Luna's Revenge on Alpha

The pale light of dawn crept through the forest as I led the Silver Ridge pack on our morning run. My paws hit the ground with practiced rhythm, the familiar territory blurring around me as I pushed forward. Today wasn't just any day—it was Emma's day. The anniversary of when I lost her. My beautiful daughter. My heart.

My wolf, Sophia, whined softly inside me. *Isabella, don't push yourself too hard. Think of the pup.*

I slowed slightly, acknowledging her concern. My swollen belly had grown more pronounced in recent weeks, our second child nestled safely within. This pup was my hope, my salvation after losing Emma. A chance to fill the hollow space she'd left behind.

"Luna, should we turn back?" Beta Michael called from behind me, his concerned voice carrying through the crisp morning air.

I shook my large wolf head, pushing forward. I needed this—needed to feel the wind in my fur, to outrun the memories, if only for a little while.

That's when I caught it—an unfamiliar scent cutting through the forest. Musky. Wild. *Rogue.*

*Isabella!* Sophia's warning came too late.

They burst from the underbrush like shadows—five, maybe six rogues, their matted fur and wild eyes speaking of desperation and hunger. Their coordinated attack suggested this was no random encounter.

"Protect the Luna!" Michael shouted, his wolf lunging forward as our pack warriors formed a defensive circle around me.

But these rogues were determined. A massive gray wolf broke through our line, lunging directly for my throat. I twisted away, my teeth finding purchase in his shoulder, but his claws raked across my flank. Pain seared through me as I tumbled to the ground.

The sounds of snarling and fighting surrounded me as I struggled to my feet. Blood matted my silver-white fur. Something felt wrong—terribly wrong. A sharp, twisting pain shot through my abdomen.

*The pup!* Sophia's panicked voice echoed in my mind.

I tried to call for Nathan through our mate bond, sending waves of distress and pain. *Nathan, please. I need you. Our pup needs you.*

No response came as darkness crept into the edges of my vision.

---

I awoke to the sterile smell of the pack's medical hall, harsh fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. My body had shifted back to human form, a thin blanket covering my naked, bruised body. The pain in my abdomen had intensified, sharp and insistent.

"The pup," I whispered, my voice cracking. "Please, my pup..."

Healer Grace approached, her eyes not quite meeting mine. "I'm sorry, Luna. We're doing everything we can, but..."

A warm wetness spread between my thighs, and I knew. I was losing our child. On the anniversary of our daughter's death, I was losing another piece of my heart.

"Where is he?" I asked, gripping the healer's wrist. "Where is my mate?"

Grace's eyes darted nervously to the door. "Alpha Nathan gave orders to keep you comfortable. He said he had urgent pack business."

"Urgent pack business," I repeated hollowly. On today