Broken Trust: Luna's Awakening

REINA'S POV

Six years, I counted. Six long, agonizing years I held this secret from everyone. It was consuming me and now, I had made up my mind to tell.

As I approached my father's office, I saw Beta Daphne, a chubby looking woman with short blonde hair, storming out of his office, her face red with anger.

"Beta Daphne is my father in?" I asked firmly. She looked back at the door with a stern look and hesitated before responding.

Yes, he is," she murmured with her head low, avoiding my gaze before exiting the gloomy hallway.

It probably wasn't a good time to see him, but I couldn't care less. My gaze fell upon the door as my heart raced, contemplating if I should tell him my secret or not. My thoughts were waging a war against me.

"Reina, please don't, they'll hunt us if they know." My wolf, Minsi, begged as I sluggishly approached the door.

Through the years, I had learned to suppress my wolf, allowing me to maintain the charade: the wolf-less Alpha's daughter.

"My father is the Alpha, Minsi," I reminded her, "There's no way he'd let anyone hurt me."

She moaned quietly and grew silent. I strongly doubted my own words too. My father, Alfie Grayson of the Moonlight pack, would probably be the first in line to hang me.

Six years ago, when I first shifted, Minsi had told me to keep her a secret. I couldn't even dare to breathe a word about her to anyone.

Her silver fur that glistened under the moonlight and deep blue eyes that shined brightly in the dark sent my heart pounding out of my chest the first night I saw her reflection in the lake.

Silver wolves were a rare breed bound by an ancient prophecy. I read once in the worn out pages of a book, that they were cursed and brought damnation to their pack. This led to their execution.

How was I to tell my pack that I was a silver wolf? But today, I wagered my life in the name of love, just so I could be with Arthur.

I confidently pushed the creaky door open and the pungent smell of old books and furniture hit me.

My father was sitting quietly, going through his cellphone. He didn't even bother to look at me, just like he never bothered to renovate his office.

"I do not accept giving me away just for a truce," I confronted him, disrupting his quiet. "This isn't the old days. The old ways have been forgotten."

"Reina, you had been forgotten," he raised his head slightly, staring blankly into my eyes. He continued, "Until the truce was formed, you had been forgotten."

I felt a sudden bone-crushing realization hit me; my father didn't love me.

"And this marriage is the only way to unite our Packs?" My voice inquired, almost giving way to violent sobs.

"What better way than marriage?" I heard my father whisper beneath his breath. Suddenly, he dropped his phone and, with his head high, he walked towards me. "You should be grateful you're my daughter, my flesh and blood. Gina would have been a better choice."

Gina. My step sister, Gina. She was every wolf's dream mate, she wasn't my father's blood, but he sure as hell did treat her like one more than he ever treated me.

Most times, I didn't hold him responsible for this preference. Gina was everything I could only ever dreamed of being.

My head full of unremarkable long gray curls could never compare to her long dark mane that fell down to her waist like waterfalls.

Her piercing green eyes captured the hearts of everyone who gazed upon her.

At just sixteen, her red wolf, Ria, had already emerged, while everyone believed I was wolf-less.

"I have something to tell you," I sighed, with tears threatening to pour from my eyes. "I have...I also have a...," I stuttered.

Why couldn't I say it?

I looked up at my father who was now pacing the office agitatedly, waiting to hear what I had to say.

"Don't say it, Reina. It wouldn't change a thing," Minsi panted, and the wrong words spewed from my mouth.

"I am running away with Arthur."

Coward! Threatening my father with that wouldn't make him call off the wedding, but telling him about my wolf just might do the trick.

Arthur was my first love, my chosen mate, and I was willing to risk it all for him. I had given up searching for my fated mate. I believed Arthur was perfect for me.

I heard my father's laughter echo through the room, making my stomach churn and turn. And then he asked, "Arthur?"

I nodded and he frowned instantly.

"Reina, I know you're weak and blind for love, but I didn't know you were foolish as well."

I stood my ground, not wanting to know what he meant by that. If I had revealed my secret wolf, he wouldn't dare call me weak.

I watched as he walked back to his table and opened a drawer. My eyes followed the movements of his hand, trying to read the contents of the papers and the pictures he pulled out.

"There!" He sent the papers flying towards my direction, scattering as they touched the floor. My eyes scanning the pictures and words, I crouched to get a better view.

"No, it can't be right," I muttered and scanned through the rest.

"Arthur wouldn't," I proclaimed and turned to my father angrily. "You're only showing me this because you want me to marry Alpha Van of the Woodwick Pack."

