After My Alpha Chose His Omega Over Me

The small glass vial felt cold against my palm as I held it up to the morning light filtering through the curtains. Five years. Five years of this poisonous ritual, of swallowing wolfsbane to mask my scent, to delay my heat, to play the perfect, docile Luna.

"Just one more day," I whispered to my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes looked back at me, dull and lifeless—a side effect of the wolfsbane that had become my constant companion. The poison suppressed not just my wolf, but my very essence. Sasha, my wolf, had been silent for so long that sometimes I wondered if she still existed within me.

"The contract expires at midnight," I reminded myself, tipping the vial and letting the bitter liquid slide down my throat. The familiar burn followed, spreading through my chest and settling in my stomach like a stone. "Just one more day of pretending."

Today marked both the Silver Moon Pack's annual Moon Festival and my fifth mating anniversary with Alpha Miles Hunter. A coincidence that felt more like a cruel joke than a celebration. The former Alpha—Miles's grandfather—had orchestrated our union as a strategic arrangement to stabilize the pack's leadership. A business transaction disguised as a mating ceremony.

I set the empty vial on my vanity beside four others—one for each year plus tonight's final dose. A small monument to my imprisonment.

"You've done well," I told my reflection, straightening my shoulders. "Just a few more hours."

I dressed carefully for the gala, choosing a modest silver dress that would neither draw attention nor provoke criticism. The Luna was expected to be present but invisible—a decorative accessory to the Alpha's power. I'd perfected the role over five years.

The Pack House buzzed with activity when I arrived, wolves from allied packs mingling in the grand hall decorated with silver and blue banners. I nodded politely to those who acknowledged me, though most eyes slid past as if I were merely part of the furniture.

"Valerie." Diana Rivers, the pack healer and one of the few who had shown me genuine kindness, approached with a sympathetic smile. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine," I replied automatically, the lie smooth on my tongue after years of practice.

She squeezed my hand briefly. "If you need anything..."

I nodded, grateful for the small gesture of support.

Across the room, Miles stood tall and proud, his Alpha aura radiating power as he welcomed visiting dignitaries. Beside him, Lila Edwards clung to his arm, her Omega status elevated by his obvious favoritism. She wore a dress that hugged every curve, her eyes bright with triumph as she surveyed the room.

I took my assigned seat at the back of the hall, watching as Miles deliberately left the Luna's traditional place beside him empty. The whispers started immediately, rippling through the crowd like wind through tall grass.

"Where's the Luna?"

"Why isn't she at the Alpha table?"

"Did you hear...?"

I kept my expression neutral, though inside, Sasha stirred restlessly. For once, I didn't silence her.

The culmination of the evening came when Miles called for attention, raising his hands for silence. The room quieted immediately.

"Tonight," he announced, his voice carrying to every corner, "we celebrate not just the Moon Festival, but new beginnings for the Silver Moon Pack."

He turned to Lila, whose smile widened with anticipation.

"For too long," Miles continued, "I've been bound by duty rather than desire. But tonight, I choose to follow my heart."

He produced a small velvet box and opened it to reveal a glowing moonstone pendant—a rare and precious stone traditionally reserved for Lunas.

"Lila Edwards," he declared, loud enough for everyone to hear, "is my true love. My chosen mate."

Gasps echoed through the hall as Miles placed the necklace around Lila's neck. Her eyes gleamed with victory as she pressed herself against his side.

The room spun slightly as I realized what was coming next.

"Valerie," Miles called, his voice hardening. "Join us."

Every eye in the room turned to me as I rose and walked to the center of the floor. Miles handed me a folded document without meeting my gaze.

"These are rejection papers," he said formally. "I, Alpha Miles Hunter of the Silver Moon Pack, reject you, Valerie Reed, as my mate and Luna."

The words hung in the air between us. I could feel the collective breath of the room, waiting for my reaction. Tears? Begging? Rage?

Instead, I took the pen he offered and signed my name with steady hands.

"I accept your rejection," I said clearly.

A sharp pain lanced through my chest as our bond snapped—a physical sensation like bones breaking and tendons tearing. I gasped but remained standing.

And then something unexpected happened. As the pain subsided, a wave of warmth flooded through me. Deep within my consciousness, I felt Sasha stirring, stretching after a long sleep.

*We're free,* she whispered, her voice strong and clear for the first time in years.

I looked up to find Miles staring at me in confusion. He'd expected tears, not the smile that was now spreading across my face.

"We're free," I repeated aloud, feeling lighter with each breath.