward the yard.

"Even if these things save resources, I heard you had the servants plant trees and flowers. Do you even know how much effort and resources it takes to maintain a manor?" she asked.

"I just wanted to make the courtyard lively," I said softly, tugging on her sleeve. "Mother, imagine flowers and fruit all around, the breeze carrying their scent. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Did you ever make flower crowns when you were a pup? When the flowers bloom, I'll make one for you. Wearing it will make you happy."

She said nothing and just stared at the courtyard, lost in thought.

I pressed on, "If you don't like flower crowns, we could pick the fruits instead. When it ripens, we could even make honeyed dried fruit! I wonder if Alpha likes to eat it."

Lydia was standing beside us, her shoulders shaking slightly. I knew she was holding back a laugh. The Elder Luna took a deep breath, gripped her cane, and straightened up.

"How can a Luna call her mate 'Alpha'? Don't you understand the rules of the pack?" she snapped.

With that, she stormed off. Lydia and the others hurried to escort her downstairs.

I turned back to my room, leaving the door slightly ajar, and went back to tinkering with the remaining scraps of leather, turning them into bracers. Not long after, the door pushed open. A werewolf I didn't recognize poked his head inside.

When he saw me, his eyes flickered with something strange, and he quickly said, "Luna, I'm Beta Dorian Sharp. Alpha sent me to fetch something."

His tone was polite, but his eyes kept darting around the room, as if searching for something. I raised my gaze, studying his unfamiliar face with suspicion.

Beta Dorian Sharp? Something about him felt off.

I frowned. "What did Alpha tell you to fetch?"

"It's an important document in the drawer in your room. I can go get it," he said, stepping toward the inner room with quick, urgent strides.

I stood up immediately to block him. "Wait. That drawer is locked. I'll get the key. You stay here by the door."

With that, I hurried out of the room to find Oscar. I explained to him that a suspicious werewolf claiming to be Dorian was waiting outside my room, saying he had been sent by the Alpha to retrieve something.

Oscar's expression darkened immediately. He called over several skilled Warriors without a word. By the time we reached my room, the werewolf was rifling through my things, clearly searching for something.

Oscar's eyes sharpened the moment he saw him. He recognized the fake Beta at once and ordered the Warriors to subdue him and take him away under strict guard.

Later, I overheard hushed voices by the door. It was another maid, Mia, whispering to Lydia.

"Honestly, this Luna is hard to read. She ignores the respectable duties of a Luna and fusses over scraps. She seems so clumsy. But then, the way she exposed the fake Beta just now... maybe she's not so dumb after all. She's strange, really."

Lydia's voice turned icy as she replied, "Is it our place to judge our Luna? And don't think I don't know about your little schemes, Mia. I suggest you keep yourself in line."

Mia didn't respond. She only cast a quick, strange glance toward my room.

The next afternoon, Mia showed up again. This time, she was with two werewolves. One of them opened a box he was carrying, which was filled with jewelry.

He smiled. "Luna, I heard you wanted to add a few things to the manor. This is just a small token from us. There's one little favor we hope you can grant... Please release Gideon."

I froze. "Gideon? Who is that? Does Alpha know?"

Mia chimed in, "He's the one who was caught yesterday. He got confused and accidentally wandered into your room. He was afraid of getting into trouble, so he played a little joke. He didn't really do anything wrong. Alpha's busy with pack affairs and isn't at the estate right now, so there's no need to alarm him. You're clever. I'm sure you know how to handle it."

I stared at the jewelry. These pieces could be used to craft so many sets of armor. But... Gideon was such a strange werewolf.

I clutched the hem of my dress, my voice barely above a whisper as I said, "I... I can't take these. If Alpha found out, he'd be angry."