Second Chance Luna: His Rejected Mate is the Golden Wolf

The Most Beautiful Flower

Conlan’s POV

The scent of flowers was rich and intoxicating on that side of the road — another reason I’d chosen that route to reach the Moon’s Bright pack. Alpha Albert, an old ally of my family — rulers of the Golden Fang pack — had invited me to attend his succession ceremony.

I had no idea why a respected and admired Alpha like Albert would decide to step down in the prime of his strength. I hoped to find out during the celebration. But one thing I was sure of — whoever inherited his title could never truly match the Alpha who was giving it up.

“Sir, the tracking patrol found rogue tracks ahead,” came Phoenix’s voice — my Gamma, and my most loyal friend since we were pups.

“Well done,” I said. “Stay alert. We’re moving through dangerous ground. We must be close to Moon’s Bright territory,” I added, “but don’t let your guard down.”

Phoenix nodded.

“I’ll inform the men, Alpha.”

I watched him go when a scent struck me, stronger, deeper, so potent it made me straighten immediately.

“What in the— By the Goddess,” I muttered. “That’s the most captivating scent I’ve ever smelled.”

My nose twitched as I searched the wind, chasing the invisible current that carried that aroma toward me.

I forgot everything— even the rogues, even the reason I was there, patrolling the eastern border, in no-man’s land. None of it mattered anymore. I was consumed by that fragrance — one I would have traded my title for without hesitation.

I followed it, my heart hammering in my chest. That scent — it couldn’t be anything but her. The woman meant for me.

¡My mate!

The one I´ve been waiting for since I was 18.

¡That scent has to be her!

Then, the stench hit me.

Rogues.

The foul odor was unmistakable — and far too close to the woman whose scent called to me. I wouldn’t let their filthy claws touch her. Urgency surged through me like wildfire. I ran faster, leapt over the ravine that separated us — and saw her.

In the darkness of the forest, surrounded by the chaos of battle, stood the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was fierce, unbroken — wild. She fought with determination against a dozen filthy rogues who had surrounded her and already slain some of the other she-wolves.

How dare they.

Cowards.

And then I saw it — one of them slashed her back, another sank its teeth into her leg, and a third struck her across the head.

That was enough.

How dare they lay their hands on her — on that radiant, courageous woman.

I roared — a deep, primal sound torn from my chest, heavy with fury and anguish. My howl shook the treetops, echoing through the night. The rogues scattered instantly, terrified, no doubt thinking they’d angered a god ready to deliver their punishment.

They weren’t entirely wrong.

In a single bound, I reached the clearing where the wounded woman had fallen. The scent of her blood hit me like a thousand burning arrows to the heart.

“Run! Run! It’s an Alpha!” shouted what must have been their leader — the same coward who had struck her.

He could run all he wanted — even to the depths of the Underworld. I would still find him.

“Sir, they’re the rogues we spotted earlier!” Phoenix’s voice came from nearby. “What are your orders, sir? Do we pursue them?”

I wanted to taste their blood. Every last one of those bastards who had dared to touch my woman.

I raised my hand and gave the signal. Phoenix didn’t hesitate — he and the others took off immediately, while I went to her side.

I knelt beside her. She flinched, thinking I was one of them.

“No, easy,” I said quickly, seeing the panic in her eyes. “I won’t hurt you. I’m here to help. The rogues are gone — tails between their legs.”

Her breathing slowed. Relief softened her expression.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“I… my name is Paris,” she said, the pain still etched in her features — a sight that made my chest ache.

“I’m Conlan,” I replied simply. “You’re safe now.”

As I checked her wounds, I noticed her uniform — a tracker from Moon’s Bright. She must’ve been part of the border patrol assigned to protect the area from rogue attacks.

“I’m going to lift you now, alright?”

Paris nodded, trusting me. My heart softened at that. To my Alpha strength, she weighed almost nothing. I lifted her carefully, cradling her so the pain would be minimal.

“I’m heading to Alpha Albert’s succession ceremony,” I told her, only to reassure her of our destination. “We’re traveling with a large patrol. You have nothing to fear — the rogues won’t dare come back.”

She nodded again, a faint, shy smile curving her lips — the warmest, most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“Thank you,” she whispered, wincing from the pain.

“You don’t have to thank me,” I said gently. “And don’t strain yourself — not until your wounds heal.”

Seeing her in pain hurt me more than I cared to admit. I needed to get her to safety, fast. I drew on my Alpha speed, leaving Phoenix and the others behind, racing through the forest with her in my arms.

It took only minutes to reach the edge of Moon’s Bright territory, but I knew I was late. As I neared the pack house, I could already hear the solemn words of the succession oath being spoken.

With the most beautiful flower resting in my arms, I hurried toward the ceremony.