The moonlight streamed through the tall windows of the Shadowcrest office as I hunched over the massive oak table, surrounded by maps, schedules, and security protocols. My fingers traced the perimeter of our territory, pinpointing vulnerable areas where rogue wolves might infiltrate during the upcoming Pack Summit.
"No, this won't work," I murmured, circling a section of the beta's security plan. "The eastern border is left exposed for nearly three hours during the ceremonial hunt."
I grabbed a red pen and began reworking the patrol schedules, ensuring continuous coverage. The Summit would bring Alphas from twelve territories, making security paramount. I couldn't allow any mistakes—not when I'd sacrificed everything to help Wyatt rebuild this pack.
The door creaked open, and I instinctively slid the maps toward me, hiding my work. Years of being dismissed as merely a wolfless omega had taught me to keep my contributions quiet.
"Alpha Wyatt," Beta Marcus acknowledged, his voice carrying the respect due to our pack leader.
I pressed myself deeper into the shadows of the adjoining archive room, not wanting to be seen. The Alpha's presence filled any space he entered, his power palpable even to someone like me who lacked a wolf.
"The preparations are nearly complete," Marcus continued. "The ceremonial grounds have been prepared for the Moon Ceremony."
My heart stuttered. The Moon Ceremony—where Alphas could formally claim their mates. I'd been waiting years for Wyatt to acknowledge our bond publicly.
"Good," Wyatt's deep voice replied. "Everything must be perfect when I mark Kehlani."
The pen slipped from my fingers, clattering onto the wooden floor. Neither man noticed.
"But sir," Marcus sounded hesitant, "what about Celeste? She's been by your side since we rebuilt the pack."
I held my breath, straining to hear Wyatt's response.
"Celeste has been useful," Wyatt said dismissively. "But a wolfless omega cannot be my true mate. The Moon Goddess wouldn't make such a mistake."
His words sliced through me like silver blades. I pressed my hand against my mouth to stifle any sound.
"Besides," he continued, "she likely stayed only for the protection my position provides. Once I mark Kehlani at the Summit, she'll understand her place."
---
Hours later, I trudged up the stairs to my quarters, emotionally drained. The silver pendant at my throat—my mother's final gift—felt heavier than usual. I touched it for courage, a habit I'd developed over years of enduring whispers about my wolfless state.
As I approached my door, confusion washed over me. Cardboard boxes lined the hallway—my boxes.
"Careful with those drapes," a familiar voice commanded from inside my room. "They're going in the new Luna's quarters."
Kehlani Mason stood in the center of my bedroom, directing two omega servants who were packing my belongings. Her sleek black hair cascaded down her back, and her designer clothes made my simple attire look like rags.
"What's happening?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Kehlani turned, her perfect lips curving into a smile that never reached her eyes. "Oh, Celeste. I thought you'd been informed."
She approached me with measured steps, her expensive perfume choking the air. "As future Luna, I need quarters closest to the Alpha. Your rooms have the best location."
"But these are my quarters," I protested, touching my mother's pendant again.
Kehlani's gaze followed the movement, her eyes narrowing. "Those servants are taking too long. Show me what's in the closet."
Before I could stop her, she strode to my wardrobe and flung it open. Her hands seized the ceremonial cloak hanging inside—my mother's cloak, adorned with silver embroidery and moonstone beads from the Great Rogue War.
"This is a Luna's garment," she declared, holding it against herself. "It belongs to the pack's Luna, not a servant."
"That was my mother's," I said, my voice stronger now. "Luna Helena wore it during the Great Rogue War."
Kehlani's laugh was like breaking glass. "A pretty story. But a wolfless omega couldn't possibly be related to such a legendary Luna."
---
The grand hall buzzed with activity as Alphas from allied packs mingled before the ceremony. I stood in the back, wearing a simple grey dress that blended with the shadows. No one noticed me—the invisible strategist who had helped rebuild this pack.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's voice boomed. "It's time for our annual tribute to the heroes of the Great Rogue War."
My heart raced. This was the moment—the tribute to my mother that Wyatt had promised would include me.
Alpha Wyatt took the stage, resplendent in formal ceremonial attire. "Today we honor those who sacrificed everything to protect our packs."
His gaze swept the room but skipped over me entirely.
"To represent the spirit of the Luna who saved countless lives, I call forward Kehlani Mason."
The crowd erupted in applause as Kehlani glided to the stage, wearing an elegant white gown that seemed to capture all the light in the room.
She accepted the crystal award meant to honor my mother's legacy, her smile radiant as she basked in the recognition that should have been mine.
I stood frozen, invisible in plain sight, as the applause washed over Kehlani like a wave meant for someone else's shore.
