True Luna: Rejected, Replaced

Chapter 4

**Michael's POV**

The life of an Alpha is a solitary burden. Without the steady presence of a mate, one feels an intense, gnawing emptiness. At twenty-six, it was laughable that I hadn't mated yet, watching my Beta, Erich, lavishing sickening affection on his mate, Zooey, every day.

"For God's sake, get a room!" I roared when they shamelessly nuzzled each other in the factory courtyard. Erich averted his gaze, embarrassed, but Zooey met my eyes with barely concealed disdain.

"Don't be rude, Michael. Just because you're unmated and miserable..." Her smile faded into a cruel smirk.

I returned to my office, sighing at the mountain of paperwork waiting for me.

My wolf stirred restlessly. "Ignore that insolent pup. You have bigger concerns today—Anya's birthday, remember?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose, guilt gnawing at me. Of course, my sweet niece's 5th birthday. I had promised to spend the day with her. When I took her in, Anya had been just a baby. Since the horrible day my brother was murdered, she had been the only light in my life.

Since taking over as Alpha after my brother and his mate died in an accident, I had worked tirelessly to keep our pack and business empire thriving. I worked over twenty hours a day, both for the pack and the business. Expanding our empire to five or more countries after my father founded the company was a challenging time. Besides running the company, I sought those responsible for my brother's murder.

"Maybe you should relax a bit. You've made everything your burden. Our mate will help you understand and solve this," my wolf said.

"Michael, are you really going to the Cold Moon Pack?" Erich burst into my office, his question abrupt and unannounced.

I raised an eyebrow at Erich. "Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly a problem, but I don't think we should trust Alpha Drake. We don't know if he's aligned with the rogue Alpha near his territory."

I paused my work and focused on Erich. "Erich, rest assured, I've taken precautions. I've ordered Gamma Joseph and Delta Ralph to conduct a thorough investigation of the pack before our departure. I'm still waiting for their report. Trust me, Erich."

Erich sighed in relief. He had felt guilty for missing my brother's ill-fated trip, resulting in the deaths of my brother and his mate. Since then, he had vowed to protect the Alpha with his life.

Erich had been heartbroken by his failure to protect our former Alpha and Luna, and when I became Alpha, he swore to protect me with his life. We still hadn't found the true culprit behind my brother's murder, so Erich was naturally worried about me. Over the years, there had been attempts on my life, but I had survived.

I had to find the real killer at any cost, discover why they murdered my brother, and bring him peace.

I had heard that the Cold Moon Pack had excellent trackers, capable of providing even the most information. They had talented trackers, and all I had to do was go to South America and find this Alpha.

If the Cold Moon Pack were foolish enough to stand in my way, I would show them the consequences of angering a true Alpha.

I drove into a huge brick mansion, with a waterfall in the center, adding to its grandeur. Tall trees led to the wild forest outside the mansion.

"Welcome, Uncle!" Anya shouted from the balcony, waving at me. She looked delighted to see me.

I had a separate mansion built outside the factory for my personal activities.

Anya ran towards me, giving me a big hug. "Good to see you, sweetheart."

Anya gave me a bright, beautiful smile, reminding me of how much she looked like her mother.

"Why are you alone today?" I asked, noticing Anya was by herself.

"Uncle, today is not only my birthday but also Valentine's Day, so I gave all the workers a day off." I raised an eyebrow. Anya had never told me this, and I didn't like the workers leaving the mansion without my permission. Did some factory workers bully her because of her age?

"Uncle, don't be angry. It was my decision. The workers had already prepared all the food and decorations for my birthday celebration," Anya explained.

I was shocked that Anya had allowed the workers to leave without my permission. "I know you're growing up, but next time, call me before making such decisions. It's unsafe to leave a young pup alone in the mansion." Anya nodded with a smile.

I had never allowed Anya to leave home because I didn't want her to become a target for enemies. She was the most important person in my life.

Although Anya agreed to give the workers a day off, they should have called me to inform me before leaving the mansion, not leaving Anya alone.

All the workers in this mansion underwent strict training and identity verification. But I still couldn't fully trust anyone, no matter how clean their records were, especially when it came to Anya. I had to provide the best protection to ensure her safety.

"Uncle, I'm five years old today. Can I go to school with the other kids at the factory?" Anya asked, her big eyes looking up at me, holding my arm and shaking it gently.

Honestly, I would rather hire a private tutor for her. Anya's tutor must be qualified and trustworthy.

I had already commissioned the principal of the Werewolf Academy to find Ms.Sigma, the best choice in early childhood education. She had been in education for 20 years and was the most professional teacher in the field.

I paid her enough to take care of Anya's education. She would stay in the mansion and provide full-time teaching.

"Anya, you won't be going to school. I've hired Ms.Sigma who will stay in the mansion to provide you with a comprehensive education." I picked up Anya, stroking her furry little head.

Anya's mood instantly dropped, burying her head in my shoulder.

"Uncle, when will you bring your mate home? I'm lonely. Sometimes I need someone to take me out to play." Anya made a sad pouty face, weakening my resolve. How could I explain to her that I might never find a mate?

I understood her loneliness, but I couldn't marry just any woman. If I ever got married, it would be to my mate, not just any she-wolf for the sake of having children, even if finding my mate felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.