Chapter 1

“I did nothing to her!” The sound of Erika's voice reverberated in the entire pack house as she followed Alex up the stairs, tears staining her delicate face.

She knew that Alex at least didn't like her, but they had been married for three years. Three whole years!

He still didn't trust her.

How could he say she was capable of murder when she hadn't even done anything to anyone for the past three years she had been living in the packhouse as his Luna?

She had done everything she knew a good Luna and good daughter in-law should do, making sure that everything and everyone was happy. But he still felt she hadn't done enough and couldn't even trust her.

If she really had ulterior motives, She would have directly killed everyone in the Blood Moon Pack with just a few Wolfbanes here and there in their food as she was the cook in the house.

But instead, Alex chose to believe that bitch that just arrived two days ago.

“You were the only one standing close to the staircase!” Alex's voice boomed in anger.

How could a woman be so shameless?

She was the only one standing at the staircase at the time of the fall, how could she still deny the fact that she was responsible for Serenity's fall!

Erika gave Alex a bewildered look, “Alex I did nothing! Serenity threw herself down the stairs to frame me!” She defended anxiously.

That Serenity girl was vicious, extremely vicious. Even to her own self.

She and Serenity had been standing by the staircase earlier, discussing the issue of Serenity being Alex's first love and Erika being the obstacle.

Then suddenly, Serenity sighted Alex approaching and immediately grabbed Erika, saying Erika should forgive her.

At first, Erika was very surprised. But when she saw Alex approaching, She immediately understood the bitch’s motive.

But she was already too late, because at that time, Serenity had already thrown herself down the stairs.

“Can you even hear yourself?!” Alex barked and turned to look at her. He took two steps closer to her and pinned her on the railings.

The position he had her was so dangerous that if she missed a step, she would directly fall to her death.

Erika gulped as she stared into Alex's black eyes. One that looked like a bottomless dark well. The very ones she fell in love with the very first day she met him three years ago.

Those eyes that always held a deep resentment towards her.

It was looking very murderous right now. The same pair of black eyes looked like it was going to stab her a million times if she didn't keep her mouth shut.

“Erika…” Alex breathed, using her name for the first time in three years, aside the day of their mating ceremony.

“I never knew you could be such a bloody disgusting liar! I saw you that day, your both hands..” he grabbed her hands, “this hands! They were the very ones I saw that were extended towards Serenity as if to push her! Now you tell me that you did nothing and she threw herself down the stairs on her own?!”

Alex felt the urge to laugh out loud at this woman's shamelessness.

She was not only a gold digger and a shameless woman, but also a bloody liar.

Erika's tears fell uncontrollably from her eyes as she felt Alex's hand tightened his grip on her wrist.

It hurt so much but she couldn't even voice out the pains.

Right from the first day she stepped into this pack house, she had never experienced happiness or what it felt like to be married.

She had expected a one sided love marriage to be a simple task to handle.

She felt it was easy to mend.

She had spoken to her father the day after the mating and he said that a man who didn't love her, would never love her.

But she waved it off and told him she could handle it all. Not knowing she was deceiving herself.

Her father, Alpha Jerome, had given her three years. Three years to mend her marriage and make her husband fall for her, or she had to return to their pack and take over as the next leader of the pack.

No one in the Blood moon pack knew about her identity as Alpha Jerome's only daughter.

She had hidden her identity from everyone, so she could live like a normal werewolf without having so many bootlickers.

But now, The three years given to her by Alpha Jerome have elapsed.

“If you want me to forgive you and give you a second chance, then you have to go and apologize to Seren. Tell her to forgive you, or else I wouldn't” Alex said and released his hold on her. He turned around and began walking to their bedroom door.

He paused again suddenly, and without turning, he said to her, “Be prepared for a divorce if she doesn't forgive you”

Erika gritted her teeth in anger as she watched him disappear into the room.

She, the daughter of Alpha Jerome of the Ironclaw Pack. Apologize to that lowlife husband thief?

Never!

She clenched her fist as she glared at the door Alex had disappeared into.

“I would rather leave than apologize to that low life” she declared firmly and her wolf, Raven purred in response.

Erika wiped her tears, she wasn't going to cry for an already failed marriage.

If only she had listened to her father the first time he said she could always reject Alex, this wouldn't have happened.

