I Refused to Be the Alpha’s Substitute Luna

"Azaria, are you sure you want to give up the chance to study in Paris for three months?"

My friend's question snapped me back to reality. In my previous life, I had let Alpha Johan sway my decision, resulting in missed opportunities and stalling my career advancement. Meanwhile, those who took the chance returned with newfound success, while I was among the first to face layoffs eight or nine years down the line.

"Absolutely! I'm heading over to discuss it with Gamma Perkins right now!"

I quickened my pace, leaving my lunch partly uneaten.

"That's a relief! You've always been the standout here, and if anyone should go, it's definitely you."

I hastily finished my lunch and went to see Gamma Perkins, expressing my eagerness to go to Paris. He had originally suggested I go and wasn't thrilled when I initially declined. Seeing my change of mind, he was visibly pleased.

"Wonderful, wonderful! I've already arranged the plane tickets. You’ll be leaving in three days!"

I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

After work, Alpha Johan was waiting.

"Azaria, my mom made pot roast for dinner. She asked me to invite you over."

I intended to discuss our broken mate bond with Alpha Johan, so I nodded and went along.

But upon arriving at Alpha Johan's house, the kitchen was bare, not a pot roast in sight.

"Azaria, you know better than anyone that expectation's a tricky thing. Why don't you peel some potatoes? That's the menu for tonight," his mother, an Omega, suggested.

I remained seated without moving.

"Azaria? My mom's calling you."

Confused, I looked up. "Weren't we having pot roast? Where's the dinner?"

Alpha Johan's expression changed. In my previous life, I never stood up to him like this.

"Azaria, my mom mentioned beef's pricey. Just boil some potatoes; it's what we're eating tonight."

I chuckled and stood.

"Ah, so you brought me here to cook for you? Apologies, but I've got things to do at home. I'm leaving."

"Wait, wait, Azaria! What are you up to?" Alpha Johan began following me.

"Let her leave! Does she think she can just join our family without any effort? Who would mate with her if you didn’t?"

I paused at the door.

"Alright, you made it clear. Starting today, I have nothing to do with Alpha Johan."

Alpha Johan looked stunned by my determination.

"Azaria, what are you doing? You should apologize to my mom!"

His eyes reflected disapproval, and a hint of... fear.

Alpha Johan's mom sneered. "Just let her go! An unmated woman nearing thirty, she’s truly deluded, isn't she?"

I cast one last glacial look at Alpha Johan and his mom, slammed the door, and walked out.