Harry's POV
I don't know what came over me as I advanced towards my alpha. All I knew was that my blood was roaring in my ears and my wolf was going feral due to the pain I saw in the eyes of Violet. I lost control and almost attacked him.
My wolf, Valko, was a crafty, mysterious, feisty creature and I hardly let him take control.
I didn't lose control, but I couldn't bear to see her in so much pain. It tore my heart to see her hurt like that.
I needed to see Violet, to know what she was thinking because, as a beta, I was the alpha's shield. I pledged my loyalty to him and the pack with no questions asked, not minding what I feel or why I feel that way. It was a hard job, but it was a job I would die for. He was my best friend, and I was his tether.
I also needed to know if she was fine, even if for a few seconds.
As I sneaked away from my room to find her, the scent of strawberries and coconut hit me like a memory. It was familiar, intoxicating, and maddeningly out of reach. Valko growled low, straining toward the source like a starving beast.
I could hear low voices whispering in hushed tones inside the room.
Wolf protested as I decided to eavesdrop on the conversation going on through the door that was half ajar.
"I could still smell her on him," Violet said.
She was one of the few who dared to speak to the Luna like that. They were best friends, before the title, before Violet had tried to mold herself into the shadow of her alpha.
"He's hiding something."
"Obviously," Chloe shrugged.
"I clenched my fists. "Did I tell you she is human?"
Chloe blinked. "Wait… what?"
"He found his mate," I said, the words tasting like poison. "And she's human."
A beat of silence passed.
"Oh," Chloe whispered. "That explains a lot."
"I can't compete with the mate bond…once it forms…" she trailed off. "I've already lost."
My heart sank
Chloe laid a hand on her shoulders in a comforting manner, her voice gentler now. "Maybe you never had him, Vi. Not really. Maybe you were just the placeholder."
She turned to her in anger. "He chose me."
"No. He tolerated you," she said simply. "There's a difference."
Violet didn't reply.
My heart squeezed at the idea that she was going through a hard time emotionally. My wolf whimpered softly, and I felt an ache in my chest.
Violet let out a bitter laugh that cracked midway. "I was supposed to be his Luna. I am his Luna. The moon goddess doesn't make mistakes."
Chloe leaned back and cupped her face. "Maybe not. But sometimes the path to what we're meant to be is… cruel. Maybe this isn't the end. Or maybe it is. Either way, you are still you. Violet Sinclair. Warrior. Leader. Not some weeping shadow of yourself."
She wiped my face with the back of my hand, sniffling. "I hate that I still love him."
"You and I both know that you do not love him, you love the title and prestige that comes with being his Luna". Chloe had always been candid with her.
"I love him in my own luna way Chloe, he is my best friend," she whispered.
Chloe pulled her into her arms without another word, and she clung to her like she needed saving.
At that point, she was not the Luna. She was just a she-wolf that was heartbroken, knowing her most treasured thing in the whole world was threatened by an outsider, someone she didn't think was worthy, and I knew without a doubt that she would fight for the position that she was chosen for until she drew blood, until her last breath and I also knew that there was no hope for me.
I turned away to leave, but as soon as I turned my back I heard the door open.
I could feel her before I could see her face because my wolf, Valko, began to jump around in excitement.
"Why are you here"? Violet's voice filtered towards me.
I turned around. "I came to check up on you" I replied, moving close, invading her personal space.
Valko jumped up and down in happiness.
Chloe eyed both of us, her eyes lingering on me.
"Beta Harry" she acknowledged my presence before she gave Violet a kiss on the cheeks and left.
"You're too close" Violet mumbled as soon as Chloe was out of earshot.
"I'm not close enough" I replied before I could stop myself.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, but we will never be together. I am mated to the alpha". She said, her eyes flashing.
I felt a flare of anger before I forced myself to be calm. "Not for long", I replied, and regretted my words immediately.
Violet flinched at my words. "Beta Harry, I am still your Luna and I could have your head for what you just said now," she replied, anger sparking in her eyes.
"Forgive me my luna, I never meant to cross the line." I apologized and took two steps back.
She walked closer this time and looked me in the eye.
"You had better burn that delusion of yours that we will ever be together. I see the way you look at me when you think no one is looking. I don't love you, I never will. I don't want you to pity me or check up on me. Because me and you? We are nothing to each other. Are we clear? She asked in a cold voice.
The words stung more than I thought they would, and still, something in me didn't buy it. She was trying to push me away, but I knew deep in my heart that she was just putting up an act. I could feel the bond, we both could.
I reached for her hand, hoping she'd feel it too.
For a moment, her expression softened. Then her eyes turned to steel again.
"Let go of my hand, Harry", she drawled as she yanked her hand out of my grip.
I swallowed hard. Valko whimpered in my head.
I brought my hands up in surrender and took two steps back.
"Now if you would excuse me, I need to see my alpha" with that, she sauntered away, leaving me watching her beautiful back. The sway of her back burned into my memory, while my heart twisted painfully in my chest, caught between longing and rage.