Luna Rejects Alpha Mate

The annual pack alliance ceremony was always a grand affair, with delegates from neighboring packs gathering to renew their vows of peace and cooperation. I stood beside Wilson, my fingers lightly brushing against his as was expected of a Luna, though he had made it clear through his stiff posture that he'd rather I kept my distance. Three years of this treatment had taught me to hide my hurt well.

The Great Hall of the Moonstone Pack house glowed with amber light from hundreds of candles, their flames reflecting off the polished wooden tables where Alpha Elena Blackwood and other visiting dignitaries sat. I kept my face composed in a serene smile that grandmother Luna had taught me was befitting of a Luna, even as my wolf, Aria, whimpered inside me.

*Stay strong,* I silently assured her. *Just a few more hours and this will be over.*

I watched as Rosa glided across the hall in her ceremonial dress—a stunning creation of silver silk that complemented her delicate frame. She had positioned herself strategically near the altar where the alliance documents would be signed, ensuring all eyes would be on her during the most important moment of the ceremony.

That's when I noticed it—a small tear forming along the seam of her dress, just below her shoulder blade. The fabric was stretching dangerously, threatening to reveal more than just a glimpse of skin.

"Wilson," I whispered, gently touching his arm. "Rosa's dress—"

He shot me a warning glance. "Don't."

But I couldn't ignore it. Despite everything Rosa had put me through, I couldn't let her be humiliated in front of the entire werewolf community. I slipped away from Wilson's side and moved swiftly toward her, taking my silk shawl from around my shoulders as I went.

"Rosa," I murmured, reaching her side and discreetly holding out the shawl. "Your dress is tearing. Let me help you cover it before anyone notices."

Her eyes widened, but not with gratitude. Something calculating flashed across her face before she turned to me with a look of horror that seemed to freeze her features.

"You did this!" she shrieked, her voice rising above the ceremonial drums. "You tore my dress to embarrass me!"

The hall fell silent. Every eye turned toward us.

"No, I—" I began, but Rosa was already backing away from me, clutching the torn fabric to her chest.

"She's always hated me," Rosa sobbed, her voice breaking perfectly. "Always been jealous that Wilson cares for me more than her."

I stood frozen, the shawl still extended in my hand. "Rosa, please. I was trying to help."

Alpha Elena's brow furrowed as she watched the scene unfold. The visiting Betas and Gammas exchanged uncomfortable glances.

"Wilson," I turned to my mate, my voice steady despite the humiliation burning through me. "I only noticed her dress was tearing and wanted to—"

"Enough!" Wilson's voice cracked like thunder across the hall. His eyes had darkened to a dangerous amber, his Alpha aura pulsing with barely contained rage.

The silence that followed was deafening. I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs as Wilson stalked toward me, each step deliberate and threatening.

"You dare," he growled, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave. "You dare humiliate my sister during our most sacred ceremony?"

"Wilson, please," I whispered, fighting to keep my voice steady. "You know I would never—"

"I said ENOUGH!" His Alpha command slammed into me like a physical blow, forcing me to my knees.

Aria howled in pain inside me, the command hurting her more than it hurt me. Around us, the visiting pack members shifted uncomfortably, but none dared intervene in another Alpha's discipline of his Luna.

Wilson towered over me, his face contorted with disgust. "You will be punished for this disgrace."

I looked up at him, searching for any sign of the mate who was supposed to cherish me above all others. There was nothing there but cold fury.

"Alpha," Samuel, Wilson's Beta, stepped forward hesitantly. "Perhaps we should discuss this privately—"

"This is pack business," Wilson cut him off. "And will be handled publicly."

He turned to address the gathered crowd, his voice carrying to every corner of the hall. "My Luna has committed an act of malice against my sister and brought shame to our pack before our allies."

My cheeks burned with humiliation as every eye in the room remained fixed on us.

"As punishment," Wilson continued, his voice hardening into something that made my blood run cold, "you will strip naked and stand outside our pack house for twenty-four hours."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even Rosa's theatrical sobs faltered for a moment.

"Or," Wilson added, his eyes never leaving mine, "you can choose exile from the Moonstone Pack permanently."

The choice hung in the air between us like a blade.