Vengeful Luna

chapter 5

Delphine pov

"Everything is going to be fine. Everything is going to be alright," I told myself, trying to keep my breathing steady as I prepared to step out of the sleek, black car. **This better go as planned, or else we’re in for a disaster,** Ash, my wolf, muttered in the back of my mind. **Having a wolf who doesn’t trust me? That stings,** I shot back at her, only half-joking.

I slid out one leg first, the slit of my gown parting to reveal just enough skin to remind everyone I wasn’t the Delphine they once knew. The whispers hit me like a wave.

"Is that… her?" someone murmured, not quite as quietly as they probably meant to.

I could feel the weight of their eyes on me, groups huddled together with their friends or mates, all sharing in this annual social event. But friends? Mine were non-existent. Emily was the only one who’d ever fit that role, but I’d left her behind without a word. She had every reason to hate me for it, but even if I could rewind time, I’d still do it the same way. Jeffrey’s betrayal had been a blow hard enough to make me fall silent three years ago, as if his rejection had stripped me of my voice entirely.

But tonight wasn’t about friendship. Or forgiveness. No, tonight was for revenge.

The ballroom was overflowing with she-wolves, each one dressed like they were hunting for their mate. The gowns were either bright, figure-hugging, or cut high enough to make sure all eyes were on them. I wasn’t here to find a mate, though. I had other plans—plans to make Jeffrey regret hurting me, no matter how ridiculous that might sound. My red gown said as much; it showed just enough to catch the Alpha's attention without giving away all the goods. My silver heels clicked against the marble as I walked, feeling the eyes and whispers tracking my every step.

I picked up a glass from a passing waiter and flashed him a small smile. His returned grin was almost shy, and for a second, I forgot why I was even here. But the drink was bitter going down, and the bite was enough to pull me back into focus as my gaze scanned the crowd. I knew exactly who I was looking for, and sure enough, there they were: Jeffrey and Isabelle, cozied up like they’d been molded together. Isabelle, who’d cast aside her own fated mate, just to wind up with mine.

They looked… perfect together, or at least they did to the outside world. But to me? They were a match made in hell.

Jeffrey leaned in close to say something to her, and she threw her head back, laughing in that light, careless way that stabbed at my stomach. The drink in my hand was empty before I realized I’d gulped it all down, and I closed my eyes, willing myself to stay calm. **I thought I was over him,** I whispered to Ash.

**If you were, you wouldn’t be planning some ridiculous revenge,** she replied dryly.

I couldn’t even argue. Because, damn it, she was right.

I was looking for a distraction, anything to keep my mind off Jeffrey and Isabelle, but every man who tried to approach me felt like more of a nuisance than a relief. I kept dodging and slipping away, offering polite smiles or an “excuse me” whenever they got too close. Then, a man with a strange hairstyle and mismatched suit buttons stopped in front of me, a wide grin on his face.

"I can’t believe this is you, Del," he said, looking me up and down. "Someone needs to confirm it so I know my eyes aren’t lying."

I forced a polite smile, hoping that might be enough to send him off, but he took it as encouragement. "You know, Del," he continued, leaning in, "how about we find somewhere private to have some fun. You get what I mean, right?”

"Not sure I do, sir," I replied, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

He smirked, undeterred. "I heard you were off in California. Don’t tell me you came back home with a block of ice where your heart should be."

“Excuse me, sir," I started, irritation bubbling up, but then someone else’s voice cut through.

"Hey, Mr. ‘I-Can’t-Respect-Myself,’" came a sharp, familiar voice. "She’s not the one to mess with, so back off, or I’ll report you to the Alpha for harassing a woman in his own hall."

I turned and, to my shock, saw Emily standing there, arms crossed and glaring at him. The man muttered something under his breath before scurrying away, but I barely noticed—my attention was on Emily. She looked at me with a mixture of relief and hurt, and I didn’t even know how to react. A wave of guilt washed over me.

"Delphine," she said, her voice breaking slightly.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say, knowing it wasn’t enough.

She sighed, her face softening just a little. "You really know how to disappear, don't you? You hurt me so much, Del." I bit my lip, giving her a look that I hoped would show how sorry I truly was. “It wasn’t easy for me after you left, you know. You were gone, without a word.”

Then, to my surprise, she pulled me into a hug. I hesitated but hugged her back, feeling an ache in my chest that I hadn’t expected. She whispered, “I’m sorry, too. I know how much it hurt, what you went through after the mating ceremony was canceled. I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been.”

"Thank you," I whispered back, giving her a small, grateful smile, even though I knew I wasn’t as “fine” as I was pretending to be.

We pulled apart, and she glanced around, lowering her voice. "Your sister, Isabelle…" she trailed off, casting a wary look around the room. “I overheard her talking with Jeffrey, and—”

"What about them?" I asked, but before she could answer, a hush fell over the crowd. Alpha Japhet had entered the hall, commanding everyone’s attention as he headed toward the podium.

All eyes followed him, and I couldn’t help but stare too. He was the Alpha of our pack, and it was no surprise he drew attention wherever he went, but tonight he looked…different. Older, of course, but also more confident and—well, undeniably handsome. I’d only seen him a few times when we were kids, but now, with his broad shoulders filling out that perfectly tailored suit, he looked like he was carved out of marble.

Then, as he stepped up onto the podium, he glanced my way. For a split second, it felt like I was the only one in the room, his gaze meeting mine with a piercing intensity. A strange warmth rushed over me, and I looked away, feeling a little more confused than I cared to admit.