Betrayed By The Mate The Moon Goddess Chose
Chapter 1
After the Murray Pack was disbanded, Kairi Murray’s position as Michael’s destined Luna fell to me.
The Lycan Prince couldn’t bear to see his childhood friend, Kairi, reduced to the status of a rogue, so he pulled some strings and brought her into the Garcia Pack as an Omega.
As the rightful Luna, I had no intention of making things difficult for her.
But on our mating night, just as Michael was about to mark me, a mournful howl echoed through the halls.
It was Kairi, her voice trembling with heartache as she let out a sorrowful cry, a lament of unrequited love.
It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but the sorrowful sound made it feel more like a funeral.
It was a low blow, even for someone who had fallen from grace.
Michael’s hands, which had been warm and eager on my waist, froze. The desire in his eyes faded, replaced by a flicker of guilt.
Everyone in the pack knew he had saved Kairi from a life as a rogue and brought her into the pack.
His loyalty was admirable, but it didn’t change the fact that this was *our* night.
If we didn’t complete the marking ceremony, I’d be the laughingstock of the pack tomorrow.
The Lycan Queen wouldn’t blame her son for his indecision—she’d blame me for failing to hold his attention.
With that in mind, I wrapped my legs around Michael’s waist and pulled him closer.
I looked up at him, my eyes soft and pleading in the dim light.
“Your Highness,” I whispered, “tonight is our night. Please, give Holly the respect she deserves.”
My words snapped him out of his trance.
Kairi’s position as his mate had been his choice, but mine had been decreed by the Lycan King himself.
I came from the prestigious Garcia Pack, a family with a long history of loyalty and strength.
If he humiliated me tonight, it would be a slap in the face to my entire lineage.
Almost immediately, Michael made his decision.
He pressed me into the bed, his hands roaming over my body with renewed urgency.
I gasped, arching into his touch as he nipped at my neck, teasing the spot where his mark would soon reside.
Outside, Kairi’s howl continued, but Michael paid it no mind.
---
The next morning, I woke up an hour before Michael.
We were scheduled to meet with the Lycan King and Queen, and I needed to look my best.
I sat in front of the mirror as a team of Omegas worked on my hair and makeup.
Even though the Garcia Pack was wealthy, nothing compared to the opulence of the royal family.
Within an hour, I was adorned with jewels and dressed in a luxurious gown, a wolf pendant resting on my chest.
When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
As we headed to the car, Michael took my hand in his.
“The Queen is very kind,” he said, his voice gentle. “You don’t need to be nervous.”
His eyes were warm, the picture of a doting mate.
I knew it was all for show, but I played along, smiling sweetly. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
The Lycan Queen was waiting for us in the grand hall.
This was the first time I’d seen her up close.
She was stunning, her ageless beauty a testament to her strength and grace.
The Queen’s story was the stuff of legends—she had been a commoner when she caught the Lycan King’s eye, and he had fought to make her his mate.
Their love story had inspired countless songs and tales.
With Michael by my side, the meeting went smoothly.
After a while, the Queen dismissed him, saying she wanted to speak with me privately.
“My dear,” she began, her voice warm, “I just wanted to have a little chat with you.”
I bowed my head respectfully. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“You were chosen by the Lycan King himself, so I know you’re exceptional. I trust you to handle the responsibilities that come with being Luna.”
She paused, her gaze thoughtful. “Now, about Kairi… What are your thoughts on her?”
I took a moment to consider my answer.
“Your Highness, it’s only natural for Michael to want to help an old friend. Besides, Kairi had no control over what happened to her pack. I’ve made it clear that I’ll put the pack’s interests first, and I’m willing to accept Kairi as a member of the pack.”
The Queen nodded, a satisfied smile on her lips.
“You have a remarkable sense of maturity for someone so young. It’s rare to see such understanding in a Luna.”
She changed the subject, asking about my age and family.
But I knew this was just a lead-up to her real agenda.
“I have a niece,” she said casually, “Alina. She’s quite spirited, and her father has been asking me to take her under my wing. I think she’d benefit from spending some time here in the pack.”
I smiled politely, though my mind was racing.
“Your Highness, I’d be honored to have Alina stay with us. I’m sure we’ll get along wonderfully.”
The Queen’s smile widened. “You’re such a thoughtful girl. I knew I could count on you.”
On the way back, Michael asked me what the Queen had wanted to discuss.
I told him about Alina, careful to keep my tone light.
He didn’t seem concerned, simply saying I could handle it.
When we returned to the pack house, Kairi was waiting at the door.
“Your Highness…” she began, but her voice faltered when she saw Michael holding my hand.
She looked fragile, her eyes red and swollen.
I stepped forward, my smile warm but calculated.
“You must be Kairi. Welcome to the pack. Let me know if you need anything.”
I turned to Michael. “Your Highness, don’t you have business to attend to? I’ll see you later.”
As soon as Michael left, Kairi followed after him, her eyes filled with longing.
I let them go, knowing I had bigger concerns.
Alina was the real threat, and I needed to prepare.
---
The next day, my trusted Delta, Zayla, brought me news.
Alina was on her way to the pack, and she’d be here in a month.
Zayla looked worried.
“Luna, I’ve heard Alina is beautiful and charming. She’s used to getting what she wants.”
I smiled faintly. “Sounds like quite the challenge.”
The Queen was playing a dangerous game, but I wasn’t about to let her use me as a pawn.
If Alina was as clever as she was beautiful, I’d have to stay one step ahead.
But first, I needed to deal with Kairi.
---
I decided to extend an olive branch.
I gave Kairi her own quarters and assigned her two Omegas to attend to her needs.
Michael seemed surprised but grateful.
One evening, I asked Zayla to send Kairi a plate of her favorite dessert.
Michael raised an eyebrow.
“You know her tastes?”
I smiled. “We were acquaintances once. It’s only natural I’d remember.”
Zayla chimed in. “Luna has been very kind to Kairi. She even let her pick out new fabrics for her clothes.”
I waved Zayla off. “Enough of that. Kairi’s been through enough. I just want to make her feel welcome.”
Michael looked touched.
“You’re truly remarkable, Holly. I’m glad you’re my Luna.”
I smiled, but my mind was already elsewhere.
I had a pack to lead, and I wasn’t about to let anyone—Queen, Alina, or Kairi—stand in my way.
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