Chapter 1 Chapter 1

My mate, Alan Cohen, who swore he loved me and vowed to give me the grandest Luna ceremony the pack had ever seen, had just turned me into the laughingstock. There I stood, at the very center of what was meant to be my glorious ascension, while the entire pack erupted into jeers around me. Three years ago, my birth parents had found me, revealing a truth I could hardly believe. I was the sole heir to the Bloodmoon Pack, the most powerful pack in the mysterious northern territories. Mom held me in her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "I've searched for you for many years, my daughter!" Dad stood beside us, his eyes shining with tears. "Your mother and I will raise you to become an extraordinary heir, someone others will respect and admire. Come back with us to the Bloodmoon Pack. Will you?" My heart swelled with joy, but even more with reluctance. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving Dexter, Hank, or Alan behind. So back then, I chose to stay with Hank's pack without a second thought. The idea of venturing into some unfamiliar place didn't appeal to me at all. I would've much rather stayed where I'd grown up. Besides, that strange new world—so powerful and fiercely competitive—felt overwhelming. I wasn't even sure I had what it took to be a worthy heir. "Amy, we know this isn't easy for you. You're our only daughter, and more than anything, we want you to be happy and healthy. We understand why you'd be hesitant to come back. "After all, we've been apart for so many years. But if you could return to the Bloodmoon Pack and help us lead it, it would mean the world to us," Dad said. Mom and Dad looked at me with such hope in their eyes that it made something inside me falter. But then I remembered how Alan had said he needed me, and I still hadn't repaid Hank for everything he did to raise me. How could I just walk away? Over the years, the pack had been torn apart by infighting, and Hank, as Beta, often came home with fresh wounds. I knew Mom and Dad had been quietly helping Hank handle all kinds of trouble behind the scenes. Without them, he probably would've been bedridden long ago. But even so, I still turned them down and chose to stay with Hank. And now, the very reason I stayed had become the sharpest blade driving into me. I stood alone at the center of the ceremony, surrounded by whispers and pointed fingers from the pack. Even as the crowd slowly began to drift away, Alan, Hank, and Dexter never came back. When I reached out through the mind-link again, Alan finally answered. I'd hoped for something soft, something comforting. Instead, his words came sharp and angry. "The ceremony isn't that big of a deal, Amy! Can't you tell Eden's barely holding it together? She's at her most fragile. She needs us!" I opened my mouth to argue, but Dexter Parker's furious roar cut me off. "Stop being selfish, Amy! Eden just came back from that frozen hellhole. She needs our support! If you're not going to be there for her, then at least stop throwing a tantrum. That's it. We'll just hold the ceremony some other time." Hank Parker nodded in agreement. "You're the one who drove Eden away three years ago and made her suffer. The least you can do is stay and think about what you've done!" The second he brought up the past, something in me snapped. I turned and walked out of the ceremony.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Back home, Eden Parker clung to Alan, wearing the ring that should've been mine. She waved at me like she was his rightful mate. "It's been a while, Amy!" When she noticed me staring at the ring on her finger, she pretended to be uneasy and gave it a little shake. "Alan gave this to me. I didn't even want it, but he said it's supposed to symbolize happiness. He wants me to be happy!" My heart clenched so tightly that it felt like I couldn't breathe. I turned away in despair and retreated to my room, then reached out to Mom through the mind-link. She burst into a fit of joyful screams. "Say that again, sweetheart! You're coming home! This is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful!" Three years ago, I believed I could find happiness in the life I'd chosen. But now, I knew I'd been wrong. "Mom, I need a week to settle everything here with this pack." Mom's voice turned gentle. "Of course. However long it takes, your father and I will be here, waiting for you. We've missed you so much. The moment you return, we'll announce you as the sole heir of the Bloodmoon Pack. And we'll spend the rest of our lives loving you with everything we've got." I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. Mom's words brought back the promises Alan had made to me all those years ago. Under the moonlight, he had pulled me into his arms, his eyes filled with a quiet tenderness. "I'll always be loyal to you, Amy. I'll stand by your side forever and be your strongest support." Dexter, too, had once taken my hand and made a solemn vow to the Moon Goddess. "You're the little sister I cherish most, Amy. Even if we're not bound by blood, I'll always treat you like family." And then there was Hank, grinning as he pulled out bottles of liquor, insisting we all drink until dawn. Back then, our lives felt perfect. I truly believed things would always stay that way. But everything changed the day Eden arrived. I still remember the moment Hank burst through the door, cradling a battered and bleeding Eden in his arms. My heart ached at the sight of that delicate young woman, her body torn up by savage bite wounds. I begged Hank to let her stay with us. Once Eden became part of our lives, I did everything I could to make sure she never felt like an outsider. I created opportunities for her to spend time with Dexter and Hank, hoping she'd find her place among us. However, I never expected them to grow so close to Eden that it was as if I no longer existed. Before long, it wasn't just Dexter and Hank who pulled away. Even Alan started treating me with cold