Chapter 03
1112 Words
POV: Sarina
I went from heaven to hell that night. And all in just a few hours.
I swallowed hard, noticing the way everyone looked at me. Some tried to hide it, but others seemed on the verge of laughing at me. Pointing, mocking, or worse: pitying me.
And that would be the final straw.
I was not weak. I was not some woman who would bow her head and let herself be trampled. I was the Luna of the Silver Springs Pack. The Alpha’s wife. And above all, I was strong.
I lifted my chin, ignoring the tightness in my chest, and let my voice come out firm:
"It seems we have unexpected guests tonight."
Some of the wolves stepped back at the authority in my tone. Others just kept watching, eager to see my reaction.
"You all know who I am. You know why I was chosen as your Alpha’s wife, and you also know there is no problem I am incapable of solving. Please, continue enjoying the banquet. Soon, we will return to proceed with our negotiations and alliances."
I looked directly into Alpha Edgar’s eyes. He seemed particularly entertained by the spectacle unfolding before him.
"Listen carefully. There is absolutely nothing that can deter me from my duty. And that is exactly what I will do. I will resolve this."
"No one here doubts your strength, Luna," Edgar replied, but there was a hint of irony in his voice.
"Naturally, Alpha Edgar."
"You truly are an example for all of us, without a doubt."
I was about to challenge him, to ask if he was questioning my authority with his mocking tone, but then I realized something.
Lilian and Zander were nowhere to be seen.
Edgar would have his punishment in due time. But for now, my priority was elsewhere.
"Excuse me." My voice was sharp, and before anyone could react, I turned away, ignoring the stares and whispers.
I needed to find them.
I needed to see him with her.
. . .
The hallway leading to the gardens was dark and silent, with only the moonlight creeping through the windows. My steps were quick and firm against the stone floor.
Then, I saw them.
Zander and Lilian stood close, their voices low but tense.
He looked different.
Disturbed, as if he were battling something inside himself. His body was rigid, fists clenched.
Lilian, on the other hand, no longer seemed panicked and trembling as she had minutes ago. She was the picture of calm.
She moved toward him gracefully, a full smile on her plump lips. Her hand touched his chest, and I saw him shudder.
"You feel it, don’t you?" Her voice was smooth, seductive.
He swallowed hard, breathing deeply.
"This shouldn’t be happening."
She laughed softly, trailing her fingers down his arm.
"But it is."
My pulse pounded in my ears. I wanted to interrupt. I wanted to scream. But I couldn’t.
"I have a commitment to my wife and my pack. I can’t just… give in to this."
"This isn’t about giving in. Things are clear now. You are mine, and I am yours. That is an undeniable truth, Zander. We shouldn’t fight it."
"It’s wrong."
"It’s not! It’s Mother Nature doing her work. It’s the Goddess acting through her will. Deny it. Deny me, deny that you feel this overwhelming power running through your veins, and I will leave."
Seconds of silence.
"Exactly as I thought," she murmured, proud and amused.
Then it happened.
Faster than I could have expected, she pulled Zander closer, and under the moon’s watchful eye, their lips met.
The world around me collapsed.
The air escaped my lungs, and for a moment, I couldn’t move. Tremors overtook my body.
The pain was crushing. I knew the mate bond was strong. I knew my husband was conflicted. But seeing him give in... seeing his lips on hers…
It destroyed me.
My instincts took over. Before I could stop myself, a growl ripped from my throat.
They pulled apart abruptly.
Zander turned, and the shock on his face almost made me laugh.
"Sarina!"
My vision blurred. My body trembled, but not from weakness. It was rage.
Rage and something much, much worse.
"So this is it?" My voice came out cold. "You humiliate me in front of everyone, and minutes later, you’re in her arms?"
He ran a hand over his face, as if searching for an explanation.
"I didn’t want—"
"You didn’t want?" I took a step forward, feeling the weight of betrayal crush my chest. "You made me feel like I was crazy for wanting a moment alone with you. And now you’re here, kissing another woman?"
Lilian crossed her arms, a small smile on her lips.
"You don’t understand, Luna," she said softly. "What we have is a bond that cannot be ignored."
My blood boiled.
"Watch your tongue when speaking to me, omega. Know your place. I AM his wife!" I turned to Zander, my voice laced with pain. "Does that mean nothing to you?"
He closed his eyes, as if my words had struck him.
"It means everything."
I let out a bitter laugh.
"Liar."
"It’s not a lie, Sarina. I swear!"
My heart was shattered, but my resolve remained unbroken.
"I won’t stay here and watch this happen." My voice was steady. "You’ve already made your choice."
I turned to leave.
But before I could take a step, Zander grabbed my arm, his grip strong but incredibly gentle.
"Sarina, listen to me." His voice was desperate. "This doesn’t change how I feel about you."
"It doesn’t? Oh, please. You can’t possibly lie so easily, especially in these circumstances!"
"I already told you, I’m not lying! Why is it so hard to understand?"
"Because you were KISSING HER, and probably would’ve done worse if I hadn’t shown up!"
Zander clenched his fists.
"Now you’re insulting me, Sarina. You’re questioning my honor as a wolf."
"Your honor as a wolf pushed you toward her. I don’t care if you’re offended. My life is over. And you destroyed it!"
"Do you think this is easy for me?! We’re talking about a physical and emotional connection stronger than anything. I didn’t choose this. It happened, damn it!"
I looked directly into his eyes.
And I saw his inner struggle.
But I also saw the truth.
The bond with Lilian was already consuming him.
And me?
I was just in the way.
"Let go of me, Zander."
"I won’t give up on you."
"Oh, really?" I scoffed. "And what are you going to do, then?"
My husband turned to his mate.
"I will reject her.”
- Writer
