Chapter 1 Chapter 1

On my birthday, I wanted to tell my mate, Edmund Ryker, that I was with pup. But for the first time in five years, Edmund, who had never missed my birthday, did something very out of character. He missed my birthday celebration. Instead, he was busy celebrating the birthday of the Omega, Amy Drumm, whom he had picked up and brought back not long ago. As I looked at the pink decorations in the black-and-white office, I felt my heart sink to my stomach. Edmund and I both loved he minimalist style. Whether at home or in the office, there were only simple black and white tones. He once told me that if he saw other colors in the office, he would feel so irritated that he might go crazy. I looked around the office, and my eyes landed on the golden trophy. That golden trophy was the result of my and Edmund's joint effort. For the highest honor that came with winning the Pack Alliance Design Competition, Edmund and I overworked ourselves every single day back then. I had even collapsed many times at the design desk. At that moment, seeing the trophy I had fought so hard for being used as a coat rack to hang Amy's clothes and handbags, I was livid. My hands trembled uncontrollably. It seemed that Edmund had forgotten the promise he made when he asked to bond with me. He had since forgotten who had accompanied him in building the pack to what it was today. He had even forgotten that I was once the best successor in line to take over the Black Forest pack. Since he had forgotten, I would take my time to remind him about that. "Thank you for getting so many people to celebrate my birthday with me, Edmund. I've always celebrated my birthday alone since my childhood. This is the first time so many people are celebrating with me…" When Amy reached the end of her speech, she choked and threw herself into Edmund's arms like a sad little she-wolf seeking comfort. Between sobs, she suddenly barked an order at my most trusted subordinate, the Beta named Bowen Norton. "Can't you see my makeup is ruined? Bring me a tissue," Amy demanded. Bowen looked at Amy with displeasure. He stood still and didn't move. Bowen was an elite I had brought from the Black Forest pack. He might be hot-tempered, but he was highly talented and capable. After coming with me to Edmund's pack, everyone admired him because of his outstanding abilities. In the pack, no one dared to give Bowen orders besides Edmund and me. In ordinary times, I never assigned him any menial tasks. I only ever asked him to take care of the most urgent matters. But now, Amy was asking him to fetch a tissue. At that moment, Bowen's anger was palpable. He looked at Edmund, as if waiting to see how he would respond. "Didn't you hear Amy? It's such a small matter. Do I have to personally guide you?" Edmund said impatiently. I chuckled icily. Though my voice was not loud, everyone heard it. "Who do you think you're ordering around?" I questioned. The moment Edmund saw me, his expression stiffened. Amy panicked for a moment but soon calmed down and exclaimed, "Luna Mona! I didn't expect you to also come to celebrate my birthday. I'm so happy!" While pretending to be cheerful, she tried to step forward and hug me. I pushed her away brusquely and scoffed. "And who do you think you are? Why would I celebrate your birthday?"

