Brielle’s POV

When I returned to the pack mansion that night, the quiet felt suffocating in a way it never had before. Each step I took echoed through the halls, the sound hollow and mocking, as though the house itself knew what had happened.

Sleep never came.

I lay in bed staring at the empty space beside me—the place where Xavier should have been if everything had unfolded the way it was meant to. The pillows remained untouched, the blankets smooth and cold. Outside, rain fell relentlessly, tapping against the windows like quiet sobs. It felt as though even the Moon Goddess mourned alongside me.

By the time dawn broke, I had already given up on sleep. I sat alone in the garden, wrapped in a thin shawl, watching droplets cling to the roses as the early morning air brushed against my skin. My wolf remained restless, uneasy.

I sensed him before I saw him.

His scent drifted toward me—oakwood and smoke, sharp yet achingly familiar. My chest tightened despite myself, my heart responding in a way I wished it wouldn’t.

Xavier stepped into the garden moments later.

He looked slightly worn, but otherwise unaffected. His clothes were casual, his dark hair tousled as though he hadn’t bothered to fix it. When his eyes met mine, I searched desperately for something—remorse, guilt, anything.

There was nothing.

“Brielle,” he began, his voice calm. “About yesterday…”

A soft laugh escaped me, though there was no humor in it. “You mean about the wedding you didn’t attend?”

He frowned faintly, dragging a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for things to happen that way. But a child’s life was in danger. You have to see my side—weddings can be rescheduled, but when a pup’s life is at risk, there’s no second chance.”

A bitter laugh rose in my throat before I could stop it. My heart felt like it was being torn apart. So, in his mind, saving that child erased everything else—leaving me waiting before the Moon Goddess, humiliating me before the entire pack.

Still, I only nodded faintly. “You’re right.”

His shoulders visibly loosened, as though my response relieved him. “I knew you’d understand.”

Of course he did.

I had always been the understanding one. The calm, patient Luna-to-be who never caused trouble, who swallowed her pain and smiled through it.

His gaze shifted toward the mansion, and before I could question him, a familiar scent reached me.

Honeysuckle and rain.

Victoria Blackwell stepped into view, a small boy holding tightly to her hand. The child glanced around curiously, his wide eyes taking everything in.

Xavier’s expression softened immediately when he saw them. A gentle smile touched his lips—one that once belonged only to me.

“Brielle,” he said lightly, “this is Victoria. You may have heard me mention her before. We grew up together.”

Childhood friend.

The words twisted painfully in my stomach.

Victoria offered me a polite smile. “I apologize for arriving at such an awkward time, Brielle.”

Xavier continued casually, “Victoria and her pup will be staying here in the mansion for the time being. After the rogue attack, it’s safer for them here.”

My eyes drifted to the boy—Liam.

Dark hair. Familiar eyes. The resemblance was undeniable. I didn’t need the Moon Goddess to confirm what my heart already knew.

I forced my lips into a small smile. “Of course, Alpha. Whatever you think is best.”

Inside, something fractured quietly.

The following morning, I woke to unfamiliar noise—soft laughter, footsteps, the sound of furniture scraping across the floor.

“Omega May?” I called sleepily, rubbing my eyes. “What’s happening?”

But when I opened my bedroom door, I froze.

Victoria stood inside my room, surrounded by omega maids carrying boxes, blankets, and fresh linens. She turned toward me with a faint, knowing smile, her fingers trailing across my vanity as though she already owned it.

“Oh, Brielle, you’re awake,” she greeted sweetly. “I hope you don’t mind. I’m just… getting settled.”

“In my room?” I asked, my voice sharpening as the last traces of sleep vanished.

Her smile remained perfectly composed. “Well, technically, this used to be my room years ago. Before I left. It holds sentimental value for me.”

“This is my room now,” I replied, folding my arms. “Whatever it used to be doesn’t matter.”

Victoria sighed softly, her eyes glistening as though tears threatened to fall. “Liam really wants to stay here with me. He said the scent feels comforting, familiar somehow. I didn’t want to cause trouble.”

