The Betrayed Warrior Lunas Second Chance

ELIZA'S POV

After the final financial meeting of the day, I collapsed into the plush chair behind my desk, exhaustion weighing on my bones. As the Luna of the Crescent Moon Pack, my responsibilities stretched far beyond internal management-I had to ensure the pack's economic stability, too.

It wasn't easy. No mentor. No guidance. And as a woman, every decision I made was scrutinized.

But I had to be strong-because my husband, Derek, Alpha of the second-largest werewolf kingdom, was fighting on the front lines for our people.

As his Luna and his strongest supporter, I had to keep the pack safe and stable in his absence.

And so far, I had done well.

Then, a searing pain erupted at my mating mark.

Since my father and brothers had fallen in battle, the scar had ached under stress-but this was different. This felt like claws raking through my flesh.

I winced, pressing a hand to the burning skin-

"Luna!"

An Omega servant burst in, eyes bright with excitement. "Alpha Derek has returned!"

Derek? Back?

My heart lurched. According to the last report, he wasn't due for another two weeks. If he was here early, it could only mean one thing-victory.

Pride swelled in my chest. My Alpha had brought glory to the pack once again.

The thought of him-his powerful frame, those piercing blue eyes-made my thighs tremble as warmth pooled between them.

We weren't fated mates, only chosen ones-but our bond was strong. His touch still set my skin ablaze; his growls still echoed in my dreams. My fingers brushed the mark again, its heat unrelenting.

"Take me to see him," I nodded and said.

With servants flocking around me, straightening my robes and smoothing my hair, I strode toward the pack's entrance. One even giggled, "Perhaps tonight, the Luna and Alpha will finally have an heir!"

I allowed a small smile-but the pain at my neck flared hotter.

"Our mate has betrayed us," my wolf snarled, its voice thick with fury.

I froze.

...Absurd.

Derek? Betray me? Impossible. I shook my head, dismissing the thought. My mother had chosen him herself-she'd called him honorable. And I, with my skills and my family's resources, had helped make the Crescent Moon Pack the second-strongest in the kingdom.

He would never dishonor me.

I was just tired.

But then-his scent hit me.

Familiar. Powerful.

And laced with something sweet.

My gaze snapped forward-

There he stood, as imposing as ever.

But his hand was wrapped around another woman's.

The way he looked at her-soft, adoring-was like a knife to my ribs.

Just as he'd once looked at me.

The mark exploded in agony, fire racing through my veins. I lifted a hand, my voice like ice.

"Everyone-leave."

They didn't need to see their leader in disarray-it would undermine the pack's stability.

The servants hesitated.