REBIRTH: I REFUSE TO BE LUNA

Nyssa gave everything to her pack, her loyalty, her future and even her life.

As Luna, she helped her mate build an empire from nothing. She thought she had the perfect life, until the night he poisoned her.

She was betrayed by her mate, replaced by her best friend and killed off like she was nothing.

But death was not the end for her. Nyssa wakes up five years in the past—on the day she was forced to accept the mate who would destroy her.

This time, she refuses. This time, she walks away from the pack that broke her.

And this time, she’s not here to love or to be used.

She’s here to rise, rebuild, and make every single one of them regret ever touching her life.

REBIRTH

“Stop struggling Nyssa.”

Alpha Adrian’s voice was far too calm for a man who was watching his mate die right in front of him.

My knees buckled, and I fell on the cold marble floor as the very last of my strength left my body. The taste of copper filled my mouth. It was thick, fluid and mixed with something bitter, poison.

I had recognized the poison the very moment it burned down my throat.

I fell flat on the floor as my fingers began to claw uselessly at it.

“You… poisoned me…” my voice cracked as blood kept on spilling from my lips.

Across from me, Adrian leaned back on his throne, his expression almost bored as he watched my body fall apart.

This was the man I had sacrificed everything for, the man I had called my mate.

“Yes,” he answered with a smirk, “Yes, I poisoned you.”

His words echoed in the hall, and they broke the last ounce of hope I had in my heart. My wolf whimpered within me, the poison was potent enough to kill even her.

For five years, I built this pack from nothing, its wealth, its alliances, its survival.

And in the end, I was nothing more than something to discard. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say I had given Adrian everything I had, and it was only now that I understood why I had always felt space between us.

In his heart, I was never his Luna, I was just useful.

Just as I was lost in my despair, a soft chuckle sounded behind me. I did not even need to turn around to know who it was.

Lyra, my best friend.

Slowly, but painfully, I lifted my head up just as she stepped out of the shadows and came into view.

She smirked at me as she walked towards Adrian’s throne and held his hand. Her long blonde hair simmered under the golden glow of the sun and the smile on her face was devilish.

“You were always a little slow, Nyssa.” she hissed in a mocking tone,

My stomach twisted as my gaze burned,

Lyra’s betrayal pained me more than I could admit. She has been my best friend since we were kids. She knew all my secrets, knew every little desire I had, and I thought I knew hers too.

Apparently, I was the fool.

“How long have you been with him?” It took me a while, but I managed to force the words out.

Lyra tilted her head and actually made a show of pretending to think over her next words.

“Oh,” her smirk grew wider, “We have been together for over four years now.”

The world fell around me, and it was not from poison.

The fact that she had been with my mate that long meant they were having an affair almost the entire time we were together.

Adrian finally stood up and with his hands still clasped around Lyra, he began to walk towards me. His boots echoed loudly on the marble floor like the ticking of a clock.

“You were a good Luna,” he said as he reached me and stopped, “But that was all you were. You were never meant to stay,”

My eyes widened as he crouched right in front of me. His eyes were cold, and his gaze was filled with fire.

Behind him, Lyra took a step forward. “Don’t worry, my friend,” she smiled, “I will make a far better Luna than you ever could be.”

My chest tightened as memories flooded through me. I had always been faced with constant pressure by the Silver Ridge pack. I had been blamed, mocked and even spat on. And throughout all this, I had thought it was because being a Luna meant having to sacrifice some things. I had thought Adrian loved me.

“How pathetic,” Lyra shook her head and took a step back.

Adrian followed after her.

“The poison will finish its work soon,” he said without an iota of pity in his tone,

My wolf howled weakly within me and I felt rage begin to rise up.

“You both will regret this!” I hissed,

Lyra burst into laughter, “Regret?” she chuckled, “Oh no, we are going to celebrate your death.”

I tried to lunge at her, but my body was far too weak.

Darkness was already beginning to creep into my vision, my heart pounded wildly, and I immediately knew that this was it.

Five years of sacrifice, and my only reward was death.

A strange calm settled over me as I whispered my last words.

“If I had another chance… If the moon goddess gave me another life… I would never make the same mistake again. Never.”

