The Second Chance He Doesn’t Deserve

Elira's POV

I tried everythingeverythingto make my mate, Thorne Blackthorn, love me. But in the end, he loved my sister, Monica.

On our wedding day, he never showed. I stood there alone, humiliated, while the Blackthorn Pack and even my own, the Nightshade Pack, laughed at me. Of course they did. Everyone knew Thorne loved Monica. No one believed hed actually go through with marrying me.

But what shattered mewhat tore my soul apartwas that he married her instead. He didnt just choose her. He marked her. My wolf howled in agony, the bond snapping like glass, cutting through us both.

Everyone adored Monica. My mate included. I was always second placeeven to my own family. I was the eldest, sure, but I had a weak wolf, and to them, that made me less. My parents never missed a chance to remind me. Meanwhile, Monica? She had it alltheir love, their praise, a powerful wolf, the affection of both packs... and my mate.

My hands trembled, heart in shards, tears threatening to spill as I stood there, drowning in humiliation. Elder Thomas Blackthorn, Thornes father, was furiousat them, not me. He silenced the crowd, comforted me, promised hed deal with his son. He urged me to leave, to escape this mess and let him handle it.

But just as I turned to go, Thornes older brotherAlpha Lucas Blackthornstepped toward me.

He was dressed in a beige suit, tall, handsome, those ocean-blue eyes piercing right through me. He looked like a prince from a dream. I froze as he reached out his hand, my breath catching.

I wont let you be shamed like this, Elira, he said. Marry me.

Gasps echoed all around us. My eyes widened, stunned.

Ive loved you in secret, Eli, he confessed. And I swearIll take care of you and love you for the rest of my life.

That day, I became his Luna.

And for five years, Lucas kept his word. He cherished me. Protected me. He healed me. I thought Id never love again after Thorne, but slowly I fell hard. Lucas became my everything.

Until the day I lost him.

He was killed in a rogue ambush on his way to the allies pack to settle a conflict. The news wrecked me. I didnt even know how to breathe anymore. On the day of his funeral, I wasnt feeling well. I went to the pack doctorand learned I was two months pregnant.

With his pup.

Still in disbelief, I returned to the cemetery. Thats when I saw himThorne. Or rather, his back. He leaned against a car, smoking and talking to his cousin, unaware of my presence.

Then I heard it.

This is crazy, Lucas. What if someone finds out youre the one alive? That it was Thorne who died in the attack? What if Luna Monica or Luna Elira realize youre pretending to be Thorne?

I froze.

That voiceLucas.

He was alive.

And pretending to be his dead brother.

I couldnt breathe. My knees nearly gave out. Tears blurred my vision. He lied to me. Betrayed me. Used me. All for .

Because they both loved her.

I was nothing but a pawn in their twisted game.

I couldnt bear it. I decided to terminate the pregnancy. It broke me, but I couldnt bring his children into a world where theyd only remind me of the betrayal.

After the procedure, I was weak, barely able to stand. Thats when he found meLucas, alive, still playing Thorne. He grabbed me, dragging me to the medical wing. Monica had lost too much blood due to miscarriage. She needed a transfusion.

And even though I was in pain, broken and bleeding, they force me to take my blood. Just to save her.

That was the last time.

The last time Id ever let them use me, lie to me, treat me like I was nothing.

I was done.

I went straight to Elder Thomas. He was in the library, reading a scroll. He looked up, surprised to see me, then rushed to embrace me.

Elder Thomas, I whispered, voice shaking, Im leaving the pack. I dont want to be Luna anymore.

Elira's POV

Elder Thomas made me sit down, and a servant came in with a cup of tea. He took the seat across from me and spoke gently, I know its not easy losing a husband, Luna Elira. I understand what you're going through. I saw how much you two loved each other, and it hurt me toomaybe not like it hurt you, but still.

My wolf stirred, desperate to spill the truththat Lucas was alive, hiding behind Thornes identity. But for what? Why fake his death? He never loved me. Not once in five years. Everything he did it was just duty. A sacrifice to keep the packs pride intact. Nothing more.

