A Bully's Penance

"Have you fkkkked her?" I asked my husband of 6 years who had just found his mate.

"No!" He yelled, as if insulted.

"Then reject her," I said with dead coldness.

"Ri, it will weaken my wolf...", he started the same song again and I wanted to laugh.

"You promised to reject your fated mate once you found her, Bray," I reminded my husband who had begged me to marry him. "That was why I agreed to marry you and brought my pack to merge with yours."

His lips twitched slightly. Sighing, he turned to his mate and spoke to her softly, "I am sorry. I'll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise."

"I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject...", he started to say in a firm voice, when the omega fell to her knees, bursting into tears.

"Please, no!" she whimpered, "I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I'll do anything!"

Bray froze. He turned to face me again. I could see pain in his eyes - he couldn't bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his. "She is staying! We'll find a way around everything!" Bray said, clenching his fists.

And this was the moment when I realized that everything was lost.

---

Riannon stood there not quite believing her eyes. Her husband of six years had his arm wrapped around a petite girl in the middle of their pack house. The cute ginger head peeked at her discretely and Ria could swear that she saw a smirk for half of a second.

"Ri, dear," Brayden, her legal husband, chosen mate and the Alpha of their pack addressed her in a way he always did when they were alone, "I need to confess... I have found my true mate. Her name is Roxanne."

The silence in the room was deadly from the moment the two of them walked in, holding hands. Everyone stopped doing what they were doing and all eyes were on the three of them. The Alpha, the Luna and the Alpha's mate.

Ria couldn't force herself to say anything, so Brayden took the lead.

"Listen, I know that we are chosen mates and you will always be my Luna, I assure you of that. But since my wolf saw Roxy, he is going nuts. It would be bad for the pack if I rejected her now. He wouldn't be able to deal with it. And it will weaken us."

There it was - the excuse!

The two of them were school sweethearts, the perfect couple. Rhiannon was a daughter and the heiress of a powerful Alpha from a very strong pack. Brayden was her father's best friend's son and the future Alpha of his own pack. Since they started dating when she was just 15 and he was 16, everybody couldn't stop buzzing that they were true mates. They were always the IT couple and everyone envied their love. Besides, as a daughter of any alpha, Ria was educated to become a Luna one day. And not just any Luna. The perfect one. She spent all her free time studying what she would have to do for the rest of her life. And she mastered every single thing to perfection. So that when she was 18 and ready to marry Bray, she would be prepared.

But Bray's 18th birthday was before hers. She trembled to meet him on that day, longing to hear the one and only most significant word of both of their lives - mate.

He got to her pack early that day and she ran down the stairs to greet him. But as she ran, both their smiles faded a bit. She couldn't feel anything, but he already knew.

"We are not mates, aren't we?" she asked, tears trickling down her chin.

"Not the fated ones," Brayden sighed heavily and locked her in his arms, his lips touching her hair. They stood like this for quite some time, waiting for the disappointment to wash away. And when they were ready, Bray took her face into his hands and said, "It doesn't matter, Ri! I choose you! I will always choose you! No matter what, no one can break the love between us. You will be my mate, my chosen mate! My one and only!"

It did help that their families practically planned the whole wedding at this point. Her father had no son anymore since Riannon's older brother died young trying to save their little twin sisters from the rogues. All of them died as a result and Ria was the only one left. So, there was a pressing matter of who would be inheriting the pack. And Bray seemed like the obvious choice. The two of them loved each other and no family members were against the merger of the two strong packs.

A contract was drawn but Bray suggested waiting until Riannon was 19. He told her that he had made his choice but wanted her to try and find her mate before she made hers. They were visiting other packs for the whole year before her next birthday. And then got married one month later, since no mates were found but their feelings were only getting stronger.

They became the power couple of the werewolf world and merged both their packs into one, year by year, working to make it stronger. And now, at twenty-five, Ria was a renowned Luna whom everyone loved and admired.

Riannon traced her gaze around the room and saw the shocked faces of her packmates. Yet she couldn't help but notice that not everyone seemed startled by the recent events. Her husband's Beta was watching quietly from the distance, his hands crossed on his chest. But absolutely no surprise in his eyes.

However, the most stunned among them all was still Riannon herself. Although not for the reasons that they all assumed.

Her fingers were trembling and lips twitching slightly as she looked at her husband and his true mate with wide eyes.

"No," she muttered, "It couldn't be!"

Why would the Moon Goddess return her to that exact moment in time when all her life was turned upside down, leading to her demise?

What was going on? For her it was one year ago. And just seconds ago, Ria was crawling on the ground in the woods, fighting for her life as two creatures followed her closely. The wolf found her first, digging his sharp canines into her flesh and making her wince in pain.

She was a strong wolf herself, but unfortunately, someone drugged her with aconite, making her weak, unable to shift and practically paralysed.

The wolf growled as he ripped a part of her thigh off and, for the first time during this attack, Riannon screamed loudly.

"You can shout all you want," the girl who stepped forward said, "No one is going to hear you here. Especially now."

Ria recognised that voice at once. Her tormentor was none other than her husband's true mate, Roxanne.

"You?!" Ria panted, trying to sit up, "Why are you doing it? You already took everything from me! My husband, my position as Luna, my pack..."

The wolf growled at her and she tried to recognize him, but it was too dark and she was too weak. The only thing that she knew was that the werewolf was brown. Yet there were many brown wolves in the world, so it did not help.

"I have my reasons," Roxy smirked, rubbing her round belly, "And I don't have to explain them to you. Not anymore. Your time has passed. You are done, Riannon."

"They will find everything out!" the ex-Luna pleaded, "You will not get away with it!"

Resounding laughter was her answer as Roxy kneeled next to her and grabbed a fistful of her hair, "Dear, Riannon, don't you get it? I already did!"

She then forcefully threw Ria towards the ground and ordered the wolf, "Finish her off. Make sure nothing is left."

Her arms and her legs were not listening anymore as Riannon watched Roxy walk away leisurely. As if she did not just order her murder.

A tear trickled down Ria's cheek as the wolf had a moment of hesitation.

She did not deserve it!

It was not fair!

If she had another chance, she would do everything differently.

"I am waiting!" Roxanne's sweet voice broke her train of thought as the wolf jumped over her and ended her life in seconds.

Riannon gasped as she suddenly found herself in the reception room of her house. Something was off because all the old furniture that she loved so much was in place. She couldn't understand what was going on until Bran walked in with Roxy in his arms and she recognized the day as exactly one year ago.

"The Moon Goddess has some sick sense of humour!" Ria thought to herself, "Out of all of the moments of my life, she brought me back into this most miserable and unpleasant one. What is up with that?!"

Luckily, she was always reserved and knew how to hide her feelings pretty well. So, she just lifted her chin up and met her husband's gaze.

"I understand that this is very sudden," Bray tried to sound considerate and she barely managed to hold back a scoff. Sudden? He had no idea!

"I know our agreement, but my wolf is going nuts. You are not only my Luna, but also my best friend, who always understands me. And I know that you always want what's best for the pack. Roxanne is an omega and an orphan in her pack... Ri, it was horrible how she was treated there! They abused her and treated the girl like a slave! I couldn't leave her there. It would be horrible and my wolf would never forgive me. I just need her presence here. That's all."

He finally let go of Roxanne, leaving the redhead alone and went to his wife, taking her hands in his.

"Let her stay in the pack for the sake of it. My wolf is stronger next to her, the rejection would kill him. And we can give Roxy a peaceful life here. She will..."

"No," the answer sounded calm yet loud enough for everyone to hear...

