CHAPTER 02~

KATRINA

THE walls of the packhouse had never felt cold like today. I stood at the entrance, my fingers trembled as I gripped the doorframe, and my heart sank even further with every laugh that echoed out from the inside. His laugh. Their laugh.

I swallowed hard.

It wasn’t just about the heaviness in my chest, it was more of the obvious change that has swept through my home in a blink of an eye. My home, where I had run this pack for a year in Xavier’s absence felt foreign, as though I no longer belonged.

Steeling myself, I pushed the door open, stepping into the living room. There they were–Xavier, sitting comfortably, so comfortably beside his mother, with his hand wrapped around hers. Bianca’s. The woman who shouldn’t be here. The woman who shouldn’t be his.

Xavier’s mother was the first to notice me, then a smile played across her face. The same smile that used to comfort me, but this time, it felt empty. “Oh, Katrina,” she greeted, her voice too sweet. “We were just talking about you.”

I stared at her, not trusting myself to speak. My gaze shifted to Xavier who didn’t even glance in my direction. He was busy whispering something in her ear, something that made her smile. My stomach tightened as I caught the gleam in his eyes when he looked at her. He hadn’t looked at me that way… I couldn’t even remember. How long has it been since he showed me that kind of affection? Years? Months? Maybe never.

“I thought you might want to meet her,” he said finally, standing up and gently drawing Bianca to her feet as if she were some prizes he was eager to show off. “This is my future Luna, Bianca, from the Snow Pack.”

I blinked “Future… Luna?” I think this time I heard that right. The room seemed to spin around me, but I fought to remain upright, my fingers digging into the fabric of my dress. His mother watched me, that same empty smile, as if none of this should come as a surprise.

“She’s lovely, isn’t she?” Her voice was so soft, “A perfect fit.”

I clenched my fist, trying to keep my composure. “Perfect fit for what? My role? My life? Was I supposed to just accept this?”

I forced the words out, even though my throat felt like it was closing. “I see. So, this is the famous Gamma Bianca. The warrior who is braver than even you on the battlefield, right?” I let my eyes fall on her, watching as she smirked, unfazed by my words. “I’ve heard so much about you, but I never imagined you’d be… willing to play the mistress so easily.”

Her smile didn’t falter. If anything, it grew. “Mistress?” She tilted her head with a smile, “You’re the one who wanted to see me, Luna. Haven’t you gotten what you wanted? Why so bitter?”

The way she said ‘Luna’ grated against my skin, and I couldn't help but hate her more. More than I had hated anyone.

Before I could even respond, Xavier's mother cut in. “Watch your tongue, Katrina. Bianca is no mistress. The Moon Goddess has blessed their bond. They have already completed the mating mark. She is his rightful mate.”

I felt my chest tighten even more. I don’t know if this pain I was feeling was because of what she said or the fact that those words were coming out from the mouth of the woman I believed to have cherished me. I had taken good care of this woman when she was ill. The woman I had supported in Xavier’s absence, running the pack while he was away. And now she stood beside a stranger, talking to me like I didn’t matter?

“The rightful mate?” My voice cracked, but I forced the question out. “Then where does that leave me? Where?”

“Bianca is the first Gamma of Snow Pack, the first warrior,” she continued, ignoring my question. “She will also be Luna. You two will be equals. This is how this will work – a Luna duet.” she said with a finality that made my stomach twist.

I had to swallow down the bile rising in my throat. I tried to laugh, but it came out as a strangled sound. “Luna duet?” I scoffed. “Since when has a pack ever allowed such a thing? Two wives? Is that what you’re trying to say?”

Xavier’s mother fixed her gaze on me. “Katrina, you’ve served as our Luna for the past year, and for that, we are grateful. But Xavier and Bianca have both contributed greatly to this war. From now on, husband and wife must be of one mind.”

I shook my head, in disbelief. Husband and wife? Did they really think Bianca was more suited to be Luna than I was? More suited to stand by his side than me? Why do I feel like things aren't the same anymore? Why do I feel like she considers Bianca to be her daughter-in-law more than I am?

Bianca then stepped forward. “What I despise most are Lunas like you. Housewives, sitting around, meddling in things they don’t understand and somehow think they are important. I am a she-wolf, I lead warriors, and I fight for this pack. You should learn your place, accept what’s happening, or else…”

I felt those words hit my chest so hard. I clenched my fist, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “You forget, Bianca, I am from the Snow Pack too. My father and brothers died on the Southern battlefield, fighting for this pack. I am not some kind of helpless…”

Xavier, who has been silent all along, finally spoke. “Those are them, not you.” He stood with Bianca, his arms wrapped possessively around her waist. “You were raised to be a noble lady, a future Luna, no doubt. But you… you could never be compared to Bianca, not even in the slightest way.”

He had said that so easily, so casually, as if all the promises he had made to me meant nothing. The tears threatened to spill, but I blinked them back. I couldn’t cry. Not here. Not in front of them.

Don't any of them understand? Why do they feel like letting everything go was just so easy? Why would he even think I could easily cope with what was happening?

“You were the one who came to my pack,” I whispered, my voice shaky with pain and emotions. “You promised me you would love me. You swore to my mother’s dying wish. What happened, Xavier? What changed that mindset?”

Xavier’s eyes darkened with anger, but before he could respond, Bianca stepped in, her lips curling into a sneer. “Oh, so I’m the one running your little marriage now? I’m the homewrecker? Is that what you're telling yourself?”

If not for anything, I wish I could have my hands tightened around her neck until she is laying on the floor, lifeless.

Then there was a voice in the room, someone from the pack stood up for me. She was one of the maids who worked under Xavier. “Luna Katrina has been holding this pack together, Alpha. She took care of everything while you were gone. How could you-”

“How dare you speak to me like that!” His voice thundered through the room, silencing everyone. His Alpha tone was undeniable, crushing the hope that flared in my heart. I saw the maid’s hope crumble as she glanced at me for guidance, and I slightly nodded my head, signaling everything was alright and that it was best she left immediately. There was nothing more she could do.

He turned to Bianca, and the anger on his face vanished the moment he looked at her. Then his voice softened again. “I explained it to Katrina yesterday. Back then, I didn’t know what love really was. She tricked me into becoming her mate, but when I met you, I finally understood what true love means.” He reached for her, pulling her closer as they exchanged intimate glare.

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. I just stood there, watching the man I once loved – the man I thought I knew – fall apart before my eyes.

He looked back at me, cold and had this business-like expression. “Bianca and I never intended to hurt you,” he said. “You will remain Luna, but she will stand by my side. Since Bianca and I will spend most of our time on the battlefield, you can raise our children. That way, your position will be secure.”

The words hit me like a slap. “Raise their children?” What were they trying to turn me into? A maid, or a housewife nanny? Scoffs.

Xavier’s gaze didn’t waver. “It’s the best solution for everyone,” he said.

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “You…” I gritted, barely audible to speak due to the anger boiling in me. “You actually expect me to raise your kids?”