Chapter 3: Free

Valerie 

Silence filled the hall. Nobody said a word as they looked at me. 

“What are you saying! Are you stupid?” My father suddenly snapped, making me turn back,

“I've already thought over my decision father, mother.” I said before turning towards Tristan.

“Alpha Tristan, I reject you as my mate. The Moon Goddess bears witness,” I said,

Instantly, the bond snapped painfully, but I managed to remain still. The burning sensation lasted as I looked at him completely winded as he stumbled back.

“What the-” he breathed out, looking utterly shocked. 

“I know it wasn't your intention to ever be with me. Not when your true love was by your side. I'd been a barrier to that, but not anymore.” I said.

“The rumors were right. Our bond was a mistake from the Moon Goddess and I have to rectify that. Now you can be with the sister you wanted all along.”

He looked dazed, like he couldn't understand my words, but I knew he would agree. 

‘You never loved me anyways,’ I thought. I was a fool to keep on trying for so long. Now, it was time I moved on.

Looking at him hurt, so I focused on Alyn. 

I met eyes narrowing as if she was trying to read my intentions. It only made me smile wider.

‘Not everyone is like you Alyn’ I thought silently. If anything, I'd just made things easier for her.

“I wish you both happiness.” I said before turning away and leaving the hall. 

Tears escaped the moment I was out of sight, but I held them back. This was what I'd prepared for. What I needed. 

Staying in this pack any longer would kill me otherwise.

Rushing to my bedroom my luggage was already in order and a discreet car was waiting for me outside. Looking around at the lavish place I felt nothing. There was no love to be found in this place.

Gathering them, I turned away to leave when I stopped at the sight.

“Luna” Mina greeted me, carrying a bag with her. I looked up in shock.

“What are you doing?” I whispered in shock as she moved closer. Hadn't she heard?

“I had a feeling when you asked that strange question. I was shocked, but I have an answer .”

“I'll leave with you. You've always been good to me so I'm ready to stay by your side, Luna.” she said,

My lips trembled. Without hesitation I hugged her tightly.

“From now on call me Valerie. I'm no longer your Luna.” I said, sniffing.

She nodded as we separated.

“Living outside the pack may be difficult. Are you sure?” I asked,

“Yes L…Valerie,” she smiled.

 Letting out my breath I held her hand.

I was going to the unknown, but at least I won't be alone.

…

TWO MONTHS LATER

“Thank you for visiting us.” Mina waved at the leaving customer. Once the store was empty she relaxed on the counter.

“Finally it's time for a break,” she groaned before stretching.

“Don't get your hopes up,” I chuckled, leaving the counter, “I'll get tea for us.”

“Goddess yes,” she sighed like I'd offered her a lifeline. Rolling my eyes at her dramatics, I stepped out of the shop.

In two months, everything had changed.

We'd moved to a completely different city, miles away from the pack. It was situated in-between borders where no packs would notice us. I'd chosen this area and spent half my savings to buy an apartment and the small building below it.

Together, we'd started up a flower shop business which grew within a small time. Despite my initial worries, I'd adjusted well to the human world and the anxiety faded away.

Here I was finally free from the burdens I suffered. There were no risks, no scrutiny or pain. I was free.

The lingering ache of the broken bond still twinged here and there when my mind flew, but I managed it.

“Thanks,” I murmured, winking at the staff before leaving the neighboring cafe. As I neared our shop, my instincts spijef.

Something was wrong.

True to my thoughts, I stepped in to find Men surrounding the shop. WEREWOLVES.

Mina looked at me fearfully. Thankfully she wasn't harmed.

“Who are you?” I asked cautiously, eyeing the men surrounding my shop.

“Luna Valerie,” one stepped forward, “we mean no harm, but Alpha Alistair would like to see you.”

I froze.

“Alpha Alistair sends his regards,”

Alistair, Alpha of the Shadow Moon pack.

The same pack that had a conflict with the Eclipse pack. The pack that tried assassinating Tristan in my past life. The same pack that killed me.

Fear caught my throat, but I swallowed it back. This city was near his border, but it was far enough from notice. 

This wasn't supposed to happen.

“Okay.” I finally said,

Mina whimpered as they released her and moved towards me. I tried to pass her an assuring glance before as they led me out. 

As I entered their car, I shut my eyes, steeling myself for what would come next.

After driving for nearly half an hour, we'd arrived in the infamous pack.

Worry filled me. There was no reason for me to be afraid. I'd left before the conflict between the packs started and even then it wasn't caused by me but Alyn, who had disrespected the pack during a meeting between multiple packs. What could have been solved by a simple apology had escalated when Tristan had taken to her defense, fueling the tension. That was months away from happening and there wasn't a certainty that it would happen again so it didn't answer the question;

How did he find me and why did he bring me here?

None of the men had tried to hold one since I followed them, likely because of my easy acceptance. I simply followed their guide until they led me to the room.

As I stepped inside, I faced the man I was meant to see.

I had only seen Alistair once— in the meeting that fell apart. My thoughts of him were fleeting and anxious when the pack and by extension, I was on the end of his rage, but as a rogue lone wolf, I didn't know how to feel.

I felt the same suffocation the day he'd  declared to destroy the Eclipse pack. But I wasn't sure why. 

“You're far away from home Luna Valerie.” His voice boomed, sending shivers through me. His long dirty blonde hair glowed golden in the light, filtering against his cheekbones. 

‘He was handsome’ I noted. Handsome and unpredictable. DANGEROUS.

“I'm not Luna anymore. You should know that by now,” I retorted, trying to keep my heart stable.

“So it's true then, you abandoned your pack?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Why did you call me here?” I asked instead of answering his question. 

He leaned forward before speaking, 

“Since you've become a rogue wolf near my border I would like to make an offer. Join my pack and become my personal advisor.”

 I looked up, shocked. That was the last thing I expected him to say.

“Why?” I asked, dumbfounded and he chuckled.

“I've heard of your skills in your pack. You're praised as an effective Luna hence why I'm surprised they let you go so easily. More than that, you're…interesting.” he smirked.

“So what do you say Luna- sorry, Miss Valerie?” he asked expectantly.