Reborn to Get the Alpha She Rejected novel Chapter 2

I knew exactly what Vivian wanted. She was waiting for me to crack, to let the humiliation get to my head the way it got to hers in our last life, to storm off and earn myself a reputation as some unhinged, unworthy luna.

That was exactly what she'd done.

In our past life, she'd thrown a fit at the Mating Ritual when Leander didn't show. Smashed the ceremonial offerings, stormed out in a rage, and made Bluemoon Pack lose face in front of everyone.

After that, the old Luna never gave her a moment's kindness. The rest of the pack froze her out too. Every day she spent in Bluemoon Pack was pure misery.

But I wasn't her.

I picked up the Alpha's Horn from the ritual altar, raised it to my lips, and blew. The sound rang through the hall and silenced every whisper in the room.

I lifted my gaze, swept it across every face in the hall, and spoke with steady calm.

"Leander is handling a territorial treaty with a neighboring clan today, a matter that directly affects our pack's safety and interests. He couldn't be here in person. I'll be stepping in for him during the toasts and the thanksgiving rites. I trust you'll understand."

The hall went dead silent.

The old Luna sat in her place of honor at the head of the room. She was the most respected elder in the entire Bluemoon Pack, and a flicker of approval crossed her eyes. She gave me a small, deliberate nod.

The Bluemoon Pack was the most powerful pack for a hundred miles, and nothing mattered more to them than reputation and the good of the clan.

At an event like this, the mate of an Alpha heir was expected to hold her composure and put the pack first. That was what a real Luna looked like.

Vivian must have caught the old Luna's look, because a spike of jealousy ripped through her thoughts. What a fake. Just wait till the toasts. I'll trip her in front of everyone. Let's see her play the perfect luna with wine down her dress!

Being able to hear people's thoughts really was the Moon Goddess's greatest gift to me.

This gift let me see through everyone's true intentions, dodge every trap, and stay one step ahead.

Soon, it was time to offer the ceremonial toast to the old Luna.

I gathered my skirts and walked toward her seat, calm and composed.

Vivian trailed behind me, her thoughts counting down in my head. One, two, three, now!

In one smooth motion, I stepped aside, picked up the wine glass, and presented it to the old Luna. Not a single wasted movement, not a hint of hesitation.

Vivian, on the other hand, lunged too hard. She couldn't catch herself in time. She hit the ground with a crash, the glass shattering in her hand, wine splattering all over her dress.

"Vivian, are you alright?" Thomas rushed over, all concern. But his thoughts told a very different story. Pathetic. Can't even pull off something this simple. She's making me look like a fool.

Every head in the room turned. The looks aimed at Vivian were nothing short of contempt.

The old Luna's expression hardened. She slammed her cane against the floor, the heavy thud silencing the room. "Clumsy and disgraceful. Is this how a future luna conducts herself?"

"Luna, I, I didn't mean to, I just slipped." Vivian scrambled to her feet, stammering out an excuse. But beneath the panic, her eyes were locked on me, burning with resentment.

If this were my past self, I might have softened. I might have covered for her.

But not this time. She'd tried to sabotage me over and over again. If she wasn't going to let me live in peace, why should I show her any mercy?

Vivian's little scene brought the Mating Ritual to an abrupt end.

The old Luna didn't spare Vivian another glance for the rest of the evening. But when she passed me, her voice softened. She reached over and patted my hand, warmth in her eyes.

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