I was such a fool. I believed the lies. I thought his affection was real. Thought his heart was mine. Turns out, it always belonged to Monica.

Tears welled in my eyes, my breathing shaky.

Ill give you an estate to live in, Elder Thomas offered kindly.

But I didnt want it. I didnt want anything. I just needed to leave and live a life far away from them.

Thank you, Elder Thomas, but I dont need it, I whispered, voice cracking. I just came to tell you Im leaving. Youre the only one whos ever made me feel seenlike I was worthy of love.

Tears slipped down my cheeks.

Youre like a daughter to me, Luna Elira, he said with emotion in his voice. But please, dont leave with nothing. You were my sons wife, the Luna of our pack.

He stood and opened a drawer behind his desk, pulling out a small passbook. He handed it to me. Take this. Its enough money to live on for now. And please, reconsider the estate.

Thank you so much, Elder Thomas, I said through tears. Youre like a father to me.

He held my hand tightly. I know things werent easy. Your own mate humiliated you on your wedding day. If Lucas hadnt stepped in back then, I dont know what wouldve happened. But now that hes gone I just want you to find happiness again. Remarry. Start a family.

I smiled faintly. I dont think I could marry anyone else, Elder Thomas. Ill live the rest of my life as a widow.

He gently tapped my hand. If thats your choice, Ill respect it. Just remember, youll always be welcome here. Always.

I didnt know where to go yet, but staying hereeven in that estatewasnt an option. Not when Id see Lucas with my sister.

Then my eyes landed on a real estate magazine. Without thinking much, I went straight to a broker.

Luna, here are some available lands, the broker said, handing me a brochure. Pick whichever you like.

I scanned through the options and found ita piece of land far from the werewolf city. East, remote, quiet. A place no one could find me. A place where I could finally be free from Lucas from everyone who never cared.

I paid half up front and agreed to pay the rest once the land was officially transferred to my name. Then I returned to the pack house, feeling the pity in everyones eyes.

My wolf was still weak from the abortion and from the blood loss after saving Monica.

I couldnt help but remember the day I was sixteen, attacked by a rogue, bleeding outuntil Thorne saved me. Thats when I knew he was my mate. But the moment he laid eyes on Monica, I vanished from his world. No matter how hard I tried to bond with him, to be enough, he never saw me.

Not once.

I wiped my tears as I looked around the room that held five years of memories with Lucas. Memories I once treasured. The photos, the little gifts, the scrapbook full of love notes, the painting I made for him everything.

But now, all I felt was anger and disgust.

I stared at our bed.

Did he ever think it was me in his armsor was it always Monica?

Pathetic. Pathetic love. Pathetic me.

I grabbed everythingevery piece of our so-called loveand shoved it in a box. I carried it outside to the garbage, ready to burn it all.

But then a familiar hand stopped me.

What are you doing? said a voice behind me. Is that the stuff from my brother? The gifts? His memories?

It was Lucas.

Pretending to be Thorne.

I wouldve believed it was really Thorne if I hadnt heard that conversation. He looked just like himthe hair, the eyes, even the way he dressed. Everything was identical.

I yanked my hand away, but he gripped it tightly. I stared at him calmly, coldly. Hes gone. Why would I keep this? Im leaving.

His eyes widened. Youre what?

Let me go, I said firmly.

His expression twisted. Did my father tell you to leave?

I tried pulling my hand again, but he held tighter, jaw clenched. Answer medid my father ask you to go?

Youre hurting me, Thorne! I snapped.

He immediately let go, staring at the red mark on my wrist.

Youre not leaving, Luna Elira, he growled. Youre still the Luna, even if Lucas is dead. I have no plans to take the Alpha position.

I clutched my wrist, shocked. He should be glad I was leaving. He could finally be with Monica without hiding. What did he care?

So you dont want me to leave? I asked, looking straight into his eyes.

He didnt answer. Just stared at me with an emotion I couldnt read.

I looked away, my tears falling again.

Luna Elira he started, but his voice was cut off by someone behind us.

