Christina turned and fell into her father’s arms, her sobs muffled against his chest.
“Dad…” her voice broke, “why didn’t you do anything? Elera took everything from me. She took him, the title, my place—everything.”
Blake wrapped the coat tighter around her shoulders, holding her close. His jaw clenched, eyes full of guilt. “I wanted to, Christina. But I’m just a Beta. The Elders sealed the rejection. If I had spoken out, it would've only made it worse for you.”
She pulled back slightly, her eyes red and swollen. “But you’re my father. You let them destroy me. You stood there while I was humiliated.”
“I know,” he whispered, voice tight. “And I’ll never forgive myself for it.”
Blake gently cupped her face, his voice shaking. “But just so you know… I love you. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to you, Christina. Never.”
Christina stepped back, pain flashing in her eyes. “But you let it happen,” she said, voice trembling. “You knew Elera was cheating with Raph, didn’t you? You knew! Why didn’t you tell me?”
Blake’s silence was answer enough.
Her voice rose, sharp and raw. “Am I not your daughter?” She choked on the words, her throat tight. “Am I not?” she half-screamed, her voice cracking.
Blake stepped forward and pulled her into his arms again, holding her tightly. “Just hear me out, Christina. Please.”
She struggled at first, but his grip didn’t loosen.
“I did everything I could,” he whispered against her hair. “You know how fiercely protective I am over you. You're my daughter—my favorite. I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
He pulled back just enough for her to see his face. His eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Just look at me. I love you, Christina. So much. Everything I’ve done… it was to keep you safe.”
His voice cracked on the last word, and for the first time, she saw the guilt breaking him too.
Christina clung to her father, her body trembling. “Dad… what am I going to do?” she sobbed. “I’m banished. I don’t know where to go. By now, my shame is probably all over the territory. My life is in danger…”
Her voice broke as she buried her face in his chest. “I don’t want to leave you. I don’t want to leave him either. I love Raph.”
She pulled back, her eyes red, full of grief and confusion. “Is this really how he repays me? Was I not good enough for him? Not strong enough?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks, unchecked. “What did I do so wrong, Dad?”
Blake held her tighter, his heart breaking. He didn’t have all the answers—but he had a plan.
Blake exhaled shakily, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Christina. You loved… too deeply. That’s not weakness—it’s strength.”
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small envelope. “I knew this day might come. So I prepared.”
She looked down at the envelope, confused. “What’s this?”
“Your way out,” he said softly. “I booked you a flight—under a false name. You leave tonight. I’ve packed some things, and I’ll send money once you land.”
Christina blinked, stunned. “You… planned for this?”
“I had to,” Blake said, voice heavy. “Raph made it clear—he sees you as a threat now. If you stay, they’ll come for you. I won’t let that happen.”
Christina’s lips quivered. “But I’ll be alone…”
Blake nodded, eyes filled with sorrow. “I know. But you’ll be alive. And one day… you’ll rise again.”
Blake gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Come on. Let me take you to the driver.”
Christina clutched the envelope, her fingers shaking as they walked side by side through the quiet halls. Each step felt heavier than the last.
They reached the front of the hotel. A black car was parked at the curb, engine running, headlights glowing in the dark. The driver stepped out and nodded respectfully.
“This is him,” Blake said softly. “He’ll get you to the airport safely.”
Christina turned to her father, eyes brimming again. “Will I ever see you again?”
Blake’s voice cracked. “When it’s safe, I’ll find you. I promise.”
She threw her arms around him, holding him tight one last time. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you more,” he whispered.
And with a deep breath, Christina stepped into the car—her heart broken, but her soul burning with something fierce.
She didn’t know what waited on the other side. But she knew she would survive.
Blake turned to the driver, his voice firm. “Please—drive her straight to the airport. Help her with the documents. I’ve already called someone on the other end to receive her. If any wolf from this pack or territory sees her, her life will be in danger. Just make sure she gets on that plane. Nothing else matters.”
The driver nodded without hesitation. “Understood, Beta Blake.”
Just then, footsteps echoed from behind them. A man dressed in black emerged from the shadows and grabbed Blake roughly by the arm.
“Time’s up,” the stranger growled. “You were warned not to interfere.”
“Dad!” Christina screamed, shoving the door open and jumping out of the car. “Leave my dad alone!”
She rushed toward them, eyes wild with panic.
The man snarled, holding Blake tighter. “Get back in the car, girl!”
“Let him go!” Christina shouted, her voice shaking with rage.
Blake locked eyes with the driver and gave a sharp, urgent nod.
