The Alpha's Redemption Moon's Rebirth

There were more people at the event than I had anticipated. I looked at the faces, wondering if one of them might be my mate, and my heart was racing. Is he coming here tonight?

I clutched my hands together and whispered, "Oh, come on, Melissa." "This is something you can do."

I had never attended a meeting like this as a silent, unnoticed Lithamoon Pack member. I kept to myself most of the time, but tonight was supposed to be different. I might discover the one I was supposed to find him today.

"Elissa!" Mia, my dearest friend, showed up with a beaming expression. "You look stunning. I have a feeling that this will be your night. Have you already sensed anyone?

My cheeks were flushed as I shook my head. "Not just yet. However, I feel this way.

Mia squeezed my hand and smiled. The moon goddess will not disappoint you. You are the one who deserves a partner the most.

I froze as a strong surge of energy hit me, causing an odd tingling sensation in my chest. When I raised my head, I saw... him.

Ronan Maddox, Alpha.

The Lithamoon Pack's fierce, strong leader. As our gazes looked across the packed hall, I gasped. I knew right away because his black eyes kept me in place. It was this. My mate was Ronan Maddox.

However, Ronan's eyes were icy and piercing rather than the kind, inviting smile I had always imagined. He didn't appear happy. No, he seems... disheartened.

"Ronan," I muttered, my heart racing.

Everyone in his path had to move aside as he approached me, his towering stature looming. He got closer, his face harsh and unreadable, and the audience got hushed.

His voice was as icy as ice as he said, "Melissa Cade." "Is that accurate? Are you my friend?

Feeling the weight of the pack's eyes on us, I nodded slowly. "Yes, Alpha Ronan. I... I sensed the connection.

Ronan scoffed after staring at me and glancing up and down. "This isn't possible."

I felt sick to my stomach. "W-What are you saying?"

His voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, and he crossed his arms. "I need a Luna who can lead by my side and is strong." Not a person like you.

His words burnt into my face. Not me. Each of his piercing words sliced through me, shattering fragments of my heart.

I fought back tears and managed to mutter, "Alpha, please." "I am aware of my weakness, but I can."

His face stiffening, he interrupted me. Melissa, I don't want any weak points in this bundle. You are not necessary to me.

Whispers spread like wildfire throughout the gathering. The individuals who had always ignored me were suddenly openly discussing me, and I could hear them. Regarding their Alpha's rejection of his partner.

The ground seemed to be dropping out from under me as I stood there motionless.

"Alpha... please," I said in a barely audible whisper.

However, Ronan had already abandoned me, leaving as though I were inconsequential, and our relationship was of no importance.

I was sitting on a seat outdoors with my head in my hands when Mia discovered me. I made an unsuccessful attempt to control my tears. I felt like my heart was irreparably broken.

Melissa... Mia sat next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders while speaking softly. "I witnessed what took place. I'm so sorry.

Wiping my face with my sleeve, I looked up. "Mia, he turned me down. Like that, right in front of everybody. Like I didn't mean anything.

"Don't say that," Mia firmly remarked. "How he treated you tonight is not worth nearly as much as you are. He is not necessarily correct just because he is Alpha.

She was warm next to me, consoling me in a way that only a good friend could, and I sniffed. However, he is my friend. I believed that partners were meant to love and support one another.

Mia squeezed my hand. Melissa, not all Alphas are like him. Perhaps he isn't worthy of you. You have a soft personality and a compassionate heart. That isn't a sign of weakness.

I forced a melancholy smile. "Thank you, Mia. However, I'm not sure if I can remain here. I'll be reminded of tonight... and how he turned me down every time I see him.

Mia's gaze expanded. "You can't leave, Melissa. You call this place home.

With my heart hurting, I muttered, "I don't know, Mia." "I simply need some room." I might be better off going.

Mia gave me a tight hug. "I'll be here for you no matter what you decide. Don't let him break you, though. He has no right to determine your value.

Later that evening, as I was still lost in my thoughts and meandering in the peaceful woods, I heard voices in the distance. Curious, I ducked behind a tree to get a better look at Ronan holding a stunning, enigmatic she-wolf that I had never seen before. She held herself with authority and had piercing, incisive eyes.

"Lyra. As he said her name, Ronan's tone was gentle, almost loving.

My heart tightened. Lyra. I had no idea who she was, but I could tell by the way he gazed at her that he was looking at me with a warmth I had never seen before.

Lyra's voice was confident and silky as she replied, "You did well tonight." "It was the correct thing to reject her. She's not strong enough to be your Luna.

Ronan let out a disappointed groan. "Lyra, it wasn't simple. She is my partner. There is a bond, there is.

Lyra touched his arm while grinning icily. "The link should be forgotten. You need someone who can lead you and who is strong at your side. Isn't that the main goal of this?

Ronan's face hardened as he nodded. "You're right. The pack will benefit from this. I can't let my feelings influence my decisions.

Feelings? Did he feel anything for me? A glimmer of optimism flickered through me, but it was swiftly extinguished as Lyra's subsequent remarks became clear.

With her fingers running down his arm, she purred, "Remember, Ronan, I'm here for you." I am aware of your needs. And we both gain from this cooperation. Isn't it just political?

After hesitating, Ronan nodded. "Yes, it is."

In an attempt to comprehend what I had just heard, I bolted my fists. Therefore, he also didn't truly care about her. This was a warped partnership of some kind.

However, why? What did Ronan conceal? And for this alleged political advantage, why was he prepared to turn down me, his mate?

With my heartbeat moving fast and my thoughts full of questions, I slowly retreated. What sort of control did Lyra have over Ronan, and who she was?

One thing became evident to me as I ducked deeper into the shadows: Ronan was concealing something. And I was determined to find out what it was, no matter how much it hurt.