The Rejected Luna Queen

Emily's POV

The pulsing bass of the club seemed to amplify the pounding in my chest. "Emily... I need to talk to you," Lucas's voice was low, laced with a hesitation that sent a shiver down my spine. Ashley, usually buzzing with laughter, trailed behind him, her expression carefully neutral. A knot of dread tightened in my stomach. I nodded slowly, my throat suddenly dry, and followed them through the chaos of the crowd.

We navigated the flashing lights and spilled drinks, finally reaching the quiet back of the club's entrance. The air was cool, a stark contrast to the humid dance floor. Lucas stopped, turning to face me. My gaze followed his, and my breath hitched. Leaning against the brick wall a strong, lingering scent in the air. The scent of a newly claimed territory. The scent of...a bite.

"Is... is that what I think it is?" The words were barely a whisper, a fragile question against the backdrop of the distant music. Before Lucas could even open his mouth, Ashley stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.

"I knew all along," she said, her voice sharp, void of any warmth. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't smell you on him the night you shifted? He honestly thought I was a fool when he lied about where he was."

My world tilted. Lies? Ashley knew? This was worse than I could have imagined.

"How could you, Ashley? How could you mark someone who is not your mate? What about your true mate? Do you think he will want you after knowing you marked another male wolf? I honestly pity you." The words burst from me, fueled by shock and a gut-wrenching betrayal. My voice trembled with the raw emotion I couldn't contain.

My gaze snapped to Lucas, the man I had started to love, the man who had promised me forever. "As for you, Lucas... I expected better from you. What kind of mate are you?" The question hung in the air, a silent accusation. "You've betrayed me. You've betrayed our bond. I'm disgusted."

I didn't wait for a response, didn't want to hear their justifications, their pathetic excuses. Turning on my heel, I walked away, each step a struggle against the overwhelming weight of heartbreak and disbelief.

I found Liam, my older brother and a steady source of support, still talking with some of the pack members at the bar. "Liam," I said, my voice wavering, "I'm going home. I don't feel well."

He immediately noticed the tears that threatened to spill over and the tremor in my voice. He squeezed my shoulder in comfort. "Go, I'll see you back at the house."

The walk home felt endless. Each step was a reminder of the promises that had been broken, of the future I had envisioned, now shattered. The air, once filled with the excitement of the night, now seemed heavy and suffocating.

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As the soft morning light finally filtered through the drawn curtains of my room, I lay in bed, replaying the scene, the words, the scent, over and over. The betrayal felt like a physical blow, a gaping wound in my heart. I had always believed in the strength of the mate bond, the unwavering loyalty that came with being fated mates. But Ashley's words echoed in my mind - "He honestly thought I was a fool." - and the scent confirmed the horrifying reality. Lucas was a liar. And a cheater.

I got out of bed, forcing myself to focus on the current day. Shower, dress, try to eat something. Anything to distract myself from the gnawing pain. I chose a simple sundress, hoping the bright colour would somehow lift my spirits. But the light barely touched my insides.

Descending the stairs, I was met by a screeching of angry voices. The sound was coming from the kitchen.

"You were reckless!" I heard Liam's booming voice, laced with fury. "You disregarded the consequences! Both of you!"

"...It just happened, Liam," Ashley's voice was weak, defensive.

"Just happened?! You marked another wolf! Your fated mate is out there somewhere, waiting for you! Do you think he'll want you now?" Liam was shouting, his words echoing my own thoughts.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself as I entered the kitchen. The scene that unfolded before me was even more chaotic than I expected. Liam stood, towering over Lucas and Ashley. Liam's face was red with anger, his usually calm eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness, he looked close to shifting. Lucas, his face pale and drawn, looked as though he wanted the floor to swallow him whole. Ashley, her brave face gone, stood with her head bowed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"You made a mistake, and now you're going to have to deal with it!" Liam was still raging.

"You think we don't know that, Liam!" Lucas finally yelled back. "We know we messed up. We just... we thought it would be different."

Ashley looked up at me, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. " I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

The sincerity in her words was a small comfort, but it didn't erase the pain. The world seemed to spin. "Apologies won't undo anything," I finally managed, keeping my voice as steady as possible. "Lucas you are lucky that I am not someone who is petty, and therefore in place of our Luna I shall punish you both with having to navigate this situation and explaining to your parents what has been done."

I turned away from their silent apologies and quickly grabbed a cup of water, trying to compose myself before they notice that I am falling apart. I sat at the table and began to think, I need to try and move on with my life. Perhaps traveling to keep myself busy? A change of scenery might help me heal. A long trip. Maybe to the northern territories, or across the ocean...

My thoughts were interrupted when Liam said, "Emily... after breakfast we will be meeting in my office to discuss a message we received from the Alpha King's Castle."

My head perked up at the words. I would have to put off my escape plan till later. "Alright," I replied softly. My voice was emotionless. "I will be there."