She's Not My Luna

Angel.

I froze in shock, completely paralyzed by the weight of the moment. He was my mate, the one destined for me, and I was his true Luna, meant to stand by his side.

The revelation hit me like a tidal wave, threatening to drown me in a sea of conflicting emotions.

What could possibly be more devastating, more earth-shattering, than realizing this undeniable truth? It felt like my very soul was being torn apart, every fiber of my being screaming in anguish, yet I couldn’t move or speak.

Watching my mate get mated to another girl was the cruelest reality I had ever faced. It was a nightmare come to life, a torment that I could neither escape nor ignore.

He didn’t even wait for me, didn’t search for me, didn’t give fate a chance to guide him to the truth. He simply turned his back on the bond we were supposed to share, choosing someone else without hesitation.

He decided to take the easy path, one that required no effort, no risk, and no faith in what the Moon Goddess had planned for him. He chose a Luna for himself, driven by his ambition to ascend the throne after his father. Becoming the new king of our pack was all that mattered to him, and he was willing to sacrifice everything for it, even the sacred bond of a mate.

How could he be so awful, so heartless, so utterly devoid of the emotions that should have tied us together? He abandoned the dream of finding his true soulmate, all for the sake of power and prestige. Did he truly believe that the throne was worth more than the connection we could have had? Was he so determined to keep the throne from falling into his younger brother’s hands that he would forsake me?

And now, what about me? What was left for me in the wake of his selfishness? I was discarded by my real mate, cast aside like I meant nothing. The realization was crushing—I was destined to live the rest of my life alone, without the completeness that only a true mate could bring. My only other option was to search for another, an ordinary mate, someone who could never truly fill the void he left behind.

Mates are supposed to be perfect, the ultimate gift from the Moon Goddess, a bond that transcends all others. They are meant to be deeply connected, mind-linked, and inseparable halves of the same soul. But by choosing an ordinary mate, I would lose all of that. The heat of the bond, the intensity of the connection—it would all be gone. Even if I found someone I was attracted to, it would never compare to the completeness of a true bond.

There would always be something missing in that relationship, a gaping hole that could never be filled. No matter how much effort I put into it, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise, the absence of a true mate would haunt me.

I was shunned by fate, cast aside by the one person who was supposed to cherish me above all else. My chest constricted painfully as I watched Prince Daniel walk proudly beside his Luna, their hands intertwined, their arms linked as if they were the perfect couple. His smile was wide and radiant, and the sight of it felt like a dagger twisting in my heart.

He looked breathtaking, every bit the prince he was meant to be, even though he no longer belonged to me. His beauty was undeniable, but it was a cruel reminder of what I had lost.

But then came the first dance, the cheers of the pack, and the moment that shattered me completely—when he kissed her. That kiss wasn’t just a betrayal; it was a death sentence for my heart. The pain was so intense it felt like a dagger had been plunged into my chest, cold and merciless. In that moment, I made a vow. I would make him regret everything. I would make him kneel before me and beg for my forgiveness.

And I would never accept him, no matter how much he pleaded. I swore to myself that I would make him feel the same agony he had inflicted on me. I would show him that the bond he had ignored would haunt him, torment him, and make him suffer just as I did.

Attending my mate’s wedding was the most agonizing experience of my life. It was a waking nightmare, every second more unbearable than the last.

Even though he didn’t deserve to be with me, even though his actions proved how heartless and selfish he was, I couldn’t erase the love I felt for him. It was etched into my very soul, an inescapable part of me. His scent was intoxicating, more powerful than anything else around me, and it lingered in my mind like a curse.

I knew I was just an omega, someone insignificant in the grand scheme of the pack. But...

I was the most beautiful among them all, a fact that no one could deny. My beauty set me apart, a beacon that drew attention wherever I went.

I wasn’t poor or destitute, as many might assume of an omega. We all lived fairly good lives, with resources distributed equally in most ways. But in our pack, power determined everything—your position, your job, your worth.