She wouldn't have been in such a traumatizing situation.

No one liked her in the pack house except the pack elders.

Alex’s mom and sister were never good to her from the very beginning.

They made her stay in the packhouse, a living hell.

Making sure she did the work of the maids instead.

She cooked, cleaned, and washed. Something a Luna should never be seen doing.

She did all that without any complaints. But after everything, they all sided Serenity and left her to face the blame of what she never even did.

Erika was fed up this time. She was so done with living in a loveless marriage.

Her husband saw her as a gold digger, while the others saw her as a poor and ignorant gold digging orphan.

She let them all call her whatever they liked this past three years.

But today marked an end to all of that.

She was done with all of these mockeries.

It was time to listen to her father.

She would leave the Bloodmoon and go back to the Ironclaw to fulfill her destiny.

Chapter 2

The door to their bedroom was pushed open and Erika walked in.

She saw Alex sitting my the window with some papers which she assumed were the pack projects. It didn't matter to her though.

Alex looked up from the papers in his hand and tilted his head with a grin on his face.

“She forgave you?” He asked, but Erika clenched her fist and responded, “Alex, I want a divorce”

Alex's hand froze mid air as he tried to take a sip of whatever he was drinking.

Did he hear her right?

The smile on his face had disappeared without a trace.

He smirked and finally took a sip of the coffee.

“You want a divorce?” He asked as if she hadn't said it the first time.

She nodded and met his gaze, “Yes” she answered, her voice firm and resolute.

He chuckled lightly and stood up to his full height.

“So you rather chose a divorce than apologize to Seren?”

The pet names he always called Serenity was the most painful for her.

She could clearly count in her head how many times he had even addressed her - Erika, by her name.

That is, two times only.

“When did you change this much?” Alex asked as he made his way to where she stood. “You used to be very obedient. But now you can't even give a common apology. You suddenly have an ego”

Erika looked into his mocking eyes and retorted, “Alex, I'm innocent! I did nothing wrong to Sere_”

Alex used a finger to silence her.

“Keep your mouth shut. Do you have evidence to prove your innocence?”

He removed his finger from her lips to let her answer. Her answer was an unexpected one.

“My words are enough”

Alex rolled his eyes at the dumb woman.

How could she be so stupid?

“Erika, if you think that you could just do whatever you want and go scot-free, then you have to wake up”

He said and Erika looked at him in confusion.

She didn't expect the next thing that followed.

Alex dragged her by the arm roughly, out of their room and straight downstairs.

Their were maids in the living room, doing some cleaning.

Some Elders and Guards were also present in the living room when Alex dragged Erika pass them and straight outside of the pack.

Just as they appeared outside, they both ran into Gage, Alexander’s Beta as he was bringing in the one and only bitch who was responsible for this whole thing.

Serenity looked very pitiful, with bandages on her head as she limped her way into the pack house.

Seeing the way Alex dragged his mate, Gage walked forward to stop him immediately.

“What's going on, man? Where are you taking your mate?”

He asked as he saw the bruise Alex had given Erika on her pale skin.

It was very evident as Erika was extremely fair.

Alex on seeing Serenity, left Erika and rushed over to her immediately.

He pulled her softly into his arms in front of everyone and this gesture made Erika's wolf, Cindy, growl in anger.

“How could he care for someone else more than his mate?!” Cindy barked in anger.

“Are you alright?” Alex asked the pitiful looking Serenity, “Come and take a sit over here” he pulled her towards the sofa in the living room and made her sit on it.

The entire pack members who were present, watched as their Alpha treated another woman better than his mate.

They couldn't blame the Alpha for his showing his affection towards Serenity.

The Luna’s Actions had greatly displeased the entire pack members and they all looked at her in disdain.

“Why is the Alpha treating that woman like his mate?” Someone whisper asked, to the hearing of Erika who was close to them.

“The Luna pushed that woman down the stairs, I guess it was because she was jealous”

“Yes, the Alpha treats that woman better than his mate”

“But I've known Luna Erika to be a nice lady. Who would have thought she was this heartless and evil?”

Erika heard all their words clearly as tears fell from her eyes.

How could the pack members be this despicable?

They clearly said she wasn't someone to do such, but they believed she did it.

