Abandoned by the Pack, Chased by Regret

Ravens Pov

Ill return in two days to claim whats rightfully mine as the Luna. Ill do whatever you demand of me, I said, clutching the enchanted talisman-phone tightly.

I hesitated for a moment, then let out a tired breath and ended the call.

Get out of our den, wicked she-wolf!

The harsh voices of the twins, Ian and Rylan, snapped me out of my thoughts. They were standing in the kitchen doorway, eyes blazing with wolf-gold fury.

I exhaled softly. Happy birthday, my sons. Make your wish.

I held out the cake Id spent hours preparing, infused with a little protective magic for good measure.

Ian stepped forward, baring his teeth. I wish for you to vanish from our home!

Before I could react, he hurled the cake straight into my face. I yelped, staggering back as laughter echoed from the twins.

Rylan lunged, blocking my path with his leg. I tripped, and the pan of sizzling oil Id used earlier spilled over my left arm, searing my skin.

A sharp scream tore from my throat. The twins loomed over me, grinning.

This is only the beginning. Leave now, or next time, youll regret surviving, they warned in unison.

The housemaid rushed in, eyes wide at the sight of me on the floor, smeared with cake and clutching my burnt arm.

What have you done, boys? she gasped.

They deserved it, Ian said with a shrug. Shes a witch. She killed our mother.

The twins stomped off, leaving me trembling. The maid knelt beside me, gently helping me to my feet.

I dont know why you put up with them, Raven, she murmured.

I managed a faint, weary smile as she guided me to my room.

This salve will ease the burns. Thankfully, its not too deep. Apply it daily, and the scars will fade, she explained, handing me a small jar.

Thank you, I muttered.

After she left, I washed the cake from my face, staring at my reddened eyes and split lips in the mirror. I dabbed the ointment over my arm, wincing.

What a fool Ive been, I whispered.

Eleven years ago, I was meant to marry Alaric Caldwin, but a tragic accident on our wedding day changed everything.

While I fought for my life, my best friend Ariel stepped in to marry him, protecting his family and their honor.

When I awoke, I discovered Alaric was now wed. Though he felt guilt when he learned I hadnt run from the wedding, I told him to divorce Ariel and marry me. He refused.

Dont be harsh, Raven, Alaric said. Ariel acted for our reputation. How would it look if I divorced her immediately?

What about me? I pressed.

One year, he promised. One year, and then Ill divorce her and take you as my mate.

But before that year passed, a strange request came.

Raven, Ariel wants a child before she leaves. Her dying grandparents have wished for grandchildren, Alaric told me.

I frowned. Why involve me? She wont even stay.

Just help her, Raven. Shes your friend, and shes always been kind to you, he insisted.

I didnt understand at first, but Alaric explained, Ariel cannot bear children. She wants you to carry them, so when she leaves, theyll be yours to raise.

I hesitated, but his words persuaded me.

Dont worry. Once Ariel leaves, well marryand the children will be ours, he promised.

I agreed. I carried the twins for Ariel and Alaric. But before I could deliver them safely, Ariel died in a tragic accident.

I gave birth to twin boys, and Alaric, devastated by Ariels death, begged me to raise them.

Two years later, Alaric still hadnt married me. When I asked, he refused, citing appearances.

How would it look? People will say Im celebrating my wifes death, he said.

But Im your mate, Alaric. I was meant to be with you, I said.

None of that matters now. Focus on the pups, Raven. Marriage will come later, he replied.

So I dedicated myself to raising the twins. But no matter how much I gave, my sons despised me. They treated Morgana, their nanny, as their true mother and blamed me for Ariels death.

Eleven years I poured my heart into raising them, enduring insults and cruelty.

But today, I had reached my limit. I would no longer wait for them to love me.

Today, I decided to leave.

Ravens Pov

After ending the call, I stood there for a moment, forcing myself to breathe slowly as my heart thundered wildly in my chest.

I refused to cry. I had already shed enough tears over the last eleven yearsmore than enough for one lifetime.

This time, I would straighten my spine, lift my chin, and find Alaric to tell him face?to?face that I was done. That I was leaving the pack.

Music drifted down the corridor, lively and loud. The celebration had already begun. The twins birthday feast was underway.

I slipped into a soft pink dress I found hanging in the wardrobe and stepped out of the room.

The moment I entered the great hall, something inside me shattered beyond repair.

