True Luna: Rejected, Replaced

Nicole's POV

By the time I reached the hospital, dusk had already settled.

On my way, I encountered a gang of robbers. Though I got hurt in the scuffle, I managed to save my part-time job's salary for the month.

Limping, I found a doctor to treat my wounds. Just as the bandaging was finished, a passing nurse peeked in. "Nicole, you're back? Your mother is in critical condition..."

I jumped up, asking urgently, "What happened? Which emergency room?"

She explained, "I'm not sure. It seems like she suddenly had difficulty breathing. She's in the ER on the fifth floor."

My mind went blank as I rushed towards the surgery room, feeling like a moment's delay might cost me something irreplaceable.

Just as I reached the ER, the door opened. The doctor emerged, his expression grave. "Your mother's condition is critical. She needs surgery immediately. If we encounter another situation like today, it will be even more dangerous."

My chest tightened, and I nodded quickly, asking, "How soon can the surgery be arranged?"

He glanced at the clipboard handed by his assistant. "We can schedule it for next Thursday. The surgery will cost around $200,000."

"Alright, please arrange it. I'll get the money as soon as possible."

I agreed and rushed to the billing office to check my mother's medical card balance. There was only a little over a hundred dollars left. After depositing my $1,000 salary into the card, I was left penniless.

I walked back to the ward, feeling dazed, replaying the doctor's words over and over in my mind.

I wanted to cry, but seeing my comatose mother on the bed, I forced the tears back.

I took out my phone and scrolled through my contacts, my finger stopping on Drake's number.

After hesitating for a long time, I stepped out of the ward and made the call.

A cold female voice answered quickly, "Nicole?"

It was my father's current Luna, Kately.

I paused, then asked coldly, "Where's my dad?"

She replied cheerfully, "Your father and I are on vacation with The Silver Lake Pack. Do you need something?"

My grip on the phone tightened until my knuckles turned white. "Put him on the phone."

She chuckled, her tone certain. "You can tell me. He won't want to talk to you."

Standing in the hallway, I glanced at the open door of the ward, my eyes instantly filling with tears.

My mom was lying in the hospital, and I had to work multiple jobs to support us and pay for her medical expenses. Meanwhile, my dad was on vacation abroad with his new wife, refusing to even take my call.

I took a deep breath. "My mom needs surgery. It will cost around $200,000. Please let my dad know."

She sneered, "Money, money, money. Every time you call, it's about money. My husband divorced your mom a long time ago. How dare you still ask us for money? Have you no shame?"

I found it particularly funny and said sarcastically, " Kately, teach me how being a mistress can be as shameless as you are?"

She laughed derisively. "Your father and I are true love. If your mother hadn't cheated, I wouldn't have had the chance to step in. I still have proof of her infidelity on my phone. You can come and see it anytime, or I can send you the photos."

I was stunned. My mother would never have cheated. She had always loved my father deeply.

Just as I was about to refute, I realized how easy it would have been for Drake to fabricate evidence to force my mother to leave a marriage with nothing.

My heart sank into an icy pit, filled with hatred and resentment, feeling a profound sense of injustice for my mom.

Tears stung my eyes. I laughed bitterly, my voice trembling. "So, you're saying my dad won't help with the money, right?"

She answered without hesitation, "No, I won't, and neither will your father."

A wave of sorrow washed over me, almost grateful that my mom was still unconscious. If she were awake, how much more would her heart ache facing her husband's cruelty?

Kately added mockingly, "And by the way, as a wolfless daughter, don't think you're anything special in Drake's heart."

I leaned against the wall, lost in thought long after the call had ended.

Yes, in the werewolf world where strength rules, no one cares about a wolfless outcast, even if they share blood ties.

Sitting beside my mother's bed, looking at her pale face, my heart grew heavier.

