Chapter 4

Callum

I find myself sitting in my study, trying to process everything that has happened. Tamara is at my side, her eyes glittering with excitement as she speaks. She's elated that Aria and I are no longer mates, that our bond has been severed.

As she leans in to kiss me, I can't help but feel distant, my thoughts consumed by the pain in Aria's eyes when she uttered those devastating words: "I reject you as my mate." Those words keep replaying in my mind, haunting me, reminding me of what I've lost.

Tamara's lips meet mine, but the kiss feels empty, devoid of the passion and love I once felt for her. I can't shake the feeling that everything has changed, that I'm trapped in a nightmare from which I can't escape.

Pulling away from the kiss, Tamara furrows her brow, clearly upset by my lack of enthusiasm. "Callum," she says, her voice laced with irritation, "why aren't you happy? You're free now. Aria is out of the picture. You and I can finally be together like we always wanted."

I glance at her, trying to muster a smile, but it feels hollow. "I know, Tamara," I reply, my voice flat. "It's just... it's a lot to take in."

She frowns, clearly not satisfied with my response, but I can't bring myself to pretend that I'm overjoyed by the situation. Aria's rejection has left a void in my heart that I don't know how to fill, and as much as Tamara wants to be the one to fill it, he will never be able to replace what I've lost. I know I’m the one who did this, but it’s all for her… for Aria.

As I sit there, my mind racing with thoughts of Aria and the life we could have had together, I know that I have to face the consequences of my actions. I can't turn back time, but I can try to make amends – to find a way to heal the wounds I've inflicted and to find a path forward.

With a heavy heart, I stand up and walk to the window, gazing out at the moonlit forest that surrounds our pack's territory. It's a landscape that holds so many memories, both good and bad, and I wonder what the future holds for Aria, for myself, and for the Moonshadow Pack.

Tamara's eyes gleam with ambition as she sits down next to me, her voice filled with determination. "Now that you're free, Callum, you can finally take me as your Luna. We can rule together as the Alpha pair and create the life we've always wanted."

I shake my head, my expression serious. "Tamara, it's too early for that. The pack would never accept it. Aria was deeply loved as Luna by everyone, and her departure has left a wound that's still fresh."

Her face twists with anger, her eyes flashing dangerously. "You're just making excuses, Callum! You're the Alpha. You have the power to make this happen."

I sigh, trying to stay calm in the face of her mounting frustration. "I understand how you feel, Tamara, but you need to understand the pack's feelings as well. Aria was not just my mate; she was their Luna, their leader, and their friend. We can't just pretend that she never existed and expect everyone to move on without acknowledging their pain."

Tamara's eyes narrow, her voice dripping with venom. "So, what are you saying, Callum? That I'll never be good enough to be your Luna? That I'll always be in Aria's shadow?"

I rub my temples, struggling to find the right words. "It's not about being good enough, Tamara. It's about allowing the pack the time and space they need to heal. It's about respecting their love for Aria and not trying to force them to accept a new Luna before they're ready."

Tamara huffs, her arms crossed over her chest. "Fine," she snaps.

"But don't forget, Callum. You're the one who chose to break your bond with Aria. You're the one who wanted to be with me. Don't let the pack's feelings stand in the way of our future together."

As she storms out of the room, I'm left with a sinking feeling in my chest. I know that I've hurt both Aria and the pack with my actions, and I ask myself if I've made a terrible mistake. In my quest for power and control, have I lost sight of what's truly important – love, loyalty, and the well-being of my pack? And if so, is there any way for me to make things right, or have I set myself on a path from which there is no return?

The tension in the air is palpable when I find Tamara pacing back and forth in the hallway outside my study. She looks up, sensing my presence, and I can see the frustration in her eyes.

"Tamara," I begin, my voice firm but controlled. "I need you to stop worrying and being so pushy about becoming Luna. I understand your eagerness, but you have to give it time."

Her expression darkens, and she opens her mouth to argue, but I cut her off. "Enough, Tamara." My anger rises, and I allow my Alpha aura to wash over her, asserting my authority.

She visibly flinches, her eyes widening in surprise. Bowing her head, she finally submits, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I understand, Callum. I'm sorry. I won't push anymore."

I nod, my expression softening slightly. "Thank you. I know this isn't easy for you, but I need you to trust me. For the sake of the pack, we need to handle this situation carefully."

Tamara keeps her head bowed, her voice subdued. "Yes, Alpha."

As I turn to leave, I feel a pang of guilt for asserting my dominance over her like that. But at the same time, I know that I need to do what's best for my pack, and that means allowing them the time and space they need to heal from Aria's departure as Luna.