#Selene's POV
The whispers had started long before Lucas returned to camp that day. My warriors had spoken of a mysterious Omega encountered in the forest—her scent, her defiance, her beauty. But what lingered in their tones, unspoken but clear, was the intrigue surrounding Lucas's reaction to her.
He had been distant since his return, his usual commanding presence was now mixed with a distraction he couldn't mask. I had noticed the way his green eyes darted away whenever I tried to meet his gaze, how his responses to my questions grew short and evasive. Dismissive sometimes. Something had shifted, and I was determined to fine out what happened.
I sat in my quarters, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows on the walls. The room was quiet, apart from the faint rustle of the wind against the tent's fabric. Yet, my mind was anything but calm.
The mysterious Omega haunted my thoughts, and I couldn't shake the unease building up in my stomach. It wasn't jealousy—not entirely. It was fear. Fear of what her presence could mean for my place in Lucas's life, for the power and position I had fought so hard to secure.
"Selene," a voice called softly, pulling me from my reverie.
I turned to see one of my informants, a young wolf named Cora, standing at the entrance. Her hazel eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"What is it?" I asked, my tone sharper than intended.
Cora hesitated before stepping closer. "It's about the Omega. Elaine."
The name sent a chill down my spine. Elaine. So that was her name.
"Go on," I said, leaning forward.
"She's from the Moon Shade Pack," Cora continued, her voice low. "Apparently, she's been on the run from Alpha Dennis."
The mention of Dennis made my lips curl in disdain. The man was a brute, his reputation for cruelty well-known among the packs. If Elaine had managed to escape his clutches, it was no small feat.
"And Lucas?" I prompted.
Cora hesitated again, her gaze fixed to the floor. "He... he seems protective of her. More than usual."
The words struck me like a blow, but I kept my composure. "Thank you, Cora. That will be all."
As the young wolf left, I clenched my fists, the nails biting into my palms. Protective? That wasn't a word I wanted associated with Lucas and another woman.
"Who is she to you Lucas?, I'd find out soon enough".
---
The next day, I kept my distance, observing Lucas from the shadows. He moved through the camp with his usual authority, but there was an edge to him, a tension in his shoulders that hadn't been there before.
It wasn't until I saw him leaving camp with Marcus that I decided to follow. They walked in silence at first, their steps purposeful as they headed toward the forest. I kept to the undergrowth, my steps careful and silent.
"She's not safe out here," Lucas said, his voice breaking the stillness. "She's strong," Marcus replied. "Stronger than she looks."
"That doesn't matter," Lucas snapped. "Dennis will come for her. You know he will."
The mention of Dennis made my heart quicken. So, Lucas was worried about Elaine. Concerned. Protective.
"She doesn't want to come to the pack," Marcus said.
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his auburn curls. "I know. But she doesn't understand the danger she's in. I can't just leave her out here."
"And Selene?" Marcus asked cautiously.
Lucas fell silent, and the weight of that silence pressed down on me like a stone.
"She won't know," Lucas said finally, his voice determined.
I clenched my jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface. Lucas thought he could keep secrets from me? Did he truly believe I wouldn't uncover the truth?
---
When they returned to camp, I wasted no time confronting Lucas. He was in his quarters, seated at his desk, when I burst in unannounced.
"Selene," he said, startled. "What are you—"
"What are you hiding, Lucas?" I demanded, cutting him off.
He stiffened, his green eyes narrowing. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me," I hissed, stepping closer. "I know about Elaine. I know you've been protecting her."
Lucas rose to his feet, his expression hardening. "She's none of your concern."
"She's my concern if she threatens what we've built," I snapped. "What does she mean to you?"
Lucas's jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer. But then he spoke, his voice low and steady.
"She's my mate."
The words hit me like cold water, stealing the air from my lungs. Mate. That single word erased everything I thought I knew.
"No," I said, shaking my head. "That's impossible. I'm your Luna. I'm—"
"You were never my mate, Selene," Lucas said, his tone cutting. "Our union was an arrangement. You know that."
Rage flared in my chest, but beneath it was a pang of something deeper. Hurt. Betrayal.
"And what about us?" I demanded, fighting the tears that threatened to fall out. "What about the alliance between our packs?"
Lucas's gaze softened, but his resolve didn't waver. "This doesn't change the alliance. But Elaine... she's my fated mate. I can't ignore that."
The realization burned my heart, I almost lost my cool. Instead, I straightened my spine, forcing calm into my voice.
"If you think I'll stand by and watch you replace me, you're mistaken," I said coldly.
"Selene," Lucas began, but I held up a hand to silence him. "You've made your choice," I said. "Now, I'll make mine." I turned on my heel and left,slamming shut behind me. ---
As I walked through the camp, my mind raced. Lucas had underestimated me, but he would regret it. I wasn't just going to let Elaine waltz in and take everything I had worked for.
If she thought she could survive this, she was wrong. ---