Stand-in Luna: The Alpha's Real Mate | Read Free Preview
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Chapter 1
I’m the Alpha heir of the White Moon Pack, and I was also the mate chosen for Alpha Nick by the Moon Goddess herself.
Alpha Nick—leader of the Brown Pack. Twenty-one years old. Ruthless, cunning, feared across countless tribes.
Now, forced by the decision of the Pack Elders, I must suppress my Alpha scent and live in his pack.
I have to stay there for three whole months.
I glanced carelessly at the bracelet on my wrist. It wasn’t just any accessory—it was the token of core bloodline from the White Moon Pack. The witch had cast a spell on it, ensuring its strong Alpha scent was suppressed to the bare minimum.
After all, to the Brown Pack, I’m nothing—just a low-ranking wolf from some unknown little pack, Wendy Smith. At least, that’s what everyone else believed.
I don’t care what they think. After all, it’s only three months.
My grandfather promised that if I don’t form a bond with him after that, he’ll stop interfering with who I choose as my mate.
Screw the Moon Goddess.
To hell with this damn Mate Bond!
Barely had I stepped outside when a driver, sent by Alpha Nick, appeared in front of me.
“Hello, are you Miss Smith? Mr. Johnson sent me to pick you up.”
He stood beside the car, head slightly lowered. The gray glow from the Omega-class mark on the back of his neck shimmered faintly. His posture was submissive, but the innate fear in his eyes was impossible to miss—a primal reaction of low-ranking wolves toward those of superior lineage.
I gave a slight nod and followed him into the car without much thought, fatigue heavy in my bones. I’d had too much fun a few days ago and accidentally got scratched by barbed wire. Though I’d treated it, the lingering burn was still uncomfortable.
As the car pulled away from the station, I noticed the driver constantly glancing at me through the rearview mirror. His probing gaze was downright offensive.
What, did he assume I came from some tiny backwater Pack and thus didn’t deserve basic respect?
I turned my head to the window. Let him think about what he wanted.
The driver probably saw my simple expression and figured I was some greedy little wolf chasing luxury, which explained his disrespect.
I slowly opened my eyes and gazed at this strange, bustling city. My heart remained steady.
We soon arrived at Alpha Nick’s mansion. The driver helped carry my luggage in, but just as we stepped through the gate, we were stopped.
Standing there was a refined woman with golden curls. She brushed a strand of hair back and glanced me over with undisguised disdain.
“Santry! Can’t you see there’s a strange wolf here? Bring the spray.”
“Yes, Mrs. Johnson. Right away.”
The maid, Santry, obediently approached with a spray bottle in hand. I caught a whiff of the scent of instant wolf’s bane.
With a swift kick, I sent the bottle flying.
Mrs. Johnson’s face contorted in rage. She pointed at me and snapped, “What kind of ill-mannered wolf are you? Raising your hand in your host’s home? No upbringing at all!”
The bottle shattered on the ground, releasing that pungent stench. I raised my hand to block my nose and replied coldly, “Mrs. Johnson, letting a maid spray poison on a guest—or the Brown Pack’s future Luna—how refined is your so-called etiquette?”
That only made her angrier.
“Typical of a remote Pack! We’re worried you’re carrying some virus. What if you infected someone here?”
I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. On any other day, I’d have turned around and left without another word—but I had a deal to honor.
A promise to a certain old man.
“Well then, Mrs. Johnson,” I said with a bright smile. “You might want to spray your own mouth, given how… impolite you’ve been.”
Without waiting for her reply, I walked in with effortless grace.
“You—!” Mrs. Johnson’s voice broke off in fury as she pointed at me. The maid rushed over to console her.
Inside the villa, another girl about my age stood with a haughty expression, her outfit dripping in designer labels. She looked me up and down, her eyes landing on my clothes with clear contempt.
“You’re the rumored fated mate of Alpha Nick—Wendy Smith?” She sneered. “Can’t believe our Pack’s old Alpha approved. He must be losing his mind. I heard you are coming by train. You should’ve told us, and we could’ve bought you a plane ticket. Then again, I suppose your impoverished little Pack doesn’t even have an airport, right?”
I stared at her like she’d grown a second head.
Were all Brown Pack wolves this arrogant?
True, we didn’t have an airport.
