Chapter 2 · After My Mate Abandoned Love, I Embraced Freedom

Chapter 2

I lay curled on my side in the healer's quarters, staring blankly at the wall. The stone was cool against my cheek, grounding me in a reality I no longer wanted to face. My wolf had retreated deep within me, her presence a faint flicker where once burned a steady flame.

Elara had given me something for the pain—both physical and emotional—but nothing could numb the hollowness that had taken residence where my heart once beat. A child I never knew existed, now gone. A mate bond built on lies. A slow death by poisoning.

The gentle buzz of a mind-link request pulsed at the edge of my consciousness. I almost ignored it, assuming it was Ryan checking where I was. But the signature was unfamiliar—stronger, more formal.

*Luna Isabella of Silverpine Pack. This is Gamma David Morrison of the Moonstone Pack. I must speak with you on a matter of grave importance.*

I hesitated before allowing the connection. *Yes?*

The Gamma's mental voice was deep, tinged with a sorrow that seemed to echo my own. *I regret to inform you that Beta Marcus Chen has fallen in battle. He died protecting Alpha Ryan Walsh during a rogue attack at our border meeting.*

Marcus. My childhood friend. The quiet boy with kind eyes who'd shared his lunch with me when the other pups had mocked my partial deafness. We'd lost touch after I mated with Ryan—another sacrifice I'd made without question.

*I'm sorry for your loss,* I replied automatically, the words hollow in my mind.

*There's more, Luna.* David's tone shifted, becoming almost gentle. *Beta Marcus's final wish was that his ashes be scattered alongside yours when your time comes. He asked specifically for this, with his dying breath.*

The information hit me like a physical blow. Marcus had thought of me in his final moments? Had wanted our remains to mingle in death?

*I don't understand,* I managed, my mind-link voice trembling.

*Perhaps you will, Luna. The memorial service is tonight at the sacred grounds between our territories. You would be welcome.*

The link severed, leaving me alone with questions that pounded against my skull. I pushed myself up from the bed, ignoring Elara's protests. I needed answers, and I wouldn't find them lying here.

---

The sacred grounds were bathed in moonlight when I arrived, my steps unsteady but determined. I stayed at the periphery, hidden among the shadows of ancient pines. Members of the Moonstone Pack had gathered around a small stone altar where a silver urn rested, catching the light of the waxing moon.

I recognized David Morrison immediately—tall and solemn, his Gamma medallion gleaming against his dark suit. He spoke of Marcus's courage, his loyalty, his strength as a Beta. Others followed, sharing stories of his wisdom and kindness.

"He protected our alliance with his life," one Delta said, his voice thick with emotion. "Threw himself in front of Alpha Ryan without hesitation when the rogues attacked."

"The Silverpine Alpha owes him a debt that can never be repaid," another added.

I pressed my palm against my mouth, stifling a sob. Marcus had died protecting Ryan—the man who had been slowly killing me, who had never truly been my mate.

"Beta Marcus was generous beyond measure," David continued. "For years, he anonymously supported the Silverpine Pack with resources and alliance opportunities. His heart was always with them."

The revelation sent a shock through my system. The mysterious benefactor Ryan had often boasted about securing—had that been Marcus all along?

When the formal ceremony concluded, the pack members began to disperse. I remained hidden, uncertain whether to reveal myself. The decision was made for me when David's voice cut through the night.

"Luna Isabella. Please join me."

I stepped into the clearing, feeling exposed under the scrutiny of the few remaining Moonstone wolves. David dismissed them with a nod before turning his full attention to me.

"He would have wanted you to have this," he said, extending his hand.

In his palm lay Marcus's Beta medallion, the silver disk engraved with the Moonstone Pack's emblem. Beside it was a small brass key.

"The key opens his private study," David explained, his voice low. "There are things there you should see. Things he would want you to know now that he's gone."

My fingers closed around the offerings, the metal warm against my skin. "Why would he save his ashes for me?"

David's eyes held mine, filled with a knowledge that made my heart race. "Some bonds run deeper than those we acknowledge in life, Luna Isabella. Some truths can only be spoken in death."

Chapter 2

*Luna Isabella of Silverpine Pack. This is Gamma David Morrison of the Moonstone Pack. I must speak with you on a matter of grave importance.*

I hesitated before allowing the connection. *Yes?*

*I'm sorry for your loss,* I replied automatically, the words hollow in my mind.

The information hit me like a physical blow. Marcus had thought of me in his final moments? Had wanted our remains to mingle in death?

*I don't understand,* I managed, my mind-link voice trembling.

*Perhaps you will, Luna. The memorial service is tonight at the sacred grounds between our territories. You would be welcome.*

The link severed, leaving me alone with questions that pounded against my skull. I pushed myself up from the bed, ignoring Elara's protests. I needed answers, and I wouldn't find them lying here.

---

"He protected our alliance with his life," one Delta said, his voice thick with emotion. "Threw himself in front of Alpha Ryan without hesitation when the rogues attacked."

"The Silverpine Alpha owes him a debt that can never be repaid," another added.

I pressed my palm against my mouth, stifling a sob. Marcus had died protecting Ryan—the man who had been slowly killing me, who had never truly been my mate.

"Beta Marcus was generous beyond measure," David continued. "For years, he anonymously supported the Silverpine Pack with resources and alliance opportunities. His heart was always with them."

The revelation sent a shock through my system. The mysterious benefactor Ryan had often boasted about securing—had that been Marcus all along?

When the formal ceremony concluded, the pack members began to disperse. I remained hidden, uncertain whether to reveal myself. The decision was made for me when David's voice cut through the night.

"Luna Isabella. Please join me."

I stepped into the clearing, feeling exposed under the scrutiny of the few remaining Moonstone wolves. David dismissed them with a nod before turning his full attention to me.

"He would have wanted you to have this," he said, extending his hand.

In his palm lay Marcus's Beta medallion, the silver disk engraved with the Moonstone Pack's emblem. Beside it was a small brass key.

"The key opens his private study," David explained, his voice low. "There are things there you should see. Things he would want you to know now that he's gone."

My fingers closed around the offerings, the metal warm against my skin. "Why would he save his ashes for me?"

David's eyes held mine, filled with a knowledge that made my heart race. "Some bonds run deeper than those we acknowledge in life, Luna Isabella. Some truths can only be spoken in death."