Chapter 1. Stunned CHAPTER 1 Riannon stood there not quite believing h

Chapter 1. Stunned

CHAPTER 1

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 Alphas mate.

Ria couldnt 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 wouldnt 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 fathers best friends son and the future Alpha of his own pack. Since they started dating when she was just 15 and he was 16, everybody couldnt 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 Brays 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 couldnt feel anything, but he already knew.

We are not mates, arent 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 doesnt 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 Riannons 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 couldnt help but notice that not everyone seemed startled by the recent events. Her husbands 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 couldnt 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 husbands 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 dont 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, dont 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 Rias 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! Roxannes 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 couldnt 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 husbands 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 whats 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 couldnt leave her there. It would be horrible and my wolf would never forgive me. I just need her presence here. Thats 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. Dont be shy and leave me a comment. I also have a group called Marissa Gilberts 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. Brays 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. Rias eyes met with her best friend Mayas and tears almost rolled in her eyes. Maya was one of those killed in Roxys 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. Well 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 wasnt 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 wouldnt ask you if it wasnt important. I am the Alpha of our pack and my wolf is going crazy for his mate. We cant 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 whats best for the pack, Bray mumbled, not sounding so sure anymore and Ria felt a prick of hope.

If you want whats 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. Ill 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! Ill do anything!

Bray froze. He couldnt 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 didnt 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! Dont 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, dont kill me! Please, spare me! I will be your slave forever. Dont 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! Well 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. Roxannes head was tucked into Braydens 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 omegas 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 Mayas 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, Its 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 Betas 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!

Lets go to your room, Maya suggested, Well 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 couldnt save her marriage, but she could still save Maya, other people who died with Roxys help, her pack and her own life.

I just cant right now, she smiled at her friend, squeezing her hands, still not quite believing that she was here, Lets talk another time. I have a lot of work to do.

Work? Mayas 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 someones 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 wouldnt be the first time he saw her without clothes. It wouldnt be the last probably.

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

Ive 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 didnt you shift?

I did, she lied without blinking. If anyone knew that she couldnt shift, then her fate would be decided even sooner. She couldnt afford that. Ria knew that she needed time. But thats 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.

Its 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 husbands 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 didnt even object when they stripped her of her title There were a lot of things that she wanted to tell him but she couldnt.

So, she just placed her delicate hand on his broad shoulder and looked him in the eye, smiling sadly, You knew, didnt 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.

Its okay, she patted him, I understand. You cant go against your Alphas command.

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

Doesnt 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, Ill 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 hadnt 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 hadnt 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 couldnt change the main event and get rid of Roxy, she had to leave. But she couldnt 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 Roxannes 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 wouldnt have the packs interests at heart.

And although Rias own heart craved revenge, she didnt want her lifes work to be ruined. Plus, she didnt 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 didnt pay attention to that.

Guilt was all over his face and Ria wanted to roll her eyes, but held herself back. She couldnt give herself away. This event did not happen prior. In her past life, he didnt 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 didnt 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. I

Lets 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 hadnt 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 Braydens wolf Ragnar. But she didnt feel Onyx now. She wasnt 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, dont 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 intruders 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.

Youll 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 didnt 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 wouldnt 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. Thats when Rias 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.
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