Of course, I didn’t hold a high-ranking position, but my beauty opened doors for me. I was given a prestigious role as an actress, a coveted position that allowed me to shine in ways others couldn’t.

Yes, we have movies, theaters, actors, and actresses—our pack is far more advanced than the outside world. While humans fumble through their weak, mundane lives, we thrive with culture, power, and sophistication.

That’s how I first met him. It was through my work, my role as an actress, that I crossed paths with the crown prince. And in that moment, I realized I was destined for greatness. I was meant to be more than just an omega—I was meant to be the next queen.

But all of that shattered when the announcement came. The authorities and royal representatives declared that Prince Daniel, the crown prince, was to be married.

Of course, they chose the best of the best for him, daughters of pack Alphas who were groomed for royalty. From among them, he selected the one he deemed most compatible, sealing my fate with his decision.

It all happened so quickly, too quickly for me to comprehend or react. I knew he had probably seen me only in movies, but when I met him in person at the premiere of my latest film, everything changed. His scent overwhelmed me, striking me like lightning. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, as I waited for him to say something, anything. But he ignored me completely.

Or maybe he didn’t sense it yet. Perhaps the crowd and the excitement of the event clouded his judgment, preventing him from realizing the truth.

Dammit! I felt invisible, like a ghost watching from the sidelines. I wanted to run to him, to stop the mating ceremony, to scream that we were destined for each other.

But my pride held me back. My dignity wouldn’t let me beg. Instead, darker thoughts took hold, whispering a new plan into my mind. When the younger prince approached me, brushing his fingertips against my bare shoulder, he spoke in a husky, sensual tone. “You look so beautiful, like the full moon, Angel. A real angel. Did you know that?”

I raised my head slowly, letting a seductive smile curve my lips. I wanted to ensure every movement was deliberate, every expression intentionally alluring. With deliberate grace, I placed my hands on his neck, the touch light but suggestive, and replied, “I’ve heard that a lot. But your compliment means everything to me, your highness.” My voice was smooth, silky, and designed to leave him hanging on every word, every syllable.

He swallowed hard, his throat visibly tightening, clearly affected by my gaze, which I made sure was both captivating and commanding. Then, with an air of nervous determination, his words stumbled out, as though he had rehearsed them a hundred times but still doubted their effect. “Do you have a mate?” he asked, his voice faltering slightly, betraying his carefully composed exterior.

I tilted my head playfully, letting the movement stretch out just long enough to appear both calculated and effortless, flipping my hair over my shoulder in a fluid motion. “No, your highness. Do you have someone in mind for me?” I asked, my tone laced with mischief, daring him to say what I already suspected.

And when he blurted out, “Yes. Me.” His words hung in the air, raw and unrefined, a confession he couldn’t take back.

That’s when the seeds of revenge were sown, deeply planted in the fertile soil of opportunity. It was the perfect moment, the perfect weakness, and I knew I could nurture those seeds into something devastatingly powerful.

Prince Daniel.

I was standing next to my Luna Carla, the daughter of our prime minister. She was the one I had chosen, a decision made after considering hundreds of girls who were presented as potential mates. Carla was delicate, elegant, and undeniably beautiful. She was the epitome of perfection, embodying everything I could ever want in a Luna. She was an "A type," meaning she was the daughter of a strong Alpha—a lineage that promised strength and prestige. Among all the women I had met, she was undoubtedly the best. Until that moment, I had believed she was the most beautiful girl I would ever lay my eyes on. That belief shattered the instant my gaze fell upon someone else.

It was as though my world had shifted. My eyes were immediately drawn to her, and I felt my mind unravel. My focus faltered, my thoughts scattered, and I forgot everything I was doing in that moment. Her presence was magnetic, her movements captivating. It was as if time had stopped, and I was completely entranced. I couldn’t look away, no matter how hard I tried. It was my birthday, a significant milestone marking my twentieth year. More importantly, it was my mating ceremony—a day that symbolized my transition into adulthood and my readiness to assume the throne. In one week, I would officially become the king. Yet, despite the gravity of the occasion, my thoughts were consumed by this mysterious girl who had suddenly appeared.