It hurt her that no one believed her in the pack, especially her own mate.

Alex was supposed to be the first person to ask what exactly happened and not make the decision like a coward.

“He is a coward!” Cindy agreed.

Alex looked at Serenity's pale face and touched the bandage on her head a bit.

The bitch who should have gotten a good award for her acting, winced in response and squeezed out a tear.

“It hurts, Alex” she whined and Alex rubbed her back soothingly.

He then turned and glared at Erika who stood there with her hands holding her clothes tightly.

Alex moved, he appeared before her, towering over her as he demanded, “Erika, go over there and apologize to Serenity”

Erika gritted her teeth.

“I said I would never apologize for something I didn't do”

“Stop acting stubborn and go there now!” Alex raised his voice this time, almost raising his hand as well.

Erika was such an annoying woman.

Erika raised her eyes to meet his. She dared not cower before him like a puppy.

“Alex, I did nothing wrong and I will never apologize”

Alex laughed and shook his head.

“And why is that? Why won't you apologize?”

“Because I didn't do anything to her!”

“Erika that's enough!” Alex gripped her chin and she winced at the pain his grip brought.

Gage tried to intervene, but one warning look from Alex made him froze in his steps.

“Erika, you will go over there and apologize to Serenity Or else, don't blame me for my next actions”

Cindy whimpered as their mate mistreated she and Erika.

Erika had already declared that she would never apologize for what she didn't do, so she stood her ground.

“I said, I won't apologize. Besides you gave me an option to choose from and I chose divorce over apologizing!”

Alex shook his head and brought her face closer to his.

“I'm sorry to tell you, but the conditions have changed now. You are going to apologize and divorce at the same time”

Chapter 3

********ERIKA'S POV********

Never in a million years did I ever think that I would hear such words from Alex.

My eyes were fixed solely on his face, neglecting the intense pain coming from my chin.

His death grip was extremely painful, but the pain didn't match up to the one I felt in my heart.

I had loved Alex for three years. I did everything for him, sacrificed everything just to be by his side and be a good Luna for his pack.

But it seems like not everyone deserved sacrifices.

How could he trust a woman whom he hadn't seen for the past seven years over me who had been with him for three years?

Serenity just came back two days ago and he already trusted her?

Was it because of her looks?

Sure, Serenity was beautiful and dainty, But I wasn't bad looking either.

"You're much prettier than that bitch" Cindy added and I almost nodded in approval.

But Alex kept choosing her. Choosing her over his own mate.

"Alex..." I tried to call out to him in the most sweetest voice I believed I had.

But he pushed my face away and groaned in anger.

He turned again to look at me and said, "Erika, be good and apologize to Seren"

But I still wouldn't budge and just shook my head.

Why should I apologize to that dog?

"I won't apologize" I said again, my head lowered.

Murmurs filled the surrounding as everyone began talking about me.

I couldn't care less about them. They didn't want to believe me, so why should I be bothered about how they saw me?

"Alex, believe me this once, I didn't push her....." I was still saying when suddenly as fast as the wind, Alex turned and grabbed my neck harshly.

My eyes widened as I felt him choke me.

"Erika you will kneel and apologize to Seren right here, right now!" He said in his Alpha voice and I froze.

Did Alex hate me that much?

Just what does that Serenity mean to him?

I felt my breath leaving me slowly and I began to struggle for air, holding tightly to his arms as my tears poured down heavily.

"Al_Al_Alex..." I clutched to his arm tightly, hoping he would let me go and let me take a breather.

Gage seemed to have noticed that I was really choking, he rushed over and held Alex, trying to get his hands off my neck.

"Alex stop, you're choking her!" He yelled and pulled Alex back immediately.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Serenity smirk with a wink.

"That bitch!" Cindy growled in anger as I fell to the floor, clutching to my neck.

Alex looked down at me and ran a hand through his hair.

"Erika, apologize quickly!" Gage was the one who spoke, but I ignored him, still lying breathless on the floor.

"You think your stubbornness would get you anywhere?!" Alex snarled.

I still ignored him, trying to catch my breath.

Alex wasn't pleased with my actions and he walked up to me again. He pulled me up harshly and I winced, but he didn't seem to care.

