Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 8

"Alpha," Nathan began cautiously, after a moment of silence between them, "you said Aurora did something... something unforgivable. But what could she have possibly done that would make you reject her, your fated mate, over someone from your past?" Fenrir's face darkened, as if dredging up painful memories. His gaze dropped to the floor, and his voice was barely a murmur. "It wasn't easy for me to believe, either, Nathan. But Arianna... she told me that Aurora was responsible for her disappearance. Aurora did that so I could marry her, Nathan."

Nathan's face twisted with skepticism, his disbelief clear. "Alpha, with all due respect, that doesn't sound like Aurora. She's never shown a hint of cruelty or manipulation in all the time she served as our Luna. She's always put you and the pack before herself." Fenrir's jaw clenched. He had known Aurora as a loyal, gentle mate, but the seed of doubt Arianna planted had taken root and festered. It was hard to ignore.

"I know Aurora's character," he admitted, though his voice sounded uncertain even to his own ears. "But Arianna said it with such conviction. And she was the one I loved first-why would she lie?"

Nathan shook his head, disbelief hardening into frustration. "But you're both fated mates, Alpha. Aurora is your destined Luna, the one chosen by the Moon Goddess. How could Arianna manipulate you into doubting that? She doesn't have the bond with you that Aurora does. Arianna is nothing but a devil!"

Just then, the door to Fenrir's office swung open, and Arianna appeared, her expression dark as she narrowed her eyes at Nathan.

"What did you just say?" she demanded, her tone laced with venom. Her gaze fixed on Nathan, who met her glare with a steady defiance, refusing to back down.

Nathan took a breath, his own eyes flashing with anger.

fury, and in one swift motion, she raised her hand

Nathan staggered slightly but held his ground, his eyes

surged to his feet, anger flooding his veins as he realized

He stepped between her and his Beta, his expression darkening. "I won't tolerate this behavior, especially not toward my Beta. Apologize, and leave

glared at Nathan for a moment longer before scoffing, her lips curling into a smug smile. "Apologize? For defending myself against someone who's clearly biased against

see, Fenrir? They're all trying to

he struggled

wanted to believe Arianna, but the other part-the rational part-could no longer ignore the toxicity she was bringing to

you believe it or not, Arianna, his loyalty includes you. But if you can't respect my Beta, how do you expect anyone in this pack to respect you as their Luna?" Arianna's eyes flashed with hurt, quickly replaced by defiance. She straightened, casting

Fenrir, shaking his head slowly. "That's the woman you let tear apart your marriage with Aurora?" he asked quietly, the disbelief still clear

his face a mask of turmoil and regret. "I don't know what to believe anymore, Nathan," he admitted, his voice a whisper. "Arianna was

took a deep breath, his expression softening as he saw the weariness etched into his Alpha's face. "Fenrir, sometimes, the heart doesn't choose based on reason. We can be led by emotion, by nostalgia, by promises

silent, staring down at his hands as he absorbed his

and her unwavering strength lingered in his