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Frightened by my presence, Amy cowered behind Edmund while shaking like a leaf. She hid herself behind him as best as she could and desperately tried to lessen her presence as much as possible. Upon sensing Amy's fear, Edmund stepped up and blocked her from my view. I stared at Edmund, looking him up and down. My red eyes were usually intimidating, and now, they made everyone present break out in a cold sweat. Amy's face turned pale from fright. The smug and happy look she had worn earlier had all but vanished. Seeing as the atmosphere had gotten incredibly tense, Edmund said in an extremely soft and gentle voice to Amy, "Go wait outside." When Amy walked out, her steps were unsteady because of her fear. I had been standing for too long, and with my mood fluctuating, my pregnant body couldn't take it. I started to feel unwell. So, I raised a hand and pointed lightly at Bowen. After getting the hint, he quickly stepped forward to support me with practiced ease. As soon as I sat down, Edmund raised his voice and scolded, "Was your behavior fitting for a Luna?" I smiled derisively as I rested my chin on my hand and stared at him. I said, "Then what about you lying to me that you were in a meeting when you were, in fact, celebrating an Omega's birthday? Was that behavior fitting of an Alpha?" I looked around and then back at Edmund. "Besides, today is also my birthday. For my birthday, it seems there weren't as many guests, nor were there such meticulous arrangements. You really put your heart into Amy's birthday." Edmund frowned, and an annoyed expression appeared on his regal features. He ranted, "How can you be so jealous as a Luna? That is not how a Luna should behave! You grew up being loved. You're the princess of the pack who could have anything you wanted. "Amy's different! She's a pitiful Omega abandoned by her original pack! Why do you insist on comparing yourself to her? Now that she has finally found a new pack, it is my duty to let her feel the warmth of our people as the Alpha!" I looked at the lipstick stain on Edmund's collar bemusedly and raised my hand to point at it. "Do you want her to feel the warmth of the pack or your warmth?" Enraged, Edmund roared, "How can you make such slanderous assumptions about Amy and me? She finally found somewhere she could belong. Do you know how hurt she would be if she heard you say this? How would the other pack members see her?" I suppressed the anger in my heart and countered, "Fine then. To let her better feel the warmth of the pack, and also yours, let's break our mate bond." Edmund looked at me in disbelief. "Break our mate bond? Are you insane? All this just because I held a birthday party for Amy?" I stood up and walked to him. "But today is also my birthday. To hold a party for her, you lied to me about being in a meeting." At this, Edmund lowered his eyes guiltily. "I'm sorry for lying to you. Please forgive me." I looked at the door Amy had walked out of and said, "Ask her to leave the pack. I will contact the Alliance to send her to another pack." "Why, Mona? Didn't you say you hoped we would have more members? Amy has had such a tough life. Why must you force her out? Are you doing this just because I celebrated her birthday?" Edmund exclaimed. I looked at the ring on my hand and said calmly, "An Omega should call you Alpha Edmund. Why did she just call you by your first name? Since when is her status the same as mine?" Edmund cared so much about hierarchy. Yet, he allowed an Omega to call him by name. This was, frankly, not what I had expected. And seeing how worked up he got to keep Amy around, I thought my relationship with him had reached its end. Edmund continued, "Amy finally bonded with the pack, and now you want her to leave. Do you have any idea how sad she will be? What will the pack members say? Do you have no compassion at all?" Upon seeing no change in my expression, he softened his tone and said, "I love you! Truly!" I looked at him, finding his claim laughable. "Then swear to the Moon Goddess." He froze, looking troubled. "Must it come to that?" As I took in his reluctant expression, I felt that all my years of wholehearted devotion were nothing but a joke. I walked over to the trophy to tear down all the clothes and bags hanging on it. Then, I threw them to the ground. "I couldn't bear the thought of this trophy getting a single scratch on it, so I carefully kept it away in a display case. But what did you do? You let Amy toy with it just because she said it looked nice. Have you forgotten that we won this trophy with both our blood, sweat, and tears?" I pushed open my office door and saw that the black-and-white colors had been replaced with pink. "And why would you change the colors in here? Wasn't pink the color you once hated the most? This place held our shared memories. We designed every brick and tile in here together. But now, you let an outsider change everything until it has become something beyond recognition!" As I piled on the accusations, the guilt in Edmund's eyes intensified. He said diffidently, "Forgive me. I will have it changed back right away. I will restore it to how it was. I'm sorry. I didn't consider these things or give it much thought—" "Enough," I said, cutting him off.