The Alpha's Ex-Mate: Reclaiming His Luna

*Selena*

A soft light came down from the sky, glowing gently as it touched the earth. I saw a beautiful woman walking into it. Just before she disappeared, she turned around one last time. Her eyes were full of tears, but she gave me a sad little smile.

"Goodbye, my daughter," she said.

My heart had dropped. I had been scared-terrified, really-of losing her. I had wanted to cry out, to beg her not to leave.

"Please don't go!"

But nothing had come out. I couldn't breathe. Everything had gone cold, and then... darkness.

I had woken up suddenly, breathing hard, my sheets tangled around me. That dream again. The same one.

My mother's dream.

People said she died when I was really young. I didn't remember her at all-not even a little. Though the face wasn't clear, the woman in my dreams felt so real. She felt like she was my mom. Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me. Or maybe... it was something more.

Life in the Rock Claws Pack hadn't given me much time to think about dreams, though. I was the Alpha's daughter, but I had been treated like I was barely above an omega.

However, it hadn't always been like that. My father had hope in me and had been training me to become a female Alpha, but his attitude had changed toward me when I couldn't shift on my 16th birthday, which had been two years ago.

I could vividly remember the look of disappointment on his face as he stared at me with a deep frown.

I stood in the middle of the hall, with his friends and elders watching, waiting to see my wolf. But I couldn't do anything. I had no idea what was wrong, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment-I felt no wolf inside me.

This was supposed to be the best day of my life, a day to prove I was Alpha Albert Ardolf's true daughter. Instead, it was a disaster, a day I wished never happened.

I cried, feeling ashamed and worthless. That night, my father tried to comfort me, saying I might shift late. But I could see the frustration in his eyes, and soon he started acting cold and hostile toward me.

I had trained harder to impress him, but I guessed he had already lost interest in me and tossed me aside as a useless daughter. He was now happy with his other children-my half-sister Anne and half-brother Oliver. Now Oliver was being trained to become the next Alpha of our pack. As his elder sister, I was happy for him-truly happy.

My stepmother, Amelia, didn't like me-not even a little. And she made sure I never forgot it. Every single day, she'd throw some jab or look my way like I was dirt under her shoes. I put up with it all for my father. I kept hoping that one day, he'd finally see me as his daughter-someone worthy-and maybe, just maybe, things would get better.

It was just before dawn. I had barely shut my eyes when a loud bang rattled my door. Not a knock-a full-on slam like someone wanted to break it down.

I jumped up, heart racing, and stormed to the door. "Who is-"

The door burst open. Before I could finish, a sharp slap hit my cheek.

I stood frozen, stunned. My face burned.

"Where the hell is my green tea?" Amelia snapped. She glared at me like I was nothing.

I held my cheek, blinking in shock as I reasoned, "But you never wake up so early?!"

Before I could step back, another slap hit the other side of my face-harder. My head whipped sideways. A ringing filled my ear.

"Don't talk back at me," she said coldly. "I'm your Luna. You better learn your place."

Before I could reply, my father's deep voice growled from the hallway.

"What's going on here?"

Just then, Amelia burst into fake sobs. She held her cheek as if I'd hit her.

"She hit me," Amelia cried, running into my father's arms. "I only asked her about the tea, and she slapped me. She hates me."

My father's eyes locked on me, his face turning red with fury. "Did you just hit her?"

"What? No! She slapped me-twice! I didn't touch her!"

"You deserve it. And the punishment will be worse if you ever defy your Luna again," he said, his voice sharp, his Alpha tone heavy with warning.

Tears stung my eyes. "How can you say that? Father, I'm your daughter."

He scoffed. "You? My daughter?" He took a step closer, disgust in his eyes. "You're eighteen and still wolfless. Do you know how embarrassing that is? No one will ever want you. You're a disgrace to this pack."

My breath caught. His words cut deeper than any slap.

"I've always wondered why she's still wolfless," Amelia added, pretending to be thoughtful. "Maybe she's cursed."

"You may be right." My father accepted without any doubt in his voice. "I wished there was something I could do..." He hissed.

"I have a suggestion. How about inviting the sorcerers to perform the ritual of cleansing on her?" She proposed, and my heart skipped a beat, a cold chill running down my spine.

"You can't do that to me! I could possibly die from the pain! It is meant for demonic wolves!" I moaned out in fear, turning my eyes to my father in plea, hoping he would still have a bit of pity for me, his daughter, but what he said tore my heart into pieces.

"And how am I sure you aren't one of the demonic wolves?"

I couldn't believe my ears.

Before I could say anything, the pack messenger came running towards us with a letter in his hand.

He bowed to my father, stretching out the letter to him. "Your Highness, this is a letter from Alpha King Zander Blake."

My heart paused in my chest, a gasp slipping from my mouth at the mention of that name.

Alpha King Zander Blake was known as the most ruthless werewolf alive-a bloodthirsty Alpha with a reputation that made even the bravest wolves tremble. He was nothing short of a monster, with no mercy in his cold, heartless chest.

