Chapter 1

The grand hall of the Silver Moon Pack headquarters buzzed with activity as I finalized translations for the alliance summit. My fingers flew across the keyboard, converting German werewolf terminology into precise English equivalents that would prevent any diplomatic misunderstandings. This summit could secure three new territories for our pack—for Ryan.

"Claire, we need the Blackwater territory agreement now," Beta Ethan called from across the room.

I nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Just finishing the final clause about hunting rights."

My wolf, Sarah, stirred within me. *Something feels off today.*

I pushed her concern aside. There was too much work to focus on intuition. The Silver Moon Pack's expansion depended on these negotiations, and as Ryan's future Luna, I needed to ensure everything went perfectly.

As I handed the translated document to Ethan, I caught sight of Ryan across the room. My heart should have leapt at the sight of my mate, but instead, it sank. He was leaning close to Sophia Chen, his hand casually resting on her lower back. Their heads were bent together, her glossy black hair cascading over her shoulder as she whispered something that made him laugh.

It wasn't the first time I'd seen them like this, but something about their body language today seemed different—more intimate, more certain.

"The Alpha of the Northern Ridge Pack is impressed with your work," Alpha Gerald of the Moonstone Pack commented, appearing beside me. "Your translations have prevented at least three territorial disputes this year alone."

I smiled, grateful for the recognition. "Thank you, Alpha Gerald. I'm just doing my part for the pack."

"Some contributions are worth more than others recognize," he said, his knowing eyes flicking briefly toward Ryan and Sophia.

A chill ran through me. Did everyone see what I was trying so hard to ignore?

At the formal dinner that evening, I sat at Ryan's side, the place reserved for his future Luna. But he barely acknowledged me, his attention constantly drawn to Sophia, who sat three seats away, her dress cut low enough to draw every male eye in the room.

I excused myself to visit the restroom, needing a moment away from the suffocating tension. As I returned, I paused behind a group of visiting pack members.

"Poor thing has no idea," a female voice whispered. "Ryan and Sophia have been together for months. Everyone knows it."

"I heard he's planning to reject her soon," another added. "Sophia's already moved some things into his quarters."

"Can you blame him? Claire's useful, but hardly Luna material. No real wolf presence, too bookish. Sophia at least looks the part."

Their laughter cut through me like claws. I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loudly I was certain they would hear it. My wolf howled in pain within me.

*We've been blind, Claire. Willfully blind.*

I returned to the table, my mask firmly in place though I felt like I was crumbling inside. Ryan didn't even notice my reddened eyes or trembling hands. I'd spent years believing we were building something together, years supporting his ambitions, managing his household, caring for his parents during crises. All while he...

I barely slept that night. By morning, I'd convinced myself I was overreacting. We would talk. There had to be an explanation.

But as the allied packs gathered for the formal assembly the next morning, I knew something was wrong. Ryan wouldn't meet my eyes. Alpha Marcus and Luna Eleanor, who usually greeted me warmly, kept their distance, their expressions cold.

Ryan mounted the dais, his shoulders squared with Alpha authority. The hall fell silent. I expected an announcement about our successful negotiations.

Instead, his eyes found mine, filled not with love but with contempt.

"I, Ryan Mitchell, future Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, reject you, Claire Sullivan, as my mate."

The formal words echoed through the silent hall. Pain ripped through my chest, a physical agony as the artificial bond we'd built began to tear. Behind Ryan, Sophia's lips curved into a triumphant smile.

Every eye in the room turned to me—waiting for tears, for begging, for collapse.

I gave them none of it. With dignity I didn't know I possessed, I stood straight, my face a careful mask as the world I'd built for years crumbled around me.

In that moment, as Ryan's mocking smile faded to confusion at my silence, I realized one truth that would save me: we had never been true mates at all.