But our old Alpha had chartered a private jet to fly me straight to LA.
Alone.
Lonely, to be honest.
If I wanted anything, our old Alpha could make it happen. But explaining myself to this group? Not worth it.
I ignored her and headed upstairs.
Offended, she stormed after me.
“Nick would never want a clueless little wolf from a tiny Pack as his Luna! He needs a mate like a warrior!”
I stopped and turned to a passing maid. “Where’s my room?”
Before the maid could answer, the girl cut in.
“This one’s yours.” She opened the door and gestured inside. “Bet you’ve never stayed in a room this nice before. You’d better cherish your time here in the Brown Pack. I’m Alpha Nick’s cousin, Enna. So, you’d better start kissing up. If one day—”
I slammed the door in her face before she could finish.
Bang.
This place was… peculiar.
There were clearly male toiletries in the bathroom and a faint masculine scent, but I thought it was just how Brown Pack wolves lived.
Still, it didn’t really matter.
Iit was just for three months. If I could stay with the Brown Pack for three months without forming any bond with Nick, our Pack’s old Alpha said I wouldn’t have to go through with the mate contract.
After a shower and a simple dinner, I fell asleep almost immediately.
Apparently, Alpha Nick knew I was arriving today. The old Alpha had asked him to greet me, but he’d used “work” as an excuse to avoid it.
Which only confirmed that he had zero interest in me.
Perfect.
I drifted off peacefully.
Completely unaware someone had entered the room. I only vaguely registered a familiar, comforting presence beside me—soft, warm, like my childhood teddy bear.
Without thinking, I hugged it close.
“Mister Bear, be good, don’t squirm. Time to sleep…”
And just like that, it stopped moving.
Good bear.
Until...next morning...
I was jolted awake by the loud banging on the door. I slowly opened my eyes… and realized I was curled up in someone’s arms.
Our eyes locked—and all traces of sleep vanished from my mind.
I bolted upright. “Who the hell are you?!”
He stared at me; his dark eyes were brooding.
“Wendy?”
“First day in Brown Pack and you’re already in my bed? Does the Moon Goddess know how shameless her chosen mate is? Impressive.”
I stared at him, completely stunned.
Me? In his bed?
Was the entire Brown Pack delusional?
But remembering the men’s products in the room, I quickly pieced it together.
This was Alpha Nick’s room. Enna had done it on purpose.
I got off the bed and spoke coldly, “First of all, I didn’t sneak into your bed. Enna told me this was my room. And Alpha Nick—I have zero interest in you.”
“Second, I was already asleep when you came back. You didn’t notice someone was in your bed? You cuddled me all night. Shouldn’t I be asking if you had any intentions?”
Nick’s expression darkened further. His face flushed slightly, and he didn’t reply.
Maybe it was the mate bond.
He couldn’t resist my scent.
I caught him staring again and smirked.
What, Alpha Nick? Can’t handle the mate pull either?
“Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t tell me I’ve already charmed you?”
I fought the instinctive urge to lean closer and instead mocked him.
Nick snapped back to reality, his voice low and cold.
“Get out. And don’t ever come into this room again.”
I didn’t argue. I grabbed my things and walked out, though I felt a strange sense of reluctance in my chest.
I bit my tongue to kill the feeling.
First impressions? We hated each other.
Perfect.
Chapter 2
Enna was still at the door, her face twisted in shock as I emerged.
I smiled at her sweetly, Alpha Nick’s scent still clinging to me.
“Good morning! As you wished, Nick held me all night. We’re getting along great.”
“You’re lying!” Enna snapped. “No way!”
By all accounts, Nick should’ve hated me.
But the facts were facts. We spent the night together—just sleeping.
It didn’t matter.
It was worth it just to see her angry and jealous face.
I walked away with a smile on my face.
But Enna panicked. “You mangy little wolf from some poor, backwater pack—I’m telling you now, I will never let you become the Luna of the Brown Pack!”
The moment the words left her mouth, Alpha Nick stepped out of the room.
Enna instantly shrank back. “Nick…”
Alpha Nick’s expression was grim, the edges of his eyes glinting with amber—a sign his wolf had been provoked. He was clearly angry. As a Beta-ranked wolf, Enna knew better than pushing further. She shut her mouth obediently.
…
I had a servant take me to my room to freshen up and reorganize my things before heading downstairs for breakfast.