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Hello, this is my first published book on Dreame and I am very excited to start this journey. I promise you a bumpy ride with loads of twists and turns. Don't be shy and leave me a comment. I also have a group called Marissa Gilbert's Reading Circle where readers discuss chapters, characters and share visuals.

Right now the book is taking part in the Dreame Ace Book Contest. Please, consider giving it your vote by clicking on a gift box or finding the book on the ranking page.

Chapter 2. Rejection

They all stared at her in shock. Bray's eyes were as wide as two saucers.

"Ri, my wolf..." he started the same song again and she wanted to laugh. She had already heard it all back in her previous life. He was bringing up his wolf every time he wanted to spend time with Roxy. He never rejected her like they agreed and very soon she became his mistress.

Riannon tried to close her eyes even though it was extremely painful for her. But she was the one who truly cared about the pack and tried to drown herself in work. This was her other mistake. But since she got a second chance, she was not going to repeat it. She was going to get rid of Roxy here and now. Before it was too late.

Back then, Bray told her that it was her choice, and she chose wrong. Letting Roxanne stay for the sake of the pack was a big mistake. People died because of that and not only her. Ria's eyes met with her best friend Maya's and tears almost rolled in her eyes. Maya was one of those killed in Roxy's schemes. She had her doubts before, but now she knew for sure. She was going to get rid of this evil once and for all.

"I said no," she repeated herself and looked back at her husband with coldness, "We talked about this before and came to an agreement. We'll find a good pack for her, who will take care of her. But she will not stay here. You need to reject her just as we agreed."

One question that was bothering her was why Bran chose to have this conversation in public. But it wasn't the time to think about it. Now she had more pressing matters.

"Riannon," Bray suddenly got serious, stepping in front of Roxanne, who was hiding behind him and shaking like a leaf in the wind, "Think about this. I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important. I am the Alpha of our pack and my wolf is going crazy for his mate. We can't risk..."

"Brayden," she addressed him calmly, "Our pack is one of the strongest in the country. We are not at war with anyone. And you are a strong Alpha. I believe in you, I always did. You know that. I am sure that rejecting your true mate would not be easy, but we will get through it. As a family that we are."

"I just want what's best for the pack," Bray mumbled, not sounding so sure anymore and Ria felt a prick of hope.

"If you want what's best for the pack, do it now," she said, "The longer you put it off, the harder it would get. And if she is anything, she is your weakness. You already go back on your word and this is day one."

His lips twitched slightly, and Ria knew what it meant. Her victory was close. She almost got rid of this redhead monster.

Sighing, Bray turned to Roxanne and spoke to her softly, "I am sorry. I'll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise..."

Ria did not notice how hard she clenched the fabric of her dress. Was it always this easy? Could she stop all the disasters that happened to her if she simply said no at once?

"I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject..." her husband started to say in a firm voice, when the omega in front of him fell to her knees, bursting into tears.

"Please, no!" she whimpered, "I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I'll do anything!"

Bray froze. He couldn't bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his. And this was the moment when Riannon realised that everything was lost. He turned to face her again and she held his gaze with pride.

"Please, Alpha!" Roxy started to sob and Ria had to give it to her. If she didn't know who was before her, she would have bought it too. "I will be your slave! I can clean and I can cook! I can do anything! Just, please, spare me! Don't do this! I will serve your Luna!"

A wave of electric shock went through Ria at the mention of her. She looked at her rival and met a gaze full of well-hidden hatred.

"Please, my Luna!" the girl kept begging still kneeling, "My fate is in your hands! Please, don't kill me! Please, spare me! I will be your slave forever. Don't kill me!"

No one spoke a word and the only sounds in the room were the pitiful sobs and sniffs of Roxanne.

"Sweet girl," Riannon decided to try one last time, "There is no need for all that. You will be well taken care of, but just not here."

"Please, my Luna!" Roxy crawled to her way faster than Ria managed to dodge her and grasped her dress, "The rejection will kill me! Please, spare me!"

"I..." Ria wanted to say something but a loud growl made her stop.

"Enough!" Brayden roared, looking at her with his eyes shining red, meaning that his wolf was at the surface.

"Calm down," his Luna said firmly but yet another growl emerged from him as he was furious.

"I said enough!" Brayden appeared next to Roxanne in no time and scooped her in his arms, "She is staying! We'll find a way around everything!"

He walked firmly towards the huge staircase, taking his mate upstairs to one of the guestrooms. Ria knew very well which room it would be – the one in the far corner of the mansion, where her husband would practically move in no time. Roxanne's head was tucked into Brayden's neck and Riannon was sure that it was not a coincidence that she was now breathing into his collarbone, right where a mark should go.

Automatically, she touched the mark he gave her when she was nineteen and caught the omega's gaze on herself. Roxanne was watching. And Ria knew that today she lost just like the last time.

Nothing changed. Her words and actions on that day played absolutely no part in what happened. It was like a very bad movie on repeat...

"Ri!" Maya came up to her when their Alpha was gone, "Are you okay?"

Riannon looked at her best friend, the one that she lost. Not thinking twice, she threw herself in Maya's arms. After the death of her parents, this was the only person, apart from Brayden, whom she could trust with everything.

"There, there," she patted her long platinum blonde hair, "It's going to be all right. He will reconsider, I am sure."

Only now did Ria realise how everything looked like to the people around her and distanced herself at once. She already lost her husband, there was no need to lose her face too.

"I am fine," she said and caught the Beta's gaze on her.

Ash nodded and gave her a soft sympathetic smile, before shouting loudly, "I feel like everyone forgot what they were supposed to be doing! The work is waiting!"

"Let's go to your room," Maya suggested, "We'll talk about everything there."

No, Ria did not need this conversation. She remembered it very well. Because they already had it.

What she really needed now was some time alone. Because she needed to process things and to come up with a new plan.

She couldn't save her marriage, but she could still save Maya, other people who died with Roxy's help, her pack and her own life.

"I just can't right now," she smiled at her friend, squeezing her hands, still not quite believing that she was here, "Let's talk another time. I have a lot of work to do."

"Work?" Maya's eyes grew wide, "Are you serious?"

"Yes," Ria fixed the creases on her dress, "Now that our Alpha is... busy, I have to step in. The pack comes first."

She gave her friend another warm smile and added, "Everything is going to be all right, Maya. We are going to be fine. All of us."

Riannon locked the door of her Luna office and tried to control her ragged breathing. Too much! Everything was too much for her. She needed to clear her head and think of everything. She needed a plan. And a good one. She had to save everyone, herself included.

But the office was too stuffy. And she needed to breathe!

Only one thing could help her and it was shifting into her wolf.

Riannon went into the woods that were surrounding their pack and stripped, preparing to change her form.

But nothing happened.

"Onyx, are you there?" she spoke to her wolf for the first time since her sudden rebirth less than an hour before but did not get a reply. It was alarming. Onyx was there her whole life.

"Onyx!" Ria called for her second half but was met with silence. Angry, she ran as fast as she could using her human legs. She was still super fast and strong, which could only mean that her wolf was somewhere there. She was not weak. But what was wrong?

Chapter 3. The Call

CHAPTER 3

The Call

It did not take her long to get to her most favourite place in the world – the Silver Mirror Lake. This was the only place where Riannon could be alone. It was far enough from the packhouse and close to the borders of the pack. But it was safe since they did not have any rogue attacks in that area. Just one pack away from here was the Lycans territory and it was rumoured that the Alpha King residence was also somewhere close. No one was foolish enough to enter these lands and check though.

