Bound by hatred and betrayal

The ceremony was supposed to be perfect.

I was Caroline Sullivan, Luna of the Red Moon Pack, and tonight was meant to be my proudest moment. For years, I stood by Jack Red’s side, my mate, my Alpha-to-be, supporting him in every battle, every decision, and every challenge that came our way. He was my world—strong, charismatic, and the kind of leader our pack admired without question.

Jack wasn’t just my mate; he was my partner. Together, we had a bond others envied, a connection that felt unshakable. Or at least, that’s what I thought.

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of my dress for what felt like the hundredth time. White and silver shimmered under the soft light, the tiny moonstones stitched into the gown catching and reflecting every glimmer. It was tradition, the ceremonial dress every Luna wore to honor her Alpha.

I was supposed to feel proud. Excited. Ready to stand beside him as he claimed his place as Alpha. Instead, I felt… uneasy.

Jack had been distant for days. It wasn’t like him. Jack, my steady, warm, ever-confident Jack, had become a stranger. When I reached for him, he pulled away. When I tried to talk to him, his answers were clipped and cold. “Just busy,” he’d say, over and over, brushing me off like I was an afterthought.

I adjusted the dress again, fidgeting with the moonstones along the bodice. My reflection stared back at me, pale and tense.

“You’re overthinking,” I whispered, trying to convince myself. “He’s just stressed. That’s all. Tonight will fix everything.”

But the unease clung to me, refusing to let go.

The ceremony hall buzzed with energy. Pack members filled every corner, dressed in their finest. Everyone smiled and laughed, excited for the celebration. Jack was their Alpha, their leader. And tonight, they would honor him.

“Caroline!”

I turned to see my friend Beth rushing toward me. Her dark curls bounced as she grabbed my hands. “You look beautiful! Jack is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you.”

Beth tilted her head, studying me. “What’s wrong? You don’t seem excited.”

“I’m fine,” I lied.

She didn’t believe me, but thankfully, she didn’t push. “Come on. Jack’s probably looking for you.”

I nodded, but my heart felt heavy.

Jack wasn’t looking for me.

I searched for him anyway.

The packhouse was enormous, with hallways that twisted and turned like a maze. I checked the dining hall, the main office, even the balcony where he liked to clear his head. He wasn’t there.

“Where are you?” I whispered, frustration bubbling in my chest.

Then I heard voices.

Low, quiet whispers came from one of the side halls. My footsteps slowed as I followed the sound.

“I don’t care what they think,” a familiar voice said.

Jack.

I stopped in my tracks, pressing my back against the wall. Why was he whispering? And who was he talking to?

“You’re the one I truly want,” he said, his voice softer now.

My stomach dropped.

Another voice answered him, a woman’s voice. “Then prove it.”

It was Clara Sinly.

Clara was a pack member. Beautiful. Confident. And always near Jack. I’d seen the way she looked at him, but I never thought…

My hands shook as I peeked around the corner.

They stood close, too close. Jack’s hand rested on her arm, his head tilted down as he whispered to her. Clara smiled, leaning in like she didn’t care who saw them.

My chest tightened.

This couldn’t be real.

Jack wasn’t like this. He wouldn’t do this.

But he was.

“I’ll figure it out,” Jack said, his voice firm. “But tonight, you need to keep your distance.”

Clara laughed softly. “Don’t worry. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

I couldn’t breathe.

My mate, my Alpha, the man I was supposed to spend my life with, was standing here, whispering sweet nothings to another woman.

My hands clenched into fists.

I wanted to scream. To storm into the hallway and demand answers. But my legs wouldn’t move.

Instead, I turned and ran.

My dress swished around my ankles as I hurried back to my room. My heart pounded in my ears, and my breath came in short gasps.

I slammed the door behind me, leaning against it as tears streamed down my face.

“What am I supposed to do?” I whispered.

This was supposed to be our night. The night Jack and I celebrated his leadership, our bond, our future. But now, all I could see was the way he looked at Clara.

The way he touched her.

The way he whispered, “You’re the one I truly want.”

I sank to the floor, my head in my hands.

The mate bond burned in my chest, a repeated display of our connection. I felt everything he felt—his happiness, his anger, his love.

But tonight, all I felt was betrayal.

The ceremony was starting soon. I was supposed to stand by Jack’s side, smiling as the pack cheered for him. But how could I?

How could I pretend everything was fine when my heart was breaking?

A knock at the door startled me.

“Caroline?” Beth’s voice called. “Are you in there?”

I wiped my tears quickly, forcing myself to stand. “I’m here.”

The door opened, and Beth stepped inside. Her smile faded when she saw my face. “What happened? You look…awful.”

I shook my head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

“Caroline…”

“I said I’m fine,” I snapped.

Beth frowned but didn’t push. “The ceremony’s about to start. Jack’s waiting for you.”

Her words felt like a knife to the chest.

Jack was waiting for me.

But he wasn’t waiting for me.

Not really.

“I’ll be there soon,” I said, my voice hollow.

Beth hesitated before nodding and leaving the room.

As soon as the door closed, I let out a shaky breath.

I needed to decide.

I could walk into that ceremony, stand by Jack’s side, and pretend everything was perfect. Or I could walk away.

The thought scared me. Leaving Jack, leaving the pack, leaving everything I’d ever known—it felt impossible.

But staying felt worse.

I turned back to the mirror, staring at my reflection. My dress sparkled under the light, but my eyes were dull.

This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to be.

And it wasn’t how it was going to end.

I squared my shoulders, wiping the tears from my face. My heart ached, but I pushed the pain aside.

Tonight, I would make a choice.

For myself.