At the table sat Mrs. Johnson, Enna, and Alpha Nick.
Mrs. Johnson sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sleeping in and not even helping with breakfast? You really think you’re already the Luna of the Brown Pack, don’t you?”
I glanced at her, replying coolly, “Well, I’m not a servant of the Brown Pack either. And frankly, I think you should be more concerned with Enna’s table manners than mine.”
Mrs. Johnson’s face turned a stormy gray, and she shut up.
Cook breakfast? In your dreams.
Throughout the meal, Alpha Nick didn’t say a single word. From the way he looked at me—or didn’t—it was obvious he wasn’t fond of me either.
It was a tense breakfast, with everyone giving each other side-eye. When it was over, Mrs. Johnson handed me a prepaid credit card.
“There’s five thousand euros on it. Go get yourself some decent clothes before heading to Brown Pack. And listen—follow the rules. Don’t cause Nick any trouble.”
To build a rapport between Alpha Nick and me, the Brown Pack’s old Alpha Ken had suggested I work as Nick’s secretary. Our pack’s elderly Alpha Tim agreed immediately, and no amount of protest from me changed their minds. Three months. Just three months—I could survive it.
Five thousand euros? What a joke.
I said, dripping with sarcasm, “Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. But no need.”
All my clothes were custom made—of course, they couldn’t tell the brands. I couldn’t be bothered to explain. I turned and headed upstairs to change.
Just as I got to my room, my phone buzzed. A transfer of fifty million euros. My credit card balance now had more zeroes than I could count.
Then I received a text from the old Alpha Tim of our pack.
“Wendy, take good care of yourself, okay? Buy whatever you want, eat whatever you crave. If anyone bullies you, tell me.”
I smirked and replied:
“William, everyone at the Brown Pack’s bullying me. This isn’t fun at all.”
He texted back instantly.
“Finally, someone dares to bully you. Good, good! Alright, I’m off to go fishing.”
Me: “…?”
Then another message popped up.
“Remember when Alpha Nick held his coming-of-age ceremony? I brought you along. You were about to go through your first transformation; your spirit was unstable. That wolf pup caught a glimpse of you from afar and told me—dead serious—that you were his fated mate…”
I thought for a moment. “I don’t remember.”
Then I slipped into a tailored professional outfit and left the mansion. The chauffeur, Beli, opened the door for me, and to my surprise—Alpha Nick was already in the car.
“I thought you said you had zero interest in me. So why take the job as my secretary at the Brown Pack?” His voice was low and rich, laced with sarcasm.
I shot him at a side glance. “I gave my word to our pack’s elder Tim that I’d stay by your side for three months. After that, we go our separate ways. No mate bond, no drama.”
“Heh.” Alpha Nick chuckled coldly. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll fall for me in those three months? Mates have a unique bond, you know. It’s not something you can resist. What if you end up clinging to me, begging to stay?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“My, my—so the ever-so-cold and untouchable Alpha Nick is that confident? Let me put it this way: not in three months, not in three years, not in a lifetime—I will never fall for you.”
To me, Alpha Nick was nothing more than a pretty face.
Sure, he was an Alpha. But so was I—and my bloodline was purer.
Nick’s expression turned pitch black.
There was no way in hell I’d ever fall for him.
“Miss Smith, you better remember those words.”
He probably thought I was playing some kind of Omega-style seduction game. Saying I didn’t like him, then showing up at the Brown Pack, even moving into his territory…
Ah, the Moon Goddess really had a twisted sense of humor.
I gave him a professional smile. “Of course, Mr. Johnson. Don’t worry. Three months from now, we’ll part ways. Actually, let’s pretend we don’t even know each other once we arrive at the Brown Pack. That way, we can avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Do you agree with me?”
Nick didn’t say another word. I assumed he agreed.
But I was far too optimistic.
Rumors had already spread outside. People were saying Alpha Nick had a fated mate—chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. And she was from some no-name little pack. Probably brainless.
Back at the Brown Pack, the Omega-ranked wolves were gossiping nonstop.
“Did you hear? That woman’s actually going to be working here. As Alpha Nick’s secretary!”
“Wasn’t she supposed to be hideous? From some tiny, unknown pack? Didn’t even graduate from a real university? Can she even read a document?”
