Claimed by the Forbidden Alpha

The following morning, I awoke at the crack of dawn, intent on making breakfast for Alpha Tobias and me with the servant's help.

Out of nowhere, Alpha Tobias strode in, declaring, "I’ll be attending a gathering at the neighboring pack tonight. Can you forgo your duties as Luna and bake me a cake?"

Right. The neighboring pack had graciously invited both Alpha Tobias and me to their gathering. Yet, only he had committed to attending, expecting me to stay behind and assist the pack members during his absence.

I was fully aware that Nathalia would serve as his escort and act as Luna, but I chose to keep my silence.

With no way out, I reluctantly nodded and inquired about the design and flavor he envisioned.

As I agreed, I couldn't help but notice the genuine smile spreading across his face while I thought to myself, “Once I finish this, I am done with you, Alpha Tobias.”

Undeterred, I canceled all my appointments and duties as Luna.

This cake would be my final act within the pack, after which I would sever my ties with Wraithmoon and relinquish my title as Luna, a decision I had firmly made.

The day passed as I devoted myself to baking. Once the cake was ready, I presented it to Alpha Tobias as he headed to the gathering, not even expecting a word of thanks for my efforts.

As the clock struck ten that evening, with Alpha Tobias still absent, I called upon the elders. I declared, “I, Cassiopeia, wish to step down as Luna of Wraithmoon.”

The elders were stunned, their whispers buzzing with curiosity about my motives, but they ultimately reached a decision.

The head elder rose, exclaiming, “Luna Cassiopeia, are you out of your mind? You are Alpha Tobias’ mate, and the title of Luna is yours for life, even beyond his death.”

As I pressed on, sharing my intention to reject Alpha Tobias in the future, the elders warned me to inform him of my decision. They cautioned that I would face his wrath.

While I wasn’t intimidated by their threats, the potential burden of my return to Lunarveil loomed over me.

In a moment of resignation, I complied, letting the elders seal their lips in exchange for my continued status as Luna, striving to calm their fears and restore order.

Not long after, Alpha Tobias sent me a mind link that sent a chill down my spine.

To my surprise, he exclaimed, “Hey, the cake you made is outstanding! Nathalia absolutely loves it, and so does everyone at the gathering, even me! Thank you for all your hard work!”

His unexpected admiration caught me off guard.

More deceit. Before I could utter a word, Nathalia's voice flooded my mind. “Oh, Luna Cassiopeia! I heard you were the one who made the cake! You have such a gift! I wish I had your skills, but I’ll always be the Alpha’s clumsy assistant.”

Her praise felt like a thin veil over her true intentions.

In the end, I opted for silence, choosing not to engage with their insincerity. As I prepared to slip into bed, Alpha Tobias reached out through the mind link.

He revealed he was aware of Nathalia’s message and added, “If she invites you to the gathering, please don’t attend. I’d rather the other Alphas didn’t see you.”

Despite the situation, Nathalia, slightly tipsy, kept sending me mind-links, gushing about how much she relished her time as Alpha Tobias's acting Luna.

Just when I thought Alpha Tobias was finished for the night, a text buzzed in, requesting that I bring some chips for his so-called acting Luna.

With a heavy sigh, I longed to decline, but knowing the elders would never allow me to relinquish my title as Luna, I found myself with no choice.

I prepared to attend, clutching the letter of rejection meant for Alpha Tobias, alongside my explanation for stepping down from my role and returning to my original pack.

Without hesitation, I made my way into the neighboring pack. The warriors, well aware of my status as Alpha Tobias' true Luna, allowed me access to the Pack Hall.

However, the moment Alpha Tobias locked eyes with me, his gaze darkened, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

With all eyes on us, whispers of betrayal rippling through the crowd, Nathalia immediately broke the silence, exclaiming, “Luna Cassiopeia, it’s a pleasure to have you here!"

As expected, Alpha Tobias discreetly probed into why I was there.

Yet, before I could articulate my thoughts, Nathalia, his beloved assistant, chimed in with a flourish. “I was the one who encouraged Luna Cassiopeia to come! It’s simply tragic for her to be sidelined while we revel in the gathering. As Luna, she should be part of it too!”

Her persuasive tone gradually calmed Alpha Tobias’s wrath. Unbeknownst to him, I had no intention of enjoying the night.

“It’s true, but I’m here for this,” I replied, extending the letter toward him. “One of our warriors lost his mother and needs to take a month off. I just need your signature.”

As the words left my lips, I noticed Alpha Tobias’s expression darken.

“You came all this way just for that?!” he exclaimed, disbelief etched across his face.

I placed the pen in Alpha Tobias’s hand. He signed without reading, his expression cold, then motioned for me to go, clearly indicating that I should never return.

“Sure thing, Alpha,” I mumbled, a knowing smirk spreading across my face as I turned. “Once you put your signature on that letter, I’ll be free, and you’ll never see me again.”