You see, my pack and the Woodwick's have been sworn enemies for decades, with a deep-seated hatred that had been passed down through our generations like an inherited curse.

Growing up, I was constantly reminded of the rivalry between our packs. The very mention of Woodwick would send shivers down the spines of every member of my pack.

I was only seven when my mother died. Rumors had it, it was a rogue. Not just any rogue, but a stinking rogue from Woodwick's that had split my mother open.

Recently, our pack was facing a serious threat. The scouts reported that rogues from Woodwick were attacking our members at the border.

That's when Alpha Van Killian, the ruthless, offered a truce. A marriage for peace and unity of both packs. And my father chose me.

Tears streamed down my face. My father wouldn't lie to me about this. Actually, Minsi had already suspected Arthur's infidelity, and these papers served as crucial evidence.

"If you're going to think about running away with a man like Arthur, and abandoning your duty to your pack as the future Luna, you better think twice," he said bluntly, his voice void of emotion.

I picked myself up and wiped the tears from my eyes, halting the rest as they threatened to pour. My father's gaze fixated on me, he smirked, shaking his head. I knew he was disappointed, the look on his face wasn't pity.

"If Arthur confirms this to be true. Then I'll accept Alpha Van's proposal and end the feud," I offered with a calm tone.

"You say that like you have a choice. Well, knock yourself out."

I quickly left the office, driven by anger and a deep feeling of betrayal. I needed to see Arthur, he had some explaining to do.

REINA'S POV

I recklessly parked my car, the bumper knocking over an angel statue that decorated the concrete yard. I stormed into Arthur's house and found him packing. He was shocked to see me.

And then, I showed him the papers, he couldn't even deny it. Instead, his true aggressive nature sprung forth like a fountain.

"Stop being so stupid," his voice pierced through the air and straight into my heart like a poisoned dagger.

"Well, Arthur, I've had enough of your crap," I snapped, throwing the papers at him. "My father was right."

As I turned to exit the room, Arthur's hand violently pulled me by the wrist, dragging me back in and slamming the door.

"I haven't finished with you."

"What do you want, huh?" I asked, with furrowed brows and eyes staring deep into his. "Seeping with Dahlia and getting her pregnant wasn't enough? Getting married to her behind my back wasn't enough either? Now, you're running away?"

Dahlia was my cousin for crying out loud.

Arthur's gaze widened and, instantly, he broke into a short menacing laugh.

He looked up, his eyes glinting with intense hatred. He charged at me, grabbing my jaw and pushing me to the wall like a predator.

"I had to put up with insults from everyone just by being with you. I stayed because you're the Alpha's daughter." He whispered into my ears, "You're weak, just like they say. You think anyone would want you? You're wolf-less, Reina."

I forced a wry smile and shoved his dirty hands off my face, screaming,

"Get off me!"

His hands raced through his hair as his eyes darted through the room, searching for a sweet lie to tell, but I wouldn't listen to it this time.

"It's over. I'm done."

Arthur's face froze, and I could see the despair in his eyes as they welled up with crocodile tears, a feeble attempt to mask his monstrosity.

"Reina, I'm sorry." Desperately, he went down on both knees begging and cuddling my legs as if his life depended on it.

"I have bad taste in men," I acknowledged, shaking my head, "An Alpha's daughter with a low-class Omega," I reminded him of his place before pushing him off and darting out of his house.

My heart bled after breaking it off with my first love. I couldn't believe I had planned to expose Minsi and put myself in danger for that worthless piece of...

I hastily got in my car. I drove off, crying all the way home as It struck me that I had no other choice now, but to accept Alpha Van's proposal.

A few days later, it was the day of the lunar bonding ceremony between Alpha Van and me.

I sat in my room, opposite Gina, with a black veil over my head. I didn't want her to see the helplessness written on my face.

She crossed her legs, bending her head slightly in order to get a good look, but I concealed myself even further behind the veil.

"I am fine, truly," I lied, "It's for the good of the pack after all. An end to the unending rivalry."

"Sis, I bet Van probably won't be as ruthless as they say," Gina said, taking a sip from her cup of red wine. I only shrugged.

"Slow and steady, Reina, slow and steady always wins." Minsi growled as I stared at my reflection.

"The wedding is fixed, and I'm sorry, sister, that nothing can be done," Gina whispered, trying to comfort me as she patted my shoulders.

She always had a way of getting to me. We became close after she saved my life from crazy Hella who tried to poison me.