My jaw tightened. “Then perhaps you should ask Xavier to prepare another room. There are more than enough available.”

Before I could continue, the door swung open abruptly.

Xavier entered, his Alpha aura filling the space instantly—heavy, commanding. His eyes moved from Victoria’s teary expression to me, his features hardening almost immediately.

“What’s happening here?” he demanded.

Victoria sniffed softly. “I was just asking Brielle if Liam and I could stay in this room, but she—”

“She what?” Xavier cut in sharply, turning toward me.

“I told her this room belongs to me,” I answered firmly. “Because it does.”

He exhaled, rubbing his face with clear irritation. “Brielle, can’t you just give it to her? Why are you being so selfish?”

The word struck me like a slap.

“Selfish?” I repeated, disbelief flooding through me. “You didn’t show up to our wedding, and now you expect me to give up the only place that’s mine? What else do you want me to sacrifice, Alpha?”

For a moment, I hoped he might soften. That the man I once loved would show even a hint of regret.

Instead, his expression remained cold. “You’re still hung up on that? I told you, I saved a child. Are you really saying the wedding mattered more than a pup’s life?”

My voice trembled. “It’s not just about the wedding, Xavier. You made promises to me.”

He dismissed my words entirely. “Enough. Move your things out. Stay in one of the guest rooms downstairs.”

Victoria gently placed her hand on his arm, and he allowed it without hesitation. The sight made my stomach churn. He used to dislike being touched in front of others—unless it was me.

“Thank you, Alpha,” she murmured softly, glancing at me over her shoulder with quiet triumph.

Then they walked out together, her hand still resting on his arm.

The door closed behind them, and the silence that followed pressed heavily against my chest.

I remained standing there, staring at the room that was no longer mine. My scent still lingered in the air, clung to the sheets, yet it already felt unfamiliar. The omega maids shifted awkwardly, unsure how to react.

“It’s alright,” I whispered. “Just leave everything. I’ll pack myself.”

Once they left, I sank onto the edge of the bed, tears finally slipping free.

This wasn’t the Xavier I had fallen in love with two years ago. Back then, he had been gentle yet strong. He used to hold my hands and tell me I was the only she-wolf who brought him peace. He promised that once we were married, he would make me the happiest Luna alive.

Now, he felt like a stranger.

The Alpha who once chased away my fears had become the one haunting them.

I packed slowly—clothes, books, small belongings. Then I reached the necklace he had given me during a full-moon ceremony. I paused, holding it in my palm.

“Do you remember this, Xavier?” I whispered quietly. “You told me this stone would keep me safe as long as you were alive.”

The gem no longer sparkled the way it once had.

When I finished, the sky outside had already darkened into evening. I carried my boxes toward the guest room, feeling like an outsider in my own home. As I walked down the corridor, Liam’s laughter echoed faintly from somewhere ahead, followed by Victoria’s soft, affectionate voice.

And Xavier’s voice answered them.

Brielle’s POV

My birthday was only a few days away, and despite everything that had fallen apart between Xavier and me, the mansion was already alive with activity before the sun had fully risen. Omegas hurried through the corridors carrying boxes, ribbons, and folded banners.

For one brief, foolish second, hope flickered inside me.

Maybe… just maybe… it was for me.

Xavier had always gone all out for my birthdays. He used to say the Moon Goddess must have chosen that day herself, blessing his life by bringing me into it. Two years ago, he had transformed the garden into a sea of glowing lanterns, tiny lights floating in the dark like fireflies. That night, he gave me a moonstone necklace, telling me the stone reflected the quiet strength he saw in me. Last year, he organized a grand celebration that stretched until dawn, filled with music, laughter, and his arm wrapped around my shoulders the entire time.

So when I saw colorful banners being unpacked, boxes labeled “decorations,” and caught the warm, sweet scent of honey cake drifting from the kitchen, a small spark ignited in my chest.

Maybe he was trying to fix things.

Maybe he hadn’t completely forgotten the woman he left standing alone at the altar.

