Chapter 0003

Author: Aurora Starling Last Updated: 2024-03-09 14:08:40

In my first life, Zoe’s appearance at the Acceptance Ceremony completely caught me off guard. The media had a field day with the reunion of the so-called “star-crossed lovers,” leaving me floundering. All I could do was force a smile and evade questions, which the media promptly branded as “petty” and “jealous.” I wouldn’t let that happen again. This time, I knew she was coming. I would be prepared. To do that, I needed help—which meant confronting the only person besides Noah who might know about Zoe’s arrival.

I slipped into the living room, checking each room as I went, and found the house empty. Good. Noah followed his usual routine of leaving after…or rather, after the lack of intimacy that night. I grabbed my phone and found Noah’s half-brother and Beta, Scott’s, number.

Scott lived only ten minutes away, but the wait felt interminable. Finally, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to find Scott.

“Come in,” I offered, hoping to skip the pleasantries.

Scott inclined his head and entered the living room.

“Please, have a seat.”

“I’d rather stand,” he replied.

“Then out with it,” I said, hands on my hips.

Scott raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t used to my directness, but I was done playing games. That had cost me my life the first time.

“You asked if I knew about Zoe’s return,” he began, scratching his neck, avoiding my gaze. “I do.”

I started to scold him, but he continued, “I told Noah he should tell you. I said it could cause a rift if he kept it secret, but Noah, as Alpha, commanded me to keep quiet.”

My left hand clenched into a fist. My wedding ring glittered under the fluorescent lights, mocking me. Of course, Noah had told him to keep it from me.

I glanced up to see Scott staring intently at me. He looked away as soon as I noticed. I turned to see my nightgown strap had slipped, revealing part of my breast. I quickly adjusted it, a blush warming my cheeks. I forced myself to refocus.

“How long have you known?” I asked.

“Since her application arrived,” he admitted.

“Why didn’t Noah tell me?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

I studied Scott for any sign of deception.

“It’s obvious to me,” I said, “that Noah is distancing himself from me as his Luna.”

“I don’t know about that—”

I raised my hand to silence him, stepping closer, meeting his gaze.

“I need to know, if you had to choose, Luna or Alpha, who would it be?”

“Of course, you, Luna,” Scott stated immediately. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”

I smiled, relieved to have his loyalty.

“Thank you. I’m glad to have you on my side. I might need your help.”

“Anything.”

“I need PR guidance for tomorrow’s Acceptance Ceremony broadcast.”

A grin spread across Scott’s face.

“I might have some ideas.”

The next day, Noah and I stood before hundreds, accepting new members into the Nightcrest Pack. We stood side-by-side, arms linked, though mostly for the cameras. I felt Noah’s muscles tense as he tried to distance himself as much as socially acceptable (which wasn’t much).

The line of refugees stretched from the stage to the back of the high school auditorium. They came from all walks of life: some wealthy, seeking political influence; some middle class, seeking better opportunities; and some poor, fleeing difficult circumstances. All meant increased power for Nightcrest Pack, so Noah welcomed them with open arms.

Each new member approached Noah, admiring him, stated their wish to join, and recited the pledge of allegiance:

“I pledge allegiance to the Nightcrest Pack, its Alpha, and its Luna. I pledge my loyalty, my heart, and my life to the Pack and all it stands for. I hereby forfeit all loyalty and claim to previous packs and will, herein, be known as a member of the Nightcrest Pack.”

Even the children stumbled over the archaic words.

Then, awestruck, they watched as Noah raised his hands and blessed them:

“May the Moon Goddess watch over you and guide you through the rest of your days with all her glorious wisdom. Welcome, my brother/sister, to the Nightcrest Pack.”

The new members looked at him as if they had seen the Moon Goddess herself.

After the blessing, they came to me. I offered smiles, sometimes hugs, and bags of supplies to help them start their new lives. It was important work, and I felt their gratitude, but watching the adoration Noah received, I couldn’t help thinking it could be mine if I were Alpha of Silvermoon Pack.

As Noah and I worked our way through the line—a task that would take most of the day—whispers rippled through the onlookers. They were all looking in one direction, and I knew who it was without looking: Zoe.

I knew exactly what she looked like. Porcelain skin, lush golden curls, a full, healthy figure—curvaceous compared to my rail-thin frame. Her eyes shone like polished emeralds, her smile illuminating any room.

She made me hate my body even more…and what I had done to it.

Instead of looking at Zoe, I looked at Noah. He visibly tensed at her appearance. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw surprise on his face.

But why would he be surprised?