I could also see the worry in my father's eyes as he took the letter, opening it with hesitation.

His eyes glanced through the letter, and I saw his mouth falling open in panic.

"The cruel Alpha King is visiting us." He announced with a shaky breath, looking up.

The cruel Alpha King never visited a pack without the intention of destroying it. Was it our turn now?

He took a deep breath. "Alpha Zander seems to be interested in having a wife...and so he is visiting us."

My eyes widened in disbelief. A wife from our pack? What did that even mean? Who would be the unlucky she-wolf?

"That's the perfect opportunity for us-and for your otherwise useless daughter to finally bring something of value," Amelia said sharply, her words making my brows furrow and my heart race. Then she added with a smug smile, "If we have the Alpha King as family, we'll be a pack to be feared. We'll gain power, protection... everything!"

Her voice was dripping with excitement, but her eyes were locked on me like I was the sacrifice already chosen.

"No, not me, Father," I begged, my voice trembling. " I don't want to die."

I'd heard all the stories. Zander Blake was a beast-a bloodthirsty monster with a feral, untamed wolf. Every woman he'd been with ended up dead.

And I didn't want to be next.

I didn't want to die at the hands of a monster.

"No one challenges Alpha Zander. We have to offer him a suitable bride," he said coldly. "He'll be here tonight to take you."

His tone was final. No room for argument. Then he turned and walked away.

"There is something you can do!" I cried out, panic rising in my chest. "You can save me from this, Father! You have to."

He paused, then slowly turned to face me.

"I can't do anything," he said, his eyes empty. "But you can save yourself from his wrath-by being obedient. Be a perfect Luna. Give him a child."

"You know this is impossible, right? He seems impotent! He is cursed! It doesn't matter who is with him. No woman can give him a child, and he would rather die than take the blame. Father, we both know he will kill me at the end like every other woman that has married him."

My lips trembled as I blinked out tears, hoping he would feel a bit of love for me, but it seemed he had made up his mind.

He exhaled heavily, casting a glance at Amelia.

"This is the first and only time you could be of importance to your pack; why not do it and stop being selfish!" Amelia snapped in confidently, resting on my father's shoulder.

My legs wobbled, giving up on me as I crashed under my weight, sobbing hard.

I thought of running, but that was totally impossible with the amount of security in the building. Tears poured freely down my cheeks, the thought of being with Zander Blake making my stomach churn.

The stories I had heard about him were scary, and what I read in books was even scarier. His inner wolf Lyon was untamed, uncontrollable, and wild. Zander had grown so powerful, with wealth, authority, and power.

He was feared and infamous among every neighboring pack, but without a child, his legacy would be gone and everything he built would be scavenged and ruined.

He had been going from pack to pack looking for unmated virgin she-wolves to give him a child. I never believed it would be our turn so soon.

Crawling back to my room, I slumped on the bed, burying my face in the pillow.

What have I done to deserve this? Mom, please come take me away. Come save me from all this. Moon goddess, please don't allow this to happen to me.

I prayed with a broken heart, sinking into the bed as though it would swallow me and save me from my terrible fate.

I didn't know when I slept off, but the moment I woke, it was evening, and the silence in the building was kind of eerie.

Something seemed off, as though the mouth of everyone had been sealed.

My eyes darted at the clock and it was almost 8pm.

Then it flashed back into my mind, the visit of Alpha king Zander Blake. Was he here already?

I asked myself as I sat up from the bed. Almost immediately, my door was flung open and five maids rushed in.

"We were sent to get you dressed up and perfect for your husband. He is in the pack already."

"No. I am not getting married to anyone! I..."

"You have no choice, dear. Zander will kill you if you decline. You know he never takes no for an answer," one of them said in a warning tone, and I became calm, knowing full well that she was right.

*

The maid led me to the grand hall, holding my hands and lifting the end of my long gown off the floor. I was dressed in a red royal robe.

As we got to the door, I could hear the conversation from inside, and every word was like a knife in my heart.

"Where is the so-called daughter of yours?! Is she even worth the alliance?!" I heard a deep, cold voice laced with quiet authority from the hall.

"She will be here in a few minutes, Alpha king. If you meet her, you will like her. She is pretty and has been training to be a good and perfect Luna. She would be a perfect wife and mate. She is a pure virgin, a very calm and obedient girl," my father implored, and I couldn't help but wince at his words.

He sounded like he was advertising a product to be sold, and I was that goods.

"I heard she is wolfless. I hope it doesn't affect her ability to bear me a child. You promise me she is fertile; that's why I am finalizing this alliance. I hope you aren't lying to me!" The same deep, husky voice responded with arrogance.

How could my father promise such a thing?

"She is in perfect health, Alpha king. Trust me. She can even possibly bore you twins. As many children as you want." My father replied out of greed when he knew how almost impossible it was.

I couldn't remain outside anymore as I barged in furiously. "Father, you know it's impossible!" I called out angrily and everyone's gaze shifted toward me.

"Selena!" My father's brows furrowed as he shot me an annoyed glare.

