Rebirth of the Wolfless Luna

ELOISE’S POV I stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room, the mermaid dress pressing against me from every side. Ivory satin, fitted so tightly from my chest down to my knees that it felt like it was trying to hold me together when all I wanted was to fall apart. Everyone who had seen it said it was perfect. Flawless. The kind of dress that made brides cry happy tears. I hated it. The bodice dug into my ribs every time I took a breath. My chest ached—not from the corset or the fabric, but from something deeper, something that had been growing heavier for months until it felt like it might crush me. I held the bouquet in both hands. Deep red roses, stems wrapped tightly in white ribbon. One thorn caught the soft pad of my thumb. I pressed down on purpose. The sting was quick and sharp. Blood welled up in a tiny bead. I stared at it. Wake up, I thought. Just wake up from this. The door opened quietly. My mother slipped in alone. She was in her navy dress, hair pinned neatly, smiling like this was the proudest moment of her life. “Oh, Eloise,” she said, her voice soft and full of that practiced warmth she used when she wanted something. “You look breathtaking. That dress is flawless. The pictures are going to be stunning. Everyone is going to talk about how beautiful you look.” I kept staring at my reflection. The girl in the mirror had my face—pale skin, dark eyes, hair swept up in soft curls—but she didn’t feel like me. I pressed the thorn again. Another quick bite of pain. Still here. Still trapped. Mom stepped closer. She reached up and adjusted a curl that wasn’t out of place. “Smile, sweetheart. It’s your wedding day. You’re marrying Lucas Hale. Do you have any idea how many girls would kill to be in your place? He’s the general of the pack. Strong. Respected. Powerful. He’s the kind of man who can protect you, protect all of us.” “Yeah,” I said quietly. “Many girls would kill to have him. Because of what he is.” Mom’s smile tightened at the corners. “Don’t start that again, Eloise.” “He’s abusive, Mom. We both know it. The way he talks to people, the way he grabs arms when he’s angry, the way he—” She cut me off with a sharp sigh. The same sigh she used when I was a kid and wouldn’t stop asking questions. “You always exaggerate. He’s firm. Strong men are like that. They have to be. You’re lucky he chose you. Not every girl gets an offer like this.” “Lucky,” I repeated. The word tasted bitter on my tongue. “That’s what you call it?” Mom leaned in closer. Her voice dropped low, almost a whisper, like she was sharing a secret instead of threatening me. “Your brother needs this alliance. Caleb needs the protection, the connections, the stability. The pack needs it. You can’t always have things your way. If this falls through, what happens to him? To us? You’re doing this for family. Be grateful.” "This conversation isn't going anywhere so I'd like you to leave," I muttered shocked at how stable my voice was. My mother stared at me like I had just slapped her but I stood my ground. The last thing I needed was her breathing down my neck. The piano started not long after and taking a final look at myself, I walked out heading straight for the altar. The double door opened and I walked in to find all the guest standing with smiles on their face. Just as expected, Lucas waited at the altar. His brown hair slicked back and he stood in a black suit tailored to fit his muscular body. He looked handsome but that couldn't hide the monster he was ,once you saw it. He stretched out his hand like he was trying to help me up but I ignored it. The last thing I wanted to do was be in contact with him. The priest took our permission and the service started. We said the vows and the rings slid onto my finger. Just like tradition Lucas leaned in to kiss me but he retreated hoping he'd take the hint. "Great! Let's head out for the reception." My mother said and walked out first not waiting for Lucas. But that freedom quickly diminished once the party started. Lucas stood beside me like he was trying to show some kind of ownership. I tried my best trying to avoid him but every time I tried to relax his grip on my hand tightened. My eyes grew blurry and tears were about to spill when I heard a familiar voice. "Oh my God, Eloise!!" Mara called out staring at my reception dress in awe. "This is so f*****g pretty. You really have good taste." She said her fingers were trailing the shimmering lace. "My tailor did so bad, I had to—" “Time to go,” Lucas muttered, jerking me off the counter and I stared at him like he had just slapped me across the face. Was this going to be my life from now on? "Really? But the reception just started." Mara said, earning a glare from him. “Honeymoon,” he cut in, smiling at Mara like it was charming. “We’ve got plans." He pulled me away before I could have a say and I watched Mara's eyes fill with pity. The drive home was short and silent as I watched his knuckles turn snow white. The car rolled past the large gates and I stared at the large mansion in front. Even though it was far bigger than my parents' living with him made it feel like a tight prison. The car had barely stopped when I pushed the door opening heading for the large house. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” I muttered not turning back as I searched for what was supposed to be my room. “We’re not done,” Lucas yelled just as I grabbed the doorknob. I turned to meet his gaze, confusion etched on my face. "I still have to mark you and seal the bond." "No!" I said trying to act calm even though my heart was pounding against my chest, like it needed to escape. “Excuse me?” He asked, his eyes turning into slits and my wolf whimpered in fear. “I’m not letting you mark me. We both know this is a contract. You don’t like me. I don’t like you. This isn’t real so I’m not doing that tonight.” I explained my voice cracking more with each word. His jaw clenched so hard I heard his teeth grind. “You don’t get to decide.” My wolf whimpered inside and I took a step back preparing for a fight. “Leave me alone,” I yelled back. “Go to your room. Or wherever. Just leave me alone.” He stepped closer and his lips stretched into some sinister smile as he pulled out his leather belt. “You don’t tell me what to do,” he said quietly and I pushed the door open trying to run in when he caught me by the hair. Pain tore through my scalp like fire and I stumbled falling at his feet but that did nothing to ease the pain. He dragged me down the hall and I clawed at his wrist trying to break his grip as tears filled my eyes. “Let go!” Lucas shoved me into the bedroom. I hit the floor hard. My head cracked against the edge of the dresser and I felt something warm slide down the side of my head. I scrambled up on shaking arms just to find him coming at me with the dark belt. Before I could think, I bolted out the door running down the hallway. Just as I was about to take the stairs Lucas grabbed my arm twisting it. "Stop being such a b***h. You should want this, you f*****g slut," he yelled, twisting harder and I screamed kicking and clawing at him. Lucas muttered something under his breath and before I knew it his hands met my chest pushing me down the stairs. Another scream tore through my lips and I felt blinding pain as I tumbled down, my bones cracking. The world grew blurry and I watched Lucas rush towards me with a look of panic on his face before it went dark.