The Second Chance He Doesn’t Deserve

Elira's POV

Elder Thomas made me sit down, and a servant came in with a cup of tea. He took the seat across from me and spoke gently, “I know it’s not easy losing a husband, Luna Elira. I understand what you're going through. I saw how much you two loved each other, and it hurt me too—maybe not like it hurt you, but still.”

My wolf stirred, desperate to spill the truth—that Lucas was alive, hiding behind Thorne’s identity. But for what? Why fake his death? He never loved me. Not once in five years. Everything he did… it was just duty. A sacrifice to keep the pack’s pride intact. Nothing more.

I was such a fool. I believed the lies. I thought his affection was real. Thought his heart was mine. Turns out, it always belonged to Monica.

Tears welled in my eyes, my breathing shaky.

“I’ll give you an estate to live in,” Elder Thomas offered kindly.

But I didn’t want it. I didn’t want anything. I just needed to leave and live a life far away from them.

“Thank you, Elder Thomas, but I don’t need it,” I whispered, voice cracking. “I just came to tell you I’m leaving. You’re the only one who’s ever made me feel seen—like I was worthy of love.”

Tears slipped down my cheeks.

“You’re like a daughter to me, Luna Elira,” he said with emotion in his voice. “But please, don’t leave with nothing. You were my son’s wife, the Luna of our pack.”

He stood and opened a drawer behind his desk, pulling out a small passbook. He handed it to me. “Take this. It’s enough money to live on for now. And please, reconsider the estate.”

“Thank you so much, Elder Thomas,” I said through tears. “You’re like a father to me.”

He held my hand tightly. “I know things weren’t easy. Your own mate humiliated you on your wedding day. If Lucas hadn’t stepped in back then, I don’t know what would’ve happened. But now that he’s gone… I just want you to find happiness again. Remarry. Start a family.”

I smiled faintly. “I don’t think I could marry anyone else, Elder Thomas. I’ll live the rest of my life as a widow.”

He gently tapped my hand. “If that’s your choice, I’ll respect it. Just remember, you’ll always be welcome here. Always.”

I didn’t know where to go yet, but staying here—even in that estate—wasn’t an option. Not when I’d see Lucas with my sister.

Then my eyes landed on a real estate magazine. Without thinking much, I went straight to a broker.

“Luna, here are some available lands,” the broker said, handing me a brochure. “Pick whichever you like.”

I scanned through the options and found it—a piece of land far from the werewolf city. East, remote, quiet. A place no one could find me. A place where I could finally be free from Lucas… from everyone who never cared.

I paid half up front and agreed to pay the rest once the land was officially transferred to my name. Then I returned to the pack house, feeling the pity in everyone’s eyes.

My wolf was still weak from the abortion… and from the blood loss after saving Monica.

I couldn’t help but remember the day I was sixteen, attacked by a rogue, bleeding out—until Thorne saved me. That’s when I knew he was my mate. But the moment he laid eyes on Monica, I vanished from his world. No matter how hard I tried to bond with him, to be enough, he never saw me.

Not once.

I wiped my tears as I looked around the room that held five years of memories with Lucas. Memories I once treasured. The photos, the little gifts, the scrapbook full of love notes, the painting I made for him… everything.

But now, all I felt was anger and disgust.

I stared at our bed.

Did he ever think it was me in his arms—or was it always Monica?

Pathetic. Pathetic love. Pathetic me.

I grabbed everything—every piece of our so-called love—and shoved it in a box. I carried it outside to the garbage, ready to burn it all.

But then a familiar hand stopped me.

“What are you doing?” said a voice behind me. “Is that the stuff from my brother? The gifts? His memories?”

It was Lucas.

Pretending to be Thorne.

I would’ve believed it was really Thorne if I hadn’t heard that conversation. He looked just like him—the hair, the eyes, even the way he dressed. Everything was identical.

I yanked my hand away, but he gripped it tightly. I stared at him calmly, coldly. “He’s gone. Why would I keep this? I’m leaving.”

His eyes widened. “You’re what?”

“Let me go,” I said firmly.

His expression twisted. “Did my father tell you to leave?”

I tried pulling my hand again, but he held tighter, jaw clenched. “Answer me—did my father ask you to go?”

“You’re hurting me, Thorne!” I snapped.

He immediately let go, staring at the red mark on my wrist.

“You’re not leaving, Luna Elira,” he growled. “You’re still the Luna, even if Lucas is dead. I have no plans to take the Alpha position.”

I clutched my wrist, shocked. He should be glad I was leaving. He could finally be with Monica without hiding. What did he care?

“So… you don’t want me to leave?” I asked, looking straight into his eyes.

He didn’t answer. Just stared at me with an emotion I couldn’t read.

I looked away, my tears falling again.

“Luna Elira—” he started, but his voice was cut off by someone behind us.

Monica.