So, Ria did not think twice when she stopped by the ledge of the lake, naked, and jumped into the water. It was cold but at the same time, it was exactly what she needed to calm herself down.

She let herself embrace the dark night when only the full moon shone upon her, making crystals of water sparkle on her skin when she felt someone's presence. It was powerful and dominating, yet did not belong to her husband and made her alert at once.

Pretending that nothing happened, Ria carefully looked around and her eyes caught a figure of a huge wolf at a hill on the other side of the lake. He was dark, probably black. And his eyes were shining golden.

It was a bad sign. Very bad.

Riannon decided not to risk it and went underwater, getting to the shore as soon as she could and running for her life. Only a loud howl followed her.

She was back in the safe territory in no time. Luckily, her clothes were right where she left them. She pulled her dress on and tried to do the zipper at the back but her fingers were not reaching it.

"Let me help," two hands touched her back and Beta Asher helped her with her little problem. Ria wondered if he had been there the whole time. But it did not matter in the long run. Werewolves were used to naked bodies. It wouldn't be the first time he saw her without clothes. It wouldn't be the last... probably.

"What are you doing here?" she asked the man, turning to face him.

"I've been waiting for you," he said with an unreadable expression on his face, "Found your clothes and understood that you were on a run. But why didn't you shift?"

"I did," she lied without blinking. If anyone knew that she couldn't shift, then her fate would be decided even sooner. She couldn't afford that. Ria knew that she needed time. "But that's not important," she decided to change the subject quickly, "There was an intruder at the Silver Lake. Send wolves to check it out."

"Of course, Luna," he said and his eyes lost focus for a second as he was giving orders via the mind link.

Riannon decided not to wait for him and walked slowly into the house. But Ash caught up with her quickly and opened the door to the mansion for her.

"It's going to be alright," he said to her all of a sudden and she stopped. Back in the day, he used to say it to her all the time. Yet when decisions had to be made, he always took her husband's side. It was one of the betrayals that hurt the most because she was sure that her relationship with the Beta was good prior to all that. Yet he didn't even object when they stripped her of her title... There were a lot of things that she wanted to tell him but she couldn't.

So, she just placed her delicate hand on his broad shoulder and looked him in the eye, smiling sadly, "You knew, didn't you?"

His expression changed as if a flash of lightning hit him and his lips parted slightly.

"Yes, Luna," he confessed, darting his eyes to the ground.

"It's okay," she patted him, "I understand. You can't go against your Alpha's command."

"If I could..." he started to speak but she placed her finger to his mouth making a shushing sound.

"Doesn't matter," she shrugged her shoulders, "At least I will always have your support, Ash. Right?"

"Always, Luna," his breathing became heavy and Ria tilted her head, watching him. This was an interesting development. Why was he reacting like that?

"Then, of course, I'll be fine," she chuckled and went inside. She had to think of what to do next.

Ria locked herself in her bedroom. She knew that Brayden would not be coming back tonight to share the bed with her. As far as she remembered, he hadn't been sleeping with Roxy at that point yet and spent the whole night in his private office drinking and thinking of life. In the morning, he would bring her flowers and gifts... and an apology even. But Roxy would still stay.

After a long and relaxing bath, Ria went to her desk and got her old journal. She hadn't been using it for many years, but it was dear to her heart. And it was just the right place to write down every single event that was important and that was going to happen within the year leading to her death.

She tried to remember everything while she still could.

And she knew very well what she was going to do with this information. The game was on.

The plan was simple, really. Since she couldn't change the main event and get rid of Roxy, she had to leave. But she couldn't leave without her pack and without making sure that all her dear friends were alive and well. Not to mention, that it was particularly important to try and show Brayden and the rest Roxanne's true face. Everybody around thought that she was an angel while, in fact, she was the devil. Ria was afraid to even think what would happen if Roxy became the Luna for real, because she for sure wouldn't have the pack's interests at heart.

And although Ria's own heart craved revenge, she didn't want her life's work to be ruined. Plus, she didn't have it in her heart to hate everyone. She saved it for just a selected few. The ones who betrayed her trust and led to her demise, the ones who promised her respect and protection but gave her humiliation and suffering. Yes, those were the ones she was going to concentrate on.

The door suddenly opened, and Brayden walked in, making her close the journal with the list of events and names rapidly and hide it back in the drawer. Luckily, he didn't pay attention to that.

Guilt was all over his face and Ria wanted to roll her eyes, but held herself back. She couldn't give herself away. This event did not happen prior. In her past life, he didn't visit her that night. This was new and she had to be cautious.

"Ri," he walked further into the room, "Ash informed me that you encountered an intruder. Are you okay?"

This was funny. She was sitting there, clearly looking well and in one piece. Who was he kidding? Was it guilt because she put up a fight and he still chose his mate?

"It was unpleasant," Riannon shrugged her shoulders and stood up. If he decided to ignore the big pink elephant in the room, she could do the same. In the end, it was for the best. Their past conversations about Roxy never ended well. He would never believe what a monster his mate was. So, the less Riannon talked about her, the better.

"And also disappointing," she went to the window to hide her facial expression.

"How so?" Brayden caught the bait.

"We are one of the strongest packs and some wolf is just wandering on our territory, spying on your Luna who is swimming naked in the lake..."

"He what?" Brayden growled possessively. Back in the day, it would drive her crazy in the best sense of the word. But right now... she was annoyed. He just claimed another woman in front of so many people. He had no right to growl like that in her presence anymore. She didn't put it into words, of course.

"You heard me," she said, "And instead of looking for that wolf the Alpha is doing goddess knows what. No offence, but this is exactly what I was talking about earlier today. Your mate already distracted you from what was important."

It was a low blow. But she needed him to be busy with something else right now. In the past, the closer he got to Roxy, the more power and supporters she received. And the worse it got for Riannon and her close people. If she could postpone the wheel of events for at least one day, she would do it.

"You are angry," he sighed, "I understand, of course. I broke my promise to you."

"Let's not speak of it," she stopped him, "It is what it is."

"Ri, baby," he nibbled on her neck, right where he marked her years ago, bonding their two wolves forever, acknowledging her as his chosen mate. "I hurt you and I will do anything to fix that."

Not everything. She knew that too well.

"Only you can be my Luna, you know that, right?" he started peppering her neck with kisses, trying to unzip her dress at the same time.

This was... odd. She hadn't slept with him for a while. Their paths went in different directions more than half a year ago in her past life. She was his abandoned and rejected wife...

Ria clenched her fists and then turned to face him.

"No!" she made him stop, "Not today." Or ever. He had his last chance and he blew it. She did not want him anymore. If her wolf Onyx was here now, she would be howling from pain as she was attached to Brayden's wolf Ragnar. But she didn't feel Onyx now. She wasn't under her influence. And she was furious.

She did not show it though. Her mom trained her well to conceal emotions. Finally, it was useful.

"Ri?" Brayden looked at her in shock. Before this day they were happy together. Which reminded Ria that he probably found Roxy earlier and was lying to her for the past few days. Or maybe weeks. "Honey, don't do this. I love you and we are family. We will always be family."

"Believe it or not, but I am not feeling well after everything that happened today," she looked him in the eye, "But it will make me happy if you bring me the intruder's head."

He nodded quietly, "Anything for you, Ri."

Her husband brushed her cheek and she tolerated that. Even forced a smile for the sake of the show.

"You'll have his head in the morning!" he promised before leaving her alone.

Maya tried to reach her mentally but Riannon just asked her to wait until the morning.

After a mostly sleepless night, she knew what she had to do and she also knew her first step.

