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.

one swift motion,

slap echoed in the room, and Nathan staggered slightly but held his ground,

to his feet, anger flooding his veins as he realized

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

for a moment longer before scoffing, her lips curling into a smug smile. "Apologize? For defending myself

eyes still sparkled with resentment. "Can't you see, Fenrir? They're all trying

jaw clenched as he struggled to maintain his

wanted to believe Arianna, but the other part-the rational part-could no

in this pack to

the slap, and looked at Fenrir, shaking his head slowly. "That's the woman you let tear apart your

Nathan," he admitted, his voice a whisper. "Arianna was my first love, and I trusted her. But now... now I'm

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 that feel too powerful to let go. But Aurora was your true mate, the one chosen by destiny, and she loved you. That kind of bond

staring down at his hands

unwavering strength lingered