The Luna Rises From Ashes

On the day of my parents’ funeral, Maddox, the Beta of the Silvermoon Pack, took their grave plot to bury Kinley’s deceased dog instead.

“She’s grieving over her pet and she’s on edge, plus she’s recently pregnant. It’s just a grave marker; let her have it,” he said, tossing the divorce papers in front of me. His voice carried the dismissive tone I’d grown accustomed to, laced with the authority of a Beta. “She’s young and fiery, threatening to abort the baby without proper recognition. Let’s finalize the divorce now, and once the baby is born, you can return.”

I clutched the urn holding my parents’ ashes and signed the papers, feeling numb. The weight of the pack’s hierarchy pressed down on me—an Omega, powerless and disposable.

Back at the pack house, as I packed my belongings, the mocking laughter of Maddox’s friends echoed through the halls. They were Deltas, warriors who thrived on their proximity to power, their voices dripping with scorn.

“Now that she’s got no parents, Beta can do whatever he wants with her,” one sneered. “Maybe once the baby arrives, she’ll beg to be the nanny!”

Maddox chuckled, his deep voice indifferent. “Violette is just my pet. She’ll never leave me.”

I stood there, numb to the scene unfolding before me, when my phone rang. A familiar voice broke through the static, sending a jolt through my chest: “Violette, I’m not dead… I’m back.”

I covered my mouth to stifle a gasp, overwhelmed with emotion. It was Cristian, the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack—the only man I’d ever truly loved. Could it be? He wasn’t dead? My wolf stirred faintly in the back of my mind, a whisper of hope I hadn’t felt in years.

In shock, I accidentally hung up. Trembling, I reached to call him back when the door burst open, and Maddox appeared, his towering frame filling the doorway.

“Who are you trying to impress with those tears? It’s just a game, don’t be dramatic,” Maddox said, his voice sharp with disapproval. His dark eyes scanned me, searching for defiance, but I schooled my expression into one of submission. In his presence, I slipped the phone back into my pocket.

Once inside, Maddox’s friends eyed me maliciously, their laughter echoing through the room.

“She’s such a pushover, getting told off like that.”

“If she doesn’t behave, Beta might toss her aside, and she’ll be begging at the door.”

Their taunts were nothing new, and I stood there, numb to them now. Maddox tossed the divorce agreement on the table with a casual flick of his wrist.

“The young lady is being unreasonable, claiming her dog appeared in a dream telling her to fight for the grave plot,” he said, his tone dismissive. “Be patient; I’ve bought another plot for your parents as compensation.”

He slid the papers toward me. “This is the divorce agreement. Sign it and move out. Once the baby is here, I’ll bring you back. You’ll still be the lady of the Torres household.”

I stared at the divorce papers. Once upon a time, I might have felt reluctant. For the past five years, I’d been obedient to Maddox, enduring his cruelty because his face reminded me of the love I’d lost—Cristian, who I’d believed was dead. But now, the phone call echoed in my mind, and without hesitation, I signed my name.

Seeing how determined I was, Maddox’s brow furrowed slightly. His friends erupted into jeers: “She’s bold, probably bluffing.”

Ignoring their taunts, I turned to pack my belongings. Just as I reached the stairs, Kinley, the rogue Maddox adored, blocked my path. She caressed her belly with a smug smile, her eyes glinting with malice.

I frowned, eager to leave, and turned away, but she grabbed my arm. Leaning in, she whispered venomously, “So what if you’re his wife? You’re out, and I’m in.”

Her words about my parents unleashed my long-suppressed rage. I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

Kinley fell to the ground, clutching her cheek and crying loudly, “Violette, I just wanted to explain, why did you hit me? My belly, it hurts!”

Before she finished, I was suddenly shoved heavily to the ground. Maddox had rushed to her side, holding her close, his glare like ice.

“Violette, I’ve spoiled you too much!” he growled, his Beta tone commanding and sharp. “You’ll stay here. If anything happens to Kinley, it’s on you!”

He turned away and took Kinley into a room, calling for the pack’s healer. I glanced at the door; the warriors blocked it, surrounded by onlookers, their eyes filled with schadenfreude.

I knew I wasn’t leaving anytime soon. I retreated to the bathroom, locked the door, and with trembling hands, dialed the number again.

Cristian picked up almost immediately, relief flooding his voice. “Violette, I tried calling multiple times after we got disconnected.”

He talked a lot, bringing tears to my eyes once again. This time, I was certain—it really was him, my Alpha, my mate, whom I’d thought lost forever. He was alive, and soon he’d come to take me away.

Through my choked sobs, I gave him my location. “Cristian, please… hurry.”

His voice was steady, a beacon of strength. “Violette, wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”