He pulled me to stand before Serenity who had tears in her eyes.

That sly witch.

"Kneel" Alex commanded and I snapped my head to him.

First it was apologize, now kneel?

Over my dead body would I ever kneel before this dog.

"I will apologize, but I would never kneel before her" I said through gritted teeth and Alex chuckled.

"You will do both, and you have no choice" he said and the next second, he directly kicked the back of my kneel, making me kneel before Serenity.

I broke out in tears at this treatment.

How could my mate do this?!

"Now apologize!" He yelled.

I gritted my teeth as pain coarsed through my entire body.

"Serenity, I'm sorry" I said in more like a whisper.

"Louder!" Alex nudged me and I almost fell.

"Serenity I'm sorry for pushing you down the stairs!" I yelled out as more tears fell from my eyes.

This treatments and humiliations I faced today would forever be etched in my heart.

I would never forgive any of them and I'll make sure to get my revenge on them.

"That's more like it" Alex said softly and turned to Serenity.

She looked at me pitifully and stood up, "Please get up, Erika. You're the Luna of this pack, I'm not worthy for you to kneel before me" she immediately helped me up.

"That cunning dog!" Cindy yelled in anger, "when you were asked to kneel, why didn't she say this?!"

I was pissed too. When I was asked to kneel, why didn't she say all these?

"It's all my fault for pissing you off that day, I never meant to say those hurtful words. I deserve that push" Serenity said and looked down pitifully.

The bitch was still putting the blame on me!

I didn't even push her!

Alex came forward and took Serenity into his arms.

"It's not your fault, Seren"

He said and glared at me.

"Now that I apologized, can I get the divorce?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the floor.

Alex chuckled and said, "Yes, of course"

I felt my heart being stabbed by multiple knives.

I had asked that question to see if he would at least let me stay after apologizing.

But it seems he truly made up his mind to let me go this time.

"Ok then" I said and looked up at him, staring directly into his black eyes.

Those eyes.

One that captured my heart on the first day we met.

One that I'd always get lost in each time I look into it.

Right now, those eyes were glaring daggers at me and I couldn't care less anymore.

"I, Erika Blackwood, stand before you, Alexander Robertson, with a heavy heart. I hereby reject you as my mate. The bond we once shared has grown fragile, and my soul yearns for a different path. May you find solace in the love of another, and may we both find the happiness we seek."

Chapter 4

**********ERIKA'S POV**********

"You do know that rejecting Alex doesn't mean you've stopped being his Luna" Cindy suddenly said and I paused from what I was doing.

I was currently in our bedroom, packing my stuffs and ready to vacate this hell of a packhouse.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"I mean to say that, you can't just reject Alex and think that you're free" Cindy said again.

"I heard you the first time, but why? What else has to be done?" I asked.

"You both have to dissolve the mate bond"

Cindy answered.

"What?" I asked in surprise, "what do you mean dissolve the mate bond?"

"You both are Alphas, though he doesn't know. But mere rejection by words mean nothing, you have to dissolve the mate bond to be completely free from each other. I'm pretty sure Alex knows this as well"

I was taken aback by her explanation. I leaned by bedside table and my brows furrowed even more.

"How come I never knew about all this?" I asked.

"Because you never listened to your father's teaching about mating" Cindy snarled in response.

"Don't push the blame on me Cindy, my father was never an easy going man" I said and continued my packing.

"I get it but still, you have to dissolve the mate bond"

"How do I do it?" I asked half way through my packing.

"I'm not sure, maybe ask someone else, I really don't know how it works" Cindy replied honestly.

I stopped moving again, "who am I supposed to ask if not you?"

"Go ahead and ask Alex" Cindy growled.

"Shut up" i warned and continued.

As I finished packing my bags, I felt a surge of excitement. I was ready to leave this hell of a packhouse, and without anyone noticing, I quietly slipped out of the packhouse.

Inside, everyone seemed preoccupied, likely busy making sure Serenity's room was just the way Alex wanted it.

It really amused me how they treated her with such care and attention, as if she were the Luna herself. Meanwhile, the true Luna was being mistreated and treated like an Omega.

"Just ignore them and let's go," Cindy whispered.

I nodded in agreement, understanding that it was time to leave all the negativity behind. With a smile, I stepped out of the packhouse and onto the streets.