Hella was hunted down, though her body was never found. Some believed she succumbed to her wounds and died in the river, while others believed the rogues ate her alive.

Unlike Gina, I didn't quite like Luna Tauriel, her mother. A difficult and ill-tempered woman.

"The gathering is tonight. I think you could have dressed better," Gina said, setting her glass on the table beside her.

I looked at my outfit; casual flared jean trousers and a crop top.

"I'm sure it's comfortable," she added, "stay strong and if you need anything, you can always count on me."

"Thanks, sis. I couldn't have held on this long without you."

She grinned shyly and brushed her hand against my shoulder. Suddenly, the room door opened wide. Beta Daphne stood firm, her glare landing on me. She snarled.

"Alpha Van of Woodwick pack has arrived."

Gina and I stared intensely at each other for a few seconds and she smiled encouragingly. She left with Beta Daphne to join the pack in the forest where the ceremony was to take place.

And shortly after, I walked down as well. My racing heart moved in sync with every drum beat that resonated through the forest. Minsi was more nervous than I was.

Their joyful noise swayed through the branches, yet I remained frozen at the edge of the woods, my feet rooted to the spot. Thank goodness, my best friend, Corolla, was by my side.

She constantly reminded me to stay calm, but in the cold night, Minsi's sensitive nose picked up the scent of sweat and tension stemming from Corolla's skin, betraying her false composure.

As the last members of my pack proceeded to join the others in the woods, a sharp feminine voice yelled out from among them, saying,

"Corolla, you're needed!"

My eyes met with Corolla's, and instantly I felt an emptiness brewing within.

" Well, that sucks! I'm pretty sure it's either Gina or Luna Tauriel who doesn't know how much wolfsbane to add to a cocktail," she cried.

"I'll be fine," I assured her with a fake smile.

" Just in case I don't come back before time, once you hear three consecutive drum beats after the torch goes up, it's your cue to come in. Just like we rehearsed," she explained as her hands fidgeted on her thighs.

I nodded and Corolla swept me in a sweet embrace before heading into the woods. She was the only friend I had. A fiery redhead with a temper as short as her height. But she's the most amazing wolf I'd ever seen. Minsi adored her.

As I stood there, lost in thoughts while gazing into the woods, I let out a small yawn and then my eyes fell upon my wrist. My bracelet glistened in the moonlight.

It was my mother's. She had worn it on the day of her lunar bonding ceremony with my father.

Memories of her flooded my mind and a small smile curled the edges of my lips.

"Who's there?" I asked almost immediately as Minsi's keen ears caught onto the footsteps nearby.

I checked the time, and it was already thirty minutes since everyone left. I had been alone since then but now, someone or something was approaching through the woods a few metres from where I stood.

"Who's there?" I asked again, more loudly and defiantly. I could feel my wolf already preparing for a fight, but I held her back.

"I'm not going to ask again. Show yourself."

I heard nothing for a few seconds. My eyes scanned through the dark woods and suddenly caught a tall figure lurking behind a tree.

I could feel its piercing gaze crawling on my skin, sending shivers down my spine and my hairs stood on its ends.

REINA'S POV

"Who– who are– who are you?" I stuttered, but I was hit with a deafening silence. The figure just stood still and watched. My eyes struggled to map out the features, but they remained concealed in the darkness.

As I charged forward with one bold step, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a woman shrouded in a black hooded cloak. She dashed further and deeper, moving swiftly into the opposite direction of the woods.

Minsi quickly pursued. I struggled to restrain my wolf. I had never been that weak at keeping her at bay. My strength could only do so little, but I managed to stop her from emerging.

Something was making her rage.

"That's not a wolf, Reina," Minsi panted as we chased after the woman, scattering through the woods.

She was fast. Too fast, or I was just extremely slow for her.

Suddenly, without warning, an overwhelming power halted me, and I found myself pinned against a tree trunk.

"Reina!" I heard my best friend scream.

"Corolla?"

I asked surprisingly, as we both tried to catch our breaths. I didn't realize Corolla was running after me the whole time while I chased... where was it?

Where was this non-wolf figure I was pursuing? The woman in the black hooded cloak. She had vanished without a trace.

Minsi's voice repeatedly cried out, "That's not a wolf Reina, I don't know what it is, but it's not one of us."

"Why were you running? It was your cue to come in 15 minutes ago," Corolla scolded, oblivious to the fear that had taken hold of me.

