Chapter 2

It seemed my words hadn’t struck deep enough, as they all treated them like a joke.

The celebration tonight was packed with the Woods Pack’s most influential members—high-ranking warriors, trusted Betas, and even a few visiting Alphas from neighboring packs. The air was thick with the scent of dominance and ambition, the kind of atmosphere where power was measured in glances and postures. It felt like a gathering of wolves, each one trying to assert their place in the hierarchy.

And at the center of it all, the Alpha of the Woods Pack, my mate—Mark Woods—was laughing so hard he nearly tipped over.

When the laughter finally subsided, replaced by sharp, calculating stares, it became clear—everyone here was banking on the Woods Pack’s rise, believing it would secure their status and influence for generations to come.

Naturally, they resented anyone, like me, who dared to burst their bubble.

Zaylee Stone, Mark’s Beta, stepped forward, her presence commanding the room as she grabbed the ceremonial microphone, her voice cutting through the murmurs.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Woods Pack, allow me to clarify on behalf of Alpha Mark. Despite this woman being the Luna of our pack, she has been relieved of her duties within the Woods Pack hierarchy."

"Any dealings you have with her are your personal matters and have absolutely nothing to do with the pack’s future!"

Remi, one of the Deltas, echoed her words with a flourish that almost made me laugh.

I stepped forward, my voice calm but laced with an edge that made the room fall silent.

"I’d advise against distancing yourselves too quickly," I said, my eyes locking onto Mark’s. "Without me, this pack would crumble to pieces in just five minutes."

A few of the warriors exchanged impatient glances, their sneers dripping with contempt.

"Luna Priscilla, do you really think you’re indispensable?" one of them spat, though the title felt hollow now.

"Our pack’s status is secure. Do you think mere words can bring it down? How absurd!"

I didn’t even look at them, responding with a cool detachment that seemed to unnerve them.

"Exactly. If you were wise enough to apologize now, I might spare you. Otherwise, after tonight, finding a place in this pack might become a real challenge for you."

Mark raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he snorted dismissively.

"The Woods Pack doesn’t need your pity, Priscilla. I’m curious to see how long you can keep up this charade!"

His words were met with cheers and howls of approval from the crowd, their loyalty to him unwavering—at least for now.

"Classic Alpha Mark, indeed! Someone needed to call her bluff!"

"Well said! Just a Luna thinking she has power over the Woods Pack?"

"By the time the sun rises, this pack’s influence will be unmatched. And as for you, Mark was generous enough to let you keep your title. Be grateful!"

I cleared my throat, my gaze sweeping over the room with a disdain that made even the most confident warriors shift uncomfortably.

"You’re mistaken. By the time the sun rises, you’ll all be left with nothing."

To these wolves, who measured their worth in status and power, my words felt like the harshest of curses.

I had always thought Mark and these people were genuinely focused on the pack’s well-being.

But now, it seemed all they’ve done was exploit their own kind, using their positions to climb higher while leaving the rest to fend for themselves.

Unknowingly, I had been helping them in their selfish endeavors.

With those words, I became the target of their fury.

Zaylee stepped forward again, her voice sharp and authoritative.

"Luna Priscilla, everyone here is a respected member of the pack. Could you please leave?"

I looked at her, then at Mark.

Could it be that this Beta had him wrapped around her finger?