Twilight had already begun. The sky was painted with hues of orange and purple, and a serene calmness settled over the surroundings.

I walked through the dimly lit lonely street, Cindy's voice broke the silence suddenly, "Erika, where are we headed now?" she asked.

For a moment, I remained silent, lost in my own thoughts, continuing to put one foot in front of the other.

The decision I had made weighed heavily on my mind. I had finally reached a breaking point in the brutal life I had been living, and I knew it was time for a change.

This was when I needed to reach out to my family.

I was ashamed though, because my father had told me this would happen and I doubted him and trusted my own abilities.

I stopped walking and replied to Cindy, "It's been three long years, now I'll to reach out to Jace."

"I know this is a big step for you. But remember, you were never alone from the beginning. I'm here too, We're in this together," she said.

With renewed determination, I opened my mindlink once again, a connection I hadn't used in years. It felt strange yet familiar as I reached out to Jace, my stepbrother.

"Jace," I called out through the mindlink.

There was a brief moment of silence, and then I could sense his surprise through the mindlink.

It was as if he hadn't expected to hear from me after all these years. "Erika?" he replied, his voice laced with disbelief. "Is that really you?"

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I felt a rush of emotions flood over me. "Yes, Jace, it's me," I confirmed.

There was a pause on the other end of the mindlink, and I could sense his curiosity growing. "What do you need, Erika? It's been three years, did your marriage work?" Jace asked.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts before continuing. "Jace, I've made a decision. I'm leaving the Blood moon, and I'm returning to start a fresh," I explained. "I want to meet you at the borders of the Bloodmoon Pack, now"

"Alright, I'll be there" he responded and cut the mindlink.

I walked for a few more miles and finally, after what felt like an eternity, I arrived at the border.

My heart raced as I took in the sight before me. Parked there, right at the edge of the pack's territory, was a sleek and modern Tesla Model S Plaid, polished exterior gleamed under the moonlight, a stark contrast against the dark wilderness.

I smirked and slowly approached the car.

The door was slightly ajar, as if inviting me to step inside.

And then, as if in a dream, my heart surged with pride as my step brother Jace stepped out from the passenger side.

He looked different from the last time I had seen him three years ago. His shoulders were broader, his gaze more focused, and his height was impressive.

He had a dark aura around him, one that wasn't that obvious before.

We locked eyes in the dark, and instantly felt an unbreakable bond between us.

His driver stepped out as well, impeccably dressed, and exuding an air of professionalism and discretion.

"Wow, Jace looks completely different!" Cindy screamed in my head and I almost rolled my eyes.

Part of me was thrilled to see him after three long years.

But there was also a sense of competition between us each time. Even if I was the Alpha, he never showed me that respect and instead acted like the typical big brother I'd really wish I didn't have.

We exchanged pleasantries, each trying to assert our dominance.

"Erika," Jace greeted me. "Looking good. Ready to take on the pack?"

I smirked, determined not to let him have the upper hand. "Of course, Jace. I've been preparing for this moment my whole life."

"Yes! You're indeed ready!" Cindy yelled happily.

Jace chuckled, his eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and pride. "Oh, I've always been one step ahead of you, little sis. But I'm excited to see what you bring to the table."

I smiled softly as the driver came and took my luggage from me.

"Whatever I bring to the table, has nothing to do with you, Jace" I replied, trying to sound sarcastic but also maintaining a respectful tone.

Jace finally chuckled and took a step away from where he stood.

"Welcome back, Erika"

Chapter 5

**********Alex's POV*********

In my office, Gage sat across from me, looking surprised and concerned. He then blurted out, "Dude, I can't believe Erika actually rejected you in front of everyone. That was intense!"

I lean back in my chair, trying to maintain a cool and collected facade. "Relax. Erika was just throwing a tantrum. You know how she can be sometimes."

Gage raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by my nonchalant response. "But, Alex, it seemed like more than just a tantrum. She seemed really serious about ending things with you. Are you sure you're not underestimating her feelings?"

I shrug, trying to downplay the situation. "Look, Gage, I know Erika better than anyone. She's always been a bit dramatic, especially when things don't go her way. And she might be a bit mad because I nearly choked her and made her apologize to Seren, but trust me, this is just another one of her phases. She'll come around eventually."