But when the final decoration plans arrived that afternoon, that fragile hope shattered before it even had a chance to grow.

I unrolled the blueprint across the long oak table in the hall, my fingers pausing mid-motion as I stared down at it. This wasn’t anything like the elegant, romantic celebrations Xavier used to plan. There were no silver accents, no moonlight themes, no subtle elegance.

Instead, bright balloons filled the design. Cartoon wolves decorated the corners. Little paw prints scattered across the layout.

I blinked slowly, convinced there had been some mistake.

“This… doesn’t look right,” I murmured quietly to the omega who handed me the design.

She shifted uncomfortably. “Alpha Xavier confirmed these are the final arrangements, Lady Brielle.”

I thanked her softly, though my chest tightened, then headed straight for Xavier’s office. With each step, dread crept deeper into my stomach. His door stood slightly open, and I could hear his voice before I even knocked—calm, composed, confident. The voice of an Alpha who believed everything was under control.

“Come in,” he called, not even glancing up as I entered.

“Alpha,” I greeted gently. “I just saw the decoration designs.”

He lifted his head briefly. “Oh? Good. What do you think?”

“I think they’re…” I hesitated, searching for the right word. “A bit childish.”

“Exactly,” he replied immediately, his pen continuing to move across the documents on his desk. “It’s meant for children. It’s Liam’s birthday celebration, after all.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“Liam’s… birthday?”

He looked up again, puzzled by my reaction. “Yes. It’s this Saturday. You should attend too. It’ll show the pack that things between us are still harmonious.”

Saturday.

My pulse began to race. “Alpha,” I said carefully, “Saturday is also my birthday.”

His eyebrows knit together as he tried to recall. Then, a brief flicker of realization crossed his face before it disappeared beneath indifference.

“Oh,” he said casually. “Right.”

Right.

That was it.

Silence settled heavily between us. I waited—hoping he’d say something more, offer an apology, at least acknowledge how much that hurt. But he simply lowered his gaze and resumed signing papers, as though my birthday were a minor detail not worth further thought.

There was a time when he counted down the days with me.

Now, he barely remembered.

I stood there, humiliation burning beneath my skin. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he spoke again.

“By the way, your parents’ pack hasn’t sent their monthly support yet. Have you contacted them?”

My jaw tightened. “Support?” I echoed.

He nodded. “Yes. The Moonveil Pack usually sends contributions to help strengthen our resources. I was wondering if there’s been a delay. Maybe you could remind them.”

A hollow laugh nearly escaped me. My chest tightened painfully. “That’s what concerns you? My family’s contribution?”

He looked at me calmly. “It’s not about the money. It’s about maintaining alliances.”

I didn’t want to hear another word.

I turned and walked out before my anger spilled over into something I couldn’t take back.

By the time I reached the hallway, my hands were shaking. The image of his calm, detached expression lingered in my mind.

So this was what I had become to him.

Not his future Luna.

Not his mate.

Just a link to a powerful, wealthy pack. A convenient alliance.

That night, moonlight filtered gently into my room, casting soft shadows along the walls. I sat quietly at the edge of my bed, watching the shifting shapes while my wolf stirred restlessly inside me.

I didn’t plan what I did next.

I simply followed the ache in my chest, the faint bond that still pulled me toward him, even when it hurt.

Barefoot and silent, I walked down the hallway toward his quarters.

The scent reached me first.

Vanilla and rosewater.

Not mine.

Not the earthy scent that usually surrounded him.

Then I heard voices.

Soft, breathy sounds. A woman’s moan. And then—

His voice.

“Victoria… you’re incredible. So much better than Brielle. She just lies there like a lifeless log.”

The words cut through me like silver.

I froze outside the door, my breath trapped in my throat. My hands went cold, my heart skipping before shattering all at once.

I didn’t move.

I didn’t even cry at first.

I just stood there, numb, listening to the sounds of betrayal spilling through the door.

