Chapter 2 Two

KARINA

The whispering behind me was slowly killing me. I was trying to shut out their voices from my head but I couldn't.

Every word they said stung harder than the earliest. They were a bunch of cruel women who knew just the exact words to crush a soul with and they were swiftly crushing mine.

“No wonder she looks so sad tonight. She must have known that her replacement was gonna be here.”

“Her replacement? Ashley has always been the girl. This one's just her second fiddle.”

“That's harsh, but true. I heard her Pack doesn't like her much. They would all prefer their Alpha with his teenage love. And he seems to be on the verge of granting them that wish.”

“Poor girl.”

I was gonna spill literal tears, but then Chase appeared from nowhere, sitting beside me, and that put my tears in check immediately.

I held his hand tightly, seeking consolation. He looked at me with a raised brow.

“What's wrong with you?” There was no concern in his words so I couldn't gaslight myself into thinking that he was finally caring for me.

“Nothing. Just cold.” I replied with a wimpy smile. I slowly let go of his hand but my nostrils caught a strange whiff on him. A feminine whiff. Another woman's scent.

I shouldn't confront him. But God, I need to know. It seems everyone else knows aside from me. So I should know.

Where were you? I mind-linked him. He shot me a confused stare, probably over the fact that I was suddenly mind-linking him instead of speaking out.

I held his gaze, with teary eyes and an aching heart. Were you with her?

My heart pounded harder as I awaited his response. I couldn't tell what his response would be because he had an unreadable expression on his face.

He took seconds, almost rounding up to a minute before he nodded.

Yes

My heart sank into a pit centered in my chest. Why?

Because we needed to talk.

About what?

About how she's gonna become my second Luna.

My head became heavy out of the blue. My eyes twitched with tears that I had to blink rapidly for seconds. I was going breathless by the minute.

What did he just say?

You're kidding, right?

Have I ever been that much of a comedian with you, Karina?

No. He's never even teased me or made jokes. So if he says he's trying to make her his second Luna, then he's being serious. Oh, my God.

Why do you need a second Luna?

He snorted. I could give you a million reasons. Well, first, I need a Luna who's a little more confident, bolder, and knows how to handle politics in my absence. And not just smiling at the people like a fucking clown.

My chest constricted at his sharp, slicing words. I bit my lips to hold in my tears.

I need a Luna who's capable of fulfilling the core duties of being a Luna, which is giving me an heir. Your cold womb can't carry out the task but that's alright. Ashley's here to save the day.

I was beginning to hurt myself with how much I was biting my lips. I wish he'd stop talking. Actually, I wish I hadn't confronted him at all. Maybe I would have saved myself this agony.

Also, I need to have a Luna that I love. That makes my heart flutter. That makes me look forward to coming home every night. I need that kinda happiness and you've been incapable of giving me that, Karina.

We've been together for five years…

Yeah, and it's been hellish, I tell ya. So, do you need more reasons as to why I've decided to make Ashley the second Luna, or have you heard enough reasons?

I couldn't hold in my tears and so they rolled slowly down my face. All my years of putting up a strong and happy Luna front have just ended with me breaking down in tears in a crowd full of spectators.

He held my hand, giving it a hard squeeze. Dry those damn tears. I need you to look fucking happy when I introduce Ashley as my second Luna. I need the people to see you're okay with it. That's the only way she doesn't get criticized. You might not know this, but you have a handful of hardcore fans, and I don't want them coming after her. So show them you're happy and Ashley will be fine.

You're the meanest guy I've seen in my entire life, Chase.

And you're the sloppiest woman I've ever been with, Karina. But who's asking? He gave a facetious grin, ended the mind-link, and stood to his feet.

It was then that I realized that he was being ushered again to the podium to make an announcement.

I dabbed my tears with a handkerchief, avoiding looking around. There were already hardcore, curious eyes on me. I didn't wanna make eye contact with them. I just kept my gaze on Chase, holding my breath.

He thanked the crowd again and spoke about some political situations going on in the Pack. And he's kinda right. I don't know anything about the politics of the Pack.

I was more focused on being his mate and making him happy. And right now, I hate myself for it.

He ended his announcement by ushering up Ashley, “...MY NEW LUNA.” He said those words with so much pride that they set my heart ablaze.

Ashley received quite a standing ovation from the crowd, which made me shrink to bits. She looked so happy, it hurts. God, it hurts.

And I sound like I'm trying to wound myself even more, but seeing her standing next to Chase made me see what their fans see. They kinda look good together. She complements his swagger so well with her highly pronounced elegance.

I, on the other hand, probably looked off and dull next to Chase.

Ashley sounded like a complete feminine grace as she took the stage to address the crowd. She had a very soothing voice. I hadn't expected it, but she suddenly mentioned my name in the middle of her soothing speech.

“...and Luna Karina, it's such an honor to be under your supervision. I hope we can work together to make this pack a great one. Thank you so much for this privilege.”

Everyone cheered and stared at me. She just kinda put the spotlight on me and I wasn't ready for it. I was battling with my tears.

Unable to hold it in anymore, I stood and ran out of the hall. I couldn't stop running until I was outside, in the dark corners filled with trees.

I sobbed soulfully there. But I hit a pause when I felt a chilly, odd breeze gracing my skin. And I might be hallucinating, but I was hearing a subtle, deep growl between those trees a few distances away from me. The ones that led straight into the woods.

I stared in the direction, trying to see what was making the noise. A gasp left my lips at the beastly silhouette clinging to one of the trees.

I took a sudden step backwards, ready to run to my heels. But those green eyes sparkled, forcing me to halt. There was something more to it. Like it was calling out to me.

Maybe I was being enchanted because why couldn't I stop staring at it? Why wasn't I running away? Why was I having this weird feeling about going to it? And why was my wolf stirring up inside me for the first time ever?

“Luna Karina?” A male voice behind me made me flinch. I turned around. It was one of the ushers of the event. “You're needed inside.”

I nodded, trying to take one last look at those green eyes. But they were gone. The woods were dark and windy as if nothing had happened.

“Luna Karina?”

I began heading back to the building, questioning my sanity briefly. Did I really see those green eyes or was it all just in my head?