Chapter one

~ANGELINA~

For a normal person, today was an exciting day.

But I was far from being normal. Within me, anxiety and fear exploded—making a disastrous mix. Rather than bask in euphoria as someone celebrating her three year wedding anniversary, I was filled with dread. So much that I almost buckled to the floor while getting out of my car.

Exhaling deeply, my breath misted in the chilly air. I grabbed the two bags of goodies I'd gotten earlier this morning and started towards the massive building of Schnitzel Corporations.

Walking through the glass doors, all eyes swung to me. All movements halted and then came the chorus:

“Good afternoon, Luna.”

Despite my anxiety, my cheeks heated up. I held my composure together and replied in a calm voice.

Briefly exchanging pleasantries with the receptionist, I asked, “Is the alpha by Amy chance free?”

Smiling knowingly, she replied, “Yes, Luna. He is.”

“Thank you.” I returned her smile and went straight for the elevator that would lead me to his office at the top floor. Another giant exhale left me as soon as the doors shut.

Truth be told, three years into a royal marriage hadn't magically turned me into a Luna true and true. I still flopped at social interactions and found it challenging to lead people. It wasn't much of a surprise since I came from a relatively humble background— a daughter of a mere omega. Again, here lies my worry: the possibility that I wouldn't live up to expectations and be a great Luna.

As the elevator doors slid open, I stepped into the plush corridor which led to my husband's office.

Just then a corporately dressed lady stepped out from the inner office. She smiled warmly and the first thing that came to my mind was beautiful.

“Luna,” she bowed.

I rolled my eyes. “Glenda.”

She grinned as though I hadn't told her several times to stop with the title. “How many times do I have to tell you not to act like I'm some emperor?”

“But you're Luna,” she retorted.

I sighed in defeat. Glenda was a.secretary in the company. Sweet and thoughtful. I felt comfortable to share bits about my struggles with her, given that she came from a humble background too. Yet,no matter hard I tried to establish that familiarity with her, she always drummed it to my ears I would never be that commoner I wanted her to see me as.

“I'm me,” I corrected.

Still grinning, she replied. “True.”

I eyed her, and we both bursted into laughter. Wen the humour died down, I glanced at the inner office—its door shut.

“Is he busy?” I asked.

“Definitely not.” She touched my shoulder, drawing my attention to her eyes filled with concern. “I bet he'll like the present.”

I looked down the bags I carried. She'd helped me with brilliant ideas on what to get him. What could I have done without her?

“You think so?” I asked, anxious.

“Of course. I give the best ideas.” She held my hands. “Everything will be fine. The presents are amazing. He'll like them.”

I smiled an d nodded. I've got this. “Thank you very much, Glenda.”

“Anytime. Now, you go get your man.” She smirked.

Grasping the bags tightly, I threaded carefully towards the inner office. Knocking once, I pulled the door open and stepped in.

“What's the latest, Gle—” He stopped as soon as he saw me. His surprised expression quickly turned to nonchalance and he returned to using his computer.

I waited. A minute, two minutes and he continued to ignore me. My heart churned from the sheer neglect. Unshed tears tightened my throat.

I resolved not to cry because today was supposed to be joyful. True, our marriage strayed far from ideal. However, I was determined to make it work.

“Happy anniversary, honey.” I managed a smile. He still refused to speak or look at me.

“Luca?” I called. Silence greeted me. Inching closer to his desk, I laid the bags out just to catch his attention. Still, nothing came from him.

“Luca.”

“Oh, goddamit. What's it with you? Must you pester me all the time?!”

Instantly, tears sprang in my eyes. “You weren't talking to me. For goodness sake, today's our anniversary. Did you even remember?”

He glared at me. Intense anger burned in his eyes; a streak of vein in his temple bobbed.

“This is our third year in marriage and—”

“I can see you have nothing meaningful tost. Get out.”

I gasped, shocked at the rudeness. “What?”

“Don't fucking start with me, Angelina,” he growled.

I stood my ground, my chin held high. “What have I ever done to you? Answer me! You've been nothing but cruel, hostile when all I've done is to please you.”

He got up from his swivel chair and strode to his minibar. Grabbing a bottle of scotch, he poured himself a drink.

My tears fell freely and I hastily cleared them off. There was no point acting so broken before him.

“Not many get to have an anniversary, Luca. We're going to celebrate ours.”

“Luca,” he said in a dry tone, returning to his desk. “It's amazing how you get to call that name freely when you're nothing but an omega.”

My throat tightened.

“But what can I say? I blame the moon goddess for matching me with someone so worthless.”

“I'm not worthless,” I said with a broken voice.

“Really,” he scoffed. “And yet, you can't deliver a speech to save your pathetic life. Social etiquette is a total zero. You never cease to embarrass me before everyone. You can't even give me an heir!”

I staggered backwards, hit by his hateful words. It was one thing for him to call him out on my shortcomings. But blaming me for our childlessness was totally out of it. That was the insecurity I struggled the most with. To have my husband shove that to my face was brutal.

And it was true I was nothing but an omega, a wolf with weak abilities, who didn't even know who her parents were. But the moon goddess had decided who should be mates. Luca didn't want to hear any of it. His father had been welcoming and kind, but unfortunately, he had passed away just a year after our marriage. I could swear Luca blamed me for that too.

“How…how can you say that to me? You know this isn't my fault.”

“And it's mine?” He looked at me from head to toe in absolute disgust. “Do you want me to prove you wrong? To set the record straight.”

I frowned. “What…what do you mean by that?”

“Useless wretch,” he muttered under his breath.

I couldn't take his insult anymore. Weighed down by the enormosity of his words, I stormed out of his office. The bags remained in my clasp.

“Luna!” Glenda called after me, but I didn't stop. I ran as fast as my legs could go. I ran even when they began to hurt. As I did, tears streamed down my face.

I didn't stop until I got to the woods. Finally, I fell to the ground, and wailed at the top of my lungs.