Those words left my lips just as the world went dark.

And I died.

***

“Nyssa.”

A heavy hand shook my shoulder.

“Nyssa,” the voice called out again, this time in a much harsher tone, “Wake up, child.”

My eyes snapped open, and I sucked in a deep breath.

My mind was muddled, but I immediately knew something was wrong. My chest rose and fell rapidly as I stared up at the ceiling and the room I was in.

Sunlight poured through a window that was old but familiar. The curtains were faded but also familiar and the velvet walls of the room I was in were ones I would recognize even in my sleep.

This was a room I had not been in for years, but it was mine, and it was impossible.

My heart stopped as I realized exactly what I was seeing.

“Nyssa?”

The voice called out again, but this time, it had a note of worry in it.

I slowly turned my head and I froze as I saw my mother sitting beside my bed with an impatient expression.

She shouldn’t be alive. She had died three years ago during a rogue attack.

My pulse thundered in my ears.

No, I hissed under my breath, This can’t be real.

“Did you even hear me, Nyssa?” my mom or the illusion of her asked,

My voice came out hoarse and unfamiliar, “What did you say?”

My mom, Sarah, sighed, “I asked if you heard me,” she replied, “I know you like being stubborn, but this is not the time.”

Her words hit me like lightning and I realized why I was feeling déjà vu.

I remembered this exact moment. This was the moment where everything had changed.

My mother crossed her arms and looked into my eyes, “Alpha Adrian has expressed interest in having you as his mate.”

The room spun around me as I began to hyperventilate. This was five years ago.

But how?

“You should be grateful,” my mom continued, “Do you know how many girls would kill for this very opportunity?”

She kept on speaking, but I couldn’t hear her. My heart pounded as I recalled what had happened this very day.

It was the day I had said yes to Adrian. The day I had chained myself to the man who was eventually going to kill me.

My mother frowned, “Well?” she asked, “What’s your answer?”

I slowly sat up and stared into my reflection on the mirror opposite my bed.

This was a younger and healthier me.

The memories of my death still burnt in my mind. A slow smile spread across my face as I turned to face my mom.

“Please tell Alpha Adrian something for me,” I said quietly,

My mother’s eyes widened, and she nodded, “What?”

I met her gaze and, for the first time in my life, I chose myself.

“Tell him,” I said in a calm tone, “that I reject him.”

I REJECT YOU!

The moment those words left my lips, a heavy suffocating silence descended on my room.

My mom stared at me with a bewildered expression, as though she had never seen me before.

“W—What did you say?” her voice was low and filled with a note of danger.

I didn’t look away like she expected, instead I stared directly into her eyes.

“I reject Alpha Adrian,” I slowly repeated my words, making doubly sure that she heard me correctly, “I will not be his mate.”

For a split second, shock flickered through her expression. Then, just as quickly as it came, the shock shattered into complete fury.

Her hand came up fast, faster even than her own thoughts.

My head snapped to the side as she slapped me. The sting was sharp against my cheeks. In my past life, this slap would have broken any resolve I had. I would have cried and even apologized.

But this was not my past life. This time, I slowly turned my head back towards her and stared directly into her eyes.

Her expression wavered as she saw my unflinching gaze,

“Have you lost your mind, child?” she demanded, “Do you have any idea the opportunity you are about to throw away?”

“Yes,” I replied in an even tone,

My mom’s face grew red with rage, “This was going to be your only chance to rise above your station. Both in our pack and his,” she continued, her voice rising with every word that left her lips, “Without him, you are nothing, do you hear me, child – NOTHING!”

A hollow laugh escaped my throat as I stared at my mom with raised brows. Over the years, I had been made to feel that way hundreds of times and every time similar words were uttered in my presence, I always held back my tears.

Now, I didn’t even care.

“I don't need their pack, and I certainly do not need this one.” I replied with a hard gaze,

My mom’s lips parted, and for the first time in my life, she didn’t have a rebuttal.

Her expression twisted, and she quickly covered up her anger with frustration. She took a deep breath, then stared at me with a stern expression.

“If you refuse him, Nyssa,” she said in a sharp tone, “Then you can get the hell out of my house.”

