Zariyah's POV
I DON'T HAVE MORE REASONS TO STAY.
My mother's embrace left me feeling warm long after she had departed. My mom had always been my anchor, the constant force that kept me together when my world threatened to disintegrate. Her presence the day before had provided relief to my wounded heart.
“You’re stronger than you realize,” she’d said, her eyes filled with pride as she caressed my cheek. “This baby is lucky to have you.”
“I don't know if I still can stay here, mom,” I cried.
She caressed my face. “You're a Luna. Show them how strong you are.”
Her words echoed in my thoughts as I watched her go, returning to her pack and promising to return a week before my due date. For a brief time, I felt lighter, as if her belief in me had sparked a glimmer of hope.
The following morning, I dressed carefully, putting on a soft, flowing gown that highlighted my growing tummy. Today was a special day—a Redstone Pack custom.
When the Luna is pregnant, she usually hosts a meeting of the pack's ladies. It was supposed to be a celebration, a time of togetherness, but I couldn't get rid of the dread in my chest.The next morning, I dressed carefully, donning a soft, flowing gown that framed my growing belly. Today was an important day—a tradition in the Redstone Pack.
“Greetings to the Luna.”
When the Luna is expecting, it is customary to host a gathering with the women of the pack. It was meant to be a celebration, a moment of unity, but I couldn’t shake the unease in my chest.
Beautiful flowers and delicate lighting adorned the little venue. The ladies came in groups, congratulating one other and sharing their maternity experiences. Despite my lack of grace, I tried my best to seem kind by smiling and nodding.
Then, Marina arrived.
“Greetings, Luna Zariyah.”
She walked in, her demeanour as confident as ever, and the room appeared to quiet. She welcomed the other ladies with confidence, wearing a tight outfit that highlighted her form. In my head, my wolf let out a low growl, reminding me of the tension that had been building between us for months.
Marina made her way to me, her smile as sweet as poison. “Luna,” she said, her tone dripping with false sincerity. “Congratulations. How wonderful it must be to have the pack celebrate you.”
I straightened my posture, refusing to let her see the pain she caused. “It is,” I replied coolly. “After all, I am the Luna, the rightful mate of our Alpha.”
Her smile faltered, and I saw a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. “Of course,” she said, her voice tight. “Though I wonder how you manage with him being so… busy.”
The jab hit its mark, but I refused to let her win. “Trevor may be busy,” I said, my voice firm, “but that doesn’t change who I am. I am his wife, his mate, and the Luna of this pack. That will never change, no matter how much you wish it would.”
The tension in the room was palpable as the other women shifted uncomfortably. Marina’s expression hardened, and I knew she was about to lash out.
“You think you're untouchable, don't you?” she hissed, stepping closer.
I smiled sweetly. “Well, that's what you will feel if you are a Luna...”
I looked at her from head to toe. My eyes were stuck to her growing tummy.
I smirked and added, “Something you will never feel.”
I can see how she suddenly turned red because of the embarrassment. The other women of the pack started to make noises and murmuring.
She gritted her teeth and said. “Well, being Luna is all you got. I bet the Alpha wouldn't even dare to glance at you—”
The small venue completely went silent as they witnessed me slapping Marina.
Tears pooled in Marina's eyes. “Y-You...”
“You're disrespectful to your Luna!” I yelled at her.
But before she could say more, Trevor walked in.
His piercing eyes darted between us, commanding the room. Marina's attitude changed abruptly. She covered her face as if she were about to cry, and her lips quivered.
“Trevor,” she said, her voice quivering, “I didn’t mean to upset her. I was only trying to be kind, but she…” Her voice broke, and she sobbed softly.
I felt like I was struck in the chest by the treachery. Marina was an expert manipulator, and Trevor was duped by her as usual.
“Zariyah,” he replied firmly, irritation in his voice. "What's happening here?"
My pulse was racing with rage as I stared at him. "How about you ask her?" Unable to control my resentment, I lost my temper and snapped.
Marina flashed her crocodile's tears to Trevor. “Alpha Trevor, believe me. I will never dare to hurt or disrespect the Luna.”
Trevor coldly looked at me.
“How dare you slap her? She’s crying because of you,” he said, his tone cold. “Apologize to her.”
The demand was a slap in the face. “You want me to apologize?” I said, my voice rising. “To her? After everything she’s done?”
“Zariyah,” he warned, his eyes narrowing.
I firmly answered, “No, Trevor,” and moved in closer.
“Zariyah! Stop being immature!” he spat.
“No, you stop! I'm tired of going out of my way to please you when you consistently betray me. Your mate is me. I am carrying your kid. But, you consistently choose her. You are not worthy of my apologies!”
The tension was so intense that a knife could pierce the room's silence. Despite clenching his jaw, Trevor remained silent.
With my heart pounding and tears on the verge of spilling, I turned and walked out of the hall.
“Zariyah! Come back here.”
I shook my head.
No, I am done. He just gave me more reasons to leave.