The driver didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Christina gently but firmly, pulling her back toward the car. “I’m sorry,” he said, urgency in his voice. “But we need to go—now—before Alpha Raph sees you.”
“No! Let me go! He’s my dad!” Christina screamed, fighting against the driver’s grip, tears pouring as she watched the man in black shove Blake to his knees.
Blake looked up at her one last time, eyes full of pain but determination. “Go, Christina. Live.”
The door slammed shut just as the car sped off, tires screeching as they left the hotel behind. Christina pressed her face to the window, sobbing uncontrollably as her father disappeared from view.
Just as the car vanished into the distance, Alpha Raph stepped out of the shadows, his presence cold and commanding.
He clapped slowly, sarcasm dripping from every word. “Beta Blake… you’re good. Very good.”
Blake remained on his knees, shoulders tense, eyes fixed on the ground.
“Where is your daughter?” Raph asked, voice low and dangerous.
Blake didn’t answer.
“I said,” Raph growled, stepping closer, “where is she?”
Blake’s lips pressed into a thin line. He couldn’t bring himself to look up. He wouldn’t give Raph the satisfaction—not when Christina was finally on her way to freedom.
Raph crouched beside Blake, his tone venomous but controlled. “And that money you’re planning to send her? Don’t you dare.”
Blake’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
“If she sets foot in any territory with your support, you know what that means.” Raph leaned in, voice low and cold. “She’s a rogue now. And you… you’re a Beta. You know my rules.”
Blake gave a faint nod, still refusing to meet Raph’s eyes.
Raph stood, looming over him like a dark storm. “Good. Because next time you step out of line—I won’t just exile you. I’ll make sure you don’t live long enough to beg for mercy.”
His voice hardened as he added, “She’s no longer part of us.”
Blake finally lifted his eyes, pain and defiance burning in them. “But you loved her… Why do this to her?”
Raph’s gaze softened for a brief moment, then hardened again. “That was in the past. Besides, you should be grateful I fell for your second daughter—Elera. Isn’t that nice?”
Blake’s eyes flashed. “Alpha, I’m sorry, but isn’t that unfair?”
Raph smirked coldly. “Like you’re crossing boundaries. I didn’t harm you because you’ve been loyal. But if you betray me one day—I won’t allow it.”
He leaned closer, voice a dark threat. “Forget your so-called daughter. She might not even survive the journey. She’s weak. Can’t even endure hardship. I don’t know why the moon goddess didn’t make her an omega instead.”
Blake’s fists clenched at Raph’s harsh words, burning with frustration, but his voice caught in his throat. He knew better than to argue with the Alpha. Silence was his only shield.
Raph smiled coldly, satisfied, then turned on his heel and strode away.
“Come on, guard,” Raph called over his shoulder, “let’s go celebrate.”
Blake watched them leave, swallowing the bitter taste of defeat, his heart heavy with the weight of powerlessness.
At the airport, the driver finished all the formalities and handed Christina her documents. “I’m done with everything. You’re clear to go,” he said, bowing respectfully before turning to leave.
Christina’s voice caught as she called after him, “Hey—when you see my dad, please tell him thank you. And that I love him so much.”
The driver nodded with a gentle smile and disappeared into the crowd.
Christina pulled her hoodie tighter over her face, tears threatening to spill, but she forced herself to keep moving. Dragging her small box behind her, she stepped into the bustling terminal, determined to disappear into the sea of strangers.
Christina paused near a crowded café when a few hushed voices caught her attention.
“Did you see the news online? Alpha Raph just rejected his childhood sweetheart,” one whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised,” another replied. “She was too weak to lead. Alpha Raph made the right choice.”
A third voice added, “I feel sorry for Christina, but the Luna of Moonlight Pack needs to be strong. Her sister fits that role perfectly.”
“I love how Alpha Raph rejected her,” someone else said with a cold smile. “It suits her.”
Christina’s grip tightened on her box, her heart twisting with each cruel word. She looked away, hiding the sting behind her hoodie.
Christina stepped onto the plane, her footsteps heavy but determined. She found her seat by the window and sank into it, pulling her hoodie lower to shield her face. As the engines roared to life, tears slipped silently down her cheeks.
She whispered to the dark sky outside, “I can’t believe I’m finally leaving—the only home I’ve ever known… and the man I loved.”
Her fingers traced the window’s cold glass. “Goodnight, Moonlight. Goodbye, Raph.”
Exhaustion claimed her, and she drifted into a restless sleep just as the plane lifted into the night.
Some hours later, a soft tap on her shoulder broke through her sleep.
“Sweetheart, wake up.”