My mother comes from a rare lineage of witches. In this family, the men inherit the werewolf bloodline from their fathers, while the women inherit the witch bloodline from their mothers. Witches typically do not have wolves due to their unique powers, but my mother was different. She had a wolf, and a powerful one at that. However, after giving birth to me, she lost her wolf.

She should have had a loving mate and a happy family, but everything shattered because she fell in love with my father.

When my mom was 19, she got pregnant with me and my twin sister Vera. She always said it was love at first sight when she met my father at a party, a moment she would never forget.

My parents, at least my mom, fell in love the moment they met. Even after years of abandonment, her love for him never wavered.

When Vera and I were four, my father had an affair. He filed for divorce, taking Vera and leaving me with my mother.

Despite everything, my mom never harbored any ill will towards him. She never forgot him or let another man into her life. She chose to live with his memory, cherishing me as a gift of her love, giving me everything she had.

After the divorce, she took me, but her clan never accepted me, a werewolf half-breed with neither witch's gift nor a wolf. So, she brought me to the slums on the outskirts of The Cold Moon Pack.

She worked tirelessly, cleaning every corner of the packhouse, even though it was a job for ten Omega werewolves. They dumped their work on her and mocked her for doing it all alone.

The once high and mighty Luna, now worked like a machine, overexerting herself to exhaustion, all to give me a decent life.

She no longer looked like she did in her youth. Her forehead was lined with worry, her deep violet eyes full of fatigue. She was too thin, underweight for her age and height. Yet, despite it all, she still looked young and beautiful, though worn out and weary.

Thinking about how she lost everything and that I was the cause, her weary eyes haunted me day and night, making me wish it had never happened.

Nicole's POV

These days, I've been trying to get a loan from various banks, but they all rejected me because my mom and I don't even have any fixed assets.

As I wandered aimlessly through the streets, pondering where I could gather the medical expenses, I found myself in front of my father's mansion. The massive iron gates bore a golden letter "D" at their center.

In front of the mansion, there was a circular crossroads with a large fountain in the center, topped with a statue of a roaring black wolf. The garden was vibrant and alive, with perfectly manicured Bermuda grass and the scent of fresh grass and flowers wafting through the air.

To my surprise, everyone in the mansion was very busy today. The flowers in the garden were being trimmed, and Aunt White and other women were cleaning the house. I wondered what occasion called for such preparation.

Since my birth, this was the first time I had seen everyone in the mansion working so hard. I had to ask someone what was happening. Suddenly, I saw Ms. White carrying several boxes out. Ms. White was the maid who took care of me when I was a child; she was the kindest person to me in the entire mansion.

"Ms. White, hello." She smiled warmly as soon as she saw me.

"My little Nicole, what brings you here? Did you miss me?" She said, putting down the boxes and pulling some candy from her apron pocket, which she stuffed into my hand.

"My little Nicole, these are your favorite orange candies. Remember, only one a day." Ms. White patted my head with a smile.

My eyes welled up, and I almost cried.

"Ms. White, let me help you." I stepped forward, trying to help her with the boxes, but she refused, telling me they might be too heavy for me.

To her surprise, I took the box from her hands as if it were made of light material and helped place it in the trunk of the car at the entrance.

Ms. White raised her eyebrows in astonishment, wondering how I did it.

"Wow... Nicole, you've grown up strong, just like your mother." When she mentioned that I looked like my mom, my low spirits lifted. I was very proud of myself now, and I believed my mother would be, too.

"Uh... Ms. White, why is my dad's mansion so busy?"

"Oh, you don't know? Alpha Michael is coming to visit. I knew you wouldn't know because the last time he visited, you were just a little girl."

I couldn't believe my ears. The Alpha of the Shadow Crown Pack was coming?! It was like the King of Alphas was about to enter my world. My father, being such a proud man, would surely agree to pay for my mother's medical expenses if I could sneak into the party.

"Ms. White, my mom is sick and needs money for medicine, but Dad won't take my calls. Can I go in and see him?"