Gage leaned forward, his voice filled with genuine concern. "I don't know, man. This feels different."

Just as Gage finished his statement, a knock came at the door immediately and we both shifted our attentions to the door.

That must be Erika.

I knew she would be ok in no time, like I told Gage.

"Come in" Gage Called and the door was pushed open.

In walked a maid with her head bowed as she stood before us.

"Greetings, Alpha Alex and Beta Gage."

She greeted and I just leaned back into her seat.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

She hesitated and began fidgeting with her clothes.

"Are you here to take your clothes off?" Gage suddenly asked as he took a sip of his wine.

I almost chuckled but I had to look serious before them.

"No, no sir. I'm here for something else"

"Which is?" I asked this time.

"Alpha Alex, Luna Erika has left the pack" The maid said and I froze.

It took me roughly 2 minutes to process her words.

Erika left the pack?

Gage turned to give me that knowing look of his and I glared at him.

He turned to look at the maid and stretched out his hand to give the cup back to her.

"Thanks for the information, please take this back to the kitchen and don't come back till we call for you" He said and the maid nodded, before scurrying away.

Gage then turned back to me again and smiled.

"Alex, Erika left the pack"

He purposely repeated and I had the urge to hurl something at him.

"So?" I asked instead, seeming unfazed.

"I'm telling you your mate left the pack and all you could say is so?" Gage asked in disbelief.

What was he expecting me to do?

Go after her?

Oh please, I'm the Alpha and not some dog who follow a woman around.

"Erika is such a child, she is just throwing a tantrum. She'll return when no one says a word to her" I said tiredly and took up a project I left pending for weeks.

"Alex can you hear yourself?!" Gage yelled and my wolf growled as well.

"Keep it down, will you?"

"How can I do that when you don't even act like you're sane?!"

I rolled my eyes at him, "I am sane, Gage. You just don't understand Erika" I tell him and focused on the paper in hand again.

"So what if she doesn't return as you said?" Gage asked and I was so tempted to send him out of my office.

How could he be such a pest in another man's issues.

My lips curled into a smirk as I sneered," A poor orphan, fatefully bound to me. Does she truly believe that abandoning the sanctuary of the Bloodmoon Pack will offer her solace? She deluded herself if she thinks the streets will be kind to her, far from the luxury she's grown accustomed to within this walls"

Gage just gave me a bewildered look and I smiled.

I stood up to my feet and strolled towards him, patting his shoulders softly.

"Erika is a gold digger who found her way into being a Luna of this pack through the moon goddess. I'm even surprised how she matched me up with a lowlife instead of someone like Seren. Speaking of Seren, I have to go check on her, she must be awake"

I matched towards the door when Gage suddenly called out to stop me again.

"Alex, you're seriously not going to look for Erika?"

I groaned in anger and turned to look at him in annoyance.

"She will return on her own" i said and pulled the door open to leave.

"You really have to go look for Erika" I heard my wolf, Elijah spoke in my mind and I rolled my eyes.

"You too? Weren't you there when she rejected us?" I asked him.

"That was because you treated her wrongly!" Elijah growled.

"What wrong did I do?" I asked.

"You asked her to kneel before that cunning woman and apologize. You even almost killed her!"

I chuckled at his words.

"Firstly, Erika had to apologize and secondly, she was very annoying and disobedient, so I was carried away by my anger and choked her" I replied as I got closer to Seren's door.

"Now be good, Elijah. Erika will return when she's done wandering the entire city without any help." Elijah let out a frustrated groan, clearly angered by my decision of not looking for her.

But I didn't let his annoyance get to me. I knew that deep down, he would come to terms with it soon. After all, Erika's actions were her own choice, and we couldn't force her to stay if she didn't want to.

As I reflected on Erika's behavior, a mix of frustration and disappointment washed over me.

She could be so cunning and manipulative, always playing her own game. It wasn't enough for her to simply be jealous of Seren; she had even tried to kill her. Now, she had taken it a step further by leaving, likely to make herself look pitiful in front of my subjects.

Erika was being pretentious and she was always seeking attention and sympathy, using any means necessary to achieve her desired image. But deep down, I knew that her actions would only lead to more complications and challenges for herself.