Chapter 48
Ruby’s POV
The slap landed hard on my cheek, its sting sharp and humiliating as it echoed across the open My head jerked to the side, and for a moment, the world felt blurry. A collective gasp arose from the pack members around us, their shock evident. I straightened myself slowly, my hand trembling as it touched the spot where Dominic had struck me. My eyes burned with unshed tears- -not from the pain, but from his audacity.
This bastard had just returned from his damn vacation, and this was the reward I got after dealing with all the mess he left behind?
“How dare you!” he thundered, his voice filled with rage amid the crowd of the pack. “You had no right to dismiss my Beta without my permission!”
I tried to remain calm, even as my cheek burned and my body trembled with anger and hatred toward this man
“I had every right.” My voice matched his in intensity, refusing to back down–I was someone of status too. That seemed to catch Dominic off guard for a moment. Then, I continued, “When an Alpha abandons his duties and leaves his pack to fend for themselves, someone has to take responsibility. Your Beta failed this pack. Dominic You left me no choice but to act.
His eyes narrowed, his fury only growing as he refused to accept my words.
“You have no authority! I am the Alpha!”
I stepped closer, my own anger boiling over. “And you think an Alpha has the right to abandon his pack for days!”
A bitter laugh escaped me. Meanwhile, the people aroundus shifted uneasily, knowing this wouldn’t end well.
“You proudly call yourself an Alpha” My gaze traveled from his head to his toes, almost mockingly. “Think clearly, Dominic. You are an Alpha who neglected his responsibilities while someone else was left to clean up your mess. And who else should have done it, Dominic? Of course, me!”
His face darkened, and he growled, “How dare you speak to your Alpha like that! You insolent woman!”
Before I could brace myself, he raised his hand again. But this time, I caught his wrist mid–swing. My grip tightened as I met his gaze, the fury within me surging like a wildfire, licking at the edges of my consciousness
With a voice as cold as ice. I asked, “Is this how you repay me, Alpin? After everything I’ve done for you?”
And then, I slapped him back
The sound was deafening, a sharp crack silencing the murmurs around us. Dominic stumbled slightly, more out of shock than the force of my strike. Gasps rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned toward us. To them, this was a sight they never thought they would witness–a Luna, once as obedient to her Alpha as an ox led by a nose ring, daring to fight back.
They were right about that Before. And I admit, that was one of my greatest follies–clinging to the hope of being loved. How pathetic I had been, so desperate for affection, seeking it in a place where it never belonged.
“Y–you–you just slapped me?”
“I merely returned the gift Alpha so generously gave me,” I replied, my expression that of a perfectly wounded woman. “I am truly honored by your present, Alpha
Camilla appeared out of nowhere, rushing to his side with tears streaming down her face.
“Dominic! I’m so sorry,” she whimpered, clutching him as if she could shield him from the humiliation. “I never should have forced you to go on that honeymoon
Then, Camilla turned to me. Her eyes brimmed with desperation and pleading.
“We never meant to make things difficult for you. Please, forgive us!” she sobbed,
Dominic’s attention remaned locked on me, though his hands held onto Camilla.
“Luna-
I cut him off with a starp voice. “You should be grateful, Alpha. If it weren’t for me, the elders would have already stripped you of your title for neglecting your duties and dishonoring the laws of this pack.”
His anger wavered, and for a Beeting moment, fear flickered across his face. His reaction was almost satisfying-
I shifted my cold gaze to Camilla, who was still clutching Dominic’s ann.
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Chapter 48
“You should go check on our parents. They are unwell,” I said.
Her tear–streaked face turned toward me, eyes wide in shock..
“What What happened?”
“Go and see for yourself.” I said curtly, turning away. She hesitated before dashing off, her gown trailing behind her.
Midway through my journey. I was once again startled by Dominic. He grabbed my wrist, holding me in place.
“We need to talk.“
I stiffened at his words and want ti laugh. Of course, what else did I expect from a man like him! He would never apologize. Narcissism and superiority wrapped in one arrogant existence–Dominic. I would never disgrace my noble family name by attaching it to his
Iyanked my arm free and met his gaze.
“You should go see the elders. Alpha Dominic. You owe them an explanation. That is an order”
I didn’t wait for his response. Turning on my heel, I resumed my steps, ignoring the weight of his piercing stare on my back.
Night had fallen by the time I finally found a moment of peace tried my best not to think about a certain someone in that kingdom)
After days of endless chaos and responsibilities, I craved solitude more than anything. Leaving the residence behind, I wandered into the small town, letting the cool night air soothe my nerves. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional murmurs of townsfolk. I allowed the wind to guide me until I found myself standing in front of a tavern.
It wasn’t the most luxurious place, but it had a cozy charm that drew me in Warm lantern light illuminated the interior, casting soft shadows over wooden tables and chairs. The rich aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread lingered in the air, making my stomach grumble.
I chose a corner table, away from prying eyes, and ordered a simple meal–a hearty bowl of stew, a piece of warm bread, and a plain mug of ale.
For the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to relax. The stew was rich and flavorful, the bread soft and buttery. Each bite felt like a small victory, a reminder that I could still find a sliver of joy amidst everything.
But my peace was short–lived.
“Luna Ruby of the Ravenhold Pack?”
The voice froze me mid–bine. Slowly, I looked up, my heart pounding as I recognized the man standing before me. His dark eyes gleamed with familiarity, and a smile tugged at his lips. I knew that face.
The man from the masquerade ball.
The one who had argued with Camilla in the garden.
“Pardon my impudence, but can we talk for a minute, Luna?“
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