There it was. A threat, just like in the past.

I was given the same choice, the same pressure and the same ultimatum. In my past life, I folded quickly. This time, I felt absolutely nothing.

“Fine,” I answered as I stood up from the bed, “I’ll leave,”

Elara, or the woman I once called mom, stared at me in disbelief. This was obviously not the reaction she was expecting when she had made the threat.

For a long moment, she just stared blankly at me, as if trying to figure out how I had somehow managed to change so much overnight. Finally, she made her choice and her eyes hardened,

“Go on then!” she hissed, pointing at the door, “Let’s see how far you get in life without this family, this pack.”

Calmly and steadily, I stepped past her without a single word. And for the first time in my life, I did not look back.

I barely made it down the hallway before I felt the temperature drop. The air shifted, it became slower, heavier and more familiar.

My steps slowed as a frown tugged at the corner at the corner of my lips.

“Of course he’s here,” I whispered under my breath,

I had expected him to show up, but he came faster than I had expected. That meant my mom had somehow informed him about my decision.

“Nyssa.” His voice echoed behind me,

I stopped, closed my eyes for a brief second in order to calm down my raging pulse and then slowly turned to face him.

My blood ran cold as I stared into the face of the man who had ended my life just a little while ago. Alpha Adrian stood at the end of the hall, his presence filled the space like a storm.

He was tall, handsome and entirely imposing.

His eyes locked into mine and I spotted anger within them,

“So, it’s true,” he said in a cold voice, “You rejected me.”

I said nothing, I could not trust myself to speak, not yet at least.

He took a step closer, his aura billowing off of him, “Explain yourself this instant,” he commanded,

There it was. There was no why, no concern or even confusion, all he had was expectations. Like I was ordained to always follow through with his orders.

I met his gaze evenly, “There’s nothing to explain,”

His jaw tightened, “You don’t get to say no to this.” he hissed, his tone flat, “This was arranged already,”

A small, bitter smile tugged at the corner of my lips,

“What is that supposed to mean…. Adrian?” I tilted my head and studied him, really studied.

How the hell had I ever mistaken his gaze for warmth and love?

“You and I both know you don’t want a mate,” I continued, “You want someone to use, someone convenient. I am not going to be that person.”

Adrian’s expression darkened, “Be careful with your words, Nyssa.”

But I didn’t stop, this was my chance to speak up, and I was going to use it.

“You only want someone who will fix your problems, manage your pack and never question your decision,” my voice remained steady, even a rage simmered beneath my veins, “You don’t want a partner, Adrian,”

I took a step closer and stared straight into his eyes, “You want a tool,”

Silence descended on the hallway. Even the air around us seemed to grow still.

Adrian stared at me in surprise and confusion, “What did you just say?”

“You heard me,” I replied, crossing my arms,

His aura exploded, the pressure slammed into me with force greater than a freight train, yet I didn’t move a single step. I didn’t bow, and neither did I flinch.

That alone stunned him more than any words I could have used.

“You are in no position to speak to me like that,” he growled,

“Then do not give me a reason to,” I replied cooly,

My brows furrowed as I watched him clench his fists,

“You are making a mistake, Nyssa.” he hissed,

“No,” I replied, “I already made that mistake once.”

His eyes narrowed, “What?” he asked, confused,

I smiled faintly, and turned around, “Nothing you will understand.”

That was the final push. The fact that I even turned my back to him was enough to send his rage through the roof.

“You are throwing away the only opportunity you will ever have in your life,” he roared,

I turned around, and I chuckled,

It was soft and quiet, but it was sharp enough to cut. His expression darkened further, and this time, I could tell he was almost at his breaking point.

“You are overestimating your value, a little bit, Adrian,” I said with a shrug,

His gaze turned lethal, “This will be your last warning. Watch yourself,”

But I was done with this and done with him.

Without another word or snarky bite back, I turned fully and began to walk away.

“Nyssa.” he called out one last time,

I didn’t stop, nor did I turn back. And that simple fact hurt his pride more than anything I could have said.

The moment I stepped out of my mom’s house, I smiled.

“Only opportunity, huh?” I whispered under my breath with a smirk,

Three weeks from now, a trade shipment from Europe would be ambushed, everyone would panic, supply chains would collapse, prices would skyrocket.

