Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 486 - Once a Luna, always a Luna

Alpha Killian wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by. The second the conversation drifted elsewhere, he calmly walked over and dropped onto the stool right behind Athaliah, positioning himself close enough that he could talk to her whenever the moment felt right.

Athaliah didn’t even bother glancing his way. She carried on like he wasn’t even there, completely unfazed.

Across the lively gathering, Daisy caught the tense look on Seraphine’s face and a satisfied little smile tugged at her lips. She figured Seraphine was bothered by Luna Mayo’s, and that thought alone lifted her mood way up.

Before Seraphine could even respond to Luna Mayo’s snide question, Kael stepped forward, disappointment written all over his face. He folded his arms across his chest and stared straight at Luna Mayo.

"I’m honestly disappointed that a Luna like you doesn’t even know our traditions," he said, his words carrying enough weight to hush everyone standing nearby. "Once a Luna, always a Luna."

He slowly glanced toward Seraphine before turning back to Luna Mayo. "And every Alpha or Luna has the right to decide who stands beside them."

Luna Mayo’s face stiffened immediately. Her husband subtly tugged at her arm, silently begging her to stop before she embarrassed them even more, but she completely ignored him.

Her chin lifted in stubborn defiance. "That only applies to those who retire," she shot back, narrowing her eyes at Seraphine. "Not someone who disgraces the position."

The atmosphere turned thick and tense in an instant. Several leaders exchanged uneasy glances.

Voren’s jaw clenched hard. He had promised Seraphine he’d let her handle things on her own, but hearing Luna Mayo insult her again pushed him dangerously close to breaking that promise.

his mouth to speak, Athaliah beat him to it. She looked straight at Luna Mayo, her expression calm but razor-sharp. "I can see why so many packs struggle," she

your husband? Or are you only there as

in shock while others fought to hide their smiles. Athaliah kept going, not showing even the slightest bit of fear. "As a woman..." She placed a hand over her

settled warmly on Seraphine. "That’s exactly why I

flushed bright red with fury.

furious roar cut through the air before she could finish. Everyone nearby whipped around to look at Alpha Oren, whose face had gone dark with pure embarrassment. "I said shut your mouth," he growled, leaving zero room for argument. "I forbid you

head, looking pissed as hell but smart enough not to challenge him in

in his eyes. "Luna Sera... Beta Corvine..." He dipped his head in apology.

already eyeing a future business partnership with Corvine, and the last thing

festival for one real reason, and she refused to waste her energy on pointless arguments. A gentle, warm smile appeared

composed. "This is supposed to be a joyful night." She looked

graceful response earned approving nods from several

The second woman caught the

"This is the only night we can truly relax

she continued, her eyes sparkling

as people chimed in enthusiastically. "That’s a great idea!" "I haven’t played that in years!" "It’ll make the night even more fun!" Another Luna clapped happily.

quietly watched Luna Joyce, Bryan’s warning echoing in the back of her mind. A faint, knowing smile crossed her lips. So... this was their

game without hesitation. Then Luna Joyce turned toward her with

them sitting close to their husbands. "Will you join us? It’s only between the she-wolves." She pointed toward the men. "The werewolves can simply watch... or help if

expression changed instantly. "Don’t,"