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Being in the unventilated office caused my head to spin. Not wanting to continue arguing with Edmund, I asked Bowen to support me as we went out into the garden for some air. "Recently, Alpha Edmund had been focusing on research, and he no longer let me follow him. The pack affairs I could handle had all become very basic," Bowen informed. I nodded. I first brought Bowen into the pack mainly because his abilities were outstanding, and he could help me a great deal. But on the other hand, I needed to understand the affairs in Edmund's pack to stabilize my position there. But not long ago, Edmund suddenly became incredibly busy and often got home much later. The matters Bowen and I could involve ourselves in gradually decreased. I had only just realized that Edmund's pack had grown into a force far stronger than I was aware of. I never expected a minor pack like this could reach the scale it was today. What was even more unexpected was that Edmund had completely forgotten about all the help he had gotten from my pack, the Black Forest pack. He was obviously eager to label me as an outsider. Edmund seemed to have become somewhat conceited. He thought his achievements were all credited to him alone. To be with him, I had quarreled with my family. My father, Silas Goldheart, even stripped me of my right to be the heir of the Black Forest pack. Still, he loved me. So, Edmund's pack had developed rapidly thanks to my father's backing. It was now clear to me that Edmund never realized one crucial thing—I could give him everything, but I could also take everything back. I patted Bowen's shoulder. "Do whatever he asks you to do for now. Leave the rest to me." After giving Bowen some instructions, I returned home. Edmund's attitude was completely different from what it had been earlier that day. He prepared a table of all the food I liked for me. "Mona, what happened this morning was my fault. I hope you can forgive me," he said gently. As I looked at the food, I couldn't help but recall how things had been five years ago. Back then, Edmund did all he could to come up with surprising and heartwarming food arrangements, as well as cater to my daily needs. He went out of his way just to make me happy. But ever since the pack began to prosper, he had stopped doing such things for me. Now that I thought about it, I realized how foolish I was. How could I not have realized that his love for me had always come at a price? Edmund urged, "Try these. They're all your favorites. If we have a pup, I will cook for you both every day, so that our pup grows up healthy." The moment he mentioned a pup, my heartbeat raced involuntarily. I felt a trace of resentment toward this pup's arrival. But on top of that, I also felt a lot of sadness. When we had first gotten together, Edmund had sworn to the Moon Goddess that he would love only me in his lifetime. He swore to put me first, always treat me well, love me deeply, and never betray me. But now? He missed my birthday, lied to me, and got intimate with another woman. I could imagine how pitiful my unloved pup would be after being born into this world. Yet, I hoped that Edmund had at least a shred of fatherly conscience. So, I said, "Edmund, I am with pup. That's why I want Amy to leave. I don't care what went on between you two before this. But from now on, I do not want to see her." The smile on his face froze instantly. He asked in disbelief, "What did you say?" I looked into his eyes and repeated each word clearly, "I said I am with pup. You are going to be a father." But on his face, I saw no joy. There was only worry. "Mona, you can't make up a lie like this just because you dislike Amy." I looked at him in shock and shot back, "I never lie!" Edmund rubbed his temples. He didn't even bother to mask the weariness in his voice as he said, "Amy is an excellent person. I will not ask her to leave. You shouldn't invent lies like this to deceive me." I let out a cold chuckle. "So it seems you have decided you want Amy, but not our pup." He stood up and retorted impatiently, "Stop lying to me! You really will stop at nothing just to drive Amy away!" At this point, I could no longer suppress the anger in my heart. I shouted loudly, "Fine, I will get rid of this pup! You'd better not regret it!" Edmund looked at me as though he had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the world. He said sarcastically, "Go ahead, then. As if you're really are carrying my pup."