Monica.

Elira's POV

Honey, why are you taking so long? You said you wouldnt be gone that long, Monica said, flashing me one of her fake smiles.

Sis, how are you? she asked, pulling me into a brief hug. I know its not easy to lose Alpha Lucas.

Then she pulled back and looped her arm around him.

She gave me that fake, syrupy look of concern. I smiled back, cold as ice. Im fine. Why should I grieve? People leave. Nothing to cry about, I said flatly, catching the way Lucass jaw clenched. His eyes burned holes into me, like he didnt expect that answer.

Monicas gaze dropped to the boxes. Youre burning them? lo

Yeah. Why should I keep anything? I shrugged.

Aww, thats sad, she pouted, then turned to Lucas. Honey, we need to go. I have a follow-up at the hospital.

Lucas didnt move. He stared at the box. Dont burn that. Ill keep itfor my brother, he said.

I was about to argue, but he didnt give me the chance. He ordered one of the guards to take it away. My jaw clenched. What the hell was he doing? Why not just let me go? Why keep torturing me like this?

Lets go, he said, and the two of them walked off like the perfect little couple.

And thats when it hit meno matter what I did, Id never be Monica. Never be the one they chose. Id never be enough.

A single tear slid down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly.

I kept my head down, ignoring the stares from the pack as I waited for the documents for the island to be finalized. I just needed to leave. Elder Thomas promised to keep quiet about it, that hed manage things until Thorne decided to take the Alpha title.

Later that day, I returned to the packhouse after handling finances and a council meeting. Monica approached me, beaming, and grabbed my hand.

Sis! Its been forever since we went out together. Thornes racing tomorrow. Come with me. Dont just stay holed up here, mourning Lucas, she said sweetly.

Lucas racing? That was new. He never did stuff like that. That was Thornes thingspeed, risk, freedom. Not Lucas. But something inside me wanted to see what he was up to.

I didnt want to go, but Monica pushed so hard that I finally gave in.

The next morning, we were at the race track. Monica ditched me to find Lucas, and I wandered around until I spotted his cousin Drake talking to him.

Seriously? Youll get yourself killed! Drake snapped, shaking his head. I dont get why youre doing all this just to stay close to Monica.

Lucass voice was calm, too calm. Its the only way. I dont even know how to drive this car. Tampering with the brakes is all I could do.

My blood froze.

Youre insane, Drake muttered. Look, I get it. You love Monica. But shes your brothers wife. And Elirayour own wifewas wrecked when you died. You really felt nothing seeing her break down like that? She loved you, man. She loved you so damn much.

Lucas didnt say a word.

Drake ran a hand through his hair. Let her go, bro. Let Monica go. Stop this mess.

I stood there, hidden, silent, breath caught in my throat.

Then I heard Lucas speak.

Ill go back to Elira. But after two years with Monica... Ill fix things.

Go back?

I scoffed quietly and turned away.

Back to who?

The girl you left broken?

The one who died inside the moment she realized you faked your own death?

Theres no Elira waiting for you.

You can rot in your perfect fantasy with Monica.

You think I was the reason for your misery for five years?

Youre worse than Thorne.

I found a seat as the race began. The crowd roared, wild cheers erupting when Thornes name was announced.

Monica returned, sitting beside me. Dont look so gloomy, sis. You should get out more.

I didnt answer.

You know, fates just cruel like that. Your husband died, mine survived the rogue attack. Youre just unlucky, but heysome people are born like that. I guess Im just lucky, she said with a smug little smile.

I clenched my jaw, hiding the storm brewing inside me. I was about to snap when a loud crash made everyone go still.

Honey! Monica screamed in panic.

Elira's POV

Lucass car crashed into the guardrail. He swerved too hard, and people started panicking. Monica ran toward the wreck just as the ambulance arrived. They pulled his unconscious, bleeding body out of the car before it burst into flames.

She climbed in with him, crying hysterically.

I stayed where I was, calm. Watching.

How far could someone go for love?