“Hahahahaha—forget reading, she probably doesn’t even know how to turn on a computer!”
I heard everything they said as I stood at the door.
But the moment Alpha Nick and I walked through the entrance, all jaws dropped.
The tone instantly changed.
“Look, look! Who’s that woman behind Alpha Nick? She’s gorgeous!”
“Oh my god, her legs are so long and straight—and that skin! I think I just fell in love…”
“Could she really be the fated mate we’ve all been hearing about?”
“No way. Impossible!”
Speculation flew. They thought I was from a visiting pack. But when I parted ways with Alpha Nick and headed to the secretary’s office to report in, words spread like wildfire.
The mysterious, beautiful, and effortlessly cool woman who arrived with Alpha Nick? That was Wendy Smith—the future Luna of the Brown Pack.
They were probably all wondering: Damn, do small packs have those kinds of beauty?
I shrugged it off and went to HR to finish my onboarding. But as soon as I stepped into the secretary department, the gossip started again.
“She’s even prettier than Rina! That’s insane.”
Mary, an Omega and the head secretary, sneered. “So, what if she’s pretty? She’s still just some nobody from a tiny pack. She’s not worthy of Alpha Nick.”
I walked back just in time to hear that. I smirked and said coldly, “If I’m not worthy, then, are you?”
Mary stiffened. She turned around but didn’t dare refute me. My status—and my aura—spoke for themselves.
“Alpha Nick said that if you’re part of the secretary team, you’ll be treated like everyone else. No exceptions. This is the file for today’s ad shoot. You’re in charge.”
I took the folder with a mock smile and walked off.
Behind me, Mary’s little clique huddled up, whispering nervously.
“Is this the Louis ad shoot? Oh god… is she going to mess it up?”
I glanced at the schedule. Louis. That name did sound familiar…
My gut told me Mary had set me up with trouble.
Chapter 3
The shoot was scheduled at a high-end café near Brown Pack, and I, along with a few Beta-ranked werewolves, went downstairs to welcome Louis.
A black luxury car pulled up to Brown Pack’s entrance, and Louis stepped out wearing sunglasses. Word had it that although he was only nineteen, he already had tens of millions of fans. His whole aura screamed rebellion and indulgence.
I stepped forward to greeting him. “Louis, nice to meet you. I’m Wendy, the person in charge of today’s shoot.”
But he didn’t even register what I said. He immediately started complaining, “It’s so hot—no one thought to hold an umbrella for me? Is the set ready yet? And go grab me a coffee, from that downtown place…”
I watched him quietly as he performed. The little wolf pup who used to cry when surrounded by Rogues had really grown up. He hadn’t even finished his rant when he caught sight of me and froze in shock.
“Oh my God, Wendy! I’m not dreaming, am I?”
Louis tore off his sunglasses, looking absolutely stunned. Then, without warning, he pulled me into a hug.
“Wendy, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be off traveling the world or lying on a five-meter-long bed or something?”
I ruffled his hair, the same way I did when I saved him back then and smiled. “It’s been a while, little Louis. Oh right, you said you wanted a drink?”
“Nope! I didn’t say anything. Wendy, what would you like? I’ll go get it for you.”
Before I could respond, he shifted into wolf form and lowered his head, begging me to hold him like a puppy. Everyone nearby was shocked.
After all, the notoriously difficult Louis had hugged me, I’d ruffled his hair, and now he wanted to buy me a drink.
They couldn’t begin to understand why.
Truth be told, Louis and I had known each other for over ten years.
Back then, he was only seven and filming near a remote territory—not far from my family estate. He was kidnapped by Rogues who planned to use him to threaten the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack. By pure chance, I saved him.
He’d been awestruck watching me—well, technically my Alpha father—take down a group of Rogues without breaking a sweat.
I brought him home, and when he saw our estate, which looked grander than the White House, his jaw nearly hit the floor.
To him, I was the most powerful werewolf in existence. Maybe that’s just how little pups think—their imaginations run wild.
We walked together into Brown Pack, and the shoot couldn’t have gone smoother.
Louis complained the clothes were ugly, but one “They look great” from me shut him right up.
He started nitpicking things, but a single glance from me, and he dared not speak again.
He’s just that timid around me. Not that he remembers things clearly—his memories are definitely a little warped.