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

I stared at Edmund in shock, unable to believe that those words had come from his mouth. Once upon a time, he had desperately hoped to have a pup with me. Every time after we made love, he would hold me in his arms and stroke my stomach tenderly while telling me how much he loved pups. As he seemed to really love pups, I constantly blamed myself for not being able to conceive one for him. Hence, I took medicine and injections every night, all for the sake of bearing him a pup. But now that I was really carrying his pup, I didn't feel the least bit happy about it. Even so, I was still unwilling to give up. My body shook with emotion as I asked again, "But what if I am not lying to you?" Edmund averted his gaze a little as he walked toward me. "Alright, Mona. You should go to bed." At that moment, I broke down completely. He once cherished me more than anything. He also promised to always believe and love me. Yet, he had now betrayed his vow. "Don't you believe me?" I asked vulnerably. Edmund looked visibly helpless as he pulled me into his arms. He comforted me gently, "Even if you don't like Amy, you shouldn't resort to such a method." I shoved him away forcefully. Tears streamed down my face as I shouted, "I am not lying to you! If you don't believe me, then let's go to the healer right now!" Edmund pulled at his tie irritably, all traces of tenderness gone. "That's enough, Mona! You know full well that healers have gone home at this hour, yet you put on this act. I don't have time for your nonsense! Do you honestly think I have that much free time to spare?" Just as Edmund was about to turn and leave, I rushed forward and grabbed him. I looked into his eyes as I spoke in a solemn voice with utter seriousness. "Are you certain you don't want our pup?" He impatiently flung my hand away, his gaze frigid as he reiterated, "Like I've said, if you really have our pup, then get rid of it. Did you hear me just now? How could you use a nonexistent pup to threaten me into sending Amy away? You disgust me, Mona." In that instant, all my strength drained from me, and I collapsed to the ground. In truth, from the moment Edmund lied to me, I had known he had changed. I was clutching at straws and searching for a reason to keep our pup for its sake. But now, it seemed there was no need for me to give birth to this pup either. The next morning, I went to the hospital and scheduled the abortion. The pack's healer, Amber Jensen, nearly screamed as she questioned me, "Have you gone mad, Luna Mona? I know how hard you worked to have this pup! And now that you have finally conceived a pup, you want to get rid of it? I won't allow this!" Amber gripped my shoulders tightly and said, "Mona, you and Edmund had a small spat. There's no need for such an extreme act. After all, the pup is innocent!" I saw how anxious she was and smiled helplessly. Someone unrelated to my pup fought desperately to save its life, knowing how hard it was for me to conceive. But what about Edmund? As the father, he not only refused to believe in the pup's existence, but he even wanted me to abort it. I shook my head and said firmly, "I've decided. I don't want this pup." I no longer wanted the pup, and I no longer wanted Edmund either. The procedure went smoothly. Perhaps the pup had somehow felt my grief and understood that its birth would only make me miserable. Throughout the entire process, it did not put up a fight and just quietly left me. After the abortion, Amber looked at me with deep worry. "With this pup gone, it will be challenging for you to conceive again." I nodded. We no longer needed another pup anyway.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

After returning home, I began packing my things. I contacted my parents and told them I wanted to return to the Black Forest pack. I told them frankly that I no longer wished to stay by Edmund's side because he didn't deserve my love. When Dad heard about what Edmund did, he was so infuriated that he immediately cut off all forms of collaboration with Edmund's pack. My mother, Gina Ferguson, was standing right beside him when I called. She agreed with him and said she would come to take me back. Then, they would announce that I was once again the heir of the Black Forest pack. When I finished packing, Edmund returned home with Amy. Though my heart had already become numb with disappointment, it still clenched painfully when I saw the two of them canoodling openly. "Mona, Amy hasn't been feeling well lately. She will stay at our house for the time being," Edmund said. I nodded lightly. Upon seeing me agree, Amy could no longer hide the gleeful smirk on her face as she rushed straight into my room. When she found that it was absolutely bare with nothing left inside, she walked back out in dissatisfaction. "Why is your room so