indifference. Heartbroken, I turned to Eden, hoping to confide in her. I just wanted to hold on to that sense of family we once shared. But the very next day, Eden tearfully told Hank that I had been isolating her. She said she couldn't take it anymore and wanted to leave, to join a pack down south. Meanwhile, I stumbled across documents in her room—proof that she'd been planning to leave us for a more powerful pack, aiming to become their Luna. But when I tried to explain, no one believed me. After Eden left, Dexter turned on me, yelling in fury. "When did you become so unreasonable, Amy? She's my little sister, too! How can you be so selfish?" Alan stood by, quick to chime in with his agreement, and Hank went so far as to slap me across the face, telling me to reflect on myself. Deep down, they all believed Eden deserved their attention more than I ever did. So they gave everything that should've been mine to her instead. The memory of the pack members mocking me at the Luna ceremony came rushing back, and I couldn't hold back my sobs. That ceremony was supposed to be Alan's promise to me. He'd once told me I was the best mate in the world and swore he'd give me a celebration I'd never forget. With that hope burning inside me, I'd been too excited to sleep for days. I decorated the venue myself, tailoring every detail to Alan's tastes. I even spent days preparing the food by hand, carefully noting each pack member's preferences to make sure the feast was perfect. I thought if I poured enough love and effort into it, Alan would be happy, and the pack would accept me as their Luna with open arms. Instead, it all came crashing down. As I walked away from the ruins of that ceremony, I could still hear the pack's whispers trailing around me. "It's my first time seeing an Alpha walk out on his Luna mid-ceremony.""Did Amy do something shameful? Why did the Beta and Dexter leave, too? Aren't they her family?""If even her own family bailed, she must've really messed up!""Yikes, maybe she cheated. No wonder the Beta left. He was probably mortified." The flood of accusations crashed over me, impossible to stop. Not a single person who promised to stand by me was there when it actually mattered. I was done. I was ready to walk away from all of it.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

That evening, I returned to the room I shared with Alan, fully prepared to break our mate bond, only to find Eden asleep inside. I couldn't believe my eyes. The sound must've startled her, because she stirred, rubbed her eyes, and sat up. When she saw it was me, she didn't even bother hiding the smug look in her eyes. "It's already so late, Amy. What are you doing here? Come in. I didn't prepare anything to welcome you. How rude of me!" My gaze swept over the room, now overtaken by her favorite decorations. There was that little white bear she adored, and the pink curtains I couldn't stand, but she always loved. A hollow feeling settled in my chest. While I was still in a daze, Alan and Dexter came back into the room, each holding a bouquet. The moment Alan laid eyes on me, his expression twisted with disgust. "Amy! Can you stop with the drama already? I told you I'd make it up to you with another ceremony! Was all this really necessary?" Dexter stepped forward and grabbed my wrist, rough and unyielding. "Eden's been through enough because of you. And now you want to kick her out again?" I didn't say a word. Alan slammed the flowers down on the table, clearly losing his patience. "Eden just got back from that frozen hellhole. She needs rest. Don't glare at her like that. I'm the one who told her to stay here and recover. So if you're angry, take it out on me." Dexter yanked me out the door, furious. "We've spoiled you rotten, Amy! You should be grateful for everything we've done for you. Eden is our little sister. Get your temper under control. If it weren't for you, she never would've joined that pack or gone through everything she did. "You're staying in your own room for the next few days. Think long and hard about what you've done, and don't come out until Eden's in a better mood!" Alan gave me a look full of disdain. "Do as Dexter says. If you behave yourself, I'll give you a better ceremony. Otherwise, don't expect one at all." I let out a cold, humorless laugh. I'd been through too much to still hold on to any hope for their love. At this point, all I felt was disappointment. "I'm not here to stay. I just came to let you know that I'm leaving," I said. They didn't love me. And that was fine. I'd go back to my real family—the ones who would welcome me with open arms, with love, and with blessings. To my surprise, Alan and Dexter burst out laughing. "You? Leaving? And where exactly do you think you're going to go?" "You're just some Rogue we took in. You should be thanking us for letting you stay in our pack, and now you're talking about leaving like you have a choice?" Eden stared at me, her eyes full of mockery, but her voice was soft and laced with pity. "I know you hate me, Amy. I'll go. I never should've stayed in the first place anyway. I'm sorry." But before she could take a step, Alan grabbed her arm. "No. If anyone's leaving, it's her, not you!" I was just about to speak when a sharp slap cracked across my face. My eyes flew wide as I stared at Dexter, whom I'd grown up with. He let out a snort, like what he'd done was nothing out of the ordinary. "You need to learn obedience, Amy. Now get back to your room!" My hand trembled as I touched my burning cheek. I turned away without a word. But when I got to my room, I found all my things dumped in the hallway—courtesy of Hank. "Every time Eden comes home and sees your things, she breaks down in tears. I expect you to be more considerate. You've had our love all these years. Now it's Eden's turn. She's been through so much on her own." With that, he turned and walked out without a second thought. I crouched down and quietly started gathering my scattered things. "I'll leave," I muttered. If that was what everyone wanted, then so be it. I'd give them exactly what they asked for.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