"Wait! What?" I asked, shoving her question aside, "You didn't see?" I looked in the direction I was running to before she caught up with me and pinned me to the tree.

She gave me a confused stare and took a glance in the direction, scanning the area. Then her blank gaze landed on me, she shook her head.

"See what?" she asked hysterically.

"I swear I saw someone," I blurted out.

Corolla only nodded and asked me to follow her back to the right direction and to where everyone was waiting.

I agreed and said nothing else as I trailed behind, trying to calm Minsi down as she continued to growl softly. If our secret dared to come out, it shouldn't be on a day like this.

"What was it?" Corolla asked curiously, and I shook my head and said it was nothing.

I hastily collected myself, no matter how disturbed I was by what I thought I had seen, I wasn't going to let anything or anyone ruin my night.

The clear opening was surrounded by the members of our pack and Woodwick's.

This was the man chosen to be my mate. Ruthless Alpha Van Killian. I was standing in proximity to him. Somehow, my troubled heart relaxed from the tension it was feeling earlier.

"Is that him?" I asked Minsi, "he doesn't look ruthless. Anything but ruthless," I smiled.

What a hunk! I could see his muscles flexing in his tight hugging shirt. A perfect body like that of a Greek god and a handsome face carved to perfection.

His brown curls and elegant presence clouded my mind, his scent lingering like sweet rose petals and everyone around seemed to have faded away, leaving just the two of us.

I was drawn to him in a way that was new to me, a way that made everything else irrelevant.

"Mate!" Minsi interjected amidst my thoughts.

"What?" I asked shockingly, "he's my fated mate?"

"Dummy, can't you feel it?" Minsi laughed ferociously, and I could feel her wagging her tail out of excitement.

I had given up on searching for my fated mate, but destiny had brought him to me. I stood next to Van and smiled at him, but he just looked away, dismissively.

My smile suddenly turned to a frown. He was ruthless after all.

Tauriel stood next to my father with a smirk on her face. I couldn't sight Gina. Corolla noticed I was anxious and gestured to me to remain calm.

"Reina, there's something wrong," Minsi began to grumble, but I dismissed it without a second thought.

Obviously, everything was wrong. I was getting married to a ruthless Alpha, fated mate or not, he stood tall and wicked.

The priest chanted some words, invoking the power of the moon, and I waited for Van's vow. He turned, facing me and his hazel eyes pierced into my eyes. I wasn't sure what to do.

My face froze in shock. I couldn't believe what I just heard. I demanded to hear it again and, with no regret, he unapologetically obliged.

"I, Alpha Van Killian of Woodwick, reject Reina Grayson of the Moonlight pack as my mate."

His words felt like a knife to my heart, cutting and slicing every bit of me. Minsi was groaning in pain. I felt like my heart began to bleed.

I knew Van felt the same pain, the look engraved on his face gave him away.

My guts twisted in agony, as my ears picked up every murmur that enveloped the pack members. They all seemed to be against me.

"She deserves it. We all know she's weak and wolf-less," a voice said.

And another admitted saying, "The Alpha needs a strong Luna."

What was happening seemed like a nightmare. Minsi was right, something was clearly wrong.

Suddenly, Gina emerged from behind the crowd and slowly walked forward, standing beside Alpha Van with a triumphant smirk on her face, and her arms placed on his shoulder possessively. She leaned over to me and whispered softly into my ears, saying,

"I'm sorry, sister."

I didn't want to believe that she planned this all from the start. To let our father choose me and then disgrace me and take my place. He always listened to her.

No, Gina wouldn't. She loved me, she would never. I tried to discard those thoughts, but the truth was staring at me right in the face. My sister betrayed me.

The world started to spin. My blood coursed through my veins agitatedly like a raging storm as flashbacks of recent weeks flooded my brain.

So many questions I wanted to ask, but my voice was lost. I felt my back fall on a hard surface and everything began to shatter.

I heard Minsi's sad wails, I was losing my grip on her, I was losing myself. Distorted faces were hovering over me, their voices asking,

"Is she alright?"

I also wanted to know if I was alright. Nothing felt real.

Why did Alpha Van reject me even after knowing I was his fated mate?

What was happening to me?

Tears streaming down my pale face, I watched in tremendous horror as my fated mate chose my sister as his mate. Corolla's voice kept screaming for help, as I laid there dying, but nobody paid attention to us.

Then I heard a mournful howl pierce the cold air and impulsively everyone shifted into their wolf form, and howled in unison. My eyes sifted the full moon above just before I drew my last breath.