After My Husband Lied, My Luna Awakened

I clutched the small gift in my trembling hands as the shuttle made its way toward Denver. The handkerchief I'd spent nights stitching—a simple wolf print design on white cotton—now seemed pathetic compared to Noah's grand gesture with the moon flowers. But it was all I could afford after years of emptying my savings for Lily's treatments.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the highway, much like the doubts stretching across my mind. What was I doing? After what I'd overheard, why was I going to this dinner at all?

*Because you need answers*, my wolf whispered, stirring from her long dormancy. *Because you need to look him in the eyes when he tells you the truth.*

My wolf had been quiet for so long—ever since Ethan's rejection three years ago. Her sudden voice startled me, but I welcomed her presence. I'd need her strength tonight.

The shuttle pulled up to the curb outside Silvermoon, one of Denver's most exclusive restaurants. My heart sank as I took in the elegant entrance, flanked by arrangements of pristine white roses and silver moon symbols—traditional decorations for pack ceremonies, not simple reconciliation dinners.

I glanced down at my simple blue dress and worn cardigan. I'd chosen my best outfit, but standing before the restaurant's gleaming facade, I felt woefully underdressed. Pack members in formal attire streamed through the entrance, the women in flowing gowns, the men in tailored suits. They cast curious glances my way, some whispering behind manicured hands.

"Is that her?"

"The teacher he's been stringing along?"

"Poor thing has no idea..."

Their whispers reached my ears despite their attempts at discretion. My cheeks burned with humiliation, but I squared my shoulders and approached the entrance. Whatever game Noah was playing, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me run away.

As I reached the door, Noah appeared, looking devastatingly handsome in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than three months of my salary. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his smile dazzling—but it didn't reach his eyes. Those remained cold, calculating, with a glint of something I'd never noticed before.

"Olivia!" He greeted me loudly, ensuring everyone nearby could hear. "Our honored guest has arrived!"

His words carried a mocking undertone that made my stomach clench. This wasn't the Noah who had knelt before me in the town square. This was someone else entirely—or perhaps the real Noah, finally dropping his mask.

"What is this?" I whispered, clutching my small package tighter. "You said a reconciliation dinner—"

"And so it is," he replied smoothly, taking my elbow in a grip that appeared gentle to onlookers but felt like iron against my skin. "Among other things."

He steered me through the entrance, past more elegantly dressed pack members who parted to let us through. Betas and Deltas, I realized, noting their strong auras. They watched me with a mixture of curiosity and thinly veiled amusement, like I was the entertainment for the evening.

"Noah," I tried again, my voice barely audible over the soft music playing in the background. "Please tell me what's happening."

"Patience, little sparrow," he murmured, using the pet name that once made my heart flutter but now turned my blood cold. "The night is young, and we have quite the show planned."

As we moved deeper into the restaurant, I caught sight of a large screen being set up at the far end of the main dining room. Tables had been arranged in a semicircle facing it, with one table on a slightly raised platform at the center. Seated there, resplendent in a crimson gown that highlighted her perfect figure, was Victoria.

She raised her champagne glass in my direction, her smile predatory.

My wolf growled deep within me, a warning too late in coming. *Danger. Trap. Run.*

But Noah's grip tightened as if he sensed my impulse to flee. "Come now, Olivia. Everyone's waiting to see what the naive country teacher brought to her boyfriend's mate ceremony."