His Captive, His Luna

VIVIENNE. I had never seen my husband look at me like I was something he wished he could erase. “Move away from me.” The words were quiet, almost casual, but they struck harder than a shout. I stood beside him, my fingers tightening around the stem of my glass. “What?” Kieran finally turned toward me. His gaze moved slowly over my face, then down the length of my dress before returning to my eyes. His mouth twisted. “Stop trying so hard to be seen with me." He spoke through gritted teeth. "You are making me look bad.” For a moment, I could only stare at him in disbelief. Behind us, the music continued and laughter filled the grand hall, but all I could hear was the blood pounding in my ears. “I am your wife,” I said quietly. Kieran's expression hardened. “And this is exactly why I wish you would learn when to act like one.” My grip on the glass tightened. “I thought you wanted me here.” “I didn't." His voice was growing more harsh with every word. "Why would I when I know how terrible you always look? You forced yourself here.” His eyes moved over me with open disgust. “It looks old and worn out, just like you. Your hair is a mess, and you didn't even have the dignity to put on some makeup. Even plain Jane looks better than you.” I instinctively covered the small tear in my dress, my confidence crumbling beneath his stare. “It isn't that bad,” I whispered. Kieran gave a humorless laugh. “Look at yourself, Vivienne. You smell terrible, you're dressed like a mess, and you still had the nerve to show up beside me. You look like a stray that wandered into a place it doesn't belong.” His voice was loud enough for the people walking by to hear and laugh in mockery. My eyes stung with hot tears, but I dug my nails into my palm, trying to stop them. I lowered my head, pretending to examine my glass so no one would see how badly his words had affected me. “Kieran, I didn't mean to embarrass you.” “You should have known better. Your entire existence is an embarrassment.” The words were quiet, but they hurt more than everything else. Before I could respond, Lucas, his Beta, approached Kieran from across the room. “Alpha.” Kieran turned immediately. His Beta stopped beside him, barely sparing me a glance. “The dignitaries are arriving quickly. They're asking for you and the Luna.” Kieran hesitated, turning to look at me like he was considering it. A little hope ignited in my heart like he was finally going to choose me, but his jaw tightened again. “Keep yourself out of sight and don't disgrace me further. Don't go around telling anybody you're my wife.” Then he turned back to Lucas. “Let's go. There is no Luna yet.” Lucas stared at me for a second like he almost felt sorry for me. Then he and Kieran walked away, leaving me standing there with my glass in my hand. I watched them disappear into the crowd, my knees trembling beneath me. Someone brushed against my shoulder. “Move.” I stepped aside, only for another person to squeeze past me. Someone bumped my arm hard enough to spill wine over my fingers. “Watch where you're standing.” I backed away until my shoulders met the wall. The music and laughter continued around me as though nothing had happened, while people passed with mocking looks and pointed at me shamelessly. I clutched my glass with both hands, fighting the tears burning behind my eyes. Somehow, I had become completely invisible. Kieran stood across the room with a warm smile on his face, directed at everyone but me. He was a far cry from the man I called my husband. Then, the chattering stopped as the doors swung open. Heads turned, conversations died, and gasps filled the room. “Kieran?” His entire expression changed. The woman standing across the room made my breath catch. Bianca. She stood beneath the golden lights in a crimson dress, her dark hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Several members of the pack immediately moved to greet her, their faces lighting up with excitement. She smiled at them before her eyes found mine. A mean smile tugged at her lips. Kieran crossed the room with a softness I hadn't seen on his face all evening. “Bianca,” he said. She lowered her gaze shyly. “I didn't mean to make such an entrance.” Kieran smiled. “Who wouldn't want to catch a glimpse of the beauty that you are? Come, let me introduce you.” My fingers went numb around my glass. He reached her and placed a hand on her arm, leaning in to whisper something that made her giggle and lightly slap his arm. Something inside my chest cracked as I watched them together. People were watching them now, whispers moving through the room. “Is that Bianca? She looks like a goddess.” “She looks perfect beside the Alpha, unlike that mule.” I heard every word, but I wished I didn't. Bianca stepped closer to Kieran, and he wrapped an arm around her waist. The gesture was intimate, familiar, possessive even. My stomach turned. I looked at Kieran, waiting for an explanation, an apology. Anything that would make this moment less humiliating. Instead, he looked toward the gathered pack members and raised his glass. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an announcement to make.” The room quieted, and my heart began to pound. Kieran looked at Bianca with a tenderness I had spent years begging for without ever receiving. Then he smiled. “For many years, I have built this pack from the ground and put in everything I have. It has been a hassle, but we're here today as the strongest pack in the region. Only one thing was missing, a Luna. A woman who was fit to rule by my side. It is with great pleasure that I announce that my prayers have been answered.” The audience gave a soft applause, their heads nodding in approval. “The goddess has given me a wonderful woman.” Kieran beamed with pride. “Bianca Havenworth. The new Luna of Silver Fox!” A loud applause erupted, deafening me. Congratulations filled the hall as people rushed toward Bianca. Someone patted Kieran on the shoulder and pulled Bianca into an embrace. Something inside me collapsed. My fingers went numb, and I forgot how to breathe. The applause around me blurred into a dull roar as I stared at the woman who had just taken the place I had spent years trying to be worthy of. My chest tightened painfully, and a hollow ache spread through me as tears gathered in my eyes. “That's not all. Bianca and I would like to announce that we're expecting. She is currently pregnant with my heir!” An even louder applause and cheers filled the room, and I was left standing there like I didn't matter. His hand remained on Bianca's stomach while everyone celebrated around them. My knees nearly gave out. My hand flew to my stomach as memories of every child I had carried and lost came rushing back, each loss still aching like an old wound torn open. My throat tightened, and a sob caught painfully in my chest. I had cried over those tiny lives in silence, blaming myself for every loss while Kieran made me feel like my body had failed him. Tears slipped down my cheeks, and I lowered my gaze, clutching my stomach as the grief became too heavy to hide. My stepsister was pregnant with my husband's child.