Chapter 1

Iris Bennett's POV

"Luna, you should rest! You haven't slept in days preparing for this celebration!"

"Our warriors have been fighting those Rogue Wolves for weeks. They deserve the best." I set the platters of food on the long dining table, adjusting them one more time.

"They protected our home."

I couldn't wait to see Adrian.

Since we'd been mated, we'd never been apart this long. I hadn't been able to sleep these past few days—every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was his face.

What if those Rogue Wolves had hurt him? I'd prayed to the Moon Goddess every single day, begging her to bring him home safe. As Luna, I'd done everything I could to keep our pack running smoothly, to make sure he'd have nothing to worry about when he returned.

Thank God, it was finally over.

And besides, I had other news to share with him. I lowered my hand to my stomach, touching it gently.

Just a few hours ago, the healers had told me I was pregnant. The test results were still tucked in my pocket, pressed against my heart.

A new life. More importantly, our child—mine and Adrian's.

What could be better than that? Moon Goddess, thank you.

But when should I tell him? Tonight, after the feast? Or should I wait until his birthday and make it part of his gift? I pondered this as I continued arranging the decorations.

I wanted everything to be perfect. I just wanted these warriors to feel happy the moment they came home.

"The Alpha's back!"

I bolted for the door. All I wanted was to throw my arms around Adrian and make sure he was okay.

But the moment I stepped outside, my smile froze on my face.

Adrian Stuart was indeed standing at the entrance. He wasn't injured, and there was a brilliant smile on his face. He was tilting his head, gazing down at the blonde girl standing beside him.

Everyone was crowding around the two of them, as if they were the Alpha and Luna.

"He's your mate!"

My wolf roared in my head. I fought the urge to rush forward and quietly slipped into the shadows. I tried to steady my breathing, but my heart was pounding so hard my chest felt like it might split open.

"You're finally back! You have no idea how much we missed you!"

"There's no one more important to the Alpha than you!"

Their words were like knives, stabbing into me one after another.

The blonde girl laughed shyly. Adrian pulled her into his arms, saying nothing.

It felt like a hand had closed around my throat. I couldn't speak. Actually, I recognized this blonde girl—Zoe Hawthorne. She'd saved Adrian's life.

I hadn't seen her in so long that I'd nearly forgotten she existed—until today, when she reappeared.

And it wasn't just that. She'd helped me, too.

She'd been away from the pack for two years, so this time together must be precious to both of them. The best thing I could do right now was leave.

I instinctively stepped backward—until I heard a yelp and spun around. I'd been so distracted I hadn't noticed the beta standing right behind me.

He hadn't noticed anything wrong with me either. After his startled shout, he quickly grabbed my arm.

"Luna? Thank God you're here!" His voice was thick with fear.

"What's wrong? What happened?" I asked, confused.

"Yes—word just came from the border. Those Rogue Wolves are back. I was just about to find the Alpha. Do you know where he is?"

I didn't know how to answer him. Because just a minute ago, Adrian had walked right past me with Zoe clinging to his arm, smiling sweetly.

Every time I replayed that scene in my mind, my heart ached.

"Don't bother him." I took a deep breath.

"Take me instead. I'll handle it. Trust me—after all, I'm the Luna of this pack too."

Just a few Rogue Wolves. I could deal with them.

"Thank you so much, Luna. Please be careful." The beta led me to the car.

Luna? I smiled bitterly. This position was never supposed to be mine in the first place. And now, it seemed, I'd soon be giving it back to its rightful owner.

I turned and glanced back at Adrian and Zoe in the distance. They were dancing in the great hall with the warriors. Zoe's dress billowed like a beautiful jellyfish, and everyone was clapping for her and Adrian.

They hadn't seen each other in so long—they deserved this reunion. No point in ruining it with bad news.

Bloodridge Pack Border

Three massive wolves with bloodshot eyes were tearing into the carcass of a deer. A few young werewolf pups huddled together, trembling in fear.

I had to drive them out.

I shifted into my wolf form and lunged at them, but before I could sink my teeth into the nearest one's tail, another slammed into my chest. I fought with everything I had and finally managed to chase all three Rogue Wolves out of the pack.

But I'd paid the price. A gash on my side ran so deep I could see bone.

By the time I returned to the pack, the celebration had ended. The once-lively estate had fallen silent. I dragged myself forward, moving slowly. I fought the urge to find Adrian—he should be enjoying his time with Zoe.

I needed to find a healer to treat my wounds, and then…

"Alpha!" The beta's voice pulled my attention. I looked up.

That familiar silhouette was standing at the entrance of the estate. He stood in the shadows, watching us in silence.

"Adrian!" The moment our eyes met, I forced a smile.

But something felt off.

Why wasn't he with Zoe? Had he been standing here waiting for me? The moment I realized this, my wolf screamed in my mind.

But my chest hurt too much. I couldn't even straighten up to look at him properly.

I had so much I wanted to say to him. But knowing he'd just brought the woman he loved back home, I couldn't get a single word out.

Instinctively, I raised my arm to cover the wound on my side.

"Iris, do you think you're some kind of hero? What am I, decoration?" he shouted at me, his voice sharp and cutting.