empty?" she asked. Edmund followed right behind her. After seeing the room himself, he scolded me harshly, "How could you live in such a bare room? Where are all the things that used to be here?" I looked at the ridiculous pair and replied coldly, "I threw them out because I didn't like them anymore." Edmund then reprimanded me sternly, "You can throw away anything you like. I don't care. Just give me the ruby necklace I gave you." I said nothing and stared at him, wanting to know what he was up to now. Unsettled by my gaze, Edmund turned his head away and didn't dare meet my eyes. With his gaze averted, he said, "Amy just joined our pack. I want to give her that necklace as a welcome gift." I could not believe my ears. That ruby necklace was the first gift Edmund ever gave me. It was also to commemorate the day we formed our mate bond. He had chosen it because the color of the rubies resembled my eyes. Back then, he had said that the moment he saw the necklace, he thought of me. Now, he wanted to give it to Amy. I glanced at Amy and fixed my questioning gaze on Edmund. "Do you not remember what this necklace represents?" Edmund shrugged indifferently and responded, "Isn't it just a necklace? Amy said she likes it. I'll buy you another one next time. Just give it to her." While gritting my teeth, I handed the diamond-studded ruby necklace to Edmund. I looked at him and said grimly, "If you give this necklace to Amy, then our relationship will be completely over." At the words "completely over", Amy suddenly laughed. She jeered, "Luna Mona, do think this through. If you cut ties with Edmund now, no other pack will take you in." I looked at her, feeling puzzled. "What do you mean?" Edmund stepped forward with an arrogant expression. "Are you really going to cut ties with me?" I clenched my fists and forced myself to stay calm as I uttered, "Yes. I, Mona Goldheart, formally reject you as my mate!" Edmund's eyes became instantly filled with fury as he gnashed his teeth. "Fine. I hope you don't regret your decision today. Don't come crying to me.""Don't worry. I won't ever cling to you or pester you," I spat. As I tried to leave, Amy blocked my way. "Where are you going, Mona? You're not planning to return to the Black Forest pack, are you?" After seeing that I had halted my steps, Amy looked at me with disdain. "You don't know yet, do you? Your parents don't want you anymore. The Black Forest pack has abandoned you." Her words left me confused. Edmund crossed his arms and stood to the side. "The Black Forest pack has already announced they will soon hold a ceremony for their new heir. As for you, you're nothing but an abandoned heir. Since you are of no use to me anymore, I officially accept your rejection." As soon as he spoke, the mate bond reacted. The tie deep within my soul was torn apart, throwing my mind into chaos. I resisted the urge to vomit and looked at Edmund, who didn't seem affected at all. He sneered, "Can't handle it already? You humiliated Amy in public, so now I'll let you taste the pain from breaking the bond!" The pounding in my head grew worse, and my vision blurred. Even if I had a strong body, I could not withstand such agony. I collapsed to my knees, gasping for breath. Amy kicked me hard again and again. "You're nothing but a Rogue now! No pack will ever take you in! This is what you get for embarrassing me before!" She then yanked my hair, forcing me to look up at her. "Now beg me. If you kneel and plead, I'll consider letting you stay in this pack. Or else, I'll have no choice but to throw you out." Edmund nodded in agreement. "You're too kind, Amy. You even let someone who hurt you stay in the pack. That is why she dares to bully you." He turned to me and said, "If you don't want to die, you'd better apologize now. Amy is so kind as to let you continue living in the pack." With much difficulty, I propped my body up while taking in huge gulps of air. "How are you so sure the heir of the Black Forest pack isn't me?" Upon hearing this, Edmund burst into laughter, as if I had just told him the most absurd joke. He scrutinized me and mocked, "You? Didn't you hear the announcement? They are holding the ceremony for the new heir of the Black Forest pack. You've been away from the Black Forest pack for years. How could it be you? I heard the new heir returned to the pack ages ago." I endured the searing pain and asked, "So when you said you loved me, what you really loved was my status as the heir of the Black Forest pack, right? The moment I was no longer heir, you had planned to kick me to the curb." As Edmund sneered, Amy kicked me hard again. "Stop dreaming! Hurry up and apologize! Otherwise, I'll make you wish you were dead!" she screeched. Just then, Mom showed up outside the room. She stood outside and scolded Edmund fiercely in a booming voice, "Who dares to threaten my daughter?"