Chapter 2

Vanya's POV

Cliff stared at me in surprise after I spoke.

Up until then, I had always acquiesced to his requests, executing them flawlessly.

So, when he offered a casual explanation this time, he didn't expect me to challenge him.

"I told you, it's a necessary choice for the stability of my wolf. You're still my Luna..." Cliff repeated his rhetoric with a furrowed brow.

I'd heard this excuse too many times. He didn't love Melinda, not yet, but no werewolf could resist the pull of a true mate.

He hadn't rejected her as we had agreed, once his wolf was stable.

Over time, the more they spent together, the more he fell for her, until he eventually marked her.

Yet, he knew I was a competent Luna, so he didn't reject me.

Every time he wanted to be with Melinda, he used his wolf as an excuse.

I slowly closed my eyes, trying to escape the harsh reality. However, the pain inside me was like a tidal wave, overwhelming and inescapable.

I had given everything for the prosperity of the pack, working tirelessly.

But that dedication had become my fatal flaw.

This time, I would not make the same mistake.

Melinda, the woman who had caused me so much pain and disaster, had to be removed from my life immediately.

Remembering the past, when Cliff had given me the choice, I had been too naive, making the wrong decision.

I allowed Melinda to exist between us. This weakened my wolf a lot.

Cliff waited for a few seconds. When I didn't respond immediately, he lost patience.

"Beta Elliot, find a guest room for Melinda to rest in," Cliff ordered.

"I didn't agree to that," I said.

All eyes in the room turned to me.

"What?" Cliff asked, as if he hadn't heard me.

"I said, no," I repeated, coldly looking at my mate.

I continued, "We discussed this before. We had an agreement. She could be your student, but she couldn't stay here, and that was with the condition that you would reject her. Or are you just informing me now? Do you not care about my opinion as Luna?"

I always wondered why Cliff chose to discuss this matter in public.

But that wasn't important right now. I had more urgent matters to handle.

"Vanya..." Cliff's tone softened as he called my name, but he took a step forward, shielding Melinda.

"Of course, I'm discussing this with you, but you also have to consider that I am the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack. If my wolf weakens, it will have a significant impact on the pack."

"We're in Seattle, modern enough, and the Silver Moon Pack has well-managed businesses. I don't think the company's operations will be affected by your wolf. I know rejecting your true mate is painful, but we've consulted the witch. This pain and weakness are only temporary. I will be by your side."

As we are mates sworn to the Moon Goddess, my wolf, Selena, can also influence our partner to some extent.

So, at that moment, Cliff mumbled, his tone no longer so firm, "Of course, I understand. I just want what's best for the pack."

I didn't say anything, just quietly watching him, then subtly released my Luna's aura, which has a soothing effect on the pack members.

"Melinda, as you can see..."

Cliff turned to Melinda and said, "It's not convenient for you to stay with the Silver Moon Pack now. I will have Beta Elliot rent a house for you in downtown."

"I, Cliff, the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, reject..." Cliff began with determination.

Suddenly, Melinda knelt on the ground, crying.

"Please, don't do this," she pleaded, her face streaked with tears.

Then, she looked at me, "Luna Vanya, please forgive me. I don't want to take your mate, but I'm just a rogue. If I was rejected, I will die. I swear, I just want to learn for a while, and then I will leave Seattle. I can leave the States, actually!"

Cliff hesitated, unable to bear rejecting this delicate companion.

At that moment, I knew it was over.

"Please, Alpha Cliff! Luna Vanya!" Melinda continued to sob.

I looked at her, meeting the deep-seated hatred in her eyes.

Her acting was not subtle, but Cliff was already trapped.

No one spoke. The room was filled with Melinda's pitiful sobs. But for my own life, I said, "Beta Elliot, escort her out."

"And rent her..." I was about to continue when a roar interrupted me.

"Enough!" Cliff bellowed, his eyes glowing red, his wolf barely in check.

"Calm down," I said loudly, but he roared again, clearly furious.

"I said enough!" Cliff rushed to Melinda's side, lifting her up, "She stays! We'll find a way!"