After My Mate Chose His Mistress Over Me

Synopsis

The silver light of the full moon bathed the ceremonial clearing as I stood in my wolf form, my fur gleaming like polished sterling in the ethereal glow. Six years. Six years as Luna of the Silvermoon Pack, and here I was, alone at my own ceremony. The assembled pack members formed a respectful semicircle before me, their eyes downcast, uncomfortable with the glaring absence beside me. Where an Alpha should stand. Where *my mate* should stand. I kept my muzzle high, my posture regal despite the hollow ache spreading through my chest. My wolf, Silver, growled low in my mind. *He's not coming. Again.* *I know,* I responded silently. *We'll handle this as we always do.* With deliberate grace, I shifted back to my human form, the silver dress I'd carefully selected for tonight's celebration materializing with me. The fabric shimmered in the moonlight, catching the glow like liquid mercury against my skin. "Thank you all for gathering to honor the Luna Ceremony tonight," I addressed the pack, my voice steady despite the humiliation burning beneath my composed exterior. "Six years of service to this pack has been my greatest privilege." Lies. Not complete lies—I did take pride in my service—but the greatest privilege should have been my mate bond, not the political position it had granted me. I approached the ceremonial table where the moon cake waited, its silver frosting catching the light.