In her office, she dialled the number that none other werewolves would risk dialling. But she was left with no choice.

"Hello, Beta Reid speaking," the annoyed male voice sounded on the other end and Riannon gulped before speaking.

"Hello, Beta. This is Luna Riannon Thorn. Nee Michaels."

It didn't ring a bell to him.

"And?" he seemed bored.

"Seven years ago I saved your nephew during a rogue attack in one of the boarding schools. Back then you gave me this number and told me that you owe me one."

The lycan paused before answering her.

"And I guess you are calling to collect?" he chuckled, "And here I thought that there were selfless people in this world..."

"I wouldn't ask if lives did not depend on it," she interrupted him. Lycans were hard to get in touch with. They did not mingle with regular werewolves with rare exceptions. But sometimes they attended elite boarding schools for shifters. That's when Ria's luck was on her side.

"Fine," the man agreed, "What do you want then?"

"I need to speak to the Lycan Alpha King," Riannon said firmly.

Chapter 4. Royal Confrontation

"Bold, aren't we?" the Beta chuckled and Ria didn't know what to think. "Do you think that the King will do whatever I tell him?"

"I hope he respects you enough to do you a little favour," she bit her lip. She was walking on thin ice here and was aware of that.

But she had no choice either.

"Fine," the man grunted softly and for the first time Ria wondered what he was doing, "Crystle, dear, that's enough of sucking. I need to go."

Then he groaned again and Riannon's ears turned red with embarrassment. Was he in bed with someone? Why did he pick up then?!

There were sounds of rustling and a female voice, "See you tonight, Beta." And then sounds of steps.

"Just so that you know," the Beta spoke again, "I am sacrificing a lot right now to pay you back. So, after you talk to him, Consider us done."

"Of course," Ria cleared her throat, "I appreciate your... sacrifice."

He chucked and then she heard a sound of a creaking door.

"Hey, G. I need you to speak to someone," the sounds were muffled but she could still understand everything.

"Not interested," the other man growled and now Riannon was very afraid. She thought if the king was... busy as well. He sure wouldn't sacrifice his pleasure time for her.

"I am not trying to set you up with anyone," the Beta burst out laughing, "It's just some werewolf Luna. I owe her one, okay?"

"Not interested," was the reply and Ria's heart sunk. This was it. It was her best chance... In her past life, she called Beta Reid as well. Later in the timeline of events. But he never picked up. Lycans had some kind of trouble in their lands too by the end of the year. He was probably too busy by the time she gained the courage to call. She called him again and again until the calls stopped coming through, meaning that he probably blocked her.

"Give her 5 minutes," from the sounds of it, the man shoved the phone into his king's hands. Another growl emerged and Ria was about to give up. But then she heard a resounding metallic voice.

"Hello, Alpha Gideon speaking," the man said and she sucked in a breath. He didn't even use his title. Was that really the Lycan King?

"Hello, your majesty," she decided to address him formally anyway, " My name is Riannon Thorn. I am the Luna of the Silver River pack."

He was silent and it bothered her. But she remembered that she only had 5 minutes with him.

"I need your help," she breathed out, "My husband is the Alpha Brayden Thorn and we are planning to divorce in the nearby future."

"Fascinating," the man said without any emotions in his voice, " But what does it have to do with me? You can divorce any time you like without my help."

"I know, Alpha," she agreed and heard him growl slightly, "That's not the part that I need your help with. You see, we are chosen mates. And when we got married, we merged our packs. What I really want from you is to help me to get my people and my territory back. You are the Alpha King and when I raise this dispute, your word will be the last at the Alpha Council. They wouldn't be able to decline."

"Hmm," he sounded amused, "And you think that the case would go that far? You do know that the Alpha council consists of male alphas. What makes you think at least anyone will support you?"

"They will if they know that you are on my side," Riannon felt braver now, "But also I have proven myself as a leader and warrior. This shouldn't be a problem."

"Then maybe everything is awesome and you don't need my help at all?" He chucked.

"I do, your majesty," she assured him, "I really do. And I would really appreciate it."

"This is a complex matter," he said after a short pause, "Not something I would decide over the phone. And to be honest, it doesn't sound serious enough to bother."

Ria felt rage boiling her blood. Was he serious?! Was that it?!

"But..."

"There is nothing to talk about. You got married and gave your pack to your husband. You didn't think this through and it was your mistake only. Now it's too late," the Alpha King seemed bored, "He will still owe you generous alimony according to our laws. You will keep your luxurious lifestyle if that's what bothers you..."

"It's not about that!" She gritted her teeth, "I can't leave my people with them!"

"Them?" The king scoffed, "So, this is the problem. He found another and you are bitter about it?"

This was useless. Ria hit her desk with her fist, almost breaking it. This kind of mocking was not new to her. By now she heard it all. Even from the people who were considered her friends.

"I am not bitter!" She spat, "I am furious. Because only now do I see how many flaws our system has! How unfairly and unequally women are treated when a male doesn't stand by her side anymore! How few chances we are given to prove ourselves. Sure, you will make a woman a warrior and speak about equality but when it comes to higher positions, you will make a woman work three times harder than a man to even consider her for the job! I was doing an Alpha's job for years by my husband's side and I've done it flawlessly. But all you see is a wounded woman who can't get over her husband's betrayal. And you know what, it hurts like but here I am, not whaling in pain but trying to figure out my next move. You don't even know what is going on but you already judged me. What a disappointing introduction to my king!"

She threw her phone away with force, looking at how it smashed over the wall into several pieces.

What a joke!

Gideon sat in his huge leather chair behind his desk staring at his Beta's phone. What the was that now? Did she scold him and then hang up?

"O-kay," Reid carefully took his cell back, "I see that went well."

"Remind me again who was it?" Gideon looked at his friend furrowing his thick brows.

"What?" Reid let out a nervous laugh, "Before I tell you... Are you going to kill her or..."

"REID!" Gideon growled so loudly that probably all members of his pack heard him well.

"Fine!" the Beta fell into the chair opposite of him, "She is the Luna of the Silver River pack."

Silver River... not far from Silver Lake.

"What else?" the king tapped his fingers over the top of his desk impatiently.

"Her name is Riannon Thorn, if my memory does not fail me, she has been a Luna for five or six years. Seven maybe."

"You said that you owed her," Gideon was piercing Reid with his gaze, "How so? Is she one of your many whores?"

"Of course not!" the Beta sounded offended, "She... she saved Kyle seven years ago. The rogues attacked his boarding school and she was visiting some event there. She wasn't a Luna back then, by the way. But she was preparing for the role."

"She saved him?" Gideon rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Yes, she killed a few rogues and protected him. He was just 12 back then. If she didn't come on time..."

"Why didn't you tell me?" the king groaned.

"There was no time!" Reid shook his shoulders, "And how could I know that you would be such a d*ck to her?!"

"Is there a good time to be a d*ck?" the Beta chuckled, just annoying him more.

"Find out where I can meet her," Gideon cut him off, "I am intrigued. She does seem... feisty."

"Just the way you hate them," Reid stood up but when he noticed his Alpha's glare, he wiped the smile off his face, "I'll go... get to work."

Gideon threw his back over his chair. He had a lot on his mind already and this woman... she got to him on some level. A smile curled onto his lips. It had been a while since someone dared to speak to him like that. Luna Riannon was amusing indeed.

And since she saved Kyle, he owed it to her to at least have a look at her case.

So be it.

Riannon prepared herself for the breakfast. She put on a simple yet elegant dress and brushed her hair so that it fell down her shoulders in soft waves. She didn't use any makeup today because she knew very well what she was going to face once she went downstairs.