But one thing would become far more valuable than gold overnight.

Moonshade herbs. They were powerful and useful enough that everyone used them, but not that rare that they cost a lot.

That changed when the largest shipment of the herbs was lost. This time, I had the knowledge, and with that knowledge came the ability to get rich.

This was just the beginning. I let out a soft laugh as I looked up at the sun.

This time, I wasn’t just going to survive, I was going to rise. And if I did, absolutely no one would be able to stop me from getting my revenge.

A DATE?

The moment I stepped into my apartment, I let out a sharp exhale. I turned around and closed the door shut behind me. The faint hum of the city faded, but I would have loved for it to still be there.

It was a welcome change from the suffocating demands and pressure of the Silver Ridge pack.

My personal apartment was cramped and small. It didn’t have long hallways, velvet carpets and marble floors. But it was mine, and that was all that mattered.

Well, mine and… Oh, there she was. Lyra was sitting on the couch, her arms crossed and a familiar smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

“So,” she began with a casual tone, “I heard about what happened.”

I froze mid-step, I had no idea how to answer that. Her voice still carried that probing and calculative tone that I knew all too well. I already knew she would have been told, but she was usually not around by this time, so I assumed I wouldn’t have to deal with her today.

“Why would you reject him, though?” she asked, leaning forward slightly with a confused gaze, “When I heard you did. I was so confused, and I refused to believe them. I thought my best friend would never do something like that. What’s going on Nyssa?”

Even though she sounded concerned, I could tell that it was laced completely with judgement. I could smell it, I could also smell the faint trace of Adrian in her perfume.

That immediately told me he had been here. I turned to face her, and when I spoke, I did not bother to hide the spite I felt, “Since when did any of my choices need approval from you, Lyra?” I asked with a cold voice,

Lyra’s eyes widened and she blinked. There was a pause, a tiny flicker in her excellent charade that made a slow, satisfied smile creep into my lips.

“Y—What has gotten into you?” she gasped, startled at how harsh my voice sounded, “You can’t-”

I held up a hand, silencing her.

Now that I was seeing her with experienced eyes, I could tell that everything about her screamed just how close she had gotten to Adrian. The way she casually laid on the couch, her perfect hair placement and the way the concern in her eyes flickered into joy when she thought I wasn’t looking at her.

If she wasn’t already with Adrian, she was close.

I should have been angry, but I could not afford to waste time feeling angry. I had plans that I needed to attend to.

Without looking at her, I crossed towards our small kitchen and pulled up my laptop from the counter. With a frown on my face as I tried to recall my old bank password, I finally logged into my bank account.

My frown deepened as I checked at my balance. Just over ten thousand dollars, my funds were smaller than I had expected, but I could definitely make it work.

It was enough for me to get started, but not enough for me to sit back and wait for the right time to invest. The stakes were high, and this time, I had no intention of waiting for anyone to hand me my future.

I leaned back in my chair, my fists clenched as I tried to replay the timeline of my past life. The trade routes, the shipments, every missed opportunity and weak link, I remembered all.

And now, I could take advantage of that fact.

The first step I needed to take was pretty clear to me; control the moonshade supply. One lost shipment would cause a panic in the market and almost immediately, what was rare would become invaluable and almost impossible to find.

With my plan outlined in my head, I shut down my laptop, grabbed my coat and left the house without another word. Lyra had tried to speak to me, but after over a dozen times without any response, she finally got it into her head that I was not going to reply to her.

When she saw me walking out, she stood up, her lips parted, but no sounds came out.

Good.

The streets of the Underside, the part of the city that was ruled and controlled exclusively by werewolves, were bustling. The massive trade center at the middle of the first block was a hive of transactions, voices and shuffling feet.

I moved among the wolves smoothly and with purpose. I walked around the market, scanning, noting and calculating the different prices of herbs. I noted down suppliers, prices and even quantities.

I asked questions when needed and feigned curiosity when the sellers got curious about my motives. I made sure I only spent an adequate amount of time with each seller. I didn’t want anyone to be suspicious of my actions.