Right there, beneath the glowing pack chandeliers, Alaric was kneeling on one knee. In his hand was a diamond ring infused with moonlight energy, and standing before him was Morganathe twins nanny.

Will you accept my mark and become my mate? he asked gently.

Morgana covered her mouth, laughing through her tears before nodding eagerly. Yes. I will.

Cheers erupted around the hall. Wolves clapped, howled, and celebrated while I stood frozen. The twins rushed forward, throwing themselves into Morganas arms, their faces bright with joy.

Finally! Morganas going to be our real mom now! Ian exclaimed happily.

Im so glad its not that evil she?wolf, Raven, Rylan added without hesitation.

A soft laugh escaped my lips as I slowly clapped, making sure my presence was noticed.

Congratulations, I said calmly.

Alaric stiffened when he saw me. His eyes widened slightly. Raven, I

Dont bother, I cut in smoothly. I was only passing through. I just came to let you know Im leaving.

What is wrong with you? Alaric snapped, just as Morgana began to cry dramatically.

Oh, Goddess, Raven, Im so sorry, Morgana sobbed. Please dont go because of me.

Alaric grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from the hall, but I shoved him back.

Dont lay a single filthy finger on me, I snarled, my wolf stirring beneath my skin.

Lets talk somewhere private, he growled.

Suddenly, the twins rushed me, their fists pounding against my sides. Wicked woman! You made our mom cry!

Thats enough, Morgana sniffed, pretending to be weak. Im fine, children.

But they werent finished. Rylan sprinted out of the hall and returned almost immediately, holding something that made my blood turn cold.

No! I screamed, lunging toward him.

Rylan laughed and deliberately released it.

The sound of the jar shattering echoed like thunder as my mothers ashes scattered across the floor.

What have you done?! I screamed, my mind unraveling.

If you ever hurt our new mom again, youll regret it, Ian warned coldly.

The guests began whispering.

Who is that crazy woman?

Shes the former Luna who refused to leave for eleven years.

So shameless, trying to ruin another womans mating ceremony.

Morgana is kind enough to still defend her.

What a wicked she?wolf.

Say whatever you want! I snapped suddenly, silencing them. These brats

Thats enough, Raven! Alaric roared.

I saw his hand coming. I refused to let it land.

I caught his wrist mid?air and struck him twice across the face. His sharp gasp echoed through the hall.

Go rot in hell, Alaric, I hissed.

Without waiting for another word, I stormed out, tears blurring my vision. I didnt stop walkingI knew if I did, Id collapse.

When I reached my room, the emptiness hit me full force. For ten long years, I had waited for the twins to love me. Now I knewthere was nothing left for me in this pack.

I grabbed my suitcase and began stuffing my clothes inside.

Moments later, the door flew open. Alaric barged in, his eyes glowing red with rage.

What madness has possessed you? he growled.

I ignored him, tossing my shoes into the case. Suddenly, he seized the suitcase and flung it across the room, scattering everything.

Now youre listening, he snarled.

I laughed bitterly. Keep it. I dont want anything from this place anymore. Everything here is tainted.

Enough! he shouted, gripping my shoulders and shaking me hard.

Touch me again and Ill break your fingers, I warned coldly.

He froze, staring at me in shock. Whats happened to you, Raven? This isnt you.

Not me? I scoffed. You loved it when I obeyed every word you said. Now that Im done being silent, suddenly Im the problem?

Calm down so I can explain, he snapped.

I knew another lie was comingbut this time, I wouldnt stop him.

Go on, I said flatly.

Alaric exhaled. Morgana is ill. She has a human diseasecancer.

I showed no reaction.

She only has a few years left. She devoted herself to the twins. They begged me to make her their mother for the time she has left, so she can pass peacefully.

I burst out laughing when he finished.

Youve really improved your lies, I said mockingly.

Its true, he insisted. Just two years.

Two years, I repeated. And after that, youll finally mate with me, right?

Yes, he said quickly. Everythings already planned.

I looked at him calmly. So what do you want from me now?

He smiled, kissing my cheeks. This is why I love you. I need you to take care of the twins while I take Morgana abroad for her treatment.

I nodded and smiled brightly. Alright.

He kissed my forehead. Ill send Morgana over. You can apologize to each other.

Then he added, Ill also make the kids apologize.

I watched him leave. The moment the door closed, I wiped my face.

You must really think Im stupid, Alaric, I muttered.