But she almost bumped into Maya at the door.

"Ria," her friend tried to smile carelessly but she could tell that the latter was nervous, "How about we eat here and chat. Just the two of us?"

Riannon smiled. She knew that Maya tried to protect her from the new harsh reality. But luckily, she was ready for everything.

"Maybe another time," she said, taking Maya's hand and still not believing that she was alive, "Right now I need to do something. Just be by my side, okay?"

"Always," Maya's eyes glistened with tears.

The dining room was buzzing, but as soon as she stepped foot into it, everyone got quiet. On her first day in the pack, Roxy already sat at the table with the highest-ranked wolves and was clearly in the centre of the attention.

"Luna!" she jumped to her feet after she let Ria watch her succeed, "P-please, forgive my rudeness! I know my place!"

Here we go again...

Chapter 5. The Beta Female Best Friend

Goddess, she hated her. Roxy was looking at Ria with huge doe eyes in front of everyone and even shaking slightly to add some drama. She always did this. Their every meeting was a performance.

Riannon used to always be reserved towards her, leaving it her priority to supress her feelings and hide how hurt she was with the whole situation. And Roxy used it to her advantage masterfully, painting herself as the sweet girl and the Luna as the icy queen.

Well, Riannon wasn't going to let her do this anymore. This pattern had to change. Luckily, she had just the best teacher - Roxanne herself. She put her through so many awkward and humiliating situations in the past that now Ria was ready for everything.

Moreover, she knew that what she did before did not work.

So, she was going to try something else.

"I am so sorry, Luna," Roxy prepared to fall to her knees again but Riannon rushed to her aid and gave her the biggest of hugs. The two women froze together like this while the room filled with awkward silence. Someone dropped a fork and from the corner of her eye Ria noticed that it was her friend Maya.

"Roxy," Riannon finally distanced herself and sighed with a sad smile on her face, "I can call you that, right? I want you to know that this is a safe place for you. No one will ever hurt you. We are nothing like the pack that you came from. You will always be treated nicely here since you are a member now. The hard days for you are over."

She grazed her eyes quickly over the room to see stunned expressions on the faces of her pack mates. They did not expect that. Back in her past life, she tried to ignore Roxanne as much as she could, while staying polite when they had to talk. Everyone understood but the more Roxy cried, the more they felt pity towards her. She found her way into people's hearts. Over time, a lot of them stood on her side because she was, after all, their Alpha's true mate and she had a hard life prior. Meanwhile, Riannon was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. And however great of a Luna she was, they thought that it wasn't a big deal since she was born and trained to do it. No one understood how much she worked and what she sacrificed to reach this perfection.

Suddenly, Roxy threw herself in Ria's arms again.

"Thank you!" she whined, making Riannon want to strangle her. If Onyx, her wolf, was here, it could have ended fast. But Onyx wasn't close and she knew that this was a battle of acting skills now. Meanwhile Roxy went on, "I was sure that the nightmare in which I lived in this whole time would repeat here as well! But you are so kind! I am ready to do any job! However hard it is...I'll be your personal maid if I have to."

At the head of the table, her husband Brayden was watching them with his lips clenched. It was hard for Ria to hold back a laugh, since she knew by the way he looked that he had been busy all night looking for the intruder. He hated that his mate was ready to become a cleaner. And on top of that, his wife did not behave the way he expected her to. She was sure that she shocked him for life now.

Get used to that, my love.

"Don't be ridiculous, Roxy!" Ria gasped and even forced a small tear to roll down her cheek. After all, hugging her worst enemy was horrible and a part of her did want to cry. "You suffered enough and my heart goes for you. I will assign you work according to your abilities. And if they aren't enough at the moment for a decent job, we will send you to study at the local college. Everything will be fine, do not worry. You will not be mistreated here. Our pack is a fair one."

The omega frowned but quickly regained herself. Did she know that it was a promise?

"I am the luckiest girl alive," she smiled innocently, flapping her eyelashes, "No wonder my mate... I mean, the Alpha is so in love with you, Luna. Now I see that what people say about you is true."

"Oh, you will have to tell me later!" Ria giggled and pushed Roxy back to the chair she was sitting at prior. Luckily, she didn't risk taking the Luna's seat or the one right next to Bray. She would soon take it of course. But at least Ria didn't have to deal with it today.

"I will be happy to!" Roxane shook her red locks and the oversized t-shirt that she was wearing fell off her shoulder "accidentally", making Brayden look at her with eyes filled with lust. The mate bond was already working. And their time was slipping away.

"By the way," Riannon took a sip of her coffee and it seemed more bitter than usual, "We need to assign a budget for Roxanne."

Once again, the whole room went quiet.

"Are you sure, Luna?" Beta Asher spoke, "She is just an omega and..."

"She is not a simple omega," Riannon raised her chin high and put a perfect smile on her face, "She is our Alpha's mate. He did not reject her and she is a part of our pack now. She needs to look the part, so it's time to throw away the worn-out t-shirts and jeans."

"That's very kind of you, Luna," Maya couldn't stay silent anymore, "Some would even say too kind. I mean, considering..."

"I do what I can," Ria sent her best friend a warning gaze and as always, Maya understood her without words, "And let's make this clear once and for all. I was very serious about Roxy being treated nicely here. I don't want anyone to bully her just because the three of us are in a peculiar situation now. I wish her no harm and will have zero tolerance to the ones who try to do it."

And with that, she started to eat her omelette as if nothing special happened, catching glances of her pack mates on her.

There they were. The looks they used to give to Roxy. Now they were rewarding Ria with those. Only that this time there was more respect than pity.

Back in the day, Ria did all the same things. But her mistake was not to announce it in front of everyone. And in the end, Roxy played them and made them believe that Ria mistreated her where she could.

She caught Brayden's gaze on her and sent a small smile his way, startling him. At least she was getting exactly the reactions that she wanted. For the first day back, this was good.

Right after the breakfast Maya pulled her into the Luna office and made sure to lock the door properly. The room had sound isolation and they could talk in private without the fear of being overheard.

"What the are you doing?" she hissed at her friend, "You are welcoming his mate?! You should have insisted again and again on him rejecting her!"

"Oh, M," Ria couldn't help herself and hugged the girl once again. She still smelled of almonds and this made her broken heart warm again.

"Stupid perfect Luna! You can't be this kind!" Maya almost sobbed, "You loved him all your life! He marked you for Goddess's sake! What was he thinking?!?"

"I know," Ria sighed, stepping away, "But that ship has sailed. No one can fight the mate bond. That battle was lost the moment he met her and didn't reject her."

"You are so calm about it!" the girl shook her head, clear signs of worry on her face.

Ria contemplated for a few seconds but deep inside she knew, that if she could entrust this secret to anyone, it would be her best friend since childhood.

"I need to tell you something," Riannon took Maya's hands and led her to the armchair, sitting on the verge of her desk. "But I will need you to be open-minded about what I am about to say."

She spoke and spoke, and the more she told her, the paler her friend became. She omitted the part about Maya's own death. There was no need for that. She knew that the small fragments she was ready to share now would be enough for her.

When she was done, Maya looked at her with red eyes, "It's..."

"Unbelievable, I know," Riannon sighed.

"Horrible!" her friend took her hands and gave them a tight squeeze, "Ria! That's awful! What you had to go through..."

"Wait, you meant you have no doubts in what I said now?" the Luna raised her brow. She expected that she would need longer to persuade her bestie.

"You wouldn't joke about it at a moment like that," Maya leaned back on her chair, "And as far as I know, you were madly in love with Brayden just yesterday. But now... You are so calm that it's frightening. So this explains a lot. You don't get over love like that in one day."