When I was done, I was fairly certain that I knew enough now to corner the market when I was ready to make my move.

By the time I was walking back towards the exit, a sense of satisfaction had settled in my chest. I was ready, the first step was almost complete.

Then, just as I stepped out of the trade center, a familiar voice stopped me right in my tracks.

“Nyssa.”

I froze, and I turned slowly until I stared into a face I had never expected to see ever again.

Alpha Damien, leader of the Viscount pack.

What was he even doing here? His pack was at the other end of the state.

Just as always, Damien was calm, confident and had a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. Unlike Adrian, everything about him radiated power without needing to announce it.

He was flanked by two guards, but with a simple wave of his hands, they stepped back and gave him the space he needed to approach me.

In my past life, he had been one of the alphas who had wanted me. I had dismissed him back then when I started to fall in love with Adrian. And now, I was staring at him in a whole new light.

“Still running away from me?” his tone was teasing,

I met his gaze and I felt a curious thrill as I looked him over. This was not Adrian. Damien was not a man who ever felt the need to manipulate or control another wolf.

This was someone who actually saw me as something other than a tool.

And for the first time since I was reborn, I realized that alliances could be just as important as individual plans.

“I am not running away,” I said softly, though my thoughts were racing faster than my words, “I was just...moving forward,”

He chuckled and took a step forward, “Well, how about you tell me about your choice to move forward over dinner?”

HOW DARE YOU CHEAT?

I frowned as I stared into his eyes,

Dinner? What was he thinking?

Back in the past, I knew he liked me, but we were never an item. Why would he suddenly want to take me out?

Damien was not trying to intimidate me like Adrian. But there was a power beneath his calm that was making my senses tingle.

“You have changed,” he said, changing the topic and tilting his head as he stared at me,

I still didn’t answer. I kept my gaze steady and scanned him just as he scanned me. He was very perspective. I could not remember when I last met him in this time period, but it must not have been that far back because he had immediately noticed that I had changed.

“You are sharper than I remember,” he continued, taking a step closer, but he didn’t get too close.

I raised an eyebrow, finally choosing to reply. His dinner suggestion had caught me so off guard that my tongue had felt tied, “Are you giving me a compliment or was that a warning of some sort?” I asked,

He chuckled. It was a rich sound that carried weight beneath it. “Wow, I was right.” he answered, “You really have changed.”

Then, before I could reply, he tilted his head and asked again, “So, what do you say?” he asked, “Dinner. With me. Tonight.”

I froze as my mind began to calculate. Right now, romance was the last thing I wanted in my life. But I could use some help, especially alpha help. And having a connection with him would give me more buying power and should help my optics.

I thought about it more and I made my decision. Damien being in my corner would be more useful than anyone else.

Before I could give him an answer, a sharp, nasty voice broke the air.

"Nyssa,"

A shrill voice cut through the air like a blade.

I turned around just in time to see a middle-aged woman shoving her way through the small crowd that had formed to watch Alpha Damien. The woman's face was twisted with outrage.

"How dare you cheat on Alpha Adrian," she hissed, her voice filled with anger,

Her accusations were loud enough for everyone to hear, murmurs spread, even Damien's smile flickered into a frown.

In my past life, a situation like these would have been enough to make me panic and stumble over my words. Not anymore. I turned slowly, and I stared directly into her eyes.

"Sylvia," I hissed under my breath, of course it would be her.

In my past life, she was one of the elders who had made my life a living hell. She called me unworthy, undeserving and a coward.

I said nothing, just stared at her with a pitying expression. That silence was louder even than her accusation.

"Say something," she snapped, "Are you going around sneaking behind his back?"

A few people in the crowd leaned in, all ready to listen to what they considered juicy gossip.

I took a single step towards her, my face calm and my eyes measured.

"Since when," I started with a frown, "did I ever belong to him?"

Sylvia blinked, "You—Don't twist things, you bitch!" she snapped, "The entire pack already knows he has chosen you."

"And I rejected him," I said with a raised hand, cutting her off.

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd at those words.

I stepped closer to her until we were barely inches apart. Close enough that she had to tilt her head up in order to meet my eyes.

"If you are going to accuse me of something, Sylvia," I continued, my voice steady, but icy, "At least make sure it is real."

