After My Alpha Abandoned Me for My Sister

The Blood Moon Pack's annual Moon Festival was approaching, and the air buzzed with excitement. For others, that is. For me, it meant more humiliation to endure.

I stood before the mirror in my tiny Omega quarters, trying to ignore the dark circles under my eyes. The wolfsbane Whitney had been slipping into my food had taken its toll—my skin was pale, my limbs weak. But I couldn't refuse to attend. The festival was mandatory for all pack members.

"Kya." A harsh voice cut through my thoughts. "Alpha Judson wants to see you in his office. Now."

I nodded at the messenger, a young Delta who couldn't quite hide his pity. "Thank you. I'll go right away."

The walk to Alpha Judson's office felt longer than usual, my poisoned body protesting each step. When I arrived, I kept my eyes lowered, as I'd been taught since childhood.

"You wanted to see me, Alpha?" I asked softly.

"Look at me when I speak to you," he commanded.

I raised my eyes to meet his cold gaze. My adoptive father—the man who had never shown me anything but contempt.

"The Moon Festival is tomorrow night," he said, circling me slowly. "You will attend as a servant, showcasing the strength of our alliance with the Silvermane Pack."

"I understand," I replied.

"Do you?" He stopped directly in front of me. "You understand that you are nothing but a pawn in my political game? That your entire purpose is to serve this pack's interests?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes, Alpha."

"Good." His hand shot out suddenly, striking me across the face with enough force to make me stumble backward.

The blow stung, but I didn't dare touch my cheek. "May I ask why, Alpha?"

"Because you've forgotten your place," he snarled. "Three years playing pretend Luna has given you ideas above your station. You are wolfless. Worthless. A defect."

His words cut deeper than his hand ever could.

"You will serve at the festival," he continued, "and you will remind everyone of exactly what you are—an Omega. Disposable. Understand?"

"Yes, Alpha," I whispered.

---

The full moon hung heavy in the night sky as the festival began. Lanterns illuminated the sprawling grounds, and the scent of roasted meat filled the air. Music played, wolves danced, but I had no time to enjoy any of it.

"Kya!" A Beta barked at me. "More wine for the northern tables!"

I nodded, lifting a heavy tray of crystal glasses. My arms trembled with the effort, my vision blurring from the accumulated wolfsbane in my system.

"Careful," the Beta warned. "Break anything and it comes from your rations."

I moved through the crowd slowly, my legs unsteady. Every step was agony, but I forced myself forward. Around me, pack members laughed and celebrated, their joy a stark contrast to my suffering.

As I approached the edge of the festival grounds, something caught my eye—a massive shadow moving among the trees. I paused, squinting through my blurred vision.

A figure stood at the edge of the forest, tall and imposing. Even from this distance, I could feel the power radiating from him. His eyes seemed to lock with mine for just a moment—eyes that glowed with an intensity that made my breath catch.

Lycan Prince Leandro.

I'd heard whispers of him—Austin's uncle, a royal among werewolves. What was he doing here, watching me?

Before I could wonder more, a strange warmth spread through my chest—brief but unmistakable. Then he was gone, melting back into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared.

"Kya!" Another voice shouted. "Stop daydreaming and get back to work!"

I hurried away, the strange moment forgotten as I continued my endless tasks.

---

The night was at its peak when the first scream tore through the festival.

"Rogues! Rogues at the perimeter!"

Panic erupted instantly. Music screeched to a halt as wolves transformed, preparing to defend their territory. Women and children were rushed toward the safety of the pack houses.

"Kya!" Someone grabbed my arm. "Run! Get inside!"

I tried to follow, but my poisoned legs gave out. The tray I'd been carrying crashed to the ground as I stumbled into an open clearing.

Around me, chaos reigned. Feral wolves burst through the trees, their eyes wild with bloodlust. Pack warriors rushed to meet them, but they were outnumbered.

I crawled desperately toward a fallen log, hoping for shelter. My vision swam, darkness creeping at the edges.

"Help," I whispered, though no one could hear me over the screams and growls.

A massive rogue lunged toward me, teeth bared. I closed my eyes, bracing for pain.

But it never came.

Instead, a thunderous roar shook the ground beneath me. Something huge and powerful landed between me and the rogue.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw only a massive shadowy form standing protectively over me—before everything went black.