My Husband Tried to Kill Me for His Chosen Luna

The coastal road stretched before us, winding through ancient pine forests that gave way to breathtaking ocean views. I kept my eyes on the road, but my attention was divided between the winding coastal highway and the trembling figure beside me.

"Are you okay, Sasha?" I asked, glancing at my sister-in-law huddled in the passenger seat. Her fingers clutched a small velvet pouch containing her scent-soothing artifacts—her lifeline in a world that often overwhelmed her senses.

"I'm fine," she whispered, though her voice betrayed her anxiety. "Just... thank you for bringing me here, Anastasia."

I reached across the console and squeezed her hand. "Of course. The Moonlight Bay Territory is the perfect place for you to heal. No one will judge you here."

Sasha's wolf had been dormant since the rogue attack three years ago—the attack she'd suffered while saving my mate, August. The pack called her weak, but I knew better. Sasha was anything but weak.

"We're almost there," I said as we rounded the final bend. "The Alpha Villa has everything you need—private beach access, healing pools, and the most talented therapists in our territory."

The Moonlight Bay Territory was the Silver Claw Pack's crown jewel—a secluded resort perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific. It was meant for healing, for retreat, for rebuilding broken wolves. And Sasha needed rebuilding more than anyone I knew.

As we pulled up to the security gate, I rolled down my window and flashed my Luna ID card.

"Luna Anastasia," the guard said with a respectful nod. "Welcome to Moonlight Bay."

I smiled politely as we were waved through. "I've reserved the Alpha Villa for the next two weeks. My sister-in-law needs specialized care."

The guard's expression flickered briefly—something I might have missed if I hadn't been watching so closely. "Of course, Luna. Drive safe."

Something in his tone made my wolf stir uneasily within me.

We parked in the private lot adjacent to the Alpha Villa—the most exclusive accommodation on the property, reserved for pack leadership. I came around to help Sasha from the car.

"These artifacts need to stay close to me," she murmured, clutching her velvet pouch as I steadied her with a gentle hand.

"I'll carry them for you," I offered, taking the pouch and tucking it into my bag. "Let's get you settled in."

The path to the villa was lined with indigenous plants that released calming scents—another reason why this place was perfect for Sasha's recovery. But as we approached the entrance, my steps faltered.

Something was wrong.

I slid my key card into the reader, but instead of the green light indicating access, it flashed red.

"Strange," I muttered, trying again. "I confirmed the reservation yesterday."

The receptionist who had been hovering nearby looked increasingly uncomfortable. Her eyes darted between us and the villa door, her hands twisting nervously.

"Is there a problem?" I asked, my Luna authority seeping into my voice.

"No, Luna, it's just—" she began, but never finished.

The door swung open from the inside.

The first thing I noticed was the smell—cheap perfume mixed with something else. Something synthetic and cloying that made my wolf recoil. Then I saw what had once been our serene sanctuary transformed into something garish and overdone.

The Alpha Villa—with its clean lines and natural materials designed to soothe troubled wolves—had been redecorated with ostentatious furniture that clashed horribly with the space. Velvet couches in magenta and gold replaced the simple leather furnishings. Crystal chandeliers hung where warm lanterns once provided gentle light.

"What happened to the villa?" I demanded, my voice sharp with disapproval.

Before anyone could answer, a figure appeared in the doorway of the master suite. She wore a silk robe I recognized immediately—it belonged to the pack's matriarch collection, reserved exclusively for the Luna.

She was tall and slim with copper hair cascading over her shoulders. But it was her eyes that caught me—cold and calculating despite the smile curving her lips.

"So you're finally here," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I was wondering when August's wife would show up."

My wolf bristled at the dismissive tone. "And you are?"

"Demi Lynch." She stepped fully into view, blocking the doorway with her body. "August's future Luna."

The words hit me like a physical blow. My mate had never mentioned anyone named Demi.

"I don't know what game you're playing," I said carefully, "but this is the Alpha Villa. Reserved for pack leadership."

Demi's smile widened, revealing perfect teeth that seemed too sharp somehow. "Oh, I know exactly what this is. And I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be." She gestured to the opulent room behind her. "August gave this villa to me—his chosen mate."

Sasha made a small sound of distress beside me, and I felt her tremble.

"You need to leave," Demi continued, her gaze shifting between us with contempt. "Both of you. The future Luna doesn't need a rejected mate and a cripple ruining her day."

The air between us crackled with tension as her words hung in the air.