The day before I was supposed to leave, I got an email from the pack. It was a notice about the Hunt. I'd already made up my mind to skip it, since I was leaving anyway. But then, first thing in the morning, Hank and Dexter showed up at my door. "Eden wants you to join her for this Hunt, Amy. I hope you'll think about everyone's feelings. Don't be selfish." With the two of them standing there, I didn't really have a choice. Watching Alan and Eden's intimate interactions on the way to the hunting grounds sent a sharp pain searing through my chest. It was the unmistakable ache of betrayal from my mate. The pain spread through my entire body until even walking felt unbearable. Gasping for breath, I leaned against a tree, trying to steady myself. "Who are you trying to fool with this act, Amy? No one cares. Stop ruining the mood and keep up," Dexter said, brushing past me. He handed Eden the most beautiful wildflowers he could find. After seeing that I hadn't budged, Eden stepped away from Alan, her expression soft and sugary-sweet. "You're the one who let me stay in this family all those years ago, Amy. We were so close back then. Come on. Let's relive those good memories today!" Before I could respond, she dragged me into the depths of the hunting grounds. The farther we went, the heavier my unease became. Suddenly, Eden whirled around, her face twisted into something monstrous under the moonlight. "Amy, you leaving on your own, or do I have to make you?" I stared at her, stunned. Before I could speak, a dark figure emerged behind her like a shadow come to life. Eden moved fast, slipping past the first strike like it was nothing. I wasn't so lucky. The sting of my mate's betrayal made my legs go weak. I couldn't move. A crushing blow sent me slamming into a tree trunk. The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth before I coughed it up. But Eden wasn't done. She sent the beast after me again. The next blow landed with a sickening crack. I felt my ribs shatter as I collapsed. Then came one final hit, and the world began to blur at the edges. Just before everything went black, I saw Hank and Alan sprinting toward Eden, panic etched across their faces. Alan scooped her up in his arms and took off out of the hunting grounds like the wind, while Hank tore a strip from his shirt and hastily wrapped it around her wound. I wanted to call for their help, but I had no strength left. My injuries were severe. … When I woke up in the hospital, I couldn't move a muscle. All I could do was lie there, listening to the low murmur of voices around me. As the healers bustled around the hospital room, their cheerful chatter filled the air. "Eden's so lucky. She's got nothing but a scratch, and Alpha Alan's acting like it's the end of the world!""What on earth did Amy do to deserve this? She's seriously hurt, and her family hasn't even bothered to show up." I kept my eyes shut, lips curling into a faint, humorless smile. Then, through the haze, I heard Alan's and Dexter's voices. "It's all Amy's fault!" Alan snapped. "If she'd just done her job and protected Eden like she was supposed to, none of this would've happened! Eden's got a cut on her hand!" Dexter jumped in, eager to back him up. "I bet she did it on purpose. She's probably just jealous Eden's finally getting the attention!" Even with my eyes closed, I could picture the disgust on their faces. Some things just weren't worth hoping for. Just as my body was about to succumb to the darkness again from the pain, I felt a warm hand brush against my forehead. Mom's tender whisper reached my ears. "We're here to take you home, sweetheart." In that moment, I knew I'd never have to face the ones who broke my heart again. … Alan's POV Little by little, Eden started to improve under my care. True to her kind nature, the first thing she wanted to do was visit Amy, who was injured. Eden was so sweet and thoughtful. She was nothing like Amy, who let her jealousy fester until it spilled out and hurt others. Either way, it was time I finally settled the score with her. Barely containing my rage, I stormed into Amy's hospital room, only to find it empty. "Amy still refuses to see me? I knew she didn't want me back. Maybe I should just leave," Eden said. The sight of her tear-streaked face sent a white-hot wave of rage through me. "Your family never should've let that viper into your house, Dexter. She unleashed a wild animal on Eden just because she didn't like her. She's going to pay for this dearly once we find her!""All Amy ever wanted was to be loved, Alan. I'll go. I don't want to cause any more trouble for anyone," Eden said pitifully. Even after everything she'd been through, Eden was still defending Amy. She really was too kind for her own good. I gently stroked Eden's hair, overcome by a single, overwhelming instinct to protect her. "Don't worry, Eden. Amy's too attached to me to just walk away. When she comes back, I'll make sure she apologizes to you." The news playing in the hospital room was grating on my nerves. I didn't know why not seeing Amy was making me this restless. For a split second, an image of her—drenched in blood—flashed through my mind. But she was a werewolf. Wounds like that wouldn't even slow her down. I was just about to turn off the damn TV when a report on the Bloodmoon Pack caught my attention. The Bloodmoon Pack was powerful and shrouded in mystery, so when I saw news about them, I was stunned. But what truly floored me was the news that they'd finally found their long-lost heir. According to rumors, the heir had vanished without a trace during the pack's civil war years ago. This was huge. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen. The footage showed the Bloodmoon Pack's alpha making his first public appearance. He smiled as he announced the heir's name. My eyes widened in disbelief. "Amy?" I gasped in surprise.