Her lips parted, but no sounds came out. She was trembling now, and fear was etched on her expression.

I leaned in slightly and stared straight at her rapidly shifting eyes, "Next time you ever speak about me," I paused for a beat, "Make sure you think first. Or else."

Her knees wobbled and she swallowed. Even the fire in her eyes faltered. She stepped back and immediately realized her accusation had been silenced before it had even started.

A slow clap split the silence that had begun to form. I turned around to find Damien staring at me with intrigue in his eyes.

“That was very impressive,” he said quietly, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

I straightened, then, brushed a loose strand of hair over my ear, “I do not have time for accusations or anyone else’s illusion of what my life should be.” I said, my voice steady, “I have far too much work to do.”

He smiled again, and this time, he walked closer until we were barely inches apart.

“I like that,” he whispered, “The world does not bend you.”

I allowed myself a small smile, but I kept silent.

Even if I did not want love, I knew being in a rapport with Damien would be invaluable. Not because I needed him, no, I could do all I wanted to do without him, but he was going to open doors for me quicker than I would have been able to on my own.

I looked him in the eye and made sure the smile did not leave my face. “As for your question,” I said, “Dinner is fine. But make no mistake, I am not doing this for fun, all because I want to be in a relationship with you. No, I am doing this because I want to.”

Damien’s eyes widened for a second, and then his smirk widened, “Good,” he said with a smile, “I love that.”

I nodded, “I will be free by eight. Call me with the address.”

He blinked, surprised by how assertive I was being, but he still nodded at my suggestion.

“I will,” he replied,

A sliver of satisfaction ran through me as I turned around and walked away. I had barely taken five steps from him when he called out to me.

“Nyssa,”

I froze and turned to face him with raised brows,

“Wear something sexy,” he replied, “It is a date.”

I chuckled, “We’ll see.”

Before he could reply, I turned around and began to walk away. The crowd that had been pooling around us had long since parted, but there were still eyes on me.

I let out a sigh of relief when I reached the parking lot. The moment I slipped into my car, I started the engine, looked down on my phone and smiled.

Five hours till eight.

More than enough time to go over the notes I’ve made.

AMBUSHED!

By the time I pulled into the parking lot of my apartment, it was pretty clear that the sun was getting ready to set. I killed the engine of my car and sat there for a long moment, my fingers resting on the steering wheel as I took deep long breaths.

Then, I exhaled and stepped out of my car.

The moment I opened the door to my apartment, I knew something was wrong. The air felt crowded and heavy, my suspicions were confirmed the moment I walked in.

Lyra stood in the center of our living room with her arms crossed and her expression furious. Besides her were three familiar faces. It took me a moment, but I finally figured out why they were. This was an intervention.

I almost laughed at how absurd it was.

“Well,” Lyra said with a sharp tone, “Finally, the prodigal child is back. Where did you even go to?”

I shut the door behind me with an unhurried expression on my face, my gaze flickered over the living room before settling back on her, “What is this, Lyra?” I asked through furrowed brows,

“You know exactly what this is, Nyssa,” Lyra snapped, then with that same heavy tone, she pointed towards a couch, “Sit down, we need to talk to you,”

I didn’t move. One of the others – a girl named Mira who I had once thought was my second-closest friend – leaned forward, “Nyssa, we are all just worried about you,” she said, her tone noticeably softer than Lyra’s, “What you did today, It just doesn’t make sense.”

Another of my ‘friends’ chimed in, “You rejected Alpha Adrian for God’s sake. Do you even understand the scandal you have already caused?”

I looked at them. This time, I really looked.

In my past life, these were individuals whose opinions practically ruled my life. These were the friends I had always tried to impress, friends whose insidious whispers had caused me more pain than anyone else.

Now? They all looked small and insignificant.

“I’m not sitting down,” I said in the calmest tone I could, “Neither am I listening to any words any of you might have.”

Lyra tightened her jaw, “This is not some sort of joke, Nyssa.” she hissed, “We can’t just watch you throw away what is the biggest opportunity of your life.”

There was a soft pause before Mira continued, “You know lots of wolves would kill to be in the position you are in now.”

