Alpha’s Loyalty Under Deception: I'm Not His Only Luna novel Chapter 1

Selene's POV

Seven months pregnant, I drove to the Highland Retreat Center to book my postpartum recovery suite—a place where new mothers in our pack could safely transform during full moons while caring for newborns.

While completing the paperwork, the receptionist typed my information into her computer, then froze. Her eyes darted between me and the screen.

"Mrs. Ravengrim," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, "our database shows your mate registered with us just six months ago."

"But he listed someone else as his mate—"

I felt my claws instinctively extend beneath my fingernails. "That's impossible," I said, pulling out my phone. "Look, here's our mating ceremony from last winter solstice."

The receptionist's expression softened with unmistakable pity. She turned her monitor toward me.

"Mr. Lycandros completed the blood moon bonding ritual five years ago. Their pack already has one cub, with another on the way."

"Here's their official pack registry. And photos from their last full moon stay."

The picture showed Ronan cradling a toddler with the same amber eyes as his, standing protectively beside a dark-haired woman I'd never seen before.

The way he nuzzled her neck—the traditional gesture of a protective alpha—was unmistakable.

The pack registry bore his unique scent marker—impossible to fake.

If they were true mates under pack law... what did that make me and my unborn cub?

"Mr. Lycandros's mate is our premium pack member," the receptionist growled, her nostrils flaring as she scented me. "The audacity of some females, trying to cause trouble with false claims!"

"Get out! We don't provide sanctuary to pregnant she-wolves who disrespect pack bonds."

Before I could explain myself, she practically shoved me out the door. By the time I regained my composure, the Highland Retreat Center had already sealed its silver-reinforced doors behind me.

Standing in the parking lot under the waxing moon, I replayed what I'd just seen. The face on that pack registry was unmistakably Ronan's—his scent mark, his lineage information—but the female beside him was a complete stranger to me.

Why would Ronan hide his mated status from me?

My inner wolf snarled with building rage as I immediately called him, desperate for answers. But the call wouldn't connect. After sending countless messages with no response, I remembered he was across territory lines on a business venture.

His company was expanding into other pack territories in preparation for joining the Continental Alpha Council. Ronan had traveled abroad to secure a crucial alliance that could elevate our entire pack's standing.

Unable to reach him, I had to swallow my emotions for now and wait for his explanation. But if what I saw was true, he would face my claws when the next moon rose.

Just then, Ronan finally returned my call with a video:

"Selene, moon of my life, I was in negotiations with the Eastern packs and couldn't check my phone."

The screen showed his familiar face. Ronan sat in his office wearing a tailored suit that concealed his powerful build, several goblets of untouched ceremonial tea still steaming beside him—likely just finished with treaty discussions.

The dark circles under his amber eyes immediately tugged at my heart. I almost asked how he was doing, but the memory of what I'd just discovered yanked me back to reality.

"I recognize only you as my mate in this lifetime. My strength, my resources, my territory—all yours."

"If I ever betray you, may the moon curse me to run alone forever, stripped of pack and pride."

He offered me his entire legacy as proof of his devotion. In that moment, I knew he was the Alpha my wolf could trust with our future lineage.

After our mating ceremony, he continued honoring me as Luna, handling all pack matters with my counsel. All neighboring packs knew Ronan was devoted to me, never missing our evening runs together regardless of business demands.

How could someone who shared his soul with me have marked another female?

My wolf's suspicions began to quiet:

"Fine, I'll trust you this time. But if I discover you've created a secret pack elsewhere, neither moon nor mountain will hide you from me."

After his repeated vows by the ancient pack codes, I ended the call, somewhat appeased.

Hanging up, I felt my hackles lower slightly. Just as I was about to search for another maternity center, my beta called. The pack member in charge of our company's new product launch had been attacked crossing rival territory on the way to the office.

Now the company was in chaos, with no clear chain of command. My beta couldn't reach Ronan and called me for leadership.

This launch was a crucial alliance opportunity for our pack's future security—we couldn't afford appearing weak.

After a moment's consideration, I felt my protective instincts rise. Despite my condition, I decided to head to the office myself to handle the crisis. My unborn cub would understand—a Luna's duty to the pack comes first.