My chest burned, but I kept my expression calm. She wasn’t going to see me rattled.
“Of course, we all know you’re Alexander’s mate,” she continued, her tone dripping with condescension, “and Luna of the pack. By duty, yes. But that doesn’t mean you qualify as Alexander’s woman... Obviously. You should have realized that by now—it’s painfully obvious.”
Her words stung sharper than I wanted to admit. I held her gaze, refusing to let her see me bothered, but inside, her voice echoed against insecurities I’d buried deep.
I had never asked for this role, never chased after the Luna’s title or Alexander—it had been chosen for me, tied to my bond with Alexander, a bond that still felt fragile and tested daily by forces like Bella.
“You think you’re the only one who’s protective of him?” I a