Ms. White looked at me, hesitated for a moment, and then led me to the back of the mansion.

"Nicole, follow me." Then Ms. White took me to the servants' quarters.

Everyone was busy preparing the house, so we didn't see anyone else on the way. After bringing me into her room, Ms. White said, "Nicole, wait here for a moment," and then she left.

A while later, Ms. White returned with a small package.

"Nicole, I got this wig, clothes, and jewelry from Vera's abandoned wardrobe. She wore this dress once, and once she wears something, she discards it. You'll pretend to be Vera at the party. Since you and Vera are twin sisters, no one will suspect your identity. Oh, and these are colored contact lenses. Remember to put them on too."

I looked at the beautiful dress. I had seen it in a magazine once; it cost $50,000, which is a quarter of my mother's surgery fee.

I couldn't remember the last time I went to the city center to buy clothes. All my clothes were old and tattered, some of which I had worn before I turned eighteen, and they were now pilling.

I hoped this time I could ask my dad for some money so I could pay for my mom's surgery.

For the first time, I wore such a beautiful dress. "Oh my, Nicole, you look gorgeous. This dress fits you like it was made for you."

Ms. White sat me in front of the vanity and styled the wig. She curled the hair into soft waves that fell to the middle of my back.

Once the styling was done, Ms. White took out her makeup kit. I couldn't help but ask why she was going to such lengths to make me look pretty.

"You might meet your mate today, Nicole," Ms. White replied, making me laugh.

Half an hour later, I was done. Ms. White hugged me and kissed my cheek. Before she had to return to work, she repeatedly told me how sexy and beautiful I looked.

I smiled at my reflection in the mirror.

I wore a strapless, burgundy dress with a heart-shaped neckline that fell just above my knees. It was tight, feeling like a second skin. My makeup was subtle. Thin eyeliner, mascara, and a soft rose-colored lipstick completed the look. She dabbed a bit of perfume on my neck and wrists.

I looked amazing. I had never felt more beautiful than I did at that moment.

If only I could be the person I truly wanted to be. I had spent my life in the slums and knew nothing about the outside world. I wished I could be like the celebrities I often saw in magazines and on TV.

My father had connections, but I was sure only Vera would get such an opportunity because she was his favorite daughter. But then again, I wouldn't wait for my father's help. If given a chance, I would strive to become who I wanted to be.

I took a deep breath and waited in the room for the party to start.

Nicole's POV

Suddenly, I heard the sound of car horns. I immediately ran to the window and saw a convoy of cars arriving in the courtyard.

It was undeniable that Alpha Michael was very wealthy, judging by the fleet arriving at the mansion.

When people got out of the cars, my eyes widened in shock. These men were tall and muscular. Indeed, werewolves were the greatest.

I couldn't help but think of Ms. White's words-among these muscular, handsome men, one might be my mate.

I put on my coat, took a deep breath, and headed to the packaging room.

As soon as I pushed open the door, I saw the pack workers busy entertaining the guests.

The ladies attending the party were all busy touching up their makeup, trying to look more attractive.

I couldn't help but wonder just how charming Alpha Michael must be to make all the women so eager to impress.

Suddenly, I noticed my father entering the hall with a handsome man. I hurried after them but accidentally bumped into a woman in a black off-shoulder evening dress.

She gave me a fierce glare and walked away, her high heels clicking on the hard floor.

I saw my father moving away and quickened my pace.

When I entered the hall, every wolf in the room turned to look at me.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. No one knew I wasn't Vera.

I scanned the room and found where my father was. I walked quickly towards the gathering of guests and pack members.

Suddenly, a scent of pine and mint hit me. It smelled like a winter forest, and I felt it getting closer.

My heart skipped a beat. Just as Ms. White had said, my mate was here. Was he here for me?

I looked in the direction of the scent and saw the man beside my father. The closer I got, the stronger the scent became.

