Bound By Blood: The Betrayed Luna

It was the wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, the Alpha and Luna of Blue Ray pack, and everyone had gathered to witness the big event. The hall was well lit, and the guests basked in the happy atmosphere. However, this happy atmosphere did not extend to Freya, who was completely lost in her own whirlwind of thoughts. She was supposed to be happy, as couples do on their wedding anniversaries, but Freya was far from happy. What was supposed to be a happy evening had turned into an unending nightmare, and it all started when her husband's high school sweetheart showed up two weeks ago. However, for tonight, Freya hoped that her announcement as the new pack's ambassador, the most revered position in the pack, would restore some dignity and self-worth, and her gaze rested on her husband, who reached for the mic. “It's part of the pack's tradition to announce a new ambassador after the passing of the previous one. My mother, she will forever live in our memories…so permit me to announce the new…” Freya, who was already halfway up from her seat, was forced back when the words ‘Natalie Nightshade’ echoed from the speakers. And the girl called Natalie gave a smirk just before making her way up to the stage. A thunderous applause followed the choice, and Freya felt as though she had just been poured cold ice. She immediately lowered her face, but being seated in a reserved section of the hall didn't help much, and she had to constantly deal with the demeaning comments coming her way. “What a pity she didn't get the post. I always knew she wasn't fit for the position,” Freya heard a female voice from behind. “Not like she is ever fit for anything. Alpha Damon knew that when he chose Natalie. I'm glad he realized what a terrible Luna he has as a wife. A Luna who is not worthy of being an ambassador.” “I heard she can't get pregnant.” “Yeah. Maybe she lost her womb while being a whore.” Freya clenched her fist, and her knuckles turned white. She turned, and the group of ladies immediately turned in the opposite direction, fearing her wrath. However, it didn't help much, and Freya felt as though a dagger had just pierced through her heart. Seeing her husband whispering sweet nothings into the ears of Natalie and the constant smile on his face, something that had become a scarce commodity until two weeks ago, Freya felt her eyes go teary, but she willed them not to fall. ‘Not now, Freya. Not now.’ she murmured as her sweaty fist clenched tightly to the silk gown she had chosen for the occasion. At another section of the hall sat Dimitri, one of the distinguished guests in attendance. He gulped down a glass of wine, and his eyes focused on Freya the entire time. From a distance, he saw how disappointed she was. Everyone knew that the position was meant to be hers. But beneath the disappointment was something else that intrigued him. Her composure despite being humiliated. And to Dimitri, that was a sign of strength. With the anniversary coming to a close and having been stripped of the pack's ambassador position, Freya figured her nightmare had only begun, and it was not about to end anytime soon. On her way to her room, she picked up some distant conversation. But this time around, the voice belonged to her husband, Alpha Damon. And Freya confirmed it when she saw him chatting with Natalie, the witch who had come to ruin her life. “You don't look happy; is something wrong?” her husband's voice echoed. Perched at a corner, Freya could feel the concern in his voice, a luxury she had been deprived of lately. “Tell me, is it about the ambassadorial position? If you don't like it, we can go for something else, maybe take the finance position from my worthless wife.” Freya felt a chill down her spine as her legs went weak. A subtle laughter came forth from Natalie. Of course, calling his wife worthless made her day. “I regret ever leaving in the first place…but I want it to work this time. I'm here because of you, Damon,” Natalie’s voice came forth, sending a ripple of chills down Freya's spine. “I know.” “This isn't just about the position, Damon. As much as you hate your wife, I wouldn't want to be the one to ruin your marriage. And if you love me the way you do, then you should do something because I want this to work this time. We've come a long way from high school and we can't afford to be separated by a usurper.” Freya's heart sank deep into her chest, and she marched towards the lady who had called her a usurper. She has heard enough for one day. “Sorry to disappoint you, Natalie,” Freya registered her presence, shuffling her feet with much determination, “but that's not going to work. And I suggest you work things out with Alpha Ryder. Because, as you can see, Damon is my mate and husband, and we are happily married and very much in love,” Freya forced a smile and turned to her husband, “aren't we?” No response. He simply turned his face sufey, and Freya felt the biggest humiliation of her life. Of course, Natalie was the first choice when Damon's father urged him to get married. But at that time, she was also involved with Alpha Ryder, who had ascended the Alpha throne of another powerful pack. Consequently, Natalie rejected Damon's proposal, preferring to go with Ryder, and it was at this point that Freya saw the disgruntled Damon, who was still healing from the breakup. She knew he was her mate the moment she saw him, and immediately after her twentieth birthday, they got married on the recommendation of her parents. But two weeks ago, Natalie showed up with the excuse that she was no longer in love with Ryder. Freya had tried to find out what had happened, but Natalie wouldn't say, and Damon gladly accommodated her into the villa. And now it turned out that her good gestures had been rubbed on her face, as the lady she had tried helping was now in charge of her home. “It’s obvious that your so-called mate is no longer in love with you, that's if he ever was,” Natalie sneered. Her words hit Freya hard, but even harder was the fact that her husband had kept mute. A subtle reminder that Natalie's words weren't far from the truth. “Let's get this straight, Alpha Damon is mine, but you stole him away—” Damon turned back when a sound echoed. And seeing Natalie in pain, his brows knitted. “How dare you!” Freya growled as her brows knitted tightly. It was enough for one evening, and she would take no more. At the extreme end of the lobby was Dimitri, who stood with raised brows. He was right about her inner strength, more reason why he had to push forth with his plans. “How dare you lay a finger on me!” Natalie cried. Freya raised her hand for a second but was held mid-air. Dimitri narrowed his brows, displeased that Alpha Damon had come in the way. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on her,” Damon growled with venom in his eyes. Natalie turned and dashed outside the door, her cheek red from the slap. Damon was about to go after her, but Freya reached for his arm. “This is wrong on so many levels, Damon,” she cautioned. “Get your f*****g hands off me,” he snarled, and Freya flinched, seeing the irritation on his face. Realizing that Natalie had gone out of sight, he turned his attention to the woman who had dared to lay a finger on his highschool sweetheart. “Did you have to do that? Do you have to show how crass and classless you are?” Damon said beneath some gritted teeth. Freya swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. He had done nothing while Natalie rained insults, and he called her crass and classless for defending their marriage? “I'm just trying to protect our marriage,” Freya explained with evident frustration. Something she didn't have to do. Damon coughed out a mocking laughter. “Marriage? Did I hear you say marriage?” “What do you mean?” Freya asked with raised brows. “Let's get this straight, Freya. We might be together, but this isn't marriage,” he spat and left to go find Natalie. Dimitri, still at the extreme end, raised his head with much intrigue, and after much contemplation, he continued his gentle steps with shoulders raised. Freya stood there, dejected for the next few seconds, a wave of mixed emotions washing over her body. One thing was clear, though: her marriage was coming to an end. She could either sit and wait for it to finally hit the rock or fight for what she truly believed in. The choice was hers to make.