Rejection On Our Seventh Anniversary

Alpha Kade stone broke his oath on the eve of our tenth mating anniversary, choosing to run alongside his Beta, a she-wolf named Lila, under the moonlight instead of spending the night with me, his Luna. When he returned, he handed me a rare celestial pendantcrafted from the shards of a moonstone said to bestow loyalty.

For a fleeting moment, I believed his act was genuine, a symbol of our bond. But when I saw her the next morning, adorned with a more exquisite amulet forged from black diamondsa mark of devotionI knew the truth.

I played my role, as any Luna should. I greeted the pack, wore my fake smile, and hid the storm raging inside. Yet, their boldness grew unchecked. They thought I couldn't hear their whispers, their stolen moments in the woods, but my heightened senses picked up everythingtheir laughter, their shared secrets, their betrayal.

Kade tried to mend things in his way, showering me with tokens of apologysilver cloaks, rare herbs, and enchanted artifacts. Each gift was a reminder of the lies he wove, and my once-sacred treasury became a graveyard of deceit.

But I wasnt the meek Luna they believed me to be. I had my own plans.

On our anniversary night, I gifted him a crystal vial etched with runes of power, telling him it was a charm for strength to be opened under the next full moon. He accepted it with a smirk, unaware that this gift marked the end of my loyalty to him.

The following morning, before the sun kissed the horizon, I was gone. The only trace I left behind was a single note pinned to the empty bed. It read:

"May the moon guide you as it will no longer guide me."

*******"*****************************

Freya's POV

The elder behind the immigration desk looked up at me, her amber eyes narrowing with curiosity. Luna Freya Rivers, you understand the gravity of this decision? Once you sever ties with your pack, theres no going back. Your mark will fade. Your presence will be erased from our kind's history.

I nodded, my voice unwavering. Erase it all. I want nothing left.

The elder hesitated. Your lineage will be void. Your scent will vanish from the packs memory.

Thats the point.

She gave a slow nod, stamping the parchment in front of her. As you wish. You have fourteen days to finalize your affairs. After that, you will no longer exist among us.

Stepping outside the hollowed tree that served as the registry for lone wolves, I inhaled deeply. The crisp, pine-scented air was filled with the promise of freedom. In my satchel was a one-way rune stone to a distant territory far beyond Kade's Reach.

As I walked through the bustling market, my gaze was drawn to a massive screen mounted on the side of the trading post. The glowing display showed Kade's Face, his jaw set in arrogance.

Breaking news: Alpha Kade Stone of the Stone Fang Pack has acquired the legendary Starfire Moonstone for his mate, Luna Freya. Valued at over ten million gold pieces, this artifact is said to signify an unbreakable bond. When asked about the extravagant gesture, Alpha Stone stated, Freya has always been my guiding star.

Gasps erupted from a group of she-wolves passing by.

Did you hear that? one squealed. Luna Freya and Alpha Kade are the stuff of legends! A love like theirsabsolute goals!

Right? Remember when he marked her under the Blood Moon? Ugh, I cant take it!

Their giddy chatter was a bitter reminder of the lies I once believed.

Kade and I had been fated mates, chosen by the moon goddess herself. I still remembered the moment our bond snapped into placea searing connection that was impossible to ignore.

He had pursued me relentlessly. As the heir to the Silver Fang Pack, he had everythingstrength, power, and charm. I, on the other hand, was a healer, content with a quiet life. Yet Kade Wouldn't take no for an answer.

He wooed me for years, his persistence wearing down my defenses. On the night of his ascension ceremony, he found me alone by the lake, vulnerable and weary.

Freya, he had whispered, dropping to his knees before me, his voice raw with desperation. Let me protect you. Let me be your mate. I swear on the moon, youll always be the one I cherish above all else.

Against my better judgment, I agreed.

Our mating ceremony was a spectacle. Before the entire pack, Kade Declared his eternal devotion. Freya Rivers, he had proclaimed, from this day forth, you are not just my Lunayou are my soul, my everything.

For a time, he kept his promises. He treated me with tenderness, showering me with gifts of magic and luxury, proving his love with every grand gesture.

But promises, like moonlight, fade in the shadows of betrayal.

Freya's POV

The turning point came with a photo. My phone chimed, and I swiped it open, only to find an image that sent ice through my veins. Kade Stone, Alpha of the Stone Fang Pack and my mate, lay asleep in his bed. His face was peaceful, almost angelicbut there was something far more telling. A strand of silver hair, not my own, rested across his cheek.

My stomach churned as the truth hit me like a rogue wolf in a full moon frenzy. Kade wasnt just mine. There was another she-wolf in his life, hidden behind the veil of power and loyalty he so often displayed. Suddenly, all the lavish giftsthe rare moonstone necklace, the ornate dresses stitched by the finest pack seamstresses, the exotic forest retreatsbecame crystal clear. They were not signs of love; they were testaments of guilt.

As I looked at the photo, my phone rang in my hand. His name flashed on the screen: Kade Stone.

Luna, he greeted, his voice deep, commanding, yet laced with a warmth that had once melted my heart. Ive prepared something special for you. Meet me at the ceremonial grounds tonight.

His voice was honeyed, a tone he reserved for persuasion. My fingers curled tightly around the phone, but I managed to keep my voice steady. Thank you, Kade, I replied smoothly. Ive prepared something for you too.

A pause. You have? His surprise felt like a challenge.

Yes, I murmured, my lips curving into a cold smile. Its something youll never forget.

That evening, he summoned the pack to the ceremonial clearing. The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery glow casting shadows over the ancient stones that marked the heart of our pack. Kade stood at the center, a picture of dominance and allure.

