Diane, an orphan and the hero's best friend since childhood, harbored a secret love for him. When he is crowned Alpha, they share a night of passion, but he discovers his destined mate the next day and chooses her as Luna, breaking the heroine's heart. Pregnant with a baby, the heroine leaves the pack to blend into the human world, where she becomes a doctor while raising her children. Years later, the hero's father falls seriously ill, and the hero, whose marriage collapses after being deceived by his luna, contacts the heroine for help. Although she initially refuses, she is kidnapped and forcefully brought back to the pack. There, the hero discovers the existence of the baby and begins to feel a strong connection with the heroine, whom he realizes is his second companion. However, she took hemlock to remove this bond, fearing to relive the pain of their first separation.
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
The first rays of the sun peeked through the trees, bathing the clearing in a soft, golden glow. Diane, perched on an old branch of a century-old oak tree, silently observed the graceful movements of nature around her. She had always found a strange comfort in this isolated place, where she could be alone with her thoughts. But that morning, she hadn't come to think. She was waiting.
A rustling of leaves made her smile. She didn't have to look to know it was him. His footsteps, although alert and light, were immediately recognizable. He always had a particular way of walking, as if he already carried the heavy responsibilities of his destiny on his young shoulders.
"Are you daydreaming again, Diane? » he said in a mocking tone as he approached.
She looked up to meet his gaze and gave him an amused smile. He stood there, a little out of breath, his hair disheveled and his cheeks pink from running. He already seemed so strong, even at that age. His presence always gave her this strange warm feeling in her chest, a spark of emotion that she couldn't quite understand or control.
"I was waiting for you, that's all," she replied, a bit provocatively. "If anyone here takes their time, it's you. »
He narrowed his eyes, looking falsely offended. "If I knew you wanted me by your side so soon, I would have run faster. » His eyes shone with mischief.
She rolled her eyes to hide her embarrassment. Each exchange between them took place like a carefully choreographed dance, where everyone knew their role, their lines and even their silences perfectly. She was his closest friend, his confidante, his play partner. But she knew that to him, she was nothing more than that. A bitter feeling that she tried to repress every time it entered her mind.
They spent hours talking and laughing together, sharing stories, hopes, and dreams. He dreamed of one day becoming a respected leader, protecting their pack and honoring the legacy of his ancestors. She, for her part, never talked about her dreams. She feared they would reveal what she was trying to hide deep inside.
The afternoon was progressing slowly when he turned to her, a sparkle in his eyes. "Today is the day my father will officially announce me as his successor. I will officially be the alpha in the making. »
Diane felt her heart tighten, a mixture of pride and sadness settling inside her. Of course she knew this moment would come. Ever since they were kids, everyone knew that he would one day become the alpha. But today, this dream took on a real dimension, a dimension which gave a glimpse of a future where she would forever remain in the shadows, always close without ever being quite at his side.
"So, you'll be a big boss soon, huh? » she said, trying to keep her tone light, even if her voice betrayed a touch of melancholy.
He frowned, as if sensing something unusual in her tone. "Hey, you'll always be here, Diane. You know I could never do it without you. »
She smiled softly at him, but inside she felt a dull pain. Yes, she would always be there for him. She had always been there, ready to sacrifice everything for him, to silence her own desires to see his come true. But she knew that, for him, she would never be anything other than a childhood friend, an accomplice.
When dusk fell, they headed together towards the pack village, where the ceremony was being prepared. Torches lit the place, and everyone gathered around, a mixture of excitement and solemnity hanging in the air. Diane stood back, observing the scene with a mixture of pride and resignation.
The hero's father, an imposing man with a penetrating gaze, stood in the center, his son at his side. In a loud voice, he announced that his heir, his worthy successor, would soon take the reins of the pack. The hero, his friend, his first secret love, advanced towards him amid cheers. Diane applauded with them, but she felt tears welling up despite herself.
The crowd chanted his name, cheering him as the next alpha. He turned briefly, and their eyes met. She forced herself to smile, to show him her unconditional support, even though she felt like she was falling apart inside. To him, she was a precious friend, almost a sister, and that was all she would ever be. She had always known it, but never had the truth seemed as cruel as it did in that moment.
When the crowd dispersed, she remained behind, unable to mingle with the others. She looked at him from afar, with a heavy heart. He was surrounded by his family, elders, other members of the pack, all showing him deep respect. And she, who had always been there, found herself observing this scene from an insurmountable distance.
He looked for her, and as soon as he saw her, he excused himself to those around him to join her. "Hey, why are you staying away? Come on! »
She lowered her head to hide the emotion in her eyes. "I just wanted to let you enjoy this time with your family. It's a big day, after all. »
He smiled softly, bringing a hand to her shoulder to squeeze it affectionately. "You're part of my family, Diane. You were always there for me, you supported me. This moment is also for you. »
She felt her heart warm at these words, but a small voice inside reminded her that she should not let herself get carried away. She shouldn't expect more than he already offered her.
They spent the rest of the evening together, talking, laughing and sharing childhood memories. But Diane knew that deep down, something had changed that day. A piece of her heart, fragile and burning with love for him, had just broken, slowly and silently.
When he walked her home, silence settled between them. She felt her heart beat faster, as if each second marked a painful and desperate beat.
"Thank you for everything," he whispered, looking at her intently. "I don't know what I would do without you. »
She felt tears welling up in her eyes and looked away so he wouldn't see them. "You won't have to do without me," she said in a hushed voice. "I'll always be here. »
As he walked away, she remained frozen, her gaze fixed on his back, realizing with painful lucidity that she would be there, always, but that he would never see her as anything other than this loyal friend.
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