My Second Chance

Having everyone stare at me was extremely unnerving. I never really liked being the center of attention. Of course, this was a whole different level of being the center of attention. “New Moon Pack! It has been decided by the Elders of our pack that our Luna, Brooke Deroche, has been found guilty of the murder of our pack doctor, Doctor Charles Ellis. Doctor Ellis had been an upstanding member of this pack for over twenty years. Not only was he the primary physician in this pack, but he was my uncle and I loved him dearly. He will be extremely missed,” Alexander began, “I am so sorry that it has come to this, Brooke. I do not know what I will do without you by my side, but we cannot let murder slide.” I can't help the verbal scoff and eye roll. This guy is truly something else. It is obvious to anyone with eyes what he is doing. He is trying to gain sympathy. He has always liked playing the sympathy card. Stupid a**hole. This is your fault. You did this! I do not understand how things changed so quickly, and completely not in my favor. What is this proof they have? How did they get it when I did nothing wrong? There were so many things that I wanted to do in life. I wanted to live a happy life with my mate. I wanted to genuinely love them and be loved in return. I wanted to bring children into this world and make a family with Alexander. Somewhere along the way, though, it all went wrong. It started with trivial things, like me being ignored. This was extremely frustrating, especially when we were working on pack business, then I was pushed out of the way or got a light slap on the face. It was like he lost all patience after a while. After that, it escalated in a way I never saw happening. He started hitting me. Most of the bruises were left in places that were easy to cover. The Moon Goddess only knows what would happen if anyone saw a bruise and asked about it. I would not be able to be out of my room for at least a week or two as no one would be allowed to see the bruise. Alexander and I had always talked about having a family, but as the abuse increased in frequency and intensity, I decided I wanted things to get better between him and I before I brought a child into this world. I spoke with Doctor Ellis about this and opened up to him about the abuse. As a doctor, he felt awful that he did not see what was happening. He ended up prescribing birth control. It could not be pills or anything that Alexander could potentially find, so I received an injection every three months. A week ago, I went into his office for my next injection. It was then that I saw Doctor Ellis dead, at his desk. I screamed and in came a nurse that worked with the doctor. After that, everyone was called, and from there it seemed to spiral out of control. No one will ever know what truly happened. I only have my suspicions: Alexander killed him. He wanted me to have a child, as another way to exact control. When he found I was working against him, he did what he had to do. “Despite our sadness over the impending loss of our Luna, this just goes to show that no one is above the law. Brooke, I do not know why you took my uncle's life, but I hope in your next life you find the peace you seek. With that being said, I, Alexander Deroche, Alpha of the New Moon Pack, hereby reject you, Brooke Deroche, as my mate and Luna.” I try my best to prepare for the onslaught of pain. Breaking a bond is supposed to be the worst pain one could ever feel, multiplied by like a hundred. I felt some pain, a lot of pain actually. I wanted to just stop fighting and let go. The one person the Moon Goddess made for me just rejected our bond. I would never show him my pain though. He has had enough control over my life. I wouldn't give him this. I looked up and noticed he wasn't looking at me. I followed his gaze to a young woman, probably 21 or 22. She had short light brown hair, long toned legs, no real curves to speak of, and an a** that looked like a brick wall. I wonder who she is? I haven't seen her around before, I thought to myself. Then, as I watch him look at her and the look he is giving her in return, I realize what this is: that b***h is his mistress. If I'm being honest with myself, she is probably getting ready to take my place, not just as Alexander's mate, but as Luna of New Moon. I looked back over to the a**hole of the century. He looked at me with an empty stair at first, but then his mouth slowly slid up into a smirk. No one saw it but me, of that I am sure. Of course, we all know it was only intended for me. "I need you to accept the rejection, Brooke!" Oh really now? I looked him straight in the eyes and my mouth curved into a smirk, my glare fixed on him. "Why should I, Alexander? Why should I do anything that would benefit you? You certainly never did anything for me. If you truly loved me as you said you did in those lovely little words you spat at my Luna ceremony, then we wouldn't be here right now, would we?" He looked absolutely pissed, and honestly that is being generous. If looks could kill I would be six feet under. I couldn't help but smile though. My words had the desired effect. "If you're going to kill me for something I did not do, then you can feel the full weight of your decision. This is what YOU wanted, so YOU will have to deal with it. I am not doing anything that will ultimately help you. I'm dying anyway, right? Why should I be nice?" I ask, shrugging my shoulders. I looked out at the crowd and they were shocked to hear me speak to the Alpha that way, though none seemed too offended. I continued looking around and saw a gun aimed at me. I took this moment to look up at the full moon, praying to the Moon Goddess to make my next life better than this one had been. Allie? I said to my wolf. Yes, my friend, she replied. I am so sorry this happened. I'm not sure what I could have done differently, but I wish I could have done it. Your life is ending too and it is my fault. Allie put her forehead against mine inside our minds. She is truly the best wolf ever. This is not your fault honey. One day the truth will be known for all to hear. I promise you this. Just remember that you are never alone. I closed my eyes as I heard the trigger being pressed and the bullet shoot out from the chamber. Then, just like that, the world went dark and my pain was gone.