Who was she? And why was everyone around her, seemingly enchanted by her presence? My curiosity was ignited, my mind racing with questions. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something extraordinary about her. My thoughts churned, and my heart pounded. Just as I was trying to make sense of the situation, my younger brother, Camino, stepped forward. He wrapped his arm possessively around her waist and led her toward me. The sight of them together stirred something deep within me—something I couldn’t yet identify.

As they approached, she smiled—a smile that was both alluring and disarming. She bowed gracefully, showing the proper respect to me and to Luna Carla. Her voice was soft yet seductive as she spoke. “Congratulations, your highness,” she said, her tone laced with something I couldn’t quite place. Her words were polite, but her gaze lingered on me, stealing glances that sent my heart racing. In that moment, I felt an inexplicable connection to her—one I hadn’t anticipated, least of all on the day of my mating ceremony. A shocking realization struck me: she was my Luna.

My heart pounded erratically, each beat echoing like a drum in my chest. My lungs tightened, struggling to draw in air. My tongue felt heavy and useless, tangled inside my mouth. I was utterly lost in the depths of her eyes, as if trapped in a maze I couldn’t escape. Desperation clawed at me as I tried to regain my composure. Narrowing my eyes, I asked her directly, “Who are you?” My voice betrayed my confusion and the overwhelming emotions surging within me.

She smiled again, her expression calm and confident. “I’m Angel, your highness. Actress!” she replied, her voice smooth like silk. Before I could respond, Camino interjected. His words struck me like a thunderclap. “Angel is my Luna. I found her! Congratulate us, brother,” he announced, his tone filled with joy and pride. My mind reeled, his declaration sending a jolt of fear and disbelief through me. How could this be? Why did I feel this way if she was meant for my brother?

I stared at her, searching her face for answers. Her expression was a mixture of defiance and something else—something she was trying to hide. Her competitive glances felt like a challenge, as if we were adversaries in a game only she understood. At the same time, there was an undeniable bond between us, a heat that couldn’t be ignored. She was pretending, I realized. She was lying about her feelings, masking the truth behind a facade. But why? Why would she deny the connection we shared and claim to be Camino’s mate instead?

Determined to ground myself in reality, I pushed aside my chaotic thoughts. I reminded myself of the choices I had made. Carla was my Luna, the perfect partner who would secure my future as king. I had made my decision, and there was no turning back. The concept of mates and destiny seemed meaningless in the face of my ambitions. I would not let this unexpected attraction derail my plans. The throne was my ultimate goal, and nothing—not even the pull of a true mate—would stand in my way.

Raising my head high, I forced a smirk and addressed Angel with feigned indifference. “Congratulations, Miss Angel,” I said, my tone cool and detached. Her reaction was subtle but telling; she trembled slightly before quickly turning her attention back to Camino. Yet, her body language only confirmed what I already knew—she was my true Luna, and she was fully aware of it. But what game was she playing? What was her purpose in denying the truth?

I didn’t let myself dwell on it. Carla was the perfect choice for me—a strong Alpha’s daughter, not just an omega. I patted Camino’s shoulder, offering my congratulations. “I wish you the best with your Luna,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm brewing within me. Camino beamed with happiness, embracing me warmly. His joy was genuine, but my own emotions were far more complicated.

Watching Angel interact with Camino ignited a fire of jealousy within me. Her touch, her attention—it all felt like a betrayal, even though I had no right to feel that way. My body burned with unspoken desire, a primal urge to claim her as my own. But I forced myself to remain composed. Turning to Carla, I pulled her close and kissed her gently. “Let’s go to our royal room,” I whispered, my voice low. My actions were calculated, meant to provoke Angel. Deep down, I knew I was doing it to test her, to see if she would react.

To my dismay, the kiss stirred nothing within me. Carla’s lips were soft, delicate even, like the petals of a freshly bloomed rose, but there was no spark, no connection, no fire that could set my soul alight. It was as though I was kissing a stranger, a shadow, a figure without meaning. I pulled back slightly, confusion clouding my thoughts, but before I could even process the emptiness that lingered, my gaze was drawn to Angel. She stood a few feet away, her arms crossed, and her eyes—those piercing, stormy eyes—were fixed on us.

