I'M MORE THAN A SURROGATE LUNA

RACHEL'S POV. I stared at myself through the mirror, my hands rubbing my belly, a faint smile playing on my lips. I have been waiting for this day all my life, for five long years, I have waited for Aaron to finally love me back, I did everything he threw at me and I just had his child, the child he so badly wanted and tonight, Aaron would announce his Luna…me. I ran my fingers through my long, thick hair, feeling the weight of the moment press down on me. My heart is hammering loudly in my chest. I had never cared much about my looks, but tonight was different. Tonight, I needed to look like the Luna I was meant to be. I applied a light layer of makeup, just enough to bring out the strength in my features. My eyes were tired from nights spent caring for our newborn, but they still held a fire, a fire Aaron had lit in me. I carefully applied mascara, making sure not to smudge it. My lips, full and soft, were painted deep red, standing out against my dark blue dress. The fabric hugged my curves. Tonight, I would stand beside Aaron as his Luna. I checked my reflection one last time, adjusting my dress and making sure everything was perfect. The world had never been kind to me. My own family, my own flesh and blood, had done nothing but mock me, hurt me, and make me feel worthless. I never understood why they hated me so much. But I had learned that love wasn’t about blood. It was about the heart. And Aaron had given me a place where I belonged. He made me feel whole. I fought for him when the elders said he wasn’t fit to be Alpha, I had been the one to defend him. I had risked everything for his future, knowing it would cost me. But I didn’t care. Aaron deserved it all. Even though he never thanked me, it didn’t matter. My love for him was enough. Tonight, he would finally introduce me to the pack as his Luna. My chest fluttered with excitement. No more hiding. No more being pushed aside. This was my moment. I touched the necklace around my neck, the one Aaron had given me on our first anniversary. It was simple but meant everything to me. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the room. As I walked down the hall toward the grand gathering, my anxiety flared up inside me. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air. I could feel people watching me, their eyes full of curiosity. This was my first public meeting. But I ignored them. I was only looking for one person. Aaron. I searched the room and finally spotted him. He was standing near the center, greeting guests. But he wasn’t alone. My sister, Davina, was beside him. My fists clenched in anger as I saw Davina touching him proudly, laughing loudly at some silly jokes and Aaron didn't push her away, he wouldn't even let me breathe the same air as him. Aaron had always told me not to approach him in public. He said he wanted to keep things a secret so that when the time was right, the whole pack would see his love for me in a grand reveal. At first, I believed him. But over time, the distance between us in public began to sting. He was always careful not to be seen with me, like I was some disgrace And now, seeing him with Davina… Jealousy burned in my veins. Davina was always so perfect, so poised. She never had to fight for anything, she was given everything effortlessly. And now, standing beside Aaron, she looked like she belonged there. I started to walk toward them, but before I could take another step, my parents appeared in front of me. "Stay away from her," my father said, his voice low but sharp enough. I froze, confused by his words. My mother stood behind him, her expression full of cruelty. “Why do you always appear when people are happy Rachel?" she sneered. "You're nothing than a thorn in your sister's life, can't you just let her enjoy her moment? If anyone has been a thorn, it would be my sister, Davina. She was always at my throat, treating worst than a slave. “You don't belong here,” my father added, his voice filled with venom. “Go back to your room, Aaron must have forgotten to show you your place.” Their words should have meant nothing to me. They had no power over me anymore. But the pain of their rejection still lingered deep in my heart. I opened my mouth to respond, to tell them I was done listening to their cruelty But then a soft clink rang through the air. Aaron had raised his glass. The room fell silent. My breath caught in my throat as every eye turned to him. Aaron cleared his throat. "I want to take a moment to talk about the love of my life,the one who supported me through my difficult times," he said. His gaze locked onto mine from across the room. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. This was it. Finally, he would say my name. Finally, he would tell the pack about me. I felt warmth spread through me as he spoke. But then… He smiled. And introduced his Luna. Not me. Davina. My sister. The words crashed over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in shock. My body went numb I stared at them in disbelief. This wasn’t real. This couldn’t be real. Aaron had chosen Davina? The room spun around me, the sound of laughter and conversation fading into a dull roar in the background. Davina smiled and walked besides him, cuddling a child in her arms,my child. “We also want to welcome our child,” she smiled, exchanging glances with Aaron. “The heir of the throne.” “To the Luna and our son,” Aaron said loudly, raising his cup for a toast. This was impossible, Aaron had tricked me…I can't believe I have been fooled all these years. I stared blankly at them as I felt the darkness slowly consuming me.