My gaze fell on Zander at that moment, seated before my father with two hefty guards, which he may never need because of how powerful he was-his broad, muscular body adorned in a black tailored suit immediately caught my attention.

This was the first time I was seeing him in reality, and I could swear the book description didn't describe him any better. He exuded an aura of dominance and intimidation, and his gaze at me sent shivers down my spine as though I was enchanted.

"Selena, meet His Highness, Alpha King Zander Blake," my father introduced, a flattering grin on his face.

I already know. There was no need for the introduction.

As his sharp blue eyes locked with mine, my world seemed to come to a standstill. I was both scared and mesmerized, causing my heart to skip a beat. I felt breathless, and my lips parted in a gasp as I was caught in the intensity of his gaze.

He was incredibly handsome, but the bloodthirsty beast in him was already reflecting in his eyes as he peered deep as though he was seeing through my soul.

He seemed displeased. He always appears angry, his face maintaining a stern and cold countenance.

"That's my daughter, your highness. I hope she is beautiful enough. You won't regret giving her the chance to bear you an heir. The family bond will be the strongest relationship between our pack." My father said in elation, grabbing the bags of gold.

"I don't want to marry him! I don't want to be killed. I can't give him a child and you know that! Father, please don't sell me off. I am not even a virgin." I sobbed out, falling to my knees, hoping lying about not being a virgin would save me from this horrible fate.

Dead silence fell in the hall as my father stared at me in rage. He couldn't believe my last sentence.

"I will marry her," Alpha King Zander declared, regardless, leaving me speechless and shocked. I thought he only accepted virgins.

"What gives you the impression that I would marry you?! I just told you I am not a virgin!" I challenged, meeting Zander's gaze with defiance but my heart fluttered in my chest, and I didn't know what was in those blue eyes but I had to look away to break the spell he was casting on me. The thought made me so scared.

"I am sorry on her behalf." My father quickly apologized and I looked up at him.

"No. I will never marry him." I repeated, listening to my heart ramming against my ribcage. The man in front of me is a devil, and my life would be a hell in his castle. This was a nightmare I never imagined.

Zander Blake was silent. His indifferent expression made it hard to read what was going on in his mind. I had heard that his hot temper was as uncontrollable as a raging fire and his beast, when given a chance, had no limit.

My father grabbed my arm, forcefully pulling me a bit far away Alpha King, Zander Blake. I tried to free my hand, but my father's grip only tightened, leading me further away.

His slap left me stunned for a moment before he whispered in a hushed voice, "You have to do this for our pack's sake. And don't make me go any rougher on you, you ungrateful daughter."

"But Father..." I muttered, holding my cheek, my ear still buzzing from the hard impact as my cheek throbbed. "He'll kill me when I can't give him an heir. He's impotent."

I have heard stories.

"Don't you even care about this pack at all? It will be more disastrous going against his order. He chose you, and you have no other option!" My father hissed.

"Enough, Alpha Albert," snapped a man in a sharp blue suit, his voice edged with authority and impatience as he approached. "Our Alpha's patience has run out. The deal is done, sealed."

He stared at me, eyes narrowing. "So what's the delay? Tell your daughter to come forward and sign the papers-make it official. She becomes Alpha Zander's wife."

A pause. His voice turned cold.

"Or be ready for war."

"Beta Maddox, we'll be right back," my father said, his tone softening as he spoke in a pleading voice. "Just give us a few more moments, please."

Beta Maddox nodded curtly before leaving us alone again. Then, my father turned to me once more.

"Selena, you know this is the only way to save our pack. Otherwise, no one can save us from his wrath," he grumbled, his voice filled with frustration and desperation.

"No, Father. Please! Don't do this to me," I protested, trying to make him understand my fears.

The story of Zander's cruelty and inhumanity was famous worldwide.

"Selena, you are a curse on our family already, as you were born wolfless. I am ashamed to even call you my daughter. But, at least now, you're going to be useful to us. You have to marry him," he scowled, his face contorting with irritation as he looked at me.

He grabbed my hand and dragged me harshly along. My head hung low, the weight of my fate pressing down on me. I realized my future had already been decided-and there was nothing I could do to change it.

With tears brimming in my eyes, I moved to the table in front of Zander, staring at the paper with dread. I was about to seal my terrible fate, and there seemed to be no escape.

As I signed the paper, I caught a glimpse of Zander's eyes as they narrowed slightly but his face remained frigid.

"You are now officially Alpha Zander's new wife, and our new Luna," Beta Maddox announced, grinning brightly-but my heart knew I was doomed.

An omega brought some suitcases. "Here's your stuff, Selena," she said quietly.

"That's good, because we're leaving immediately," Beta Maddox announced, and my eyes lifted to him.

"Our Alpha doesn't have time-he has more important matters to attend to. So please hurry, Luna," he added, his tone respectful but firm.

I looked helplessly at my father, then at my new husband, but neither of them showed a trace of empathy.

Accepting my fate, I walked forward. Every step felt heavy with fear and sorrow, while my heart bled with betrayal.