Chapter 15
Reed woke to the sharp scent of antiseptic. The aftermath of alcohol still clouded his senses, his head throbbing and stomach burning with acid.
As his vision cleared, he found his pack members watching him, their relief at his consciousness overshadowed by disappointment.
“How long will you destroy yourself over one she–wolf?” his father’s Alpha authority filled the room.
His pack brothers crowded closer, their concern evident in their scents. “Winter’s been gone a month
ithout a trace. She clearly doesn’t want to be found, Alpha.”
“You could have any mate in the territory. Why torture yourself over her?”
Reed had heard these arguments countless times this past month. His bloodshot eyes remained unfocused, his unshaven face set in stubborn lines.
His father’s patience finally snapped, Alpha power crackling through the room. “You’re my heir! The future Alpha of the Sullivan pack! Yet you waste away pining like a lovesick omega!”
“I’ve arranged a mate bond. In five days, you’ll complete the ceremony. Defy me, and you’ll be cast from the pack!”
The door slammed behind the Elder Alpha, leaving the room in tense silence.
Reed forced himself upright, his voice rough. “Who’s the chosen mate?”
“Julia Crescent, third daughter of the Crescent pack.”
The Crescents? Reed’s wolf growled softly. “Tell her this no one decides my mate but me. If she’s wise, she’ll reject the arrangement. I won’t show mercy to the Crescent pack if forced.”
His pack brothers shifted uncomfortably, caught between two Alphas.
“In our circles, mate bonds are often political alliances. Your father has given his final command. The Crescents are powerful allies…”
“Besides, the moon ceremony invitations are sent. Winter’s bloodline isn’t strong enough for our pack anyway.”
Reed’s expression turned glacial at their words. His wolf’s anger filled the room. “Speak of her that
The Forsaken Luna’s Awakening. Breaking Free from My Alpha’s Seven Year Betrayal
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way again and you’ll leave my territory. Winter Frost will be my only mate, my only Luna. I don’t
care care
about the Crescents or any other pack.”
They retreated quickly, leaving Reed alone.
In the silence, he closed his eyes, memories flooding back. Winter adjusting his tie each morning with a gentle kiss. Her tears and careful nursing when he was ill. The surprises she planned for each moon ceremony, her promises of running together until they were old…
All those precious moments he’d taken for granted, now lost to his own arrogance.
His assistant’s latest report showed no trace of Winter anywhere. Reed’s heart ached anew.
De clutched her abandoned phone like a final lifeline to what he’d lost.