The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 2: Shameless Grace And Determined Wolf Eyes

Cindy's POV:

"You were just doing your duty."

James said it so casually, but the words slammed into me like a punch I never saw coming. They echoed in my chest, tearing through everything I thought we had.

Was that really how he saw everything I'd done? My loyalty, my sacrifices, my commitment—did he reduce it all to nothing more than an obligation?

Unbelievable. How could someone be so heartless?

"Diana, did you hear that? Can you believe the nerve of him?" I was screaming inside my head.

"Kill him, Cindy! That guy doesn't deserve you, much less the title of Alpha! Say the word, and I'll rip him apart!" Diana growled from deep within, her fury nearly overtaking mine. She was so close to dragging us both into our wolf form right then and there.

I clenched my fists tight, nails biting into my palms. The pain grounded me, barely holding back the rage bubbling up inside. My hands shook, my body tense, trying not to explode.

At the same time, James appeared totally unaware of the turmoil building inside me.

He strolled over to the liquor shelf, poured himself a glass of blood-red alcohol, and downed it in one go.

He acted like he was picking what to eat for dinner, not dropping a bomb that would shatter my world.

Setting his glass down, he finally met my gaze again, his voice dripping with condescension and self-importance as he tried to justify himself. "I get why you're angry. You're my destined mate, and the Luna role should've been yours. But, Cindy, you have to consider what's best for the pack. It's obvious Evelyn is the better choice."

He paused, probably realizing how cold he sounded, then added with an expression like he was doing me a favor, "But I'm not cutting you off. I still recognize our bond. You can stay close to me. I'm sure Evelyn won't mind."

He made it sound like some grand gift.

But to me, it was sickening.

Recognize our bond? Stay close to you? You mean stand in the back ground while you parade around with some one else in your bed?

I broke into loud, unfiltered laughter, tears slipping down my cheeks as disbelief took hold.

"James, who do you think you are? Some royal jerk who picks his women like picking sides in a game?" My laughter died out, replaced by an icy tone sharp enough to cut glass. "You expect me to swallow this insult and share my mate? Sorry, but I'm not that pathetic."

"You!" James's expression turned dark right away.

My words had clearly put his beloved, strong Evelyn in the same "low" group.

Seething with anger, he jabbed a finger at me and yelled, "Cindy! You've gone too far! You don't respect me as your Alpha! Just look at how you're behaving—like a spiteful woman! How could you ever be a worthy Luna?!"

"It's not your place to decide if I'm worthy or not!"

I'd had enough. I let go of the restraint I'd been holding for so long. The wolf in me broke free, my eyes gleaming with that cold silver glow that only surfaced in times of pure fury.

I stepped forward, unleashing the full power of my Northmere Silverpeak Alpha bloodline—something I'd always kept hidden until now. It rolled off me like a tidal wave.

"Save your fake kindness, James!" My words hit like blades. "You're not worried about the pack—you're worried about my Northmere Silverpeak background! Afraid that throwing me out completely would stir up trouble? You want to dress it up as ‘kindness' to soften the blow, to force me to accept this and step aside for you and your new woman?"

I watched his eyes widen as the truth sank in, and I smirked. "As for the Luna title? You can keep it. Even if you begged me, I wouldn't take it now. That seat reeks of lies and betrayal. I wouldn't touch it, even if it came wrapped in gold."

"But," I hesitated briefly, then spoke each word with sharp precision, "I refuse to remain in this disgusting place and suffer your insults any longer, James!"

"I will completely sever this so-called ‘goddess-given'—fated bond between us!"