From His Luna to His Rival's Mate

Chapter 2

SELENE

My bare feet slapped against the cool hallway carpet as I fled the suite, the oversized bathrobe flapping around my thighs.

My lungs burned, but not from running. It was the whirlwind of emotions threatening to pull me under. I was actually reborn, the Moon Goddess had answered my final prayer in that warehouse.

The elevator dinged open just as I reached it. I slammed the button for the lobby and leaned back against the mirrored wall, breathing hard.

My reflection stared back at me, wide hazel eyes, flushed cheeks, damp strands of hair clinging to my neck. I looked so young, university age again and not the exhausted, heartbroken woman who had died.

But the pain in my chest was exactly the same, the doors opened and chaos exploded in the lobby.

Shouts, flashing cameras and a crowd of pack members and students pressed forward, blocking my path. Right in the center stood Mira, my so-called best friend, wearing a smug expression as she directed everyone like this was her personal show.

Mira’s eyes widened theatrically. “Selene! Oh goddess, I was so worried! I heard you two were...”

I lifted my chin and pulled the bathrobe tighter around myself. My voice rang out clear and strong.

“I don’t like Calder Vance. Not one bit.”

The entire lobby went silent. “I was just playing around tonight,” I continued, forcing a casual shrug even though my heart was racing. “One look at him up close and… nothing. He’s not my type.”

Whispers exploded and phones recorded frantically, moments later, Calder stepped out of the elevator, still shirtless, the red imprint of my hand bright on his cheek.

His silver-gray eyes locked onto me with dangerous intensity, pure fury mixed with something darker. Something like intrigue.

This was the Alpha who had risen from nothing to one of the most powerful wolves in the region, and I had just humiliated him in front of everyone.

Mira jumped in quickly. “She’s lying! Selene has always been obsessed with Alpha Calder. She told me herself she planned to seduce him tonight to force a marriage!”

I smiled sweetly, even as betrayal burned inside me. “Obsessed? Please. I thought it might be fun to see what the hype was about. Turns out… it was disappointing.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd and before Calder could respond, a soft, melodic voice cut through the tension.

“Brother? What’s going on?”

Elara appeared, looking delicate and beautiful in a flowing dress. Her eyes widened with concern as she saw the mark on Calder’s face. She rushed to his side and gently touched his arm. “Are you okay? Who would dare do this?”

I watched Calder’s entire face soften instantly, the cold, furious Alpha melted away as he looked at her with a gentleness he had never shown me.

“It’s nothing, Elara,” he said quietly. “Just a misunderstanding.”

A cold knot twisted in my stomach. I slipped away through the dispersing crowd, ignoring the stares and whispers.

***

The next morning, I was back in my dorm room at Silverwood University, trying to settle in like everything was normal.

I had just finished making my bed when the door swung open. Elara walked in laughing softly, and right behind her came Calder, carrying a heavy box of her belongings like it weighed nothing.

His eyes immediately found me across the room and Calder’s jaw tightened, the memory of my slap clearly still fresh. But there was something else in his gaze now, a sharp, focused interest that made my skin prickle.

Elara beamed at me. “Selene! You’re my roommate? That’s perfect! We’re going to have so much fun this year.”

I gave her a polite smile. “Welcome to campus, Elara.”

Later that evening, I was in the common area reading when Calder showed up again. He brought Elara her favorite iced coffee and sat with her, but I could feel his eyes on me the entire time.

The next afternoon, after a brutal combat training class, I was walking back toward the dorm, still sweaty and breathing hard, when he appeared again.

He stepped in front of me near the edge of the training grounds, away from the other students.

“You’ve changed,” he said, his deep voice low. “Overnight. What game are you playing, Selene?”

I stopped and wiped sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. The old me would have gotten nervous, hopeful even. The new me felt nothing but calm resolve.

“No game, Alpha,” I said evenly, meeting his silver eyes. “I simply woke up and realized I deserve better than a man who would never choose me.”

His hand moved fast but gently, gripping my chin so I had to look up at him. His touch was warm, but there was steel beneath it.

“You will marry me,” he said, voice rough. “One way or another. The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes.”

I pulled my face away, my smile sharp. “Watch me refuse.”

I turned and walked away, heart pounding hard in my chest. I had a new plan now and it started with Kael Voss. My Rival.