Banished By The Alpha, Claimed By The Lycan King

•CASSANDRA•

The pack house was louder than usual.

The servants were moving through the halls carrying trays, flowers, and boxes of wine while guards checked every entrance before the anniversary banquet began.

I stood near the dining hall entrance with a guest list in my hand while Kira adjusted the placement cards on the long tables.

“The elders from the Northern Ridge pack just arrived,” Kira informed me.

“Make sure they’re seated near the council members,” I replied. “Alpha Mason wants them close to the front.”

Kira nodded before lowering her voice. “You’ve been working since dawn, Luna. You should rest before the guests arrive.”

“I’ll rest after tonight.”

I checked the hall one last time. The silver candles were lit, the musicians were preparing near the stage, and the guards stood at every corner of the room.

Everything looked perfect.

It had to be perfect.

Tonight marked six years since Mason became Alpha of the Silvercrest pack. Important guests from neighboring territories were attending, including Alphas who once refused to stand in the same room together.

One mistake tonight would spread through every pack by morning.

Kira stepped closer. “Do you think Alpha Mason will finally announce your mate bond to the pack? You have been by his side for many years, Luna. He wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. And this event is being hosted by you, and for him.”

I paused and felt my chest tightening at her words. I had never thought about what she said to me. I always thought that everything that I did for him and the pack was my job, even when he didn't seem to appreciate any of it.

"I don’t know, Kira," I answered. "But the Alpha is my husband, and I am his Luna, and the pack knows that. He doesn't need to make his night about us."

"You have also been the Luna for six years," she replied. "So why shouldn't you be celebrated as well for all that you have done for us?"

I looked at her, speechless, so I just handed her the guest list. “Go help the kitchen prepare the final course.”

“Yes, Luna,” she replied before leaving.

The moment she disappeared down the hallway, two servants entered through the side doors, whispering to each other.

"I heard the Alpha has an important guest tonight, and she is the woman who was originally meant to be the Luna before he married Luna Cassandra."

Both women froze when they noticed me standing behind them as they turned around.

“Luna,” one of them murmured.

I looked at them calmly. “If you have enough free time to gossip, then you have enough free time to help in the kitchens.”

“Yes, Luna,” they answered quickly before rushing away.

My chest tightened.

Mason had been distant for months. He spent more nights in his office than in our bedroom. Sometimes he stopped talking the moment I entered the room.

I told myself it was stress from pack matters. But now I wasn’t so sure.

I headed upstairs toward our bedroom, and the doors were slightly open. Mason was standing near the window with his back facing me while speaking on the phone.

“You shouldn't worry; I am going to do right by you this time,” he murmured. “I will handle Cassandra in my own way, and she won't be a problem anymore.”

My stomach dropped. But I quickly pulled myself together, knocked on the door, and pretended I didn't hear a thing.

“You’re preparing early,” I muttered as I walked into the room. Mason hung up the call and turned around to face me.

"There’s still a lot to do before the banquet. But I am still sorting out a few things," he answered.

His expression remained calm, but something felt off. I sighed and leaned closer to him. “The hall is ready. The council members have already arrived.”

“Good.”

"Your father would be proud of you if he were still here," I answered, smiling as I fixed his shirt. "You have made him proud, and I hope you remember that when you're addressing your people at the banquet."

"Thank you, Cassandra."

I leaned back and smiled at him, feeling the hole in my stomach widening. I couldn't bear the thought of losing him. But I realized that he had never belonged to me.

Before I could ask him something, a knock interrupted us. Kira stepped inside. “Luna, Rowan is asking for you downstairs.”

“I’ll come now,” I answered. "Thank you, Kira."

Mason picked up a file from the desk. “I need to speak with my Beta before the ceremony.”

Without another word, he walked past me and left the room. I stood there for several seconds before forcing myself to move.

Rowan was waiting near the staircase, wearing a small black suit. His tie was hanging loosely around his neck.

The moment he saw me, his face brightened. “Mom!” he shouted before running toward me.

I smiled immediately and crouched in front of him. “You’re supposed to walk like a future Alpha, remember?”

“I forgot,” he replied with a grin.

I fixed his tie while he continued talking excitedly about the dancers and desserts waiting downstairs.

Rowan always filled the empty parts of the pack house with life. He wasn’t my biological child, but I stopped thinking about that years ago. To me, he was my son.

“Do I look strong?” he asked proudly.

“You look terrifying,” I answered, giggling.

He laughed loudly before grabbing my hand. “Come on, Mom. Uncle Nathan promised to teach me sword tricks before dinner.”

“You are definitely not learning sword tricks before dinner.”

“But Mom.”

“No.”

Rowan sighed heavily. “You sound like Dad.”

The comment made my smile fade slightly. Before Rowan could notice, I squeezed his hand gently and walked with him toward the banquet hall.

The room was already full.

People were talking to each other while the servants carried glasses between tables. Several Alphas stood near the center discussing trade agreements.

The moment Mason stepped onto the stage, silence spread across the room.

He looked handsome in black ceremonial clothing with the Silvercrest crest across his chest.

“Thank you all for attending tonight,” Mason began. “Six years ago, this pack was divided by war and betrayal. But today, Silvercrest stands stronger than ever because of the loyalty of its people.”

The crowd applauded, and Rowan smiled proudly beside me. Then the large entrance doors opened, and every voice in the hall disappeared.

A woman walked inside wearing a dark blue dress with silver embroidery along the sleeves. Her long black hair fell over one shoulder while guards followed behind her.

She walked confidently towards the stage. Mason stopped speaking, and the entire hall noticed. And the whispers spread immediately.

“That’s Nadia Dean.”

“She came back?”

My stomach twisted when I saw the look on Mason’s face. He looked shocked, as if the moment was surreal.

I realized that he had never looked at me like that.

Nadia’s eyes were locked onto him, and a smile formed on her lips. Then she spoke the words that shattered the room. “Hello, Mason. It's been a while.”