“Don’t stop on my account,” Angel said, her tone laced with mockery, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. “You two look adorable. Really. Like a painting of… I don’t know, mediocrity?” Her words stung, but it was the way she said them that made my chest tighten. Her gaze was fierce, almost daring me to react, almost challenging me to acknowledge what was brewing beneath the surface.

Then, in a bold and unexpected move, she took a step forward, her confidence radiating like an unstoppable force. Without hesitation, she cupped Camino’s face—of all people—and kissed him passionately. Her lips moved with fervor, her tongue teasing his as though she had all the time in the world. Camino, stunned at first, quickly responded, his hands finding her waist.

“What the hell are you doing?” I blurted out, my voice sharp and cutting as I stepped forward. The sight sent a surge of anger through me, a burning fire that I could neither name nor extinguish. Before I knew it, I was at their side, my hand on Angel’s arm, pulling her away with more force than I intended. “Wait a minute. Both of you should wait until after the mating party,” I said, my voice firm, commanding, though I could feel the crack in my resolve.

Camino frowned, clearly annoyed by my interference. “What’s your problem, huh? It’s not like—”

“Shut up,” I snapped, my eyes fixed on Angel, who, to my infuriation, smirked knowingly. She tilted her head, her expression unreadable, and then bowed slightly, mocking me with a gesture of false obedience.

“Whatever you say, your highness,” she murmured, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Carla, ever the peacemaker, spoke up with a cheerful suggestion that caught me completely off guard. “Why don’t she stay with him until the mating party?” she asked, her tone light, as though she were proposing a harmless game.

I coughed, masking my surprise, and raised a hand to dismiss the idea. “No… not in his room,” I said quickly, the words tumbling out before I could even think them through. “We have restrictions. She can stay in a separate room for now.”

Angel raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Separate room? Oh, how generous of you,” she said, her sarcasm cutting through the air like a blade.

My words felt weak, a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable, though I couldn’t explain why I cared so much—why the thought of her with Camino gnawed at me like an unrelenting ache.

Camino, oblivious to the tension, clapped his hands together, his excitement palpable. “Next week, before the king’s ceremony!” he announced with a grin so wide it could have lit up the entire room. “My mating party. It’s going to be perfect!” His happiness was evident, almost infectious, but Angel remained silent, her gaze cutting through me like a dagger.

I couldn’t take it anymore. My chest tightened, my thoughts spiraling, and before I could stop myself, I commanded her to follow me. “I need to talk to you. Now,” I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Angel tilted her head, her lips twitching into a faint smirk. “Oh? And what exactly do you need to talk about, your highness?” she asked, her voice calm but laced with defiance.

“Just follow me,” I growled, not bothering to explain. She shrugged and followed without hesitation, her expression unreadable but maddeningly composed.

Once we were alone, I turned to her, the words spilling out before I could stop them. “What do you think you’re doing? What game are you playing here?”

Her response was cold, calculated, every word like the twist of a knife. “Nothing. My mate found me. So I’m getting mated soon, your highness,” she said with a chilling smile that made my blood boil.

I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Don’t lie to me, Angel. I know you. I know this isn’t what you want.”

She laughed softly, the sound devoid of warmth. “What I want doesn’t matter, does it? Camino wants me, and that’s all anyone seems to care about. Isn’t that right, your highness?”

Before I could press further, Camino’s voice interrupted, his laughter echoing down the hall as he approached. “There you are!” he called out, his grin as wide as ever. He grabbed Angel’s hand and whisked her away before I could protest.

I stood there, rooted to the spot, my emotions churning violently—jealousy, anger, and something deeper, something I couldn’t name. It felt as though I was losing a part of myself, as though the ground beneath me was crumbling.

But there was nothing I could do. I had to move forward, to accept my fate, even as it tore me apart from the inside.