That was true. Riannon did not know for sure if all love she had for Brayden was gone, but she definitely wasn't the same girl from before. She was twenty-five but it felt as if she lived much longer now. Suffering and broken heart could do that to people.

"And it doesn't bother you how crazy that sounds?" Ria decided to make sure they were on the same page.

"I believe in the Moon Goddess," Maya shook her shoulders, "She may have wanted Brayden to be with someone like that... Roxanne. But I will never believe that she would want such a death for you! Anyone but you!"

"I missed you so much," Ria couldn't help herself and gave Maya another hug. She went quiet for a bit and I gave myself a promise that whatever happened, she would at least save her best friend. She was not going to lose her again.

"So, what's the plan?" Maya went into the battle mode fast. She was one of those underappreciated wolves. They called her Luna's assistant and both of them hated that. She had pure Beta blood and could take down an Alpha if she tried hard. Maybe not any Alpha but definitely most of them. They thought too much of themselves and always underestimated pretty girls.

"The plan is to divorce and take our pack back," Ria smiled, knowing that she had a great ally on her side now, "The Pearl Moon."

"Is this even possible?" Maya whistled, "I mean, if you quickly get pregnant with Brayden's baby and then we kill him, we could get this all..."

"No, thank you," Ria first with laughter, "Goddess you are so bloodthirsty!"

"My hands are just itching to cut his di..."

"I got you!" the Luna covered her face with her hands, trying to suppress another outburst of giggles.

"You know what, I have an idea!" Maya said all of a sudden, "How about we ask lycans for help?! This may actually..."

"Been there, done that. Their king is an a$shole," Ria rolled her eyes. "You what?!" her friend's jaw dropped to the floor.

"I had one lycan who owed me and asked him to arrange a conversation with his king. But you have no idea how arrogant he is!" Ria explained.

"Worse than Brayden?" Maya chuckled.

"Worse than Brayden," Ria confirmed.

"Okay then, what's next?" the Beta female never gave up and this was one of the very many reasons they became friends in the first place.

"Simple, really. I need to get the support of as many Alphas as I can," Riannon exhaled loudly, "So that when the divorce comes into force, they give me their votes when I raise the matter in the Alpha Counicl. And I will."

"How many do you think will support you?" Maya asked bluntly, getting her cell our of her pocket, "Count on the alphas where mu cousins are Betas. I'll take care of them."

"Not sure yet, but I know where to strike first," Ria tapped her fingers over the cold wood of her desk, waiting for Maya to tear her eyes off the phone and spare her a look.

"Do tell!" the girl seemed genuinely interested.

"The most important event of the year that is just around the corner," Riannon smirked, "The annual Alpha ball"

Chapter 6. Dress to Impress

"Ri," Brayden's head popped out of the door of Riannon's office right when she was finishing discussing the pack's primary school budget with the headmistress, "Do you have a sec?"

"Yes, we are done here," Ria handed the papers to the woman in front of her and the latter gave her a sympathetic smile. The Luna remembered very well that she was the one who stood by her by the very end. That was one of the reasons she managed to squeeze in a little extra cash for the school.

"Luna, Alpha," the headmistress bowed her head and left, leaving the husband and the wife alone for the first time in a while. For the last few days, Riannon tried to avoid Brayden at all costs. She remembered too well that their every meeting in the past life was ending badly during those days. Back then she tried to keep her dignity and not approach him first. They had meals together with pack members as always. And work meetings with Beta, Gamma and so on. But other than that, every time Bray wanted to talk to her, Riannon was finding a perfect excuse to escape. There was no point in talking to him since nothing could be changed. She debated telling him the truth about her rebirth but swept that idea under the rug. He could decide that she was crazy and use that during their divorce when she planned to get her pack back.

The silence was getting awkward.

"Long time no see," he came closer and she remained behind her desk to make it harder for him to approach her.

"Yeah, it's been a while," Ria threw herself back in her chair, "Is it about the Alpha Ball?"

"Did you get my flowers?" he asked.

The flowers kept coming. He was probably still feeling guilty.

"Yes, they are lovely," she forced a smile, "Thank you."

They already had this conversation. He caught her in her office and broke her heart.

"Yes," Brayed pulled the collar of his shirt to make it easier to breathe while Ria watched him with an indifferent expression that was clearly making him uncomfortable. "It's about Roxy... I mean Roxanne."

"What about her?" she pretended not to know what it was about.

"Listen," he sighed and averted her gaze, "I kind of promised her that I would take her to the ball as my partner."

"Oh, really?" Riannon tilted her head, "I wonder when and how that happened?"

"It's... a long story," he cleared his throat, "Please, understand. My wolf is dying when she is unhappy. And she has never been to a ball like that."

"Oh, my," Ria gasped and shook her head, "Should I maybe take Enzo with me? He hasn't seen an event like that either. And neither did Cole."

She mentioned the hottest single warriors of the pack on purpose. And heard a growl emerge from her husband's chest. That served him right.

"What is it with you lately, Ri?" he looked at her in disbelief, "My Luna will not be going with someone else!"

"But it's okay if my Alpha goes with someone else? How is that fair?" she shot her brow up, challenging him. And Brayden hated challenge.

"Maybe you should sit this one out then!" he snarled at her and for the first time, she started to get worried here. She needed that ball. She needed it badly.

"No, thanks," the Luna crossed her hands on her chest, "I got my own personal invitation. Besides, it's important to mingle with other Lunas for the sake of our pack. We still need to organise student and warrior exchanges and a couple of mating events for over 18s. Or do you expect Roxy to be able to deal with it instead of enjoying her first big ball? What kind of Cinderella she would be then if she would have to work again?!"

He exhaled through his nostrils and she knew that she managed to win.

"Fine," he grunted standing up, "But you will go with Ash then. He is going anyway since he is the pack's Beta."

"Now you are sucking the fun out of his life too?" Ria chuckled, "I am sure he had a girl to take there and impress."

"He already agreed to be you plus one," Brayden informed her, "He'll protect you there too."

"How thoughtful," she decided just to go with it. Getting rid of Ash would be easy anyway. He would see some Alpha's daughter and off he would go.

Brayden prepared to leave but stopped at the door and turned to look at her again

"Ri," he looked her in the eye, "It's just a transition period. We will get through this and everything will be fine."

Lies.

"I will never take another Luna except for you," he said, his voice firm and unwavering.

Lies, lies, lies.

"Thank you for telling me that, Bray," she nodded, "I needed to hear that."

She even forced a smile.

"Look, when the ball is over, let's take a day off. Just you and me," he suggested all of a sudden and now she looked at him in surprise. This was new. It didn't happen in the past.

"We'll have to see our schedules for that," she stretched her lips further, "But it's a nice idea."

"Then I'll see you around?" he suddenly looked relieved as if he got rid of some kind of trouble here.

"I am your wife, am I not?" she chuckled and his smile faded.

He left and Ria's phone buzzed with a notification that the dresses should have already arrived.

She paused just for a second. It worried her that he offered that day off thing. Was it a good sign or a bad? She wanted to change the events that caused so many disasters but this exact one wasn't in her plans.

In the end, she was late for the fitting and entered the room full of the most important females of the pack. Maya was there along with their friends Tatiana and Aria. They greeted her in their usual friendly way. On the other side of the room sat Harper and her minions.

Harper was Brayden's sister. And for some reason, she never liked Riannon too much since they were younger. She was one of the first to openly support Roxy. She was the one who opened the door for others who didn't know what to do and actually promoted the evil redhead monster.

