2

##Chapter 2

Perhaps recalling my tireless work ethic for the pack, Kael looked at me with a touch of pity.

"Rejecting you is my decision, and it won't change. I'll arrange a desolate shack for you on the pack's outskirts so you have a place to stay. Let's part amicably."

I found it utterly ridiculous: "A shack is all you think I'm worth? Do you know how vast the Moonlit Forest territory I secured for this pack is?"

Kael scoffed dismissively.

"You feel it's unfair? But what right does someone like you have to talk about fairness with me, Lyra? You should remember I never marked you, right? So even if you don't accept my rejection, I don't care. Just get out."

At his words, everyone turned to look at me, their gazes filled with pity, surprise, and schadenfreude, almost drowning me.

I merely shook my head in self-mockery.

Initially, I thought that since Kael and I were destined mates and the Blackwood Pack was in a precarious situation, I devoted myself entirely to pack affairs, never considering such things. But I never imagined Kael would try to replace me with Seraphina.

Seraphina was his first love. Back when the Blackwood Pack faced a crisis, she left him so callously.

She hadn't been heard from in years, yet as soon as I put the Blackwood Pack back on track, she returned, seemingly to claim the fruits of my labor.

I only regretted Kael's blindness, his heart so swayed by a woman who had once abandoned him, that he could be so ruthless to me!

At this thought, anger surged within me, and I spoke in a cold, sharp tone.

"Kael, you have no right to strip me of my Luna title!

"I'm giving you one last chance. If you promise to be devoted only to me from now on, we can still be mates. But only this once!"

Kael stared at me in disbelief for a moment, then, losing all patience, pointed at my face and snarled.

"What are you to dare command me? Seraphina is carrying the true heir of the Blackwood Pack! I will devote myself only to her from now on. As for you, even if you kneel and beg, being stripped of your Luna title is your only path!"

Everyone shook their heads, mocking my overestimation of myself.

But I didn't care, because they were all wrong.

I never spoke empty words. I only issued this final ultimatum to Kael because I had enough confidence.

Had I not promised his parents I would love and tolerate him, there would have been no chance from the moment he betrayed our bond.

I stared steadily at him: "So, your meaning is that you want to strip me of my Luna title and dissolve our mate bond for this mistress?"

"Lyra, you hussy, watch your mouth!" Seraphina suddenly flared up, cursing at me, "The one who isn't loved is the mistress! Are you brainless, or do you not even understand such basic logic, even for an Omega?"

Kael unhesitatingly pulled her close: "Yes, Lyra, I don't want you anymore. Without our bond, you have no right to be the Blackwood Pack's Luna. Seraphina and I, and our child, are the true family."

"What a pity," I sighed softly, "Kael, you didn't seize your last chance."