My eyes locked onto a pair of green eyes I had never seen before. They belonged to a tall, broad-shouldered man, and I instantly knew he was the main guest of the evening, Alpha Michael. He looked at me with a slight smile on his lips.

"Beautiful lady, what is your name?" he asked.

"Her name is Vera, my daughter. Vera, this is Alpha Michael," my father said.

"Well, Vera, I have heard from your father that you are a very outstanding she-wolf. I didn't expect you to be my mate. You are amazing," he said.

Every wolf in the room turned to look at him. Everyone was shocked that he would make such a public declaration. Matters of mates, especially choosing a mate, were private family affairs, discussed in secret and announced only upon marking.

I looked at my father, terrified.

"Don't worry, little wolf," Alpha Michael said when no one else spoke. "Your father told me you haven't found your true mate yet. It would be my great honor to have such a beautiful and strong Luna like you."

I turned my gaze to Alpha Michael. "I'm not..."

"Vera, come with me," my father interrupted. "Michael, make yourself at home. I need to have a word with Vera."

Alpha Michael gave me a dazzling smile. "See you later, Vera."

I followed my father, leaving the lively hall and entering a dimly lit study.

"Close the door," my father's deep voice commanded.

As the heavy oak door closed behind us, he turned, his eyes like ice picks staring at me.

Fear made my heart pound faster in my chest.

"Let's drop the pretense, shall we?" he said, his voice a cold whisper. "You're not my daughter Vera. Did Irene send you? What does she want?"

I swallowed hard. "It wasn't Mom who sent me; I came on my own to find you. Father, please... you must listen-"

He raised a hand to silence me. "What scheme are you and your mother plotting now?"

Tears stung my eyes. "Father, Mother is very ill. After you refused my calls, I had to find a way to see you."

My father's expression remained unchanged. "I divorced your mother. Her problems are no longer my concern."

"But she needs an expensive surgery, and I can't afford it!" I cried. "You're her only hope. Will you really let her die for a bit of money?"

A muscle in his jaw twitched. "The raw stone business is struggling. I can't afford Irene's surgery."

My heart sank. "So you'll let Mother die because we can't pay for the surgery?" I choked, my words filled with despair as I searched his face for any sign of compassion.

"That's her fate, not my concern," he said, his voice icy enough to chill my spine. "For the goddess' sake, stop bothering me."

The cruelty in his words shattered me. Sobbing, I fled the study, my hopes shattered like glass on the floor.

When I returned to the hall, my eyes widened in shock. My mate was dancing intimately with a woman in the center of the dance floor.

When I saw her face, it was like looking into a mirror-she was Vera. She looked exactly like me, the only difference being her haughty demeanor and mysterious superiority. Other than that, we were nearly identical.

Her hair was burgundy, while mine was blonde, so I had to wear a wig to avoid being recognized. Her eyes were amber, while mine were violet, so I had to wear colored contact lenses.

As the song ended, I watched Vera rise on her tiptoes to kiss Michael. He passionately returned her kiss.

I stepped back, my heart racing, feeling like it might shatter at any moment.

In that moment, fear, sadness, pain, and heartbreak overwhelmed me.

I ran out of the party as fast as I could. I sprinted into the woods, tears falling like rain on my face.

I cried out in anguish as the weather suddenly changed, with a storm raging around me, lightning and thunder flashing.

My last hope was gone. My father refused to save my mother, and my mate was lost. Why was life so unfair to me?

I stayed in the woods for hours until night fell and I remembered to return to the hospital. The burgundy dress I wore was now tattered and dirty from my fall while running through the woods.

I regretted believing my father would help us. I regretted coming to the party. If I hadn't come, maybe I wouldn't have seen my sister with my mate.

Tears streamed down my face. I never expected Vera to take my mate from me. It was too painful.

Suddenly, a question occurred to me. "Could Vera and I have the same mate?" That might explain why Alpha Michael chose Vera over me.