Chapter 2

JENNA’S POV

"Jenna, it's merely a ceremonial robe. Such things hold no true importance," Alex's voice was surprisingly gentle through our tentative bond.

"I'm abroad securing rare materials for our pack. I've arranged for a gift to be delivered to you. I hope it brings you some measure of comfort."

Shortly after returning to my den, a Silver Crest beta in formal attire arrived at my threshold and solemnly presented me with an ornate wooden box.

Inside lay a complete set of moonstone jewelry—pieces that seemed to capture starlight within them.

"These are the Alpha bloodline heirlooms, passed through generations to each Luna of the Silver Crest Pack. Please examine them carefully."

I accepted the box with reverent hands, and warmth bloomed in my chest despite everything that had happened.

Alex truly regarded me as his future Luna and treated me with respect I had never known. For the first time, I felt genuine hope for our future together.

A pack-sister called to discuss transition details for my duties, wanting to meet in person because some matters were too complex for mind-link.

When I returned to my den after our meeting, I discovered the moonstone heirlooms had vanished.

I searched frantically but found no trace, and there were no signs of forced entry.

As I prepared to alert the pack sentinels, I glimpsed Daya's latest pack-net update.

"I may not have found the perfect ceremonial items, but he prepared traditional Luna jewelry for me. This must be what it means to mate for true bonds rather than alliance."

The moonstone earrings, necklace, and bracelets adorning Daya were unmistakably the Silver Crest heirlooms Alex had entrusted to me.

I reviewed my den's protection wards and saw that Carrick and Daya had entered shortly after my departure.

"Carrick, did you arrange this surprise? The moonstones are exquisite!"

Daya fell in love with the heirlooms I had carefully placed on my altar.

Carrick seemed momentarily confused before hesitantly responding.

"Well... I'm pleased they bring you joy..."

My blood boiled, and I rushed immediately to Carrick's family territory.

Upon arrival, Daya was parading before gathered pack members wearing the stolen heirlooms.

"These moonstones are the Alpha bloodline heirlooms. Carrick declared that I alone am destined to be Luna of his pack."

"Their quality is extraordinary. Carrick must hold you in highest regard."

My vision nearly blackened with rage as I stormed forward and confronted them.

"Thieves! Who permitted you to steal my moonstone heirlooms? Return them immediately!"

Seeing me, Daya's lips curled into a smirk.

"Jenna, have you no shame remaining? These moonstones are Carrick's family treasures. When did they become yours?"

"You stole my ceremonial clasp and robe, and now you want to claim the Alpha heirlooms as well? Your desperation is pathetic."

I turned to Carrick, whose guilt was evident despite his attempt at composure.

"Are you certain these are your family heirlooms? Shall I summon the territory council to verify?"

Carrick's embarrassment quickly transformed to anger.

"Enough! Even if they aren't my family's treasure, you've stolen Daya's ceremonial items. Isn't it fair she receive compensation?"

"At most, when she tires of them, I might permit you to borrow them briefly!"

My blood pounded in my ears. I had never witnessed such shameless behavior, even from rival packs during territory disputes.

I stopped wasting words and activated my emergency contact rune to alert the Silver Crest sentinels.

Panic flashed in Daya's eyes, and she hastily removed the jewelry.

"Jenna, please stop creating conflict. If you want them returned, I'll return them..."

"I simply ask that you leave us in peace. Carrick doesn't love you. Please stop pursuing us."

She attempted to appear conciliatory, but her eyes revealed her true nature—casting me as the desperate, shameless Omega who couldn't accept rejection.

Carrick handed the moonstones to me with obvious reluctance, but suddenly released them before I could secure my grip. The entire set of priceless heirlooms crashed to the stone floor, shattering into countless fragments.

My mind went blank, and the blood in my veins seemed to freeze instantly.

Daya's lips curled in a satisfied smile. "Oh, Jenna, why weren't you more careful? Such a waste of fine moonstones..."

Carrick stood tall with false righteousness. "Jenna, cease embarrassing yourself! Leave our territory with your worthless fragments!"

I stared at the shattered pieces, my heart breaking for what they represented.

"Carrick, I will never forgive this transgression as long as I draw breath."

He sneered, "What difference does your forgiveness make? Don't come crawling back to my den like a desperate Omega when Alex reveals his true nature."

"I'm warning you—don't interrupt our ceremony during the full moon!"

"If you show proper respect, I might consider visiting your den when my mood permits!"

"No, you'd better never approach me again."

I left his territory without looking back and listed my family den for sale through the pack network.

The destruction of the moonstone heirlooms weighed heavily on me, and guilt consumed my thoughts.

Alex continued reassuring me through our developing bond.

They were merely physical objects. Since I gifted them to you, they were yours to do with as you pleased.

Are your preparations complete? I don't wish for my Luna to appear distressed during our ceremony.

The mating ceremony day arrived with surprising swiftness, and nervousness fluttered in my stomach as I prepared.

I had just finished my ceremonial markings when I encountered Carrick in formal attire near the preparation pools.

"Jenna, your persistent shamelessness astonishes me. I explicitly forbade you from disrupting our ceremony, yet here you are. Are you truly incapable of understanding pack dynamics?"

"It seems I must demonstrate proper respect for hierarchy! Guards, restrain her until our ceremony concludes!"

I struggled against the betas who grabbed me. "Carrick, release me. I have no intention of disrupting your mating ceremony."

He scoffed incredulously. "Jenna, your lies lack even basic creativity. Why else would you dress in ceremonial attire if not to cause disruption?"

"Let me go. I told you my mating has nothing to do with you. The Alpha I'm bonding with isn't you."

He gripped my jaw with painful force, his contempt evident. "Who else would accept a used Omega except me?"

"Jenna, your behavior has exceeded acceptable bounds. If you persist in this delusion, you'll face pack exile."

Just as his guards began dragging me away, a commanding voice resonated through the ceremonial grounds.

"Carrick, where are you taking my Luna?"