The Alpha’s Rejected Luna

I didn’t feel sad at all.

Growing up, I’ve heard far worse things than this. I’m practically immune now. But Quinn’s eyes have a way of haunting me. Whether I’m in the shower, sipping coffee, or trying to sleep, they just pop into my mind out of nowhere.

“Why does he have to look at me like that? It’s irritating. He’s the one who insisted on getting close to me. Clearly, we could both live our separate lives without interfering with each other. Wouldn’t that be better?”

I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. I opened the drawer and realized I was out of sleeping pills. Frustrated, I flopped back onto the bed.

I hate insomnia—that foggy brain feeling, wanting to sleep but can’t, yet struggling to stay awake. It leads to a jumble of chaotic thoughts.

That’s why I drink. When I’m drunk, I forget what I’ve done.

But alcohol eats away at the brain. Drink too much, and it turns you into a fool.

I can’t become a fool. I still want to live a dazzling life.

With a heavy sigh, I picked up my phone and opened WhatsApp.

Then I noticed Rayden had posted an update three hours ago, announcing his engagement.

I mindlessly clicked ‘like,’ but before I could exit, my phone rang.

Rayden Baker calling.

I stared at the screen for a few seconds and answered.

“Still up at this hour?” Rayden’s voice was as soothing as ever.

“Looks like you’re up too,” I replied casually. “Congrats on finally getting engaged.”

He ignored my comment. “We haven’t talked in ages. When are you free? I’d love to catch up over dinner.”

I instinctively wanted to decline, but instead, I said, “I’m a free spirit, so I’m always available.”

“Then let’s do tomorrow. I’ll come pick you up.”

“Alright.”

I hung up and stared blankly for a few seconds.

Checked the time—3 AM.

Seems like everyone has changed over the years. Rayden, who used to never stay up late, is now awake until 3 AM.

My phone was still open on the screen where I had liked Rayden’s post. I looked at his profile picture and exhaled deeply.

I once had feelings for Rayden.

To be precise, in this life filled with desire, hypocrisy, and greed, the little bit of genuine affection I had was all for Rayden.

But that was before I became the Luna of the Silverfang Pack, before I was mated to Marcus Kelly, the Alpha. Before I learned that even the Moon Goddess’s bond could be broken with enough bitterness and regret.

I remembered the day Marcus rejected me, his voice cold and final, the mate bond snapping like a thread pulled too tight. “I, Marcus Kelly, Alpha of the Silverfang Pack, reject you, Alani Spencer, as my mate.”

The words still echoed in my mind, even years later.

Rayden had been there then, too. He’d always been there, steady and kind, a Gamma warrior who outshone Marcus in every way that mattered. But I’d chosen Marcus for his status, for the power and security it promised.

And look where that got me.

My wolf stirred in the back of my mind, a quiet presence that only surfaced when I was at my lowest. *You made your choices,* she whispered. *But you don’t have to keep living with them.*

I shook my head, as if I could physically dislodge her words. It didn’t matter now. Marcus was in my past, and so was Rayden, or so I’d thought.

But here he was, calling me in the middle of the night, asking to meet.

I closed my eyes, trying to quiet the storm in my head. Tomorrow would come, and with it, dinner with Rayden. I didn’t know what he wanted, but I wasn’t sure I cared.

At least it was something to look forward to.