Rejected Luna's Last Run

Connor didn’t come home last night, and as I turned off my screen, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for still clinging to hope.

Before we completed the mate bond, he once called out Vanessa’s name in his sleep.

Back then, I thought about leaving, but the usually stoic Alpha broke down when he heard I was considering it.

He admitted Vanessa had a place in his heart, but claimed it was just a small infatuation.

Then he marked me, promising that from then on, his heart would be completely mine.

And I believed him.

The Luna’s ceremonial dress hanging in the closet felt like the cruelest joke.

I started packing my bags.

One week. I planned to use this time to finish up my work, say proper goodby to Connor’s family, and leave with dignity.

At seven in the morning, Connor returned.

He looked exhausted, and when he saw me packing, he barely reacted.

“Luna,” he said, his voice low but commanding, the alpha tone barely hidden beneath his words.

“Where are you going?”

I didn’t reply, just zipped up the last suitcase.

He suddenly grabbed my wrist, his grip firm but not painful.

“Are you still upset? Last night I...”

“No. I just need to get away for a few days,” I interrupted, heading for the door.

He stepped in front of me, his broad frame blocking the exit with ease.

“You're not the kind of wolf who holds grudges.”

I met his gaze, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

“True, I'm not. I'm just tired.”

He studied me, frustration etching his brow, and finally sighed, the alpha aura around him softening slightly.

“Maybe it’s good for you to get some fresh air. I'll take care of things here and at the pack’s healing center.”

I said nothing, slipped past him, and left.

By ten, I was standing at his family’s doorstep, feeling uneasy.

I remembered when I was in the healing center after the accident, and Melany, my mother-in-law, worried about me, knowing my parents were far away. She stayed by my side every night, making various nourishing stews.

She cried, “It’s the Alpha’s fault, but from now on, you are my daughter.”

Because of that, I already saw her as family.

Leaving her was the hardest part.

But just as I was about to knock, I heard familiar laughter coming from the slightly open door.

It was Melany.

...And Vanessa.

“Auntie, I never thought this pup would become part of the pack,” Vanessa said, her voice soft but carrying a hint of triumph.

Melany’s voice was kind, though I could hear the undercurrent of pack hierarchy in her tone: “You've done well raising your little one alone. This pup looks just like the Alpha when he was young.”

“Don’t worry, this pup will be the center of our pack’s attention. I plan to transfer this house to you and your daughter,” Melany said.

I froze in place, the gift box I had brought for Melany making a noise as it hit the door.

Melany opened the door, her expression changing instantly, but she quickly forced a smile, her eyes flickering with unease.

“Luna’s here…”

Vanessa stood, holding her pup, who was soft and pale, with clear, innocent eyes.

I wanted to look away, but I couldn't help but take a few more glances.

I really... love pups.

I always felt a surge of warmth when wrapping newborns in the healing center, feeling unlike myself.

Later, I even looked into the adoption process within the pack...

I steadied my voice and spoke slowly, careful to keep my tone respectful despite the turmoil inside me.

“Yes, I came to see you. I’m going on a trip soon, so I’ll have less time to visit you after that.”

She hesitated, then nodded quickly, her gaze flickering to Vanessa and the pup.

“That’s good. At your age, it’s the perfect time to focus on your duties to the pack.”

Her words “that’s good” pushed me further away.

She used to always insist that the Alpha and I stay together, unwilling to let me leave him.

She said that without me, her pack wouldn't be complete.

Now, my leaving was “that’s good.”

Vanessa kissed her pup’s forehead, her eyes full of warmth.

And I stood there, suddenly unable to say any of the farewells I had prepared.