After He Stripped Me of Luna Duties, I Took His Power

The pack gathering hall buzzed with activity as I slipped through the side entrance, hoping to avoid the main crowd. My fingers traced the simple silver pendant at my neck—my father's gift before he fell into coma—as I took my usual seat among the elders. Not the Luna's place beside the Alpha. Never that.

"Valentina." Elder Marissa nodded respectfully, the only one who still acknowledged me as Luna despite Lorenzo's blatant rejection.

"The Moon Goddess blesses you," I murmured, taking my seat on the hard wooden bench. The elders' section was deliberately placed in the shadows of the grand hall, away from the ornate Alpha platform where Lorenzo would soon appear.

The double doors swung open, and the pack members filed in, their excited chatter filling the space. I kept my eyes downcast, focusing on the polished stone floor rather than the pitying glances thrown my way. Three years of rejection had taught me to make myself invisible when possible.

"Luna Valentina," a young Delta whispered as she passed, her eyes wide with something between fear and admiration. I offered her a small smile that didn't reach my eyes. The title felt like a cruel joke now.

The lights dimmed, and Lorenzo strode onto the platform, his powerful frame commanding attention. Even after three years of his coldness, my traitorous heart still skipped a beat at the sight of him. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his tailored suit accentuating broad shoulders that had never offered me comfort.

"Shadow Moon Pack," his voice boomed across the hall, "today marks a significant moment for our future."

I straightened involuntarily, wondering if he would finally acknowledge our mate bond publicly. Hope—that dangerous emotion—flickered briefly in my chest.

The massive screen behind him illuminated, and my hope died a swift death.

Lexi's face filled the display, her perfect features framed by golden hair that cascaded over bare shoulders. She wore a silk robe that left little to imagination, her red-painted lips curved in a predatory smile.

"Hello, my loves," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I miss you all terribly."

Lorenzo's expression softened in a way it never did for me. "As you can see, our Lexi will be returning to us next week. She's been away too long."

The pack shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting between the screen and me. I sat frozen, my nails digging into my palms.

"Lexi has always been the future of Shadow Moon," Lorenzo continued, oblivious to the shock rippling through the assembly. "Her return marks a new era for us all."

Whispers erupted around me. "But what about Luna Valentina?" someone dared to ask.

Lorenzo's cold gaze swept the hall until it found me. For a heartbeat, our eyes locked—his challenging, mine defiant despite the pain tearing through me.

"Luna duties will be... adjusted," he said dismissively. "Valentina has other responsibilities."

I felt dozens of eyes on me, some pitying, others curious to see how I would react to this public humiliation. I lifted my chin slightly, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

---

Three days later, Lexi swept into the pack territory like a hurricane in designer clothes. I watched from the window of my small office as pack members scrambled to welcome her. Lorenzo greeted her with an embrace that lasted far too long, his hands lingering at her waist.

"She's back," Elena, our head healer, muttered as she entered with medical reports. "And she's headed this way."

I straightened the papers on my desk. "To the hospital?"

"Apparently." Elena's expression darkened. "She's demanding to see 'the weak links' in the pack."

My blood ran cold. My father lay in the hospital's intensive care unit, his breathing sustained by machines. Three years in a coma, and Lorenzo had used his condition to keep me compliant more times than I could count.

I rushed toward the hospital wing, praying I wouldn't be too late.

Outside the hospital entrance, I spotted Diana Ford—Lorenzo's mother and former Luna—standing like a sentinel at the doors. Her silver-streaked hair was pulled back in a severe bun, her posture regal despite her advancing years.

"You are not welcome here," Diana's voice carried across the courtyard as Lexi approached, flanked by two of Lorenzo's most loyal Deltas.

Lexi's laugh tinkled like breaking glass. "Oh, Diana. Still playing the protective mother? Or is it the jealous ex-Luna now?"

"Both," Diana replied coldly. "Whatever you're planning, Lexi Marshall, you will not disturb my son's mate's father."

I froze at the mention of me. Diana had always treated me with kindness, even when her son treated me like a stranger.

"Your son's mate?" Lexi's voice turned venomous. "That pathetic little wolf who can't even keep Lorenzo's attention? Please."

Diana stood firm as Lexi took another step forward. "You will not enter this hospital. Not today. Not ever."

Lexi's eyes narrowed, and something dangerous flashed in their depths. "We'll see about that."