I used to be like that. Pathetic. Chasing someone just to be loved back. Doing everything just to feel seen. But no matter what I did, I was never enough.

Lucas almost died for Monica. Thats love, huh?

It made me feel even more patheticbecause I knew no one would ever do that for me. No matter how much I gave.

Five days passed. I buried myself in the pack's duty, not even bothering to check on Lucas. I didnt care how he was doing or if he even alive.

Then my phone rang. It was the hospital.

Miss Blackthorn, maybe you forgot about the item in the freezer. Todays the last day were holding it. Just let us know if youre picking it up or not.

I had forgotten. Ill be there today.

I hung up, sitting on a bench and staring out into the distance. That ache in my chest wouldnt go away. My wolf felt it too.

I touched my stomach.

This is the right thing, I whispered.

When I got to the hospital, I walked fast. I was about to turn toward the morgue when I passed by a room and froze.

It was Lucass room.

The door was slightly open. I heard Monica crying.

Alpha Thorne wont be able to race again, the doctor said. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

Monica sobbed. Im sorry, honey You love racing so much

The doctor left, and then I saw it. The smile on Lucass face. That look in his eyesthe kind of look he never gave me. The softness, the warmth all for her.

He never looked at me like that. Not even once.

Its okay, honey. Dont blame yourself. Stop crying It hurts me seeing you like this, he said, full of affection.

Monica blushed. Thats why I love you so much.

And I love you, Lucas said. Id rather lose racing than lose you.

I felt like throwing up. My heart shattered all over again. My wolf howled inside me.

My hands shook as I turned around, forcing myself to walk toward the morgue.

Then I heard her voice.

Elira!

I turned. Monica was walking toward me, all smiles.

Sis, youre here! Why didnt you drop by to visit Thorne?

I didnt know you were here, I lied.

Well, Im glad youre here anyway. Just wanted to tell youour sixth wedding anniversarys in two weeks. I really hope youll come. I dont want you to feel lonely.

Her voice was sweet, but her smile felt like poison.

The same day I planned to leave the pack for good.

Dont worry. I didnt forget your anniversary, I said flatly.

She tilted her head, pretending to be concerned. You sure? Maybe youve forgotten after losing your husband.

My wolf growled inside me.

Ill be expecting you, she added.

I have important things to do, I said, brushing past her. Truth wasI couldnt stand being around her anymore. Or any of them.

After settling the hospital matter, I went back to the pack. My phone pinged while I was getting back to my duties.

It was a message from my father.

[How long are you going to ignore us? Youre being stubborn and ungrateful! Just because youre married doesnt mean you can do whatever you want! You never think of your parentsthats why Lucas died! Monica is better than you. Be on my birthday, I'll expecting you.]

I replied: [Okay.]

Its been five years since I last went to the Nightshade pack. They didnt even attend my wedding. But when it was Monicas wedding? They were all there, all smiles. She got their blessings. I got silence.

Even here in the pack, I never felt like I belonged. My parents always doted on my younger sister. I spent years trying to earn just a sliver of their attention. But I could never compete. Monica always outshined me.

Bitterness clung to the back of my throat.

Even Thorne he was my destined mate, but all his affection? It was for her.

I used to think Lucas loved me. That maybe, just maybe, he chose me. But nohe loved Monica too.

I laughed bitterly, a hollow sound in the silence.

Everyone I ever loved loved her more.

And now?

This will be the last time I ever see my parents again.

Eliras POV

The birthday banquet was held on a lavish cruise ship. I arrived with Lucas and Monica, boarding the deck under the blinding lights and fake smiles.

My parents met us, beamingbut their eyes were only on Monica and Lucas. I was just... there. Invisible. But Ive gotten used to that, so I stayed quiet.

Our sweet little girl, look at you, youre getting thinner, my mother said as she kissed Monicas cheek, her expression filled with worry. I know its hard to lose your baby, sweetheart. But dont worry, Ill keep praying to the Moon Goddess that youll get pregnant again, strong and healthy.

