Chapter 3

That night, I moved out of Lucas's packhouse and into Lucian's territory.

The pack couldn't stop whispering about it.

"Lucian is amazing in every way, but his judgment when it comes to mates is seriously questionable."

"Alexander just died, and Serena's already eager to take a new mate. How could someone like her ever be a worthy mate?"

"Didn't the Luna say Serena is cursed? Serena's wolf isn't strong enough. She may drag Lucian down too."

I listened to the gossip outside with a half-smile, then shot Lucian a look and joked, "Guess your legendary reputation is going to be ruined because of me."

Lucian frowned. "Nonsense. Give me half a day. I promise you won't hear them badmouthing you ever again."

I sighed. "Honestly, it doesn't bother me."

My previous life was brutal. I spent years as Lucas's rejected mate, suffered endless humiliation from the Pack, and in the end, I was torn apart by silver in front of everyone. Compared to that, this was nothing.

Lucian went all out for me. The clothes, the food, everything was top-notch. I was living in total comfort and couldn't have asked for more.

Before we settled in for the night, I heard him mumble, "If my reputation takes a hit, who cares? As long as I get to call you mine, nothing else matters."

My wolf stirred at that. I didn't sleep a wink all night.

*****

Not long after, Isabella sent one of her lackeys to get me to her chambers.

She was about to become the next Luna, and her maids brought her a heavy, glamorous gown.

She fussed with the ceremonial crown on her head and then turned to me with a smug look. "Serena, who do you think looks better, the current Luna or me?"

I didn't say a word.

Isabella went on, almost talking to herself, "Sometimes, you just have to accept the mate bond the Moon Goddess gives you.

"Doesn't matter if you're stronger or smarter than me. At the end of the day, I'm the one who gets to be Luna."

She'd always been like that, constantly trying to put herself above me, ever since we were pups.

My gaze drifted over the cluttered table, and suddenly I locked onto the moonstone Lucas had given her. Out of nowhere, a spark of realization flashed through my mind.

When Isabella was little, a rogue water wolf dragged her into a lake during her first shift. The attack happened under a full moon, and ever since that night, she couldn't stand moonstones.

Alexander was always so thoughtful. He never forgot a single detail about her trauma.

After a moment, I forced out the question, my voice strained. "You really never noticed that wasn't Alexander?"

Isabella's hand paused mid-motion.

That was all the answer I needed.

In my previous life, I never once doubted Isabella. Sure, we never got along, but Lucas was the one who had me executed. He was the one at fault. But now, her reaction made it clear she knew everything too.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold it in anymore. "Are you crazy, Isabella?"

Isabella slapped her hand on the table and turned to glare at me. "So what?"

I froze, totally caught off guard.

She let out a cold laugh. "Let me be straight with you. I don't care who my real mate is, as long as he's the future Alpha and I get to be Luna."

She shot me a sharp, warning look and continued, "As for you, stick to your 'dead' mate. Behave yourself and keep your mouth shut.

"Once I'm Luna, I'll make sure you're taken care of. But if you dare say a word, I swear by the Moon Goddess I won't go easy on you."

A cold dread washed over me. Her words were almost exactly what Lucas had said to me in my previous life. But in the end, none of them ever let me off the hook.

Right then, I heard voices outside the door. Lucas came in with the Alpha and the Luna. They all stopped when they saw me, looking shocked.

Lucas frowned, clearly uneasy. "Serena, what are you doing here?"

The Luna sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Shouldn't you be with your new mate? What brings you here?"

Isabella let out a few tears and pressed herself against Lucas, playing the victim. "Serena didn't mean it. She's overwhelmed by the pain of losing her mate, that's all. Please don't—"

Lucas pulled her closer, his voice full of bitterness. "Serena, we all feel sorry for Lucas and you. But instead of mourning him, you're already looking for another mate. And now you're taking all your anger out on Isabella? Get out!"

I fixed my gaze on Lucas, a cold smile spreading across my face. "Fine."

My wolf howled for blood. But not yet. Soon.