Lian sat outside the Alpha's chamber, her back pressed against the cold wall. The wooden floor beneath her felt harder than usual, as if the entire packhouse rejected her presence. She wasn’t a real Luna—only in title. The wolves despised her, and Bruce, her husband, made sure she knew her place.
She clenched her fists. Her father, Alpha Edgar, had given her away like an unwanted possession, a burden to be cast aside. He never wanted her, not after her mother died giving birth to her. It was as if Lian had taken everything from him—his fated mate, his happiness, his pride. He blamed her, hated her, and now she was nothing more than an outcast even in her own husband’s pack.
A loud moan echoed from the chamber, making Lian’s stomach churn. She squeezed her eyes shut, but it didn’t help. Her werewolf senses picked up every sound, every groan of pleasure between Bruce and Rashel. His favorite Beta. His chosen mate.
Luminous, her wolf, stirred inside her. “Leave. You don’t need to hear this.”
Lian sighed. “I can’t. If I leave, he’ll punish me.”
Her wolf growled in frustration. “This isn’t a life. Even rogues have more dignity than this.”
Freedom. The thought made Lian’s heart ache. What would it be like to run through the forest, to live without fear? The idea was tempting, but the reality was bleak. She had no allies, no one to turn to. The Betas always watched her, ensuring she had nowhere to escape.
The sounds from inside ceased, and Lian knew it was time. Taking a deep breath, she stood and knocked softly on the door.
“Come in,” Bruce’s voice rang out, void of warmth.
She pushed the door open, and immediately, the overwhelming scent of sweat and desire hit her. The air was thick with the mingling smells of Bruce and Rashel, and Lian fought the urge to gag. Her eyes stayed downcast as she stepped inside, her hands trembling slightly.
Bruce didn’t even glance at her. “Clean up.”
Lian obeyed without a word. She moved swiftly, picking up discarded clothes, fixing the bed, and wiping away the remnants of their time together. As she reached Rashel’s side, the Beta suddenly let out a sharp scream.
Lian flinched and looked up in shock. Rashel clutched her arm, blood dripping between her fingers.
Bruce was at her side in an instant. “What happened?”
“She—she cut me!” Rashel cried, glaring at Lian. “She had something sharp and scraped me on purpose!”
Lian shook her head, her eyes wide. “I didn’t! I swear, I was just cleaning!”
Bruce’s expression darkened. His hand shot out, grabbing Lian’s hair and yanking her down. Pain shot through her scalp as she stumbled, barely catching herself before she hit the ground.
“You dare harm Rashel?” he snarled before slapping her across the face. The force sent her reeling, and her cheek burned from the impact.
“Bruce, I didn’t—”
Another slap silenced her. He gripped her hair again, dragging her across the wooden floor. Lian winced as splinters dug into her skin. Her heart pounded, but she didn’t fight back. She knew better.
By the time they reached the outside of the packhouse, several Betas had gathered. Bruce threw her forward, and she landed harshly on the dirt.
“Teach her a lesson,” Bruce commanded, his voice cold. “Make sure she remembers her place.”
Lian’s stomach twisted in fear. The Betas grinned, their eyes gleaming with cruel anticipation. They enjoyed this—hurting her, humiliating her. She had no allies, no protection.
The first punch landed in her stomach, knocking the air from her lungs. Before she could recover, another blow struck her ribs, followed by a kick to her back. She curled into herself, shielding her face as best she could, but the assault continued. Pain consumed her, and her vision blurred.
She turned her head slightly, searching for Bruce—searching for anything that might make this stop. But his gaze was cold, indifferent. And then she saw Rashel.
Smiling.
Enjoying her suffering.
Lian’s chest tightened. How could they? She had done nothing, yet they relished in her pain as if it were entertainment. Why?
She closed her eyes, pleading silently. Moon Goddess, please… Her body ached, her spirit breaking. Save me…
Another kick to her side made her gasp. She tasted blood, the metallic tang bitter on her tongue.
I don’t want to die like this.
Luminous whimpered inside her, but there was nothing either of them could do. Not now.
When they are satisfied, Bruce gives her the final kick and leaves. Leaving her on the floor battered and bruised.
Luminous whimpered. “Lian, let’s leave this place. I can’t… I can’t watch you like this anymore.”
“I don’t have any strength in me… It’s not like I can transform like everyone else,” Lian whispered with a bitter smile.
“I’ll give you some, so let’s leave! Let’s run away!”
Lian felt her body warmed and she felt she regained her strength. With that, even there is pain she ran. Ran away. When she arrived at the border of the pack settlement, Lian immediately passed them.
“Hey! Capture her!”
