Betrayed By The Mate The Moon Goddess Chose

Main Street was the largest and busiest avenue in the city, bustling with life. Cars and pedestrians filled the roads, the air thick with the calls of vendors and the hum of activity, a vibrant display of everyday life.

"Michael, the car feels stifling. Let’s take a walk and enjoy the fresh air," Alina suggested, then turned to me with a smile. "Holly, as the future Luna, you’re used to staying indoors, aren’t you? With so many people around, are you sure you’re comfortable being out in the open?"

I smiled, mimicking the Luna’s manner as I playfully tapped Alina’s forehead, a gesture of familiarity. "Unmated she-wolves are the ones who need to guard their reputations, Alina. If you’re not worried, why should I be?" I paused, my gaze shifting to Michael with a soft, knowing smile. "Besides, I have my mate with me."

It was the first time I’d called Michael my mate. The term seemed to please him. Males, after all, enjoy seeing females vie for their attention. No matter how close Alina was to him, could she ever compare to his destined mate?

Michael nodded in agreement. "Holly is right, Alina. If you want to walk, it’s best to wear a mask."

As we strolled, I began to understand Alina’s true nature. She pretended to be down-to-earth, ordering street food like hot dogs but only taking a single bite. She bought a stick of cotton candy, yet the sugar coating melted away untouched. Instead, she clung to a child’s toy, bouncing around with exaggerated enthusiasm, desperately acting out her version of youthful innocence.

Every time she tried to pull Michael along with her, I would subtly intervene, engaging her in conversation to disrupt her attempts to cling to him. Frustrated but unable to show it, she continued her act, which only made her seem more ridiculous in my eyes.

When it was time to return, Michael had urgent pack matters to attend to and left me to accompany Alina back. The moment he was gone, her demeanor shifted. She tossed the cotton candy and toy out of the car window, her expression filled with disdain, not bothering to hide her contempt in my presence.

The ride back was silent. Once we arrived, I made sure she was settled before excusing myself, citing fatigue. Alina rose slowly, stretching lazily. "Rest well, Holly. There’s plenty of time ahead. The game isn’t over yet."

Her words were laced with challenge. I didn’t respond, simply smiling as Zayla saw her out.

The Luna came from a modest background, and it showed in the way she raised her niece. Compared to the refined tactics of high-ranking she-wolves in the city, Alina’s direct approach almost amused me.

I turned to Bethany. "Send a message to my father. Have him investigate the Stone family thoroughly."

The information I had about the Stones came from my own connections, but after today’s events, it was clear the Luna and Alina no longer saw me as a threat. I couldn’t afford to wait idly. Knowledge was power, and the more I knew, the better prepared I’d be.

---

Alina’s presence in the Garcia Pack didn’t escape Kairi’s notice for long. Alina seized every opportunity to get closer to Michael.

When Kairi found Alina in Michael’s private study, Alina lashed out. "What’s a lowly Omega doing here? Don’t you know this is a restricted area? Get out!"

Kairi, who had been dusting the desk, flinched at the sharp tone. "I’m Kairi, the Delta assigned to maintain the study," she explained hurriedly.

Alina cut her off. "I don’t care who you are. Michael’s study is off-limits to she-wolves like you. The females in this pack have no shame, always trying to steal what’s mine."

Not satisfied, Alina slapped Kairi across the face. "You worthless mutt, why are you still here? Get out!"

Kairi, clutching her cheek, ran to me in tears, recounting Alina’s actions.

"Holly, Alina is trouble. You need to be careful," Kairi warned.

I had Zayla prepare a warm compress for Kairi’s face, my heart aching for her. "Alina is young and hasn’t learned proper manners. She even mocked me in front of the Luna not long ago."

"The Luna didn’t defend you?" Kairi asked.

I sighed. "Between her beloved niece and the future Luna she doesn’t care for, why would she take my side?"

"If someone like you, from such a prestigious family, is treated this way, I can’t imagine how I’d fare," Kairi said, her voice tinged with bitterness.

Though Kairi had once resorted to underhanded tactics to win Michael’s favor, it had been out of desperation. But Alina, a high-ranking she-wolf, how could she be so spiteful?

"I know," I said with a sigh. "The Luna dotes on her, and Michael is kind to her. I have no choice but to endure it for now."

Kairi’s expression darkened at the mention of Michael’s attitude toward Alina. She refused further treatment from Zayla and left, her steps heavy with unease.