The full moon loomed on the horizon, its glow casting an ethereal silver light over the dense forest surrounding our pack territory. Our family—my pack—had planned a retreat deep into the heart of the Lycanthrope Highlands, a rare opportunity to connect with the wild energy that coursed through our veins. I had spent months organizing everything: selecting the best hunting grounds, securing lodges near the Moonstone Crater, and ensuring every pack member had a place.
But everything changed when she decided to come.
Erica.
A lone stray wolf from another territory, once bonded to my mate Felix in their youth. The bond was broken when her family relocated to another territory, but her return had stirred deep and he was once again reminded of their childhood love. When Erica heard about the retreat, she pleaded about joining us. To my shock, Felix not only agreed but went a step too further—he gave her my place and that action got me angry, Felix was behaving like a child, whose lost eye-candy got returned to him.
“Camila,” he had said, trying avoiding my eyes, “Erica is homeless. She doesn’t have anyone to take her on a trip like this. I had no choice but to give her your spot on the moon-bound flight.”
I stared at him, disbelief mingling with the wolf inside me. “You canceled my ticket? The retreat was my idea, how could you take such a decision without informing me about it. Is it fair on your part to do this to me after my all my efforts to make the trip a success.
“You’ll still come,” he said nonchalantly without any remorse,passing me an old paper ticket. “Take the Iron Fang Train. It’s a 36-hour ride, but you’ve always said you enjoy the scenery. So I suggest you take this and join us later.”
The ticket was for the last carriage—a hard seat among rogue traders, pocket pickers, dirty merchants and outcast wolves.
I glanced at the rest of the pack for support, but none came because they turned the other way. My in-laws, the elders of the pack, avoided my gaze. My father-in-law stared intently at his hands, as if he was seeing them for the first time My mother-in-law offered a placating fake smile.
“Camila, Erica and Felix have a strong bond that predates you,” she said softly. “Surely you can understand. She’s delicate—she wouldn't endure the journey by train.”
“Exactly,” chimed Nicole in excitement, Felix's younger sister, her golden eyes sparkling mischievously. “You’re strong, Sis. If anything happens, you’ll handle it. Erica wouldn’t last a day out there, she's a delicate one.”
Anger simmered beneath my skin, the wolf threatening to surface. “Strong or not,” I growled, “I am his mate and at the same time, his lawfully wedded wife. Is that nothing to this pack?”
Feloxscowled angry with my words. “Enough, Camilla. Erica is now family and a member of our park. Stop making this about yourself only.”
At that moment, the door swung open, and the rationale behind my frustration strode in proudly.
Erica.
Her raven-black hair shimmered like the moonlit river, and her scent—a mix of pine and wolfbane—filled the room. She carried herself with the confidence of a Luna even though she had no pack or family to call her own.
“Erica, you’re here!” Nicole rushed forward, her body wagging like an eager pup. She grabbed Erica’s hands and cooed, “I’ve missed you so much! If only you’d stayed behind after your family relocated ,you’d already be Luna of our pack!”
My mother-in-law followed suit, pulling Erica into a warm embrace. “You’ve always been the daughter I dreamed of,” she said. “No one else compares with you.”
I clenched my fists tightly, my claws threatening to pierce the flesh of my palms. “I’ve given everything to this pack,” I said, my voice low but steady. “I’ve raised Nicole as if she were my own sister, cared for the elders, and brought strength, fame and respect to our pack’s name. And yet, you betray me for her?” I voiced out my anguish, barely controlling my voice that was trembling with tears.
Erica smirked, her sharp canines flashing. “Oh, Camilla, don’t be so dramatic. Felix assured me it wasn’t a problem. I even offered to take the train, but he insisted on me comfortable.”
Nicole laughed, looping her arm around Erica’s. “Can you imagine her being on a train? With rogues and outcasts everywhere? No way. You, on the other hand, look fierce enough to keep them at bay.”
Their laughter echoed like a howl in the night.
Felix stepped forward, trying to placate me with his usual charm. “Come on, Camilla. I know this isn’t ideal, but you’re strong enough to handle it. And didn’t you want that new wolfbane pendant? Why don’t you get it as a gift to yourself?”
I raised a eye brow. “Oh, you’re suggesting I buy it myself now?”
Felix flinched at my words. He was fully aware of who provided for this pack. His meager contributions barely covered his extravagant expenses, while my connections had brought wealth and stability to his family name.
“I’ve carried this pack,” I said, my voice rising. “I’ve given my blood, sweat, and soul to keep us united. And this is my reward?”
The room fell silent. Even Erica’s smirk faltered.
“If Erica is the daughter-in-law you all desire so strongly,” I said, my eyes narrowing, “then perhaps she should start shouldering the burden I’ve borne for many years.”
I left the room, my wolf stirring beneath the surface. The pack’s betrayal had awakened something primal within me, and as I glanced at the rising moon, I knew this trip would not end the way they expected. I would wait till then to extract my revenge for what did and as for Felix, I was done with his him, his betrayal has hurt me the most, seeing him choose his childhood love over dawned reality on me.
The wolves of this pack had forgotten my sacrifices and strength.
It was time to remind them.