Inside me, my wolf let out a broken howl—rage, heartbreak, disbelief tangled together. I pressed my hand over my mouth, forcing back the sob threatening to escape, then turned and ran down the hallway, my bare feet silent against the marble floor.

By the time I reached my room, tears blurred my vision. My body trembled as I grabbed my phone, my fingers shaking so badly I nearly dropped it.

I dialed my brother.

He answered after two rings, his voice warm and steady. “Brielle? It’s late. Is everything alright?”

Hearing him broke whatever control I had left.

“Benedict…” My voice cracked. “He… he betrayed me.”

“What?” His tone sharpened immediately. “Who?”

“Alpha Xavier,” I whispered, choking on my tears. “He… he didn’t show up at our wedding because he was saving his child. With another woman. Victoria—his childhood sweetheart. She has his son. He’s been lying to me the entire time.”

Silence followed.

A dangerous silence filled with restrained fury.

“He did what?” Benedict’s voice dropped, his Alpha authority bleeding through. I could almost feel his power surge even through the phone. “I’ll gather our warriors right now. He won’t get away with this, Sam.”

“No!” I said quickly. “Please don’t.”

He hesitated. “Brielle—”

“I don’t want war,” I said firmly, though my voice trembled. “Just give me until my birthday. After that… I’ll leave Stormvale. For good.”

“Brielle…” His voice softened, laced with pain. “You don’t deserve any of this. You should’ve told me sooner.”

“I know.” My voice broke again. “I kept hoping he’d change… that maybe the man I loved was still there.”

“Then let him live with his choices,” Benedict said quietly. “And when you leave, make sure he understands exactly what he lost.”

“Thank you, Ben,” I whispered. “I just need a few more days. I’ll be alright.”

After we ended the call, I sat there for a long time, holding the phone close to my chest.

Outside, the full moon glowed pale and distant, silently watching everything unfold.

That night, I finally accepted the truth I had been avoiding.

Alpha Xavier Raven of the Stormvale Pack was no longer mine.

Maybe he never truly had been.

And on my birthday—the day he forgot—I would reclaim what he had taken from me.

My freedom.

My pride.

And the shattered pieces of my heart.

Brielle’s POV

The dining hall carried the warm scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread, but even that comforting aroma couldn’t soften the tension thickening the air. I sat quietly across from Alpha Xavier, my appetite long gone, while Victoria Blackwell spoon-fed her son like she belonged at the head of the table. Her laughter echoed brightly through the hall, light but edged with something mocking. When our eyes met, she didn’t even pretend to look away.

Instead, she tilted her head deliberately, exposing the smooth curve of her neck. My stomach twisted. Dark hickeys bloomed across her skin—fresh, unmistakable. That space should have held my mate’s mark someday, but instead, it bore evidence of her nights with him. She wasn’t even trying to hide them. Each bruise felt like a deliberate insult, a silent reminder of what she had taken.

Xavier didn’t appear bothered in the slightest.

He focused entirely on Liam, carefully slicing the boy’s meat into smaller pieces. When Liam thanked him, Xavier smiled gently, his expression soft in a way I hadn’t seen directed at me in weeks. I watched that quiet moment, the tenderness of a father, the scene I once imagined sharing with him when we had our own pup.

Foolish.

Victoria’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Brielle, would you mind passing the juice? It’s closer to you.” Her tone was sugary sweet, but the innocence in it felt fake.

I glanced at the pitcher, then back at her. “You’re perfectly capable of reaching it yourself.” My words came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t bother softening them.

The table fell silent.

Xavier placed his fork down with a sharp clang. “Brielle.” His voice carried a warning. “Is it really so hard to do a simple favor without creating an issue?”

Under the table, I clenched my fists, my wolf stirring restlessly inside me—hurt, humiliated, ready to snap. But I swallowed the surge of emotion, picked up the pitcher, and poured juice into her glass.

Victoria smiled, smug satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

“Thank you,” she murmured sweetly, her tone as smooth and poisonous as silk.

For a moment, I imagined throwing the glass straight at her face.

