Luna's Redemption: Break Free From Alpha's Betrayal

When rogues attacked Silver Moonlight Pack out of nowhere, burning everything in sight, we were terrified, oblivious to our survival tonight.

Wildfire hemmed us in, and my mate and the current Alpha of Silver Moonlight Pack, Austin Chase, moved out at lightning speed, leaving me behind to oust rogues with his warriors and ensure his childhood sweetheart's safety, not me, his Luna.

Not even scared stiff that I, his mate, would be caught up by the fire, trapped inside, and met my end.

Lightening my mood, Beta Colter, the one who looked out for me and ensured I was fine, explained, "Alpha saves Zora, not you, as he is responsible for her. He has known her for a decade now, treating her as a sister. Don't think that he is treating her more than a mate."

Despite that, I remained calm. "It's odd. I am his mate; isn't he terrified I will die? Anyway, I hope they will be over the moon. Keep your justifications to yourself."

...

Three days passed after the rogues laid siege, leaving the pack house partially burned and damaged; I chose to settle in a new secluded flat.

Opening the door, a flower bouquet of green and white lisianthus lay on my doorstep.

After years of being his Luna, I received a lisianthus from the Alpha for the first time. Curious, I grabbed the card attached to the sweet-smelling flowers, glimpsing a note written a bit messy: [Sorry.]

Alpha Austin's usual apology was to shower me with flowers. Every time we argued, Alpha would send me gifts for reconciliation. As naive as I was, I would accept them wholeheartedly and act as if nothing had transpired.

However, I was no longer taken in by this old trick. Well, not anymore.

A sudden mind link from Alpha Austin snapped me back from reality and made me push the flowers aside.

"Calista, Zora invites us for dinner as a way of thanking me for saving her the night of the attack. I'm waiting for you here outside," he said, calm and composed.

Right. He reminded me again how he focused on Zora, saving her when the whole pack was devastated by flames. At the same time, he entrusted me with Beta Colter.

That slowly left me heartbroken, feeling like my heart was crumbling into tiny pieces, and it led us to have silent treatment for three days now.

But the way Austin mind linked me seemed like nothing happened between us.

I mind linked him back in an emotionless, flat tone, "Sure."

Outside the flat, his car parked in front, and I hopped inside, seated in the front seat, meeting his cold stare darted on me.

With his brows knitted, he said, "You're wearing that? There's a jacket in the back seat; put it on."

I looked at my simple dress and shook my head as I returned my gaze to him. "Thanks, but I'm not cold."

He started the car engine, driving past rows of old, quaint townhouses lined the street, reawakening me of the pack I once belonged to, now long forgotten.

Out of curiosity, I broke the dead silence in between by asking, "Who told you I moved here now that the pack house is in disarray?"

Alpha drove with one hand. "Of course, you are my Luna. How would I not know? Besides, I have tasked Beta Colter to look for you while busy with my duties."

As expected, Beta Colter seemed more aware of my whereabouts than he, my mate.

Not long after, we arrived at the Wolf's Den, and Zora was already waiting for us inside.

Upon seeing us walking side by side, Zora was astonished. "Oh, hi, Alpha Austin, Luna Calista. Thanks for coming."

I faked a smile in response but soon realized the table was set for two. Alpha had motioned the waiters to bring an extra set of utensils to cater to us three.

Alpha pulled the chair for me to sit in, a simple gesture he often made when we dined. Once seated, waiters served the dishes, the savory aroma lingering in the air.

Zora, observing the courtesy, faked a smile. "Alpha, can you please hand me the salt, too?" she asked, to which Alpha obliged without hesitation.

Zora's smile widened as she started discussing, "At this moment, I especially want to thank Alpha Austin for saving me when the fire started." She then turned to me. "And, of course, to you, Luna Calista."

"Please don't misunderstand us, Luna. Alpha came to save me when I mind-linked him as I sprained my ankle a few days even before the rogues attacked the pack," she added, eyes slightly widened, peering at me.

"I see." I focused back on eating, not amused anymore.

"When rogues attack and try to burn the pack house, you must be scared to death, Luna," she said.

When she brought it up again, I paused. Although some part of the pack house had been eaten by the fire, pack warriors were alerted and controlled the fire. It didn't scatter the entire house, but the smoke that filled inside made everyone freak out.

As petrified as I was, I gasped at Alpha's hand. It was too late when I realized he stormed out, all by himself, leaving me behind and struggling to breathe.

At first, I understood that Alpha's presence, together with the pack warriors, was needed to oust rogues, and he managed to kill all rogues along the way.

But as I left the room, I caught a glimpse of the Alpha saving Zora, carrying her like a bride as they disappeared out of the smoke.

I was astonished, and my whole system shook in rage; my wolf let out a dominant growl.

It should have been me, but he neglected me, choosing his childhood sweetheart.

With the suffocating smoke, I had no other choice but to move downstairs, roaring in rage that I wanted our bond to be broken that night.

I returned to my senses but was at a loss for words.

In a blink, I saw Zora staring straight into Alpha's eyes. "Alpha, you better apologize to Luna Calista. You're supposed not to neglect her that night just because you're rushing."

Right there and then, Alpha placed down his fork, his eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry."

It had been three years since we claimed and vowed to each other as mates. We argued countless times, but it was the time the Alpha lowered his ego and apologized first.

In the past, I would feel on top of the world and prolong the argument. But now, I only feel ashamed.

Did my mate need his childhood sweetheart to urge him to apologize? Could my mate not have enough courage to speak to me?