Mary Ann
I woke up tangled in sweat–dampened sheets, my heart racing from dreams I refused to name. The kiss. It had haunted me all night–Modric’s mouth on mine, demanding and deep, the hard press of his body, the way heat had pooled low in my belly despite everything. I lay there for a long moment, staring at the ceiling of the Luna Wing bedroom, trying to steady my breathing. My lips still felt sensitive, as if his touch lingered like a brand.
Today, I would face him. I had to. Hiding forever wasn’t an option if I wanted to be a real Luna to this pack. I pushed myself out of bed, my full figure moving heavily with exhaustion, and padded to the mirror. My reflection showed dark circles under my eyes and flushed cheeks. I rehearsed the words in my head while brushing out my dark curls.
If he mentions the kiss, I told myself firmly, I’ll say it meant nothing. It was anger, nothing more. I won’t let him see how it affected me. I won’t let him have that power.
I chose a practical dress in deep green that flattered my curves without clinging too obviously- modest neckline, flowing skirt that swayed around my thick thighs. No makeup to hide behind. Just me, armor in place, ready for whatever storm waited in the dining room. My wolf remained stubbornly silent inside me, offering no comfort or guidance. It only added to the isolation pressing on my chest.
With one last deep breath, I left the Luna Wing and headed toward the main dining area. The pack house was already stirring with morning activity–servants carrying trays, warriors greeting each other in the halls. My steps slowed as I approached the double doors. I could do this. Stay calm. Professional. Distant.
But when I pushed the doors open, Modric’s chair at the head of the table was empty.
Greta, the kind older omega who had helped me settle in, bustled over with a warm smile that didn’t quite hide the knowing look in her eyes. She set down a plate of fresh fruit and warm bread for me. “Good morning, Luna. The Alpha left before sunrise. He went to inspect the northern border. Some reports of rogue activity or lingering tensions. He took a small team with him.”
Relief washed over me so strongly my knees nearly buckled. I sank into my seat, nodding as if it didn’t matter. “Thank you, Greta. That’s… fine.”
But a small, traitorous part of me twisted with disappointment. He’d left without a word. After that kiss–the one that had set every nerve in my body on fire–he’d chosen to run. I poked at a piece of fruit, my appetite fading. He regrets touching me, I convinced myself, the thought stinging sharper than it should. Of course he did. I was the alliance burden, the plus–size reminder of a duty he never wanted. The girl he used to call Fat Luna. Why would one heated moment change anything for him?
I ate what I could, forcing down bites to keep up appearances, then threw myself into the day. Work was the best distraction. I made my way to the infirmary, a sturdy building near the training fields, carrying a notebook and determination. The head healer, Elara, was a sharp–eyed woman in her fifties with steady hands and a no–nonsense manner. She welcomed me after a brief introduction, though I caught the cautious respect in her gaze.
“Records could use updating, Luna,” she said, leading me to a back room stacked with ledgers. We’ve been overwhelmed since the clashes.”
I spent hours poring over them with her, organizing patient notes, cross–referencing supplies, and listening as she explained the grim details. Many warriors still suffered from deep gashes, broken bones that hadn’t healed cleanly, and lingering infections from the recent border fights with Mooncrest–a rival pack whose name I knew too well from my father’s stories. Ironclaw had held the line, but the cost showed in every scarred fighter who limped through the doors and every worried family waiting outside.
Some of these men won’t fight at full strength again,” Elara said quietly as we reviewed a particularly thick file. “Their families feel it. Food shortages in some homes because the warriors can’t hunt or patrol as effectively. The alliance with Moonstone helped stop the worst of it, but… old wounds run deep.”



She touched my arm gently, voice low so only I could hear. “The Alpha sent word, Luna. He will be sleeping at the border station tonight. Patrols may keep him out another day or two.”
The words landed like a quiet blow. I forced a small smile, nodding. “Thank you for letting me know.”
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