The Luna Who Refused to Kneel

His words crashed into my mind like a stone thrown into still water, sending ripples spreading endlessly.

“We’ll go back together,” he finally broke the silence, carrying the shopping bags toward his car.

I followed but said, “I still have things to finish. I can’t stay in the villa you bought.”

He stopped, nodded, and accepted my excuse.

“Alright. Then I’ll take you back to your place.”

I didn’t refuse. I needed time to process everything that had happened tonight.

The car started and glided steadily through the night. My thoughts were in chaos—Ansel’s betrayal, Nancy’s provocation, Andrew’s sudden appearance, and his promise.

In my mind, Lilith whispered her fondness for him: “Leah, I like him. His scent is like the clean sea breeze—it makes me feel safe.”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I gripped the sapphire necklace around my neck, the icy touch clearing the fog of my thoughts.

The car stopped at Ansel’s villa. It was completely dark inside, of course—he wouldn’t be here. He was with his beloved Nancy.

I was about to get out when Andrew called softly, “Leah.”

“Can I… hold you for a moment?” he asked, tentative and cautious.

My heart skipped a beat. Lilith squealed in my head, “Say yes! Say yes! Let him hug you!”

Almost against my will, I nodded.

We stepped out and stood in the darkness by the villa. He opened his arms and gently pulled me against him.

I buried my face in his coat, greedily breathing in his scent.

I felt his arms tighten around me. His breath warmed the shell of my ear, and before I could react, his lips pressed down on mine.

The kiss was light, gentle, carrying the weight of something precious. His lips brushed mine slowly, tenderly.

Then it happened—a surge of indescribable energy exploded where our lips met, racing through every vein, every bone. My mind went blank, my body trembling with awe and ecstasy.

“It’s… it’s our Mate!” Lilith’s voice rang out in my head, frantic with joy. “Leah, it’s him! I can feel his wolf—so strong, so warm. I love him! I love this feeling!”

I felt it too. That pull, ancient and undeniable—the Moon Goddess’s blessing itself. So this was what it meant to meet a true Mate: the overwhelming joy of being whole, complete.

Andrew felt it as well. His kiss deepened, growing urgent, as though he wanted more. I didn’t resist. I opened to him, responding instinctively. We clung to each other, lost in that moment, until the violent tremors of our souls finally subsided. Breathless, we pulled apart.

“Leah…” His voice was husky as he spoke my name.

I looked at him, speechless.

He gazed at me one last time, then loosened his hold and stepped back.

“Rest early,” he said quietly. “Call me if you need anything.”

Then he turned, got into his car, and drove off. The black Land Rover soon disappeared into the night.

I stood there, touching my burning lips, stunned for a long time.

Back inside the villa, I went straight upstairs, collapsed on the bed, and pulled out my phone.

I only meant to check the time, but the notification on the screen stabbed my heart like a knife.

[Rising Painter Nancy Seen Crying at Midnight—Trouble in Paradise?]

[Blood Tribe’s Future Alpha Heir Ansel Comforts Mystery Woman—Official Girlfriend’s Place at Risk?]

I clicked in. A blurry photo showed Nancy, covering her face, crying pitifully. Ansel stood by her side, holding her waist, his gaze filled with tender concern.

The comments section was already in flames. Fans and trolls alike flooded in.

“Oh my god, what happened to our Nancy? Who bullied her?”

“It must be that Leah woman! Using Ansel’s girlfriend status to push Nancy around!”

“I always knew Leah was trouble. She must have tricked Ansel, poor Nancy!”

“She’s just an Omega! What kind of tricks did she use to seduce an Alpha?”

Every word was venom. My name was bound with “shameless,” “mistress,” “homewrecker,” as they tore me apart with their malice.

I stared at the screen, then suddenly laughed.

Ansel. Nancy.

Is this what you wanted?

Fine. Let’s play. This show is only just beginning.