A slow clap sounded behind me.

Of course you are, Raven, Morgana said smugly. Otherwise, youd know Ive been sleeping with Alaric for the last three years.

She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled sweetly.

And Im carrying his child.

Ravens POV

I whirled around to face Morgana, who was smirking like she owned the world.

What do you want? I growled, baring my teeth.

Her announcement of pregnancy didnt faze me. Eleven years of watching Alarics betrayals had taught me one thing: I couldnt trust himor anyone connected to him. Expect the unexpected.

I came to apologize, Morgana said, her voice dripping with false innocence, but I wonder what if everyone found out youve been tormenting me all this time?

I snorted. I have no interest in tormenting you, and your apology is worthless to me.

I bent down to pick up my suitcase and resumed packing, but Morgana wasnt done.

With a wicked grin, she hurled my bedside lamp to the floor.

What are you doing? I demanded, my wolf instincts bristling.

Watch and learn, she said with a devilish laugh.

Then she collapsed deliberately, pressing her hands over the jagged shards.

What the? I exclaimed, taken aback.

Im sorry, Raven, she cried, loud enough for the whole house to hear. Its my fault. Hurt me if you must, but please dont leave the children!

What is wrong with you? I hissed.

The door suddenly burst open, and Alaric stormed in, the twins trailing behind. His eyes flared crimson when he saw Morgana on the floor, bleeding.

How could you, Raven? Shes sick! Have you no compassion? he growled.

I didnt touch her, I said evenly.

Stop yelling at her! Its not her fault! Morgana sobbed.

The twins bared their teeth. How dare you harm our new mommy? Havent we taught you enough?

Why dont you leave already?

Their words barely made me flinch. I kept stuffing my clothes into the suitcase.

Im leaving, I said coolly.

Alaric lunged, grabbing me before I could pull away. With a forceful shove, he pressed me into the cramped storage closet.

Stay here until you understand the errors of your ways! he snarled.

Let me out! I screamed, pounding the door, but he had already locked it. Tears ran down my cheeks.

Alaric knew I hated confined spaces. How dare he trap me like an animal.

I forced my heart to slow. Crying would do nothing. None of them deserved my tearsor my love.

I huddled in the corner, surveying the tiny room. Nothing could help me escape.

Evening fell, and a soft knock echoed from the door. I scrambled forward, yanking at the handle.

Is anyone there? Please! Unlock this door! I called desperately.

Silence answered at first, then Morganas mocking voice rang out.

Oh, sweet Raven, locked up just where you belong, she taunted.

I sighed. What do you want? Are you done performing your little show?

Not yet, she giggled. I didnt know Alaric could love someone so much that hed lock you away, even knowing its your greatest fear.

I ground my teeth, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.

If you have nothing of substance to say, then leave, I snapped.

Oh, darling, Im just getting started. But for now Ill let you stew, she purred, her footsteps retreating.

I exhaled, relieved. Darkness finally cloaked the room. I glanced at my hair, noting the small hairpin still holding it in place.

Better than nothing, I muttered.

Seconds later, I was still trapped, unable to unlock the door. Then I heard voices outsidetwo familiar, wolfish voices.

Lets teach her a lesson, Ian hissed.

Yes! Rylan cackled.

Before I could react, screams tore from my throat as the floor beneath me seemed alive with crawling spiders and buzzing bees. Theyd shoved a beehive through the small back window.

The spiders bit, the bees stung, and I cried out helplessly.

Somebody! Help me!! I banged on the door frantically.

No one answeredonly the boys cruel laughter.

Dont try to mess with us next time, they teased.

My right eye swelled, but I forced myself to work faster at the lock, ignoring the relentless stings.

Finally, the door gave way, and I bolted into the courtyard, screaming.

The twins glared, teeth bared, and claws extended.

You never learn, do you? Rylan snarled.

I think its best you never return, Ian growled.

They shoved me, and I stumbled, falling into the pool.

I cant swim! Stop! I cried, struggling against the cold water.

But they didnt listen. I saw them reach into their bagand my heart froze.

Each of them held a pistol, aimed straight at me.

Where did you get I began.

Ians eyes blazed with fury. You vile she-wolf. Do you think running away will earn our attention? How disgusting!

You should die here and now, to apologize to my dead mother! Rylan spat, his expression twisted.

In perfect unison, they raised their weapons and fired.

The bullets tore through the air, racing straight for my heart.