From Broken Bond to Unyielding Vengeance: A Luna’s Rise

Callen looked up at me, his hand instinctively reaching out. “Luna, my head’s pounding…”

I stepped back, and he nearly stumbled, his balance faltering. Sophie, ever quick, stepped forward and caught him. She shot me a disapproving look, her tone laced with thinly veiled insolence. “Luna, you live in luxury, spending freely, and enjoy the privileges of being his mate. How can you not understand the Alpha’s burdens? Would you have this life without him? I truly feel for him.”

I stared at her, my expression cold and unreadable. She took a hesitant step back, still clutching Callen’s arm. “Sophie, isn’t it? On what authority do you feel entitled to pity my mate?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she faltered, her words catching in her throat. I turned to Otis, my trusted Delta, who had been standing at a respectful distance. “Otis, the Alpha has overindulged tonight. Fetch some cold water to sober him up.”

Without hesitation, Otis moved forward, his presence calm and commanding. He gently pried Callen away from Sophie’s grasp, his touch firm but respectful. A servant appeared with a basin of cold water, and Otis poured it over Callen’s head and face. Sophie let out a small shriek, but Callen’s composure slowly returned. He staggered, trying to steady himself, his gaze fixed on me with a mix of anxiety and desperation.

“Luna, please, let me explain,” he said, his voice shaky.

He took a step closer but stopped, mindful of the water dripping from his hair and clothes. “Emma, I didn’t do anything to betray our bond.”

I laughed, the sound sharp and cutting. “Didn’t do anything? Or simply didn’t get the chance?”

Sophie, ever the opportunist, wedged herself between us, her face flushed and tears streaming down her cheeks. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Alpha, tonight when the client pressured me to drink, you promised me a promotion tomorrow. Do you need to seek your mate’s approval first?”

Callen’s expression turned icy, his Alpha aura flaring momentarily. Sophie’s tears fell like shattered pearls, and she sank to her knees, her voice breaking. “Alpha, I’m sorry. I know I’ve overstepped. But I just want to prove myself in this pack.”

Callen hesitated, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. He was likely remembering his own struggles, his rise to power from nothing. As I expected, he reached out and patted her head gently, his tone softening. “This is a minor matter. I’ll handle it. Go home, and I’ll arrange your promotion tomorrow.”

Sophie smiled through her tears, her gaze flickering to me with a hint of defiance as she rose and headed toward the door. I called out to her, my voice calm but laced with authority. “Sophie, isn’t it? Let me offer you some advice. The Alpha’s white shirt can only be stained by my lipstick or the blood of his enemies. Choose your next steps wisely.”