The Faultless Luna

Zenab recognized the familiar citrus scent when she heard the door open, a clear sign that Dave had arrived home. She remained seated, not bothering to stand. What was the point? She was well aware that he wouldn't appreciate the gesture or even desire it.Zenab was taken aback by Dave's return. She seldom saw him these days and when their paths crossed, he often ignored, avoided, or lashed out at her. His absences grew so frequent that Zenab sometimes forgot she had a husband. Only the constant ache in her heart reminded her that she shared her life with someone—a mate who no longer desired her.Dave's footsteps approached the dining room. Zenab sat at the table, cradling a cup in her hands. She didn't look up as he got closer, nor when he stopped nearby. He tossed some documents onto the table, prompting Zenab to finally raise her eyes."What are these?" she asked cautiously, meeting his dark, cold gaze. His expression was one of indifference, a stark contrast to the man who had env

"You don't mean that, Emerald. I'm your mommy," Zenab cried out, her tears flowing uncontrollably.Why did it feel like her heart was being torn to shreds, like it was being turned into minced meat?"You are no longer my mommy. I only have one mother, and that is Mommy Miles!" Emerald declared firmly, then turned her back on Zenab and ran to Miles.Miles enveloped Emerald in her arms, glaring at Zenab while whispering soothing words as if she were the biological mother, leaving Zenab feeling like an outsider, the woman who had ruined their happy occasion.Zenab couldn't believe Emerald had just denounced her in front of guests. How could her daughter do this to her? And how could Dave allow it? How could they choose Miles over her? The remaining fragments of her heart crumbled even further; she doubted anything could ever mend it.Before Zenab had a chance to collect her dignity, Dave was suddenly at her side. He seized her arm in a painful grip, dragging her away."Please, Dave..." s

Year LaterIt has been a year since Zenab fled from her pain. She had hoped that her wounds would heal, but she was wrong. Healing had eluded her, and closure was nowhere to be found. Instead, something darker had taken root inside her.As the Uber driver navigated the familiar streets, she was reminded of the reasons she had escaped this forsaken country in the first place. Memories of the pain and humiliation she endured a year ago flooded back, particularly the sting of Dave's betrayal."I hate this city," Red murmured in disgust, voicing Zenab's own sentiments.Within minutes, they arrived at the hospital. Zenab paid the driver and stepped out, taking a moment to steady herself as she gazed at the towering building.The hospital served only werewolves and was hidden away in a secluded area, protected by werewolf government officials who helped keep it off the radar. If she were honest, Zenab hadn't intended to return. Yet when her godson was diagnosed with a tumor, she couldn't

Zenab was done with him. Done with his nonsense. "Zenab..." Dave began, but she cut him off again."Get the hell out, Dave. You told me to leave your space, and I did. Now I expect the same from you. We no longer mean anything to each other, and it will stay that way. Leave before I call the cops." Her voice rose in volume, her claws digging into her palms.This was her usual response when anger coursed through her veins, threatening to unleash a primal rage that could lead to violence. The pain helped ground her, anchoring her emotions when everything felt out of control.She recognized the symptoms radiating within her: the constant fury, the pervasive sense of losing control, and the insatiable thirst for blood. Zenab was always on the brink of snapping. This was the reality she found herself in—reduced to inflicting pain on her own palm to maintain her grip on sanity."What happened to you?" Dave asked, his voice soft and laced with concern, as if he couldn't understand her turm

Zenab growled, feeling her irritation mount. "I am not a damn kitten, and stop telling me what to do!"The bastard merely smirked, as if he found her cute. He had no idea just how dangerous she truly was.After a moment, she sighed deeply. "Let's return to the matter at hand. Why me, and what's in it for you?"This was the part she couldn't grasp. While she hadn't had much time to process everything he'd just laid out, this particular question nagged at her. Why had he chosen her out of all women?They were practically strangers; they didn't know each other beyond the surface. So why approach her with this proposition? Yes, it appeared he harbored animosity toward Miles as well, but that was the extent of their common ground."It's quite simple," Sander replied. "You've just had your heart shattered, so the chance of you falling in love with me is slim. That works in my favor because for this arrangement to succeed, love can't complicate things. I want revenge, and I'm confident you d