"Bring in the dresses," Ria commanded firmly. She wanted to be done here quick.

It was a tradition of their pack that outfits for the ladies invited to the Alpha ball were chosen together and paid for by the pack. After all, they all were representing the Silver River pack and it was important to let others see how well they were doing.

A few omegas rolled in clothing racks with the most beautiful evening dresses from the top designers. Luna always was the first one to choose and then they went according to their ranks. The rest of the clothes was sent back.

Riannon knew very well which dress she was going to pick but still pretended to look at them all to avoid suspicion.

"How about that emerald one?" Harper suggested the colour that would never suit Riannon blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Do you like it?" she got the hanger and placed it to her chest with a smile, "It's Zac Posen."

"Beautiful!" her sister-in-law sneered.

"Then I will leave it for you," Ria returned the facial expression and kept going. Soon she reached it. She remembered that dress well. Peach and shiny, with loads of rhinestones on the top.

She was choosing long enough and she took that one, moving to the mirror.

Any second now...

The door opened and Roxy barged in, gasping, "Oh, my goddess! Luna! I am so sorry! I'll just go away not to ruin your mood."

She was already doing it. Implying that just a sight of her was affecting Riannon.

And it was. But it was mean to bring this up.

"Stay," Ria smiled gently and noticed how everyone was watching the two of them, "You are going to the ball too and you need an outfit."

"I already got one," Roxanne mumbled, "From all the money that you gave me. I got it in H&M."

One of Harper's minions snorted.

"This will not do," Riannon turned and sighed, "You need a dress good enough for your new status."

"And what is that?" Harper couldn't help but ask the provocative question.

"Member of the Silver River pack," Ria replied without any hesitation, "Look around. What do you like?"

A little sob emerged. And then a sniffle. Everybody turned to see the crying Roxy.

"This is so sweet!" she whined, "You are such a great Luna to take care of someone like me. I never had such a beautiful dress in my life!"

She pointed to the one that Riannon was holding.

"I thought I'd never...have..."

She burst out crying and Ria did her best not to roll her eyes.

"You can have it," she stretched her hands with the garment towards the omega and pretty much everybody in the room was in shock.

"But Luna!" Aria gasped, "You need to be the first."

"That's fine," Riannon shook her shoulders, "I saw a red one that I like too back there. Roxy can have that one since it's the one that made you cry like that."

Roxanne seemed a bit startled and Luna came closer, pushing the tasteless peach dress that was good enough for a middle school prom in some village.

"No, really," Ria smirked, "I want you to have it."

Their eyes met and Roxy gaped, realising that she had just been tricked.

"Now go to your room and try it on. It will look beautiful on you." Or hideous.

As soon as Roxy left, Ria quickly went back to the rack and grabbed the first red dress she saw.

"I like this one," she went out of the room as quickly as she could, followed by Maya, "Choose what you like, ladies."

They came straight to Maya's bedroom and as soon as they closed the door, they started laughing hysterically.

"Oh, my goddess!" Maya chuckled, "This was fun!"

"Indeed," the Luna agreed, throwing away the red piece of fabric she had. Because the real dress that she was going to wear to the ball was right here. It was the most beautiful dress she had laid her eyes on. It was a stunning wine red off-shoulder gown made of silk chiffon, draped beautifully around the breast and down to the waist, creating a geometrical pattern and, but flowing freely to the ground.

It was a gown fit for a queen. And in the past life, Ria didn't even order it for viewing as it was way out of her budget. But this time around she saw it again and thought to herself – just why the not?!

The last time she went to the Alpha Ball, it was the most awful experience for her. Roxanne was wearing a beautiful white dress and looking like the little innocent omega she loved to pretend, gaining everybody's sympathy.

At the same time, Riannon gained pity from the Alphas and was mocked by some of the Lunas who never liked her. It was humiliating as it was to come as the third wheel for her husband and his mate. But on top of that, Brayden spent the whole evening by Roxy's side. Ria was in a sour mood the whole time although she still managed to negotiate a few things.

This time, she knew what to expect and was ready. This time, she was going there to work.

"Do I look nice?" Maya grinned as she stepped out of the bathroom in a royal blue tight gown.

"You took one too, I see," Riannon giggled as her friend twirled in front of her.

Today was a success thanks to Maya. She was the one who received all the dresses before the pack omegas got them and brought the one Ria wanted to her room without anyone seeing it.

"Of course," she placed her hands onto her hips, "We are leaving this pack, so I am not going to save them money."

"Just don't shout about it around the mansion, okay?" Ria rolled her eyes, "It's a secret after all. But you do look nice."

"Thanks!" Maya seemed to agree, "Shame I am not going with you. But there is always next time, right?"

"When I am the Alpha and you are my Beta, you will attend it every year," Luna winked at her.

---

In the evening, Ria finished her makeup and hair and walked out to the main part of her bedroom to find a blue box on the little table together with a new bouquet. She opened it and saw a luxurious and probably crazy expensive diamond necklace together with a simple card with one word only on it. Sorry.

"Huh," she bit her lip, remembering that last time Brayden gave it to Roxy. And he got her some ruby earrings which she never wore. That changed too.

However, now wasn't the time to think about all that.

She put the necklace on since it was finishing her look just perfect and left for the ball.

She was walking down the stairs, the skirt of her dress flowing beautifully as she looked at it. Most of her hair was up, with a few curly locks falling down her bare shoulders.

"You look beautiful tonight," a male voice made her flinch.

Riannon turned to find Asher standing at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes wide with appreciation. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that accentuated his broad shoulders and tall frame. His dark hair was styled back, revealing more of his handsome face than usual.

"Thank you, Ash," she replied with a soft smile, descending the remaining steps with practiced grace.

Something flickered in his eyes—an emotion she couldn't quite place. Had it always been there in her previous life? Had she been too blinded by her devotion to Brayden to notice?

"The car is waiting," he said, offering his arm. "Everyone else has already left."

Riannon placed her hand on his forearm, feeling the solid muscle beneath the expensive fabric. "Perfect. That means we can make an entrance."

As they walked toward the door, Ash leaned closer. "I have to say, I'm surprised by how well you're handling everything."

She glanced at him, measuring her words carefully. "People underestimate what I can handle, Ash. They always have."

The drive to the venue was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Riannon used the time to mentally prepare herself. The Alpha Ball was held in neutral territory—a massive, ornate mansion owned collectively by the regional packs. It was the one night of the year when politics and alliances were formed over champagne and dancing instead of blood and teeth.

When they arrived, Riannon took a deep breath before allowing the valet to open her door. She stepped out, the wine-red dress catching the light exactly as she'd hoped. Heads turned immediately.

"Ready?" Ash whispered, offering his arm again.

"I was born ready," she replied with newfound confidence.

The grand ballroom was already filled with the most powerful werewolves in the region. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gathering, and the orchestra played softly in the background. Riannon spotted Brayden immediately—his tall figure impossible to miss—with Roxanne clinging to his side in that hideous peach dress.

Several Alphas and their Lunas approached to greet her, their eyes filled with curiosity and, in some cases, pity. She handled each interaction with the perfect balance of grace and strength.

"Luna Riannon," a deep voice called from behind her. She turned to see Alpha Marcus of the Northern Ridge pack. In her previous life, he had been one of the few who supported her when everything fell apart.

"Alpha Marcus," she greeted him with genuine warmth. "It's wonderful to see you again."

"The pleasure is mine," he replied, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. "I must say, you are radiant tonight."