Xavier leaned back in his chair, studying me, his irritation shifting into something colder. “Brielle, has Moonveil Pack transferred the funds yet? We’ll need extra budget for Liam’s birthday.”

For Liam.

Not for me. Not even though the money came from my family.

My jaw tightened. “You’re asking about money again?”

“It’s for the pack,” he replied calmly. “You know Stormvale doesn’t have the same wealth as Moonveil. If you could ask your parents—”

A bitter laugh escaped me, cutting him off. “No, Alpha. There won’t be any more funds. I’ve already told my parents to stop sending money to Stormvale. You have more than enough businesses and resources to support your own pack.”

The entire table fell silent.

Xavier’s expression darkened immediately. “What did you just say?” His voice dropped, low and dangerous.

“You heard me,” I answered, holding his gaze. “No more money.”

His palm slammed against the wooden table the next second, the loud crack echoing across the hall. Liam flinched, and Victoria gasped softly—though I noticed the faint curl of satisfaction at the corner of her lips.

“Do you realize what you’ve done?” Xavier growled. “You’re cutting off the very support that keeps this pack running. That supports you.”

I rose slowly from my seat, forcing calm into my voice. “Maybe it’s time you stopped relying on my parents’ generosity and started standing on your own.”

His eyes burned with anger. He shoved his chair back so abruptly it scraped loudly against the floor. “You’re unbelievable,” he snapped before storming out of the dining hall.

Victoria quickly stood, lifting Liam into her arms as she followed him, as though worried I might do something to them.

But I remained where I was, trembling.

My nails dug into my palms as I tried to steady myself. Inside, my wolf whimpered softly, confused and wounded. How had things fallen apart so badly? How had the man who once promised to cherish me above all else become someone who saw me as nothing more than a financial bridge?

Hours later, the mansion buzzed with activity again.

Visitors had arrived—mostly other Alphas. Their deep laughter echoed from Xavier’s office, loud and carefree. I walked quietly through the corridor toward my guest room, hoping to avoid them. But as I neared the office, their conversation drifted out, sharp and unmistakable.

“I heard the wedding with Brielle didn’t happen,” one Alpha remarked with a chuckle.

“Didn’t happen?” another laughed loudly. “Xavier never planned on showing up in the first place.”

Their laughter grew louder.

My breath caught.

Then Xavier’s voice joined them, relaxed and almost amused. “Still, all the wedding preparations paid off. Moonveil transferred hundreds of thousands before the event. Easy money.”

I froze where I stood.

“So you never intended to marry her?” another Alpha asked.

“Why would I?” Xavier replied casually, arrogance thick in his tone. “She’s useful leverage. Her pack is wealthy, and I needed funding for Stormvale’s expansion.”

More laughter erupted.

My heart shattered.

Through the slight gap in the partially open door, I caught sight of the room. Victoria sat comfortably on Xavier’s lap, her hands sliding across his chest as she pressed kisses along his collarbone. None of the other Alphas seemed surprised.

I bit my lip until I tasted blood.

Victoria’s voice purred softly. “So what happens now, darling? I heard Brielle told her parents to stop sending money.”

Xavier smirked. “If she still wants to eat and live comfortably here, she’ll change her mind soon enough. I’m not spending a single coin to support her stay in my pack.”

Cruel laughter followed.

Something inside me broke.

I pressed my trembling hand against my chest as tears slipped down my cheeks. My wolf howled in anguish—hurt, humiliation, rage all tangled together. Every word I heard felt like another blade carving into me. The love I had clung to, the loyalty I had protected despite everything, suddenly felt painfully foolish.

I staggered away from the door, each step heavier than the last. My vision blurred, my throat tightening painfully. The truth had finally revealed itself.

All this time, I was never his Luna.

I was a pawn.

A source of wealth.

A convenient alliance.

When I reached my room, I collapsed onto the bed, sobs finally breaking free. My mind replayed every memory we shared—his promises, the warmth in his eyes, the laughter when we talked about our future.

None of it had ever been real.