Chapter 3

Braxton Collins, a Delta from the Henry pack, led me off the stage with a firm yet respectful hold. His every action showed deep respect for Rohan, the Alpha heir. He placed me at the main table, giving me a full view of the mating ceremony between Rohan Henry and Brittany Tucker. Rohan's commanding aura dominated the room as he gestured for the officiant to begin, his authoritative voice silencing the whispers of the assembled werewolves.

The ceremony continued, and I observed Rohan and Brittany standing face to face, their gaze so intense it made my heart ache. They recited the ancient vows of the mate bond, their voices unwavering.

'I, Rohan Henry, Alpha heir of the Henry Pack, accept you, Brittany Tucker, as my mate, bound by the will of the Moon Goddess,' Rohan declared, his deep voice echoing throughout the grand hall.

Brittany's voice was softer but equally assured. 'I, Brittany Tucker, accept you, Rohan Henry, as my mate, bound by the will of the Moon Goddess.'

The room burst into applause, though the noise seemed far away, overwhelmed by the sneering whispers and mocking laughs that seemed to come from all sides.

'Did you hear? She waited seven years for this, only to lose him at the last moment,' one guest jeered.

'Rohan's always been attracted to Brittany's strength. Those Omegas who thought they could climb the ranks through their pups were dreaming,' another chimed in, their voices laced with disdain.

My fists clenched beneath the table, forcing me to maintain my composure. After the vows, Rohan and Brittany stepped down from the stage to join the traditional champagne toast with the guests. Rohan's eyes briefly met mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I detected a hint of guilt. But it vanished before I could be certain.

'Stop overanalyzing it,' he said, his tone dismissive yet firm. 'I just don’t want to ruin Brittany’s mood. You should change out of that dress. Brittany doesn’t like seeing you in it. Put on something more practical and lend a hand here.'

For years, as his obedient and thoughtful mate, I had learned to follow his every directive. But now, the burden of his words felt oppressive. All I desired was to flee from this stifling scene.

Before I could move, Maverick hurried over, his small frame brimming with energy. He tugged at his shirt, his expression sincere and innocent.

'Mom, help me untie my shirt! Aunt Brittany’s not feeling well. I’m going to be her little knight and shield her from the drinks!'

Maverick was the mirror image of Rohan, not just in looks but in his adoration for Brittany. Yet, he was my son, the one I had nurtured and brought into this world. A faint spark of hope flickered within me.

'Maverick,' I said softly, kneeling to his level. 'If I were to ever forget you, would you be upset?'

His face twisted in impatience. 'Here we go again. Mom, why do you always play tricks on Dad and now me, too? You’re the worst, Mom!'

'But… I’m not deceiving you,' I whispered, my voice quivering.

'Stop it already!' Maverick snapped, hurling his jacket at my face. 'It’d be better if Mom forgot about us altogether! Then you wouldn’t constantly upset Dad and Aunt Brittany!'

He dashed off, his small form vanishing into the crowd. My head pounded painfully, and I clutched his jacket to my chest, the fabric suddenly feeling weighty. The room swirled around me, and I stumbled toward the restroom, desperate for a brief respite.

Jennifer Simmons, a Beta from a rival pack, had warned me this was the onset of the Moon Goddess’s retribution. Soon, very soon, I would find my release. I splashed cold water on my face, the icy shock momentarily clearing the fog from my mind.

In the mirror, I saw Brittany’s reflection beside mine. Her beauty was dazzling, her features sharper and more luminous than my own. Her expression, once veiled with fragility, now overflowed with triumph.

'Elyse,' she said, her voice gentle but laced with malice, 'no matter how many times it happens, Rohan will always choose me over you.'

'It doesn’t matter how many years you were his mate. Both Rohan and Maverick love only me. You’ll have to relinquish your title as Luna eventually.'

Her eyes locked onto mine, fierce and unyielding. She never bothered to feign in my presence, knowing Rohan and Maverick would dismiss anything I said as jealous falsehoods.

In the past, I might have argued with her, but now, it seemed futile. I turned to leave, but Brittany’s hand shot out, seizing my wrist.

'What? Giving up so easily?' she sneered. 'Then seize this opportunity and leave the Henry pack for good!'

I opened my mouth to tell her I had already decided to leave them behind, but before I could speak, Brittany suddenly threw herself backward. Rohan appeared at the perfect moment, his strong arms catching her before she hit the ground.

'Elyse!' Rohan barked, his alpha tone sharp and accusatory. 'What did you do?'

I stared at him, my heart sinking as Brittany’s triumphant gaze met mine over his shoulder. The room seemed to close in around me, and I knew, with a sickening certainty, that there was no place for me here anymore.