Emily’s POV

I couldn’t help but smile as the maids worked on me. They moved quickly, trying different outfits, fixing my hair, and applying perfect makeup. Everything around me screamed luxury. Finally, I had my rightful place as the pack’s Luna.

Suddenly, one of the maids accidentally pinched my hair with a pin.

"Sorry, Luna," she stuttered, her hands shaking. "The pin went the wrong way."

"How dare you try to harm me?" I snapped, annoyance clear in my voice.

"No, Luna, I didn’t mean—"

"Silence!" I cut her off sharply. "How long have you been working here?"

"Over six years, Luna," she replied, her voice trembling.

"Good. You are fired."

"Ehn?" she gasped, completely shocked.

"You heard me well," I said coldly. "Pack your things and get out of this mansion. If you don’t, I might have you beheaded."

Her feet froze in place.

"Luna, please don’t do this," she begged, tears filling her eyes. "I don’t have anywhere else to go. I only know this place. I have been here for so long. Where do I start from?"

A smirk played on my lips as I watched her cry. I turned my gaze to the other maids who stood frozen.

"What are you all looking at?" I barked. "Do you want to be the next to leave?"

They quickly took a step back, eyes wide with fear.

I stood up and walked slowly toward the trembling maid. I stopped right in front of her and looked her straight in the eyes.

"I am giving you the option to leave now," I said quietly, "because if you don’t, you will regret ever remaining here."

My shifter eyes flashed golden for a second. Pure fear filled her face. She scrambled from the floor and ran out of the room without another word.

"That’s better. Being obedient," I said with satisfaction. I walked back to my seat and sat down gracefully. "What are you all waiting for? Make me look good or I will get rid of all of you."

Anger laced my tone. The maids rushed forward immediately and got back to work.

It had been over an hour now, and Aiden still wasn’t back. Where the fuck did he go? We were supposed to attend a function together. I needed to show the whole world that he was my husband and I was the pack’s Luna.

Finally, the door opened.

"Emily, let’s go," Aiden said as he stepped in.

I stood up at once. "What are you doing? Let’s go! Why are you so late? You kept me waiting. Where have you been?" I asked, irritation thick in my voice.

"I... I had matters to handle at the office," he replied. "That’s why I’m a little late. I apologize. It won’t happen again."

"I guess it’s all right then," I said.

Before I could say more, he turned to leave the room.

"Aiden!" I called his name sharply, annoyance burning through me.

"What is the matter?" he asked.

"Aren’t you going to offer to walk me downstairs?" I said.

"I apologize," Aiden replied with a smile and took my hand.

I smiled back. We walked downstairs together and got into the car. I was excited about the party. I knew for sure that everyone who was important would be there.

We reached the function in no time. The party was grand, like a welcome celebration just for me. Bright lights, beautiful decorations, and important guests filled the hall.

Aiden went ahead and started talking to some of his business associates. I stood there, a little bothered that he hadn’t introduced me yet.

"Luna Emily," a voice called from behind.

I turned and saw an old friend from school. I couldn’t help but smile.

"See, I told you she would eventually become the Luna and get her throne back," she said to the other girls beside her.

"It’s nice to see you all here," I said, letting a sweet smile play on my lips. "We haven’t spoken for so long."

"Is that why you didn’t invite us to your wedding?" she asked.

I don’t even know them that well, and we barely hung out during our college days. Why should I have invited them?

"I apologize," I said with the fakest smile I could manage. "I will definitely invite you all for the next celebration."

She isn’t even that good looking. I wanted to say something about that, but not tonight.

Suddenly, someone pointed across the room. "Isn’t that the ex-Luna?"

My gaze followed her finger. My eyes widened.

There was Alina standing beside Aiden.

What the fuck is going on?

Aiden was smiling at her — a real smile I hadn’t seen in a long time. She stood right next to him, too close. My blood boiled.

What on earth!

My blood boiled as I stared at them. Aiden was smiling down at Alina like she was the only person in the room. She stood right beside him, looking calm and composed, while he leaned slightly toward her as they spoke. My hands clenched into fists at my sides.

How dare she?

How dare he?

This was supposed to be my night. My welcome as the new Luna. And here he was, parading his ex-wife in front of everyone like I didn’t exist.

I forced a sweet smile on my face and excused myself from the group of old classmates. My heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as I walked straight toward them, my head held high.

As I got closer, I heard Aiden’s low voice. He sounded... different. Softer.

Alina looked up at him and said something I couldn’t hear. Aiden actually chuckled — a real, deep sound that made my stomach twist.

I stopped right beside them, slipping my arm possessively through Aiden’s.

"Aiden, darling," I said loudly, my voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Aren’t you going to introduce me properly to your guests?"

Aiden’s body tensed under my touch. His smile faded instantly. He turned to look at me, his eyes cold.

"Emily," he said flatly.

Alina’s gaze met mine. For a second, something flashed across her face — surprise, maybe discomfort — but she quickly looked away.

The people around us started to whisper. I could feel their eyes on us. Good. Let them watch.

I tightened my grip on Aiden’s arm and gave Alina a slow, sharp smile.

"Alina," I said, letting my tone turn icy. "How... nice to see you here. I didn’t expect you to attend our celebration. Especially after everything."

Aiden’s jaw clenched. He tried to pull his arm away, but I held on tighter.

Before he could speak, I continued, my voice loud enough for those nearby to hear clearly.

"After all, this is a special night for me and my husband. The new Luna and Alpha. It would be a shame if anyone tried to ruin it."

Alina stood still, her expression calm, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. Aiden’s eyes darkened with warning as he looked at me.

The powerful alpha energy rolled off him in waves, making the air around us feel thick and dangerous. But right now, that anger wasn’t directed at Alina.

It was directed at me.

And that only made my own anger burn hotter.