Chapter 4

Elara

I received my herbology certificate and finally checked the responses to my sanctuary applications. The offer I wanted most came from the Silver Peaks Sanctuary—a position as a healer's apprentice in their neutral zone.

I immediately accepted. In my past life, finding my own path was what I craved most.

I was a bundle of nerves until they called me right before I boarded the bus back to the territory. I got the job.

On the ride back, I excitedly scrolled through apartment listings in Silver Peaks. The thought of finally breaking free from Kaelen was exhilarating.

Just as I stepped off the bus near the pack borders, my phone rang.

"Where the hell are you, Elara?" Kaelen barked the second I answered.

His voice instantly killed my good mood. "What do you want?"

"My parents are back," Kaelen said coldly. "They want you at the packhouse for dinner."

It was dusk by the time I walked into the packhouse dining room. Four people sat around the long oak table—Hubert, Fiona, Kaelen, and Serena. The tension in the air was thick.

I already knew they had been discussing my absence, so I walked in without flinching.

Kaelen took one look at me and tossed his fork onto his plate. He stood up abruptly. "I'm done. The air in here suddenly reeks of a wolfless stray. It's making me sick."

Serena immediately followed him upstairs. I quietly took a seat next to Hubert and Fiona. They awkwardly tried to make excuses for his behavior.

I looked at the retiring Alpha and Luna. In my past life, they had tried to step in when Kaelen locked me in the dungeons. But Kaelen was the acting Alpha, and his power overruled theirs. I didn't blame them back then; I only blamed my own stupidity.

"Hubert, Fiona," I started softly. "I've thought a lot about this. Kaelen and I aren't meant to be. He despises me, and I have no feelings for him either. Instead of forcing a mating bond that will only breed resentment, it's better we set each other free. I want to formally cancel the mating agreement."

Fiona's face fell, tears welling in her eyes. "Is there really no other way, Elara?"

I nodded firmly. Setting this straight was my biggest priority since the Moon Goddess gave me a second chance. Finally, a massive weight lifted off my chest.

Before leaving the packhouse, I went upstairs to grab the last of my books.

Serena blocked my path in the hallway. "Elara, please give him up. I'm carrying Kaelen's pup, and my baby needs its father."

She forced tears into her eyes, playing the perfect victim. Frowning, I took a step back.

Then, she smirked. Before I could blink, she grabbed my wrist and threw herself backward down the hardwood stairs.

"Elara, don't push me! My pup! It hurts!"

Serena tumbled down the steps. A metallic scent hit the air as blood trickled down her inner thighs. At that exact moment, Kaelen dashed out of his study, his eyes blazing with pure rage.

He lunged up the stairs and slapped me hard across the face. "You malicious bitch!"

"People told me you were a jealous monster, but I didn't want to believe it," Kaelen roared. "Now I've seen it with my own eyes. What's your excuse this time? If it weren't for you, Serena and I could be happy. Why do you insist on ruining everything?"

Hubert and Fiona rushed out of their room. Seeing them, Serena clutched her stomach and wailed even louder.

Kaelen turned to his parents, his fangs bared. "Look at what she did! This is the Luna you chose for me!"

My ears rang from the sheer force of the Alpha's strike. I stared at Kaelen. He looked like the ultimate victim.

Without a second thought, I raised my hand and slapped him. Twice. Hard.

"Don't worry," I said, my voice ice-cold. "I will never be your Luna."