In his hands was a pendant, carved from a rare meteorite shard said to enhance a werewolfs connection to the moon. He held it up before the crowd. For my Luna, he declared, his voice carrying over the gathered wolves. To honor five years of her unwavering support and strength.

The pack howled their approval, their admiration washing over us like a tidal wave. He fastened the pendant around my neck, his touch lingering on my skin. Im sorry for my recent absence, he whispered. The patrol issues demanded my attention.

I nodded, playing the part of the devoted Luna. But as the packs cheers erupted around us, a scent wafted from his shirtfaint but unmistakable. A perfume that didnt belong to me.

I didnt flinch. My smile stayed intact as I reached into the folds of my cloak and handed him a small black envelope. I have something for you too, I said softly.

Kades brow lifted in curiosity. He took the envelope, holding it as if it were a treasure. Open it in fifteen days, I added, keeping my tone light. Its a surprise.

He smiled, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath my calm exterior. You always think of everything, Luna. Im the luckiest wolf alive.

The pack cooed and teased, their voices filled with playful envy.

Alpha Kade and Luna Freya are the perfect pair! someone called.

Were blessed to have them lead us, another chimed in, their words echoed by the packs agreement.

I caught a flicker of movement in the crowd. It was Lila Vayne, Kades silver-haired beta and closest confidante. Her sharp eyes locked onto the envelope in his hand, her lips thinning into a grim line.

As the ceremony concluded, Kade leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. Come, Luna. Lets celebrate in private.

I nodded, excusing myself briefly. In the shadows of the forest, I overheard two pack members chatting near the bonfire.

Did you see that meteorite pendant? The Alpha really goes all out for his Luna!

Ugh, Im so jealous. Wheres my mate wholl treat me like a queen?

Their laughter was interrupted by a low, sarcastic scoff.

That pendant is just a distraction, a voice growled. It was Lila. If only they knew whats really happening behind closed doors.

Her words sank into my skin like claws. A fire ignited in mea fire fueled by betrayal, rage, and a growing resolve.

That envelope? It wasnt a gift of love. It was my freedom, wrapped in words that would sever the bond that had held me captive for far too long.

Freya's POV

The air in the pack house was thick with tension, though most remained oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Lila's voice, sharp and mocking, carried through the corridors as she boasted to her small group of followers.

"A necklace? That's childs play," she drawled. "My mate gifted me an entire emerald setthe jewels were blessed under the full moon by the Silver Seer herself."

Curious murmurs erupted from her audience. Lila extended her hand, revealing a glistening emerald ring that radiated a faint, otherworldly glow.

"Moon-blessed emeralds? Those are priceless!" one gasped.

Another chimed in, And theyre said to enhance a wolfs strength during transformation. Anastasia, your mate must truly adore you!

Lila shrugged with feigned modesty, her smirk betraying her satisfaction. "Of course he does. He spares no expense to keep me happy."

I lingered in the shadows, listening to her words with clenched fists. Her "mate" was no mystery to meAlpha Kade, my so-called husband. The man who had once vowed under the Blood Moon to cherish me above all others.

As I walked toward the garage where Kade waited, his polished demeanor greeted me like a mask he had worn for years.

Ready for dinner, Luna? he asked, flashing his signature smile, the one that once made me believe in his lies.

I slipped into the seat beside him, my voice calm. Do you have any pack duties tonight?

Kade shook his head, an edge of pride in his tone. "None. Tonight is ours. Ive ensured nothing interrupts us."

Yet halfway through our drive, his tone shifted abruptly.

Stop the car, he ordered the driver. He turned to me with practiced regret. Im so sorry, love. The Elders have called an emergency council meeting. Its urgent.

I tilted my head, studying his face. His eyes avoided mine, darting nervously.

I understand, I said softly. The pack comes first.

His shoulders relaxed. "Thank you for understanding. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

As his car sped away, I followed in the shadows, my wolf stirring restlessly beneath my skin. Kades scent led me not to the council chambers but to the Moonlit Haven, the new high-end restaurant near the forest.

I stayed hidden, watching through the tall windows as he dined with Anastasia. Their laughter filled the air, her hand brushing his as he leaned closer. Rage simmered within me, but I swallowed it down. Tonight wasnt the time.

Kade returned to the pack house hours later, the faint scent of lavender clinging to hima scent that didnt belong to me. His steps faltered when he saw me sitting in the dimly lit living room.

Honey, he began, his voice uncertain, why are you still awake?

I held up a small wooden box, my expression calm. The omega cleaning your study found this. She wasnt sure what to do with it, so she gave it to me.

Kades eyes locked onto the box, recognition flickering across his face. His drunken haze lifted as he approached.

This He took the box reverently, opening it to reveal its contentsa collection of trinkets from our courtship.

He lifted a faded ribbon from the box, his smile softening. This was from the night of the Harvest Festival. You wore it in your hair, and I couldnt stop staring at you all evening.

He picked up a tiny silver charm next, his voice growing wistful. "And this was from the day you accepted me as your mate under the Blood Moon. Do you remember how nervous I was? I thought youd reject me again."

I watched him, my expression unreadable. For a moment, I saw the version of Kade I had once lovedthe wolf who had promised me forever. But the man before me was a stranger cloaked in broken vows.

As he continued reminiscing, I leaned back, my gaze steady. "Kade," I said softly, interrupting his reverie. "Do you ever think about what comes after betrayal?"

His hands froze over the trinkets, his eyes lifting to meet mine. For the first time in years, uncertainty flickered in his gaze.