Royal Luna's Broken Bond

Synopsis

The early morning mist clung to the ground as I stood firmly before the Alpha of the neighboring Stone Ridge Pack, my shoulders squared despite the exhaustion pulling at my limbs. Eight years of diplomatic dance had taught me how to maintain composure even after a sleepless night of preparation. The territorial negotiation had been tense since dawn, but I'd meticulously crafted every counterargument weeks in advance. "My Luna has always been my greatest strength," Ryan's voice carried across the clearing, his hand briefly touching the small of my back in that possessive way that once made my heart flutter. "Her loyalty to our pack is unmatched." My wolf, Emma, preened at the praise, though I felt the familiar twinge of disappointment. *Always the nameless support, never the acknowledged strategist.* The neighboring Alpha nodded respectfully in my direction, clearly aware of who had truly orchestrated the favorable terms. "You're fortunate to have such a... resourceful mate, Alpha Ryan." I forced a smile, the same one I'd perfected over eight years of standing in Ryan's shadow. Eight years of waiting for a marking ceremony he always claimed needed "the right time." Eight years of building his reputation while mine remained hidden behind the title of "Luna" – a title that wasn't even officially mine without the completed bond. "If we're finished here," I said, checking my watch, "I believe we've covered all the points of contention." Ryan raised an eyebrow at my unusual assertiveness, but I was already calculating the time.