After My Mate’s Lies, I Became the Alpha King’s Luna

I stepped into the pristine bathroom, the door clicking shut behind me. The boutique's restroom was as elegant as its showroom—marble countertops, fresh flowers, and soft music playing from hidden speakers. I leaned against the sink, taking a moment to breathe. The encounter with Barrett had been unexpected, but not devastating. Four years had healed what his rejection had broken.

The door swung open with a bang. Giana stood in the doorway, her pregnant belly prominent under her tight dress, her eyes gleaming with malice.

"Finally alone," she said, stepping inside and blocking the exit. "No need to keep up appearances anymore."

I straightened, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "I'm not sure we have anything to discuss, Giana."

She laughed, the sound brittle and sharp. "Oh, please. Don't pretend you're not dying to know how I've been living in the life that should have been yours."

I turned to face her directly. "I'm not interested in your life."

"Liar." She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're nothing but a pathetic rogue. Four years, and you're still alone. Still broken. Still nothing."

I studied her face—the triumph, the cruelty. She needed this moment, needed to see me crumble.

"I won," she continued, her eyes glittering. "I got Barrett, the pack, everything. And you? You're just trash."

Something shifted inside me. Not anger, not hurt—just a deep, weary impatience with her games.

"You really believe that," I said softly.

"Believe what?"

"That you won."

I allowed my eyes to change, just for a moment. Not the brown of an Omega or the amber of a regular pack member, but the glowing gold of a high-ranking Luna. I released a fraction of my aura—just enough to fill the small space between us.

Giana's face drained of color. Her eyes widened in terror as she stumbled backward, her hand instinctively covering her throat.

"What—what are you?" she gasped.

I maintained eye contact, letting her see what Barrett never had—my true strength.

"Nothing that concerns you," I replied, turning back to the mirror. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

I walked past her frozen form, opening the door with deliberate calm. As I stepped out, I heard her exhale sharply, as if she'd been holding her breath.

---

Back on the sales floor, I was examining a small display of children's toys when a familiar presence brushed against my mind.

"Mommy! Mommy! I want the blue bear!"

Myla's voice, bright and clear through our mind-link, made me smile. I reached for the toy she'd mentioned—a stuffed bear with midnight blue fur and a silver bow tie.

"Is that for your niece?" The saleswoman appeared at my side, her smile professional.

Before I could answer, Barrett materialized beside me, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Who's that?" he demanded, his voice low and tense.

I blinked, confused by his intensity. "I'm sorry?"

"That voice. The child." He stepped closer, invading my personal space. "You're not alone?"

Realization dawned. He'd intercepted the mind-link—a remnant of our once-bonded state. I kept my expression neutral, though my wolf bristled at his proximity.

"It's none of your concern," I replied evenly.

"Is it a rogue pup?" His lip curled slightly. "You're bringing mongrels into the city?"

The insult stung, not for me but for Myla. My daughter was many things—bright, beautiful, beloved—but never a mongrel.

"That's enough, Barrett." I turned away, clutching the blue bear tighter.

---

At the register, I placed the bear on the counter along with a few other items I'd selected. The cashier smiled warmly as she began scanning the barcodes.

"I've got this," Barrett announced, pulling out his wallet again. He slapped several bills on the counter. "For old times' sake."

The cashier looked between us uncomfortably. "Um, I'm not sure—"

"It's fine," I said, reaching into my purse. "I'll handle it."

I withdrew a Black American Express card embossed with the Lycan Council seal. The cashier's eyes widened slightly as she took it.

"Will this be all?" she asked, her tone more deferential.

"Yes," I replied, then paused. "Actually, add whatever Ms. Mills selected as well."

Giana, who had been hovering nearby, stiffened. "I don't need charity."

"It's not charity," I said smoothly. "Consider it a gift for the expectant mother."

I handed the card to the cashier, who processed the payment with efficient movements. Barrett stood frozen, his money still lying on the counter, his expression a mixture of confusion and growing unease.

As the receipt printed, I gathered my purchases and turned to leave. Barrett's hand shot out to stop me.

"Amelia, wait. What are you doing here? Really?"

I looked at his hand on my arm, then back at his face. "Living my life, Barrett. Something you should try."

I stepped around him and walked toward the door, feeling his eyes boring into my back. Who was Amelia Harvey now? That was a question he was only beginning to ask—and one I had no intention of answering.