Eileen's POV

Jason's coldness was like a sharp knife, plunging straight into my heart. The pain of the broken bond was unbearable, but this cut deeper. I clenched my teeth, clutching Amber tightly as I dragged myself out of that hell.

Amber was still unconscious in my arms. Where could we go? A banished Luna with an autistic daughter—would any pack even accept us?

The rain poured down, soaking me to the bone. I couldn't tell if the wetness on my face was rain or tears. I turned back to look at the tightly shut gates of the pack factory. They stood as cold and unwelcoming as Jason's heart.

Amber was a smart child. Despite her inability to speak, she had always been remarkable. Yet, she had never received love from her father or the pack. Her birth had been a disappointment to Jason and the pack, and I had faced relentless pressure for not producing a son. Maybe leaving this pack was the best thing I could do for my child. I could only hope my love would be enough for her.

"It's just us now, sweetheart," I whispered into the darkness, my voice firm. "Mommy promises you'll grow up healthy and strong."

As I prepared to take my first step, the sudden glare of headlights pierced through the rain. Fear surged within me. Had Jason changed his mind? Did he really intend to kill us instead of just banishing us?

The pain of the broken bond left me unable to shift into my wolf form. I needed time to recover. I quickened my pace, but the car sped up, screeching to a halt right in front of us.

I glared at the vehicle, ready to fight, but when the door opened, my expression softened.

"Luna Eileen!" I heard the familiar voice of Beta Silas. His tall frame emerged, his brow furrowed with worry.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted out, confused. As a Beta, Silas was bound to obey his Alpha. Though we were close friends, too much contact between us would put him in a difficult position. No wolf could withstand the wrath of an Alpha.

"I heard everything between you and the Alpha," he said, his expression filled with guilt and pain. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you."

I nodded, tears welling up again. After the blows of infertility and Jason's betrayal, Silas's presence was a lifEileene. I was grateful.

"Thank you, Silas, but I have to leave. You know the Alpha's orders…" I stepped back, ready to walk around him, but he stopped me.

"Luna, I thought you might need a car," he explained.

Tears streamed down my face without warning. After being abandoned by those closest to me twice, Silas had chosen to help without question.

I knew my fate had changed. I couldn't let myself fall apart. I would fight for my destiny—and for Amber.

"Thank you, Silas. You have no idea how much this means to me…"

"Take care, Luna," he said sadly. "I believe Alpha Jason will regret what he's done to you."

I shook my head. I would never return to Jason. As I closed the car door, I took one last look at the pack I had called home for over six years, then drove off into the night. My heart ached, feEileeng as though I had left a part of myself behind.

"Everything will be okay," I repeated to myself, the words a feeble comfort as I distanced myself from the place I once called home. Yet, it didn't stop the tears from streaming down my face.

Why had the Moon Goddess cursed me with such a terrible mate? Had the injustices I suffered before adulthood not been punishment enough?

"Mommy, don't cry," Amber's hoarse voice broke the silence. My eyes widened in shock.

"I… love you… Mommy," she stammered, wiping my tears. This was the first time Amber had spoken. I wasn't dreaming!

"Oh, Moon Goddess!" I exclaimed, a radiant smile spreading across my face. I was overjoyed.

In that moment, I realized the extent of the damage Jason had done to Amber. I was grateful I had left that despicable man.

My brief joy was cut short by a howl echoing through the woods. I stepped back, alert, scanning my surroundings. I held Amber tightly, my heart racing as I sensed danger lurking.

When a second, more guttural howl joined the first, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My wolf instincts screamed at me to run, but I knew I couldn't make a rash decision with Amber in my arms. My only option was to fight.

I shifted Amber's weight, holding her with one arm against my chest while slowly reaching for the dagger hidden beneath my cloak. The blade was small but razor-sharp—enough to inflict damage. I prayed it would be enough.

Two rogues emerged from the woods, blocking my path. Their matted fur dripped with rain, their lips curled back to reveal glistening fangs.

The first wolf lunged at me, but I dodged just in time, slashing its side with the dagger. The wolf yelped but quickly recovered, circling me like a vulture. I barely had time to catch my breath before the second wolf charged, jaws wide.

I twisted my body, swinging the dagger upward with all my strength. The blade sank into flesh, piercing deep into the rogue's neck. The wolf collapsed, blood gushing as its growl turned into a choked gurgle.

Before I could process what had just happened, the first rogue attacked again, knocking me to the ground. I landed hard, my back hitting the muddy earth. Amber let out a frightened cry, and I quickly rolled over, shielding her from the wolf's claws.

I cried out in pain, panic setting in. I was still weak from the rejection and the physical toll it had taken on me. The stench of witch magic clung to the rogues. I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess for help, knowing the rogues could easily overpower me.

As if the Moon Goddess had heard me, a powerful black wolf leaped into the fray, tearing the rogue off me and snapping its neck in an instant. A familiar scent of mate tea filled the air.

His deep black eyes turned to me, and a chill ran down my spine. I let out a soft gasp. Those eyes belonged to Arthur—my childhood friend, first love, and tormentor. And now, he was my second mate!

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