His Luna? Not Anymore

"Is signing your name really such a difficult task?" Adrian Westwood's voice cut through the silence, his eyes darting to the watch on his wrist.

My gaze remained fixed on the Luna registration document from Arlanta, my mind wandering elsewhere.

Every Luna from the southern packs was required to complete this form and submit it to the Alpha King. It represented both tradition and honor.

In my past life, I had signed with trembling excitement before throwing my arms around Adrian in pure joy.

He simply pushed me away, snatched the paper, and walked out without a backward glance.

Only much later did I discover he had been rushing to purchase a wolf-calming tonic for Hazel Quinn.

Now, I held the form and responded in a monotone, "Understood."

Adrian stood tall in his fitted shirt, the black cloak draped over his shoulders emphasizing his powerful frame.

Hazel always claimed this look showcased his potential as a future Alpha King.

"I'll personally deliver the registration to the envoy," I stated coldly.

Relief washed over his features as he nodded. "Since we're fated mates, I'll proceed with the marking ceremony. But you must stop harassing Hazel. I won't have her reputation tarnished."

I had done nothing wrong. Yet through his eyes, Hazel remained flawless while I was merely the jealous mate who resented his adopted sister.

He turned and departed while I drew a steadying breath, attempting to calm my furious inner wolf.

That marking ceremony night in my previous life, Adrian abandoned our bed to check on "unwell" Hazel. He never returned.

Three days after our bonding, he departed for a two-year diplomatic mission to Southlands.

He possessed the authority to recommend one candidate for Eldren University, the region's most prestigious institution.

Yet he wrote that recommendation letter for Hazel, claiming she needed to experience life beyond our pack boundaries.

By then, humans and werewolves coexisted peacefully under treaty terms. I had wanted to attend that university to study ancient wisdom and become a better Luna.

Adrian dismissed my aspirations without hesitation.

During my childbirth, he comforted Hazel as she mourned her broken mate bond.

When illness consumed me, my daughter Isabelle whispered at my bedside, "Mother, perhaps you should surrender. Aunt Hazel surpasses you in every aspect, yet Father remained all these years. Shouldn't you feel grateful?"

These memories brought indescribable pain to my heart.

But this time, everything would be different.

Where the Luna signature belonged, I wrote Hazel's name without hesitation.