Chapter 1

I always thought the mark on my neck meant forever.

Peyton Lee, my mate, my Alpha, had vowed to build a future with me—one filled with strength, love, and pups of our own. For five years, I clung to that promise, even as the Moon herbs dulled my instincts and the silence in our home grew louder.

Until I saw him.

Pressed against Opal Weaver, an ambitious Omega, his hands on her waist, his lips brushing against her claimed skin.

And then she whispered the words that shattered me.

"I'm pregnant."

Everything I had—my place in the pack, my identity as Luna, the child I lost—meant nothing to him anymore. He had already chosen her. And I knew… I was being replaced.

Even worse? His sister Sofia, the one who once tampered with my supplements and cost me my pup, smiled at me from our couch the same night, like she'd already won.

They all knew. I was the only one still pretending this bond was real.

But not anymore.

Tonight, I booked a train to the Northern Provinces. They say lone wolves aren't judged there. That titles like Alpha, Beta, Omega don't define your worth.

I don't know what I'll find out there in the frostbitten woods.

But I do know one thing.

I'm done being someone's second choice.

And if they think Naomi Weaver will go down quietly…

They've forgotten what a wolf does when cornered.

...

Five years into our mate bond, I found myself standing outside the community center's back wing, breath caught in my throat, heart hammering like a war drum in my chest.

I wasn't supposed to be here.

But something had felt off for weeks—Peyton's perfume-drenched shirts, the way he averted his eyes when I mentioned pups, Lola's hesitation when handing me my Moon herb supplement. My instincts, sharpened by my wolf blood, screamed the truth long before I saw it with my own eyes.

Through the frosted window, I saw them.

Peyton Lee—my mate, my Alpha, my husband in all but law—had his hands on her. Opal Weaver, the Omega who once served drinks at the Moonlight Tavern, was now pressed against his chest like she belonged there. His lips grazed her cheek, then her neck, right over the spot where a mark could form.

My vision blurred. Not from tears—those would come later—but from the rage that surged through me like wildfire. My wolf snarled beneath my skin, begging to break loose, to rip through the glass and tear her away from him.

But I didn't move.

I listened.

"I told you not here," Peyton hissed, glancing around.

Opal giggled, her fingers dancing along his jaw. "Relax. This place is secure. Besides… don't you miss me?"

She leaned in, whispering something I couldn't hear. But I didn't need to. I saw his hand slide to her waist. I saw him kiss her.

I stumbled back, sucking in a sharp breath. My claws threatened to burst through my fingertips. I dug them into my palms instead.

Behind me, laughter rang out. I turned just in time to see two pack members—Beta wives—walking by, their eyes wide with recognition.

"She saw them too," one murmured. "Told you."

"The Alpha's cheating on his Luna. And with that Omega trash…"

I fled before I could hear more.

By the time I reached the flower shop, I was shaking. Dalia greeted me with a warm smile, oblivious to the storm inside me.

"Lady Naomi, it's been a while. We just got a new batch of spiced honey cakes."

I nearly collapsed at the memory. Peyton used to bring them home after our bonding ritual. He said they reminded him of my scent—sweet, soft, full of promise.

I bought a box. I didn't know why.

Back home, Lola greeted me with concern. "Lady Naomi, you're pale. Did something happen?"

I shook my head and reached for the tiny white pill in her palm.

Moon herb.

Peyton insisted I take it. Ever since the miscarriage, he had been doting, supportive… so why couldn't we conceive again? Why did I always feel so tired, so foggy?

I stared at the pill. Then, for the first time in years, I didn't take it.

I flushed it.

Peyton returned at dusk, smelling of cologne and secrets. He sat beside me, brushing a kiss against my shoulder. "Did you take your Moon herb?"

I lied. "Yes."

He cupped my face. "Naomi… even if we never have pups, you'll always be my mate. My one and only."

Liar.

He slid his hand beneath my shirt. I froze.

Images of him and Opal flooded my mind. Her laugh. His hand on her waist.

I pulled away.

"I'm tired," I whispered.

He hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. Let's rest."

He curled around me like a child clinging to a toy. I stared at the wall, eyes wide open.

Tomorrow, I would follow him.

Tomorrow, I would uncover everything.