My father, former Alpha Harold, wrapped Monica in a tight embracelike he hadnt seen her in years. That hug gods, how I wished hed hold me like that, even just once.

You need to eat more, sweetheart. A lot more, Father said, then turned to Lucas, who was doting on Monica like she was the air he breathed. And yougive us a grandchild soon, and take care of our girl. We love her so much.

I know, Alpha Harold. For your daughter, Id do anything. I love her more than anything in this world.

Those were the same words Lucas once told me. Id do anything for your happiness, he said. But he never said he loved menot like that.

My eyes stung. My wolf whimpered inside me.

No one wanted us. Not even my own blood. No one except Elder Thomas.

I stepped forward, handing my father a gifta rare luxury watch, the exact brand he loved. It hadnt even hit the market yet. I worked hard just to get it hoping that after I left, hed at least remember me when he saw it.

Father. Happy birthday, I said softly. Heres my gift.

They all looked at me like I had just appeared out of nowhere. My father nodded, not even glancing at the paper bag. He waved over a servant to take it and toss it with the rest of the gifts like it was nothing special.

Monica beamed as she handed him hers. Happy birthday, Daddy! I hope you like it!

My father lit up as he opened her gift like a child unwrapping a treasure. It was just a cheap bottle of berry wine. Ordinary. But his smile made it look like gold.

I love this, sweetheart! You know how much I adore berry wine!

If you're the favorite daughter, everything you touch turns to goldeven the cheapest things. If youre not? Youre just... there.

They left me behind like they always did. Not even a glance back.

I walked to an empty table tucked in the cornerfar away from everyones curious and pitiful eyes. As I sat, my father took the stage.

Good evening, everyone. Im so happy youre all here, he began, grinning wide. I want my sweet daughter to come join me on stage.

Applause echoed. Monica stood, glowing in her deep red tulip dress, stealing the spotlight as if she was born for it.

My sweetheart, Father said, voice full of pride, thank you for coming into our lives. Youre our light, our happiness.

The words stabbed into me like blades.

Daddy, Monica sniffled, tears in her eyes. You know how much I love you.

The crowd cooed. My father melted.

I want everyone to know Monica Starwind will be the heiress of our pack. Everything I haveevery title, every landwill belong to her.

The room went quiet.

Whispers broke out. Murmurs of confusion.

Traditionally, the heiress is the eldest daughter. But there I wasgetting nothing. Not even a single coin.

My hands trembled. My chest tightened. It felt like my simple dress was choking me.

I stood up. No one noticed. No one ever noticed.

I walked out of the banquet hall, out to the deck, desperate to breathe.

The sea wind hit my face. I gripped the railing, lips trembling. Anger boiled in me. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout that I was their daughter too. But what for? Id only look pathetic.

Life has never been fair to me. Not once.

I sighed and looked up at the moon, trying to calm the wolf inside me. She was furious too.

She understood. She always did.

But that small peace shattered when I felt Monicas presence behind me.

What are you doing out here alone, Sis? she asked, voice sickeningly sweet. You should be inside, enjoying the party. Dont be out here sulking like a loser.

I stayed quiet. But my wolf growled.

Monica moved closer, smirking. Look at you. All pitiful and pathetic. Her voice was full of mockery

Youre weak. Still begging for our parents lovebut they love me. Not you. Never you. Cant you see that?

She laughed cruelly.

My husband? He never wanted you. Thorne? Loves me. Only Lucas lobe you but well he's dead, you are alone and nothing, Elira. No one wants you. No one loves you. Whats the point of being alive?

I was the eldest. But she never treated me like one. She took everything from memy family, my pack, even the men I loved. Thorne. Lucas.

Why? Why go this far? Why say these things?

What do you want from me, Monica? I said coldly. They already love you. I dont care.

She sneered. Youre my sister, but I cant stand you. I wish you didnt exist. Why cant you just die already?

Then, out of nowhere, she shoved me.

She was strong.

I stumbled back, shocked, struggling to grab hold of somethinganything.

In the panic, my hand caught hers.

She didnt expect that.

And in one terrifying second... we both went over the edge.