The Luna's Unscripted Rejection

Dion was the mate chosen for me by the council of elders.

He was powerful and striking, a natural leader who always outshone his peers.

My expertise was in history and art, a world away from Pack politics. But I studied tirelessly, determined to become a Luna worthy of standing by his side.

During the most difficult days of his fight for the Alpha position, I used my family's influence to support him without a second thought.

But after he successfully claimed the Alpha title, he looked at me with an expression I couldn't decipher.

I thought he was going to sever our connection.

Instead, he said, "Alright. Let's go through with the ceremony."

The moment he finished speaking, he pulled me into his arms.

His warm lips pressed against mine, and for a breathtaking moment, our breaths mingled.

Because of that one kiss, I never questioned my place by his side.

Even when he refused my family's help, determined to secure his position on his own merit, I endured every hardship with him without complaint.

When he finally solidified his role as Alpha, a friend took me aside and warned me, "Dion doesn't love you. He's just using you. Leave him before he ruins you."

But how could I believe her?

I had given him my whole heart, convinced that my years of devotion had earned his.

As it turned out, I was a fool.

At the celebration dinner the night before our bonding ceremony, Dion received a message that Blair had returned to the Pack.

Without a word, while I was still accepting congratulations from our guests, he turned and walked out.

Facing the pitying stares, I fought back tears and forced a smile. "Something urgent came up. He had to leave."

From that day on, he came home later and later, retreating straight to his study when he did.

Sometimes, I could hear faint, feminine laughter from behind the closed door.

I once asked what he was doing in there all night.

His face immediately darkened. "You wouldn't understand. You have no right to meddle in my affairs."

His words were a cold weight in my chest.

During a training session, I twisted my ankle, dislocating it.

Dion was forced to take time off to drive me to the healer.

But when I got into the car, a strange charm dangled from his keys, reeking of another she-wolf's scent.

A fresh wave of pain seared through me.

Once, I accidentally left my family's insignia in his car. He found it and tossed it in the trash without a second thought.

Now, I choked back the nausea brought on by that cloyingly sweet scent and waited for him to start the car.

But his communication crystal suddenly rang.

"You're hurt? I'll be right there!"

He frowned and shot me an annoyed glance.

"Get to the healer yourself. I have something to take care of."

I watched his car speed away, a bitter cocktail of emotions churning in my stomach.

After getting my ankle treated, I went to a nearby café to collect myself.

But through the window, I saw him: Dion, gently transferring his healing energy to Blair, who had a tiny cut on her finger from a paper file.

Then, the conversation he had with his friend drifted out from the adjoining private lounge.

The wolf Dion had hired to get close to me stood just behind me, his eyes full of sympathy.

"He's not worth this," he murmured.