I tilted my head and shrugged at them, “Then they are welcome to it.”

Silence resounded in the room and Lyra could no longer hold back her rage and emotions. With a pissed-off expression on her face, she took a step forward, “Stop deflecting Nys,” she hissed, “We both know you are doing something very stupid here. All we want to know is why.”

I let her words sit for a moment before smiling, “You want to understand?” I asked,

They all nodded,

I took a step forward, then another until I was standing just a couple of feet away from her, “You all see this as an opportunity,” I started in a calm tone, “But I see this as nothing more than a prison with posh iron bars. If kneeling, obeying and sacrificing yourself for someone else is your definition of a good life and a massive opportunity, then you can all have it.”

Mira looked shaken, the others stared blankly at me. But all of them were confused and a little scared.

Lyra was the only one who was able to look directly into my eyes,

“You are just being dramatic,” she said, but it was clear there was a crack in her voice now, “Alpha Adrian chose you to be his mate, and that means something.”

I met her eyes and shook my head, “No, it does not.”

Before she could reply, I straightened, then brushed an invisible crease from my sleeve, “If this is all you all want to talk about, then we are done.”

Lyra stepped forward with her hand raised. “No,” she said with a frown, “We are not done-”

“Yes,” I cut in before she could finish, “We are.”

And with those words, I walked past them. There was no hesitation in my steps nor did I glance back.

“Nyssa!” Lyra called after me but I ignored her.

I reached my door, stepped inside and shut it closed behind me.

The noise faded, a few seconds passed before I heard multiple knocks on my door.

“Nyssa!” Lyra’s voice came through the door, “Open the door. We are not done talking,”

Another knock sounded, “Don’t do this, we just want to help you,”

I walked to my desk, pulled out my chair, sat down and brought out my laptop.

“Stop knocking,” I said with enough harshness in my tone that it stopped instantly,

Good. The screen on my laptop lit up and it cast a warm glow over my room.

And just like that, everything faded away. I spent the next few hours just working. I began to compile all the data I had taken from the trade center, from the suppliers to the cost and even my expected returns.

By the time I was done, my plan was no longer just a rough idea in my mind, it was a blueprint now, a full path that hopefully was going to make me millions of dollars.

This was the path to a future. Mine.

I closed my laptop with a smile on my face and leaned back, just in time for my phone on the table to buzz.

I picked it up and even though it was an unknown number, I answered the call with a soft smile on my face.

“..Hello?” A low, familiar voice flickered through the line, “Nyssa.”

Damien.

There was something about the way my name rolled smoothly off his lips that made shivers run down my spine.

“I was starting to think I wasn’t going to receive a call,” I said with an amused tone,

“I don’t make decisions I plan on reversing,” he answered, “And besides, no man would ever want to disappoint a lady as gorgeous as you are.”

I chuckled, “That was smooth,”

A brief pause before he replied, “I don't try to be,”

I laughed harder, and before I could reply, he had already continued,

“I’ve made a reservation. I’ve already texted you the addresses. It’s the largest restaurant in the city, so I am sure you already know where it is. You can’t miss it even if you want to.”

“Oh, that’s a nice place,” I answered, smiling,

I could feel the way his voice lit up with my words. “Good,” he answered, “Should I send a driver for you?” he asked,

“No,” I replied, shaking my head, “I can drive myself,”

“An independent wolf,” he murmured, almost to himself even, “I love that.”

I didn’t respond,

“Eight o clock,” he continued, not even noticing my pause, “Don’t be late,”

The line clicked, and I stared at my phone for a moment before setting it down.

Getting ready did not take long, I moved with the same efficiency I applied to my everyday tasks. I had my shower, and did my makeup and hair in record time. When I was done, I picked out my dress for the night.

It was a red dress that hugged my curves tightly. It wasn’t just beautiful, it was an intentional statement.

When I stepped out of the room, the entire house fell silent. Lyra and the others stood up, they were watching and staring with obvious shock written over their faces.

I didn’t even acknowledge them, I walked past them and stepped out into the night.

I had just reached for the handle of my car when a voice behind me made me freeze.

“Is he why you rejected me?” the voice was tight, controlled and filled with fury.