What was supposed to be a five-hour shoot wrapped up in two thanks to Louis’s unusually cooperative attitude.
Afterwards, Louis tugged at me. “Wendy, come on, let me treat you to dinner!”
“No. I’m still on the clock.” I coldly refused.
A few employees from other Packs nearby began whispering.
“Oh my God! She just turned down Louis’s invitation?”
“Who is this Smith Wendy anyway? Gorgeous and icy cold?”
“If Louis asked me out, I’d quit on the spot just to go with him!”
Louis looked devastated. “Come on, Wendy, isn’t it better to travel the world and live in your mansion? Why come work at Brown Pack? Wait… did your family go bankrupt? I can take care of you!”
I rolled my eyes. “You wouldn’t understand my world.”
Then I returned to my desk to the secretary department.
Everyone thought Louis would storm off in a fit of rage, and a few even came to try and smooth things over with me. But what happened next shocked everyone.
The infamous hothead Louis actually waited for me to get off work—in the lounge.
When it was time to leave, Alpha Nick stepped out of his office and spoke to me. “Grandfather made a dinner reservation. Let’s go.”
I’d heard the old Alpha Ken of Brown Pack had a heart attack recently. He must’ve used that to guilt-trip Nick.
Just as I was about to answer, Louis walked in.
“Wendy! You’re off now, right? Dinner time?”
Then he noticed Alpha Nick.
“Nick?”
Alpha Nick gave both of us a look and sniffed the air lightly, clearly confused.
I paused, then offered, “Why don’t we all go together?”
So, the three of us ended up at the restaurant the old Alpha Ken had reserved.
The whole way there, Louis kept talking nonstop, and I humored him with a few replies.
Once seated, Louis became even more attentive—pulling out my chair, adding food to my plate, being the perfect gentleman.
Alpha Nick’s expression began to darken subtly.
“Wendy,” Louis asked suddenly, “why are you working at Brown Pack? And what’s going on between you and Nick?”
I glanced at Alpha Nick and said calmly, “The old Alpha Tim from my Pack assigned me here. As for Nick and me… we’re Moon Goddess-appointed mates.”
Louis nearly spit out his drink.
“What?” He blinked. “Wait, you’re the rumored small-Pack mate of Nick’s?”
I nodded nonchalantly.
Louis must’ve heard the rumors—but now he was seeing the truth up close.
Sure, I came from a small Pack… if you ignore the estate worth billions and the dozens of mansions.
“You two…” Louis looked at us in disbelief.
“There are no real feelings involved. We’ll end it in three months,” I said plainly.
Louis finally relaxed and nodded. And being as blunt as ever, he added, “Good. Nick doesn’t deserve you anyway. He’s cold and boring. I’m way better.”
Alpha Nick, quietly eating this whole time, slowly looked up. His amber eyes flickered faintly.
“Huh?”
Then he elegantly wiped his fingers and said flatly, “Louis, that car you liked—Lucas asked me to help buy it for you. But now I think…”
“No! Nick, I didn’t mean it like that!” Louis panicked and cut him off with a forced smile.
The meal went relatively smoothly after that. At the door, Alpha Nick and I said goodbye to Louis.
“See you, Wendy! I’ll come visit when I can!”
I gently patted his head. “Take care on the road.”
It felt a bit like petting the family Alaskan malamute.
But in Alpha Nick’s eyes, it was a very different story. He narrowed his gaze, and after we got in the car, he spoke.
“So, the reason you’re so sure you won’t fall for me… is because you already like someone else.”
I looked at him, puzzled. “What are you talking about?”
“But let me make this clear,” he continued, “we’re still Goddess-mates, and Louis’s a public figure. You’d better avoid any rumors. It would reflect poorly on Brown Pack.”
Ah. So that’s what this was about. Did he think I liked Louis?
Where did he get that idea?
“And just a reminder—the Miller family isn’t easy to marry into. You’re even two years older than Louis.”
“That’s enough,” I snapped, cutting off his nonsense.
Was he seriously getting carried away now?
“Who I like is none of your business. Don’t try to boss me around.”
“And Louis is just a wolf pup I once saved. I’m only protective of him, that’s all.”
Alpha Nick’s face darkened, and the air around him grew heavier. We didn’t speak another word until we got out of the car.
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