My Alpha Marked a Rogue in Our Mating Den

I refused to be humiliated by Colton's blatant disregard for our sacred traditions. With Selene's rage burning through my veins, I marched to the ceremonial keeper's chambers, my Luna authority radiating with each determined step.

"Every sacred artifact Alpha Colton has access to," I commanded, my voice leaving no room for argument. "Bring them to me immediately."

The elderly keeper's hands trembled as she bowed her head. "Luna Rosalie, those artifacts are meant for—"

"I don't care what they're meant for," I cut her off, my tone sharp enough to slice through pack law itself. "If my mate wishes to distribute our sacred treasures to rogues out of 'compassion,' then let him do so openly."

Selene growled her approval within me. *Let him explain this to the entire pack.*

Minutes later, I stood outside Colton's Alpha office, a dozen priceless artifacts clutched in my hands. I could hear his deep voice through the door, speaking with Beta James about border patrols.

Without knocking, I pushed the door open.

Both men turned toward me, startled. Colton's eyes widened at the sight of the sacred items in my hands.

"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, rising from his chair.

I walked directly to his desk and dumped the artifacts onto the polished surface. Moonstone amulets, silver ceremonial bowls, and ancient wolf carvings clattered against each other, their sacred energy pulsing with offense at such treatment.

"If you're going to give away Luna artifacts," I said, my voice pure ice, "then perhaps you should do so more publicly."

Beta James shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between us. The tension in the room thickened as Colton's Alpha aura flared in response to my challenge.

"Rosalie," he warned, using that Alpha tone again.

I leaned forward, placing my palms flat on his desk. "These belong to the Luna position, not to you. If you're feeling so generous with our sacred traditions, perhaps you should invite all the rogues at our borders for a proper distribution ceremony."

The words hit their mark. I saw the flicker of shame in his eyes before he masked it with anger.

"You're embarrassing yourself," he said quietly.

"No," I replied, straightening my spine. "You're embarrassing our pack."

---

Days later, the pack gathered for training at the border grounds. I stood tall, performing my Luna duties despite the whispers that followed me like shadows. Selene remained alert within me, sensing every shift in the crowd's attention.

*She's here,* Selene growled suddenly.

I didn't need to turn to know who she meant. Chloe's scent—that twisted version of my own family's markers—drifted across the field.

I watched from the corner of my eye as she approached the training area, her steps deliberately hesitant. She wore simple clothes that hung loosely on her frame, emphasizing her supposed vulnerability.

"Alpha," she whispered to Colton, who stood nearby observing the warriors. Her voice carried just enough for me to hear. "I didn't mean to intrude. I just thought... maybe I could learn to defend myself better."

The pack warriors paused their exercises, drawn to the spectacle of a rogue wolf seeking their Alpha's protection.

Colton's expression softened instantly. "Of course you can stay, Chloe. Everyone deserves to feel safe."

Selene snarled within me. *She's playing him like a puppet.*

I turned away, focusing on the training session instead. "Delta Marcus," I called, my Luna voice carrying authority across the field. "Please demonstrate the proper defensive stance for the newer pack members."

As I moved among the warriors, checking their forms and offering corrections, I felt Chloe's eyes following me. When I reached the refreshment tables, she was there, hovering near the drinks station.

"Can I help you?" she asked sweetly, holding out a cup of water.

Before I could respond, she stumbled forward—a perfectly calculated move. The container of liquid in her hands tipped, spilling directly onto my arm.

Pain seared through my skin immediately. The acrid smell of wolfsbane filled my nostrils as the liquid began to burn.

"Oops!" Chloe gasped, her eyes wide with false concern.

I bit back a cry of pain, refusing to give her the satisfaction. But before I could respond, she dropped to the ground, clutching her chest.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered, curling into herself. "I'm so sorry. Please don't hurt me."

The pack warriors turned toward us, confusion evident on their faces.

"Chloe?" Colton appeared instantly at her side, kneeling to support her trembling form. "What's wrong?"

"I just... I got so nervous," she sobbed into his shoulder. "The crowd, and everyone staring..."

Colton's arms encircled her protectively as he glared up at me. "Rosalie, what did you do?"

The accusation in his voice cut deeper than any wolfsbane burn ever could.