"You're too kind," she smiled, already plotting her next move. "I've been meaning to discuss the upcoming youth exchange program with you. Perhaps we could find a quiet corner?"

As they walked away, Riannon felt Brayden's eyes burning into her back. Good. Let him watch. Let him see that she was more than just his wife—she was a force to be reckoned with.

Her conversation with Marcus was productive, just as she'd hoped. One ally secured. She moved through the crowd with purpose, connecting with those she knew would be valuable in the coming months.

It was during a brief moment alone at the refreshment table that she felt it—a strange, electric sensation that made the fine hairs on her arms stand up. She turned slowly, scanning the crowd until her eyes locked with a pair of intense golden ones across the room.

The man they belonged to was tall and powerfully built, with dark hair and an air of absolute authority. She knew immediately who he was, even though they'd never met in person.

Alpha King Gideon of the Lycans.

He raised his glass slightly in her direction, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. Riannon found herself raising her own glass in return before she could think better of it.

"Be careful with that one," Ash's voice came from beside her, startling her slightly. "The Lycan King isn't known for his gentle ways."

"I'm aware," she replied, remembering their phone conversation all too well. "But sometimes, Ash, the most dangerous allies are also the most valuable."

The Beta frowned. "What exactly are you planning, Ri?"

She turned to him with a mysterious smile. "Nothing you need to worry about. Now, I believe we were supposed to dance at least once tonight."

As Ash led her to the dance floor, Riannon caught sight of Roxanne whispering something in Brayden's ear, his expression darkening as he watched her dance with his Beta. Let him be jealous, she thought. It was the least he deserved.

The music swelled as Ash placed his hand on her waist, leading her in a perfect waltz. "You're different," he observed quietly.

"Everything's changed," she replied honestly.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted the Lycan King moving through the crowd, heading in her direction. Her heart rate quickened. This wasn't how it happened in her previous life. The King hadn't even attended the ball then.

As the dance ended, she curtseyed to Ash, then turned to find Gideon standing directly behind her.

"Luna Riannon," he spoke, his voice even more commanding in person than it had been over the phone. "I believe we have unfinished business."

Chapter 7. The King's Interest

Riannon felt countless eyes on them as the Lycan King stood before her, his presence dominating the space around them. In her previous life, rumors of the King's attendance at social events like these were just that—rumors. He was notorious for his absence, preferring to send representatives instead.

Yet here he was, towering over her with those penetrating golden eyes.

"Your Majesty," she curtseyed respectfully, though her gaze never left his. "I wasn't aware we had any business, finished or otherwise."

His lips quirked slightly. "I believe we were rudely disconnected during our last conversation."

So he remembered. Of course he did.

"Perhaps the connection wasn't meant to be," she replied carefully, aware of how many people were watching them with unconcealed interest. Among them, she could feel Brayden's stare burning into her back.

"I disagree," Gideon said simply. "Would you honor me with a dance, Luna?"

It wasn't really a question—the King rarely asked for things he didn't expect to receive. But Riannon had nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain from this unexpected development.

"I would be delighted," she answered, placing her hand in his outstretched one.

The moment their skin touched, a strange sensation rippled through her—like electricity but warmer, more alive. She nearly pulled away in surprise but maintained her composure as he led her to the center of the dance floor. The orchestra, as if sensing the importance of the moment, began playing a slower, more dramatic piece.

Gideon's hand at her waist was firm but not possessive, guiding her with the confidence of someone who rarely followed. As they moved together, the crowd around them parted, creating a circle of space that only amplified the intensity of their dance.

"You're not what I expected," he said after a moment, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"And what did you expect, Your Majesty?" she asked, matching his steps perfectly.

"Someone more... broken." His honesty was startling. "Your husband parades his true mate around, yet here you are, commanding the room in that dress."

Riannon laughed softly. "Perhaps I've learned that being broken doesn't serve me."

"Indeed," he replied, spinning her gracefully before pulling her closer than before. "You mentioned divorce and reclaiming your pack. I've been making inquiries."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Have you now?"

"The Silver River Pack has prospered under your guidance," he continued. "Your initiatives for education, healthcare, trade—impressive for someone so young."

"I've had good teachers," she replied modestly, though pride swelled within her. He had been investigating her work.

"And loyal supporters," he added, his eyes briefly flickering to where Maya stood watching them with undisguised curiosity. "Though your husband seems to have forgotten your value."

The music swelled as he dipped her low, his face inches from hers. For a wild moment, Riannon thought he might kiss her, but instead, he whispered, "When you're ready to discuss terms, come to the Lycan territory. Ask for me directly."

When he pulled her back up, his expression had returned to its usual inscrutable mask. The dance ended, and he bowed formally before stepping away.

"Until next time, Luna Riannon," he said, loud enough for those nearby to hear.

As he walked away, the crowd parted for him like water. Riannon remained in the center of the dance floor, aware that she had just become the subject of every conversation in the room.

Maya was at her side in an instant. "What in the goddess's name was that?" she hissed, her eyes wide.

"That," Riannon replied with a smile, "was the beginning of our solution."

Before Maya could press further, Brayden appeared before them, his expression thunderous. Roxanne lingered a few steps behind him, a calculating look in her eyes that belied her innocent facade.

"What did he want?" Brayden demanded, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.

"To dance," Riannon answered simply. "It would have been rude to refuse the Lycan King, don't you think?"

"He's dangerous, Ri," Brayden said, stepping closer. "Whatever game you're playing—"

"Game?" she interrupted, her voice sweet but her eyes cold. "I'm simply enjoying the ball, Bray. Just as you suggested I should."

His jaw clenched. "We need to talk. Privately."

"Not now," she replied firmly. "I have more networking to do. After all, that's why we're here, isn't it? For the pack?"

Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away, Maya following close behind. She could feel Brayden's frustration radiating from him, but she didn't care. For the first time since her rebirth, Riannon felt truly in control.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of strategic conversations and careful alliance-building. By the time they prepared to leave, Riannon had secured the support of three influential Alphas—more than she had managed in her previous life.

As she waited for Ash to bring the car around, she felt a presence beside her.

"You've made quite an impression tonight," Beta Reid of the Lycans said, materializing from the shadows. "My King is not easily impressed."

"I wasn't trying to impress anyone," she replied honestly.

Reid laughed, a rich sound that drew glances from those nearby. "That, Luna Riannon, is precisely why you did." He handed her a small, ornate card. "The directions to our territory. When you're ready."

She tucked the card into her clutch just as Ash pulled up with the car.

"Be careful who you trust," Reid added in a lower voice. "Not all allies wear their intentions as clearly as their formal wear."

With that cryptic warning, he disappeared back into the shadows.

The ride home was tense, with Ash shooting her questioning glances that she pretended not to notice. When they finally arrived at the packhouse, he helped her out of the car with unusual gentleness.

"Whatever you're planning with the Lycans," he said quietly, "be careful, Ri. There are things at play that you might not understand."

She studied his face carefully. "And which side are you on, Ash?"

His expression softened. "I've always been on your side. Even when you couldn't see it."

Before she could respond, he leaned forward and brushed a light kiss against her cheek, then turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone with her thoughts.

Riannon made her way to her room, her mind racing with new possibilities. The night had gone better than she could have hoped. The Lycan King's interest was unexpected but potentially game-changing.

As she opened her door, a chill ran down her spine. Something felt wrong. The room was exactly as she'd left it, but there was a subtle difference in the air—as if someone had been there.

Moving cautiously, she checked each corner before approaching her desk. The drawer where she kept her journal was closed, but when she opened it, her heart froze.

The journal was gone.

Chapter 8. Hidden Truths