The Alpha's Regret:The Rise Of The Betrayed Luna | Read Free Preview
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Chapter 1
Alessia’s POV
Jace’s first love, Myra, had suddenly returned to the pack after seven long years of training at the Silvercade Research Center.
First, he forgot about our appointment to pick out my Mate- Claiming ceremony dress. Then, without a second thought, he gave the Council Beta Director position at Moonfall Vitae Institute to her.
My hand hovered inches from Alpha Jace’s office door, fingers curled, ready to knock—to ask him what was going on. But the moment his voice drifted through the door, my wolf stirred uneasily beneath my skin.
“Weren’t you going to make Alessia the Council Beta Director? She’s your future Luna.”
Jace didn’t answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm.
“Is that necessary? I’m the Alpha and the owner of Moonfall Vitae Institute. I decide who is fit for the position.”
A bitter taste filled my mouth. The position he had once promised me meant nothing now.
There was a pause before his beta spoke again, more cautiously this time.
“After all this time… you still haven’t gotten over Myra, have you?”
My chest tightened painfully as the name echoed in my mind, dragging something dark and forgotten to the surface.
Jace exhaled, his voice turning rough.
“The one you couldn’t claim in your youth stays with you for life. For me… Myra is that person.”
My wolf whimpered softly.
I remembered Jace murmuring that same name in his sleep years ago. I had brushed it off back then, thinking it meant nothing—that he was just talking nonsense in his dreams.
I was wrong.
The signs had always been there. I had simply chosen not to see them.
Pain spread through my chest, sharp and suffocating, as if something inside me was being torn apart.
“But you and Alessia are planning your Mate- Claiming ceremony,” his friend reminded him.
There was a moment of silence before Jace spoke again.
“I will take Alessia as my mate because I need to fulfill my obligation as an Alpha. Once her mother recovers from surgery, we’ll proceed with the Mate-claiming ceremony.”
Something inside me shattered completely.
Seven years of loving him—standing by him, choosing him over my dreams, over my future—reduced to nothing more than obligation.
I clamped a hand over my mouth, forcing back the sob rising in my throat. Tears slipped down silently, hot and unstoppable.
So he had never loved me.
Not even once.
Seven years ago, I met Jace at a campus gathering between allied packs. I fell for him at first sight—drawn to his strength, his presence, the quiet dominance that marked him as an Alpha even back then.
But he had never stopped loving Myra, even after she left him.
I was happy when he chose me as his mate. I knew, deep down, that I was only a replacement after Myra left—but I believed that if I stayed by his side long enough, if I loved him deeply enough, he would eventually choose me for real.
Five years ago, I was accepted into my dream graduate program at the Silvercade Research Center—one of the best for supernatural research.
But Jace wanted to build Moonfall Vitae Institute—a company that would serve as both a business empire and the financial backbone of the pack. It would help the sick, including my mother, and place him in his father’s good books.
So I tore up my acceptance letter without hesitation.
And I stayed.
I fought beside him. Built with him. Endured everything with him.
Now, Moonfall Vitae Institute has grown into a billion-dollar empire—powerful enough to rival entire packs.
A month ago, during a quiet meal, Jace casually asked if I wanted to proceed with the mate-claiming ceremony and become his Luna.
I said yes without hesitation.
I thought… after all these years… he had finally chosen me.
“Okay,” he had said simply. “We’ll go pick a dress after your business trip.”
Today was that day.
I came straight from the airport to the dress shop. I waited from 2 PM to 6 PM.
But he never came. There was no call, no message, so I came here.
And instead of an explanation… I got the truth.
A broken laugh nearly escaped me, but I swallowed it.
Anger burned through me—I wanted to scream, to shift, to break something, anything to release the storm inside me.
Instead, I stood there in silence. Even my wolf, Veyra, had gone quiet, retreating deep within me—too wounded to speak.
Slowly, I stepped back from the door. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to stay quiet. I picked up my suitcase and walked away.
By the time I reached the street, the city lights blurred through my tears.
Then my phone rang. The dress shop assistant.
“Ms. Frost, we’re still holding the dress for you. When should we expect you and Alpha Jace?”
I stared at the glowing skyline, a hollow smile forming on my lips.
“Don’t bother,” I said softly. “We’re calling off the Mate- Claiming ceremony.”
A sharp gasp came from the other end before I hung up.
I was exhausted—body and soul.
I couldn’t go home. My mother was about to be hospitalized, and no matter how heartbroken I was, the last thing I wanted was for her to notice.
After a moment, I decided to stay at a guest house.
I needed space.
As I stood by the roadside waiting for a taxi, my phone buzzed.
A message from Jace.
“Sorry, I had urgent pack business. Couldn’t make it to the fitting. You choose the dress. Your leave starts tomorrow—rest and handle the mate-claiming ceremony preparations. I’m busy.”
I stared at the screen, my grip tightening. So that was his excuse. “Meetings.” A humorless smile tugged at my lips.
I had requested a month’s leave—for my mother’s surgery… and our Mate- Claiming ceremony.
Now, only one reason remains. I turned off my phone without replying.
A taxi pulled up, and I got in. Just as we pulled away, a black Maybach sped past us.
Then I caught a whiff of his scent. My breath hitched. In the passenger seat was Myra—clinging to him.
So this was his “meeting.” I muttered
He had no time for me, yet had time to take her out. The sight made me want to throw up.
I turned my face away, smiling bitterly.
At the hotel, after a long shower, my mind finally began to clear.
I took out a pen and paper. If this was the end, then I would end it properly. I began writing my resignation letter.
After seven years together, I wanted a clean break. I had never thought of leaving him.But now? That I knew the truth, that he never valued me, I would never be the other woman.
Wiping my tears, I pulled out my phone and replied to a text message.
“I’m going to accept the Council Director position at Bloodmoon Biotech.”
I’m leaving Alpha Jace and Moonfall Vitae institute for good.
Chapter 2
Alessia POV
The next morning, I handed the sealed envelope to a courier.
“Deliver this to Victor at Moonfall Vitae Institute,” I said.
Victor—Jace’s beta.
Once that was done, I packed my things and headed out. My phone rang.
Larissa—my best friend “Alessia! I’m so sorry—I just saw your message from yesterday!”
I pressed my lips together. “It’s fine.”
Larissa and I worked together at Moonfall Vitae Institute.
Yesterday, I saw her post—a picture of her and Myra, cheek to cheek. Larissa’s eyes shone with admiration while Myra smiled serenely.
The caption still burned in my mind: So lucky to have Myra Sterling join us as Council Beta Director!
Larissa went quiet. She clearly didn’t believe me.
She didn’t know Myra was in