The Unloved Luna: Humiliated by Her Future Daughter-in-law

ARIADNE'S POV

The morning light filtered through the curtains of my room, casting soft shadows on the walls. I stared at the ceiling, replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. Harper’s rage, her accusations, the slap that still echoed in my ears. I couldn't believe, at this age, I was worrying about such things.

I sighed in disbelief.

But then, I had to find Harper. I needed to clear up this misunderstanding before things spiraled further out of control. With a deep breath, I pushed myself out of bed, determined to make things right. After all, Carsten deserved a future free of unnecessary conflict, especially with the woman he was supposed to spend his life with.

My wolf, Fae, was restless, pacing within me, her anger from last night simmering just below the surface.

“Are you really going to let her get away with what she did, Ari?” Fae growled, her voice laced with frustration. “She attacked us, disrespected us in front of her friends, and now she’s nowhere to be found. This isn’t right!”

“I know, Fae,” I replied softly, trying to keep my emotions in check. “But I can’t make things worse for Carsten. We have to understand that Harper acted out of misunderstanding, not malice.”

“You’re too forgiving,” Fae huffed, but I could feel her trying to hold back her anger. “She should have asked questions before jumping to conclusions. You know how serious it is for wolves to accuse someone of having a mistress.”

I nodded, knowing Fae was right. In our world, loyalty is everything. To accuse an Alpha of infidelity was a grave offense, one that could shatter bonds and destroy trust. Harper’s mistake wasn’t a small one, but I couldn’t let it ruin my son’s future. He had already lost so much, and I wouldn’t let this be another loss he had to endure.

I searched the pack house, hoping to find Harper or one of her friends, but they were nowhere to be seen. As time passed, the sense of urgency grew. Finally, I decided to seek out Carsten in his Alpha office. He had to know where she was.

When I reached his office, I found him hunched over his desk, papers scattered around him. The tension in his shoulders was evident, and the dark circles under his eyes spoke of sleepless nights.

“Carsten,” I called out gently as I entered the room.

He looked up, surprised to see me. “Mother,” he greeted, attempting a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “What brings you here?”

“I’ve been looking for Harper,” I explained, trying to sound calm. “But I can’t find her anywhere. Is everything okay?”

Carsten’s expression tightened, and he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “There’s been… a lot going on, Mother. Harper and I… we’ve had our share of misunderstandings, and it’s been stressful for both of us.”

I walked over to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Tell me. You can lean on me."

Carsten hesitated, as if unsure whether to burden me with his troubles. But I was his mother.

“It’s like she doesn’t trust me anymore,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “She keeps bringing up this idea that I’m hiding something, that I’m seeing someone else. But I’m not, Mother. I swear.”

“I believe you, okay?” I said firmly, squeezing his shoulder. Deep inside, I felt really guilty because I was the cause of it! God, why, of all people, did Harper think that I was my son's mistress? Ridiculous.

"But where is she right now?" I asked.

He sighed. “Beta Elijah saw them off. They’re back at the River Howl Pack now.”

For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. It seemed like it became bigger than anticipated. From what I heard, they were supposed to stay here until the engagement banquet. Fae growled within me, frustrated by the turn of events.

“I don't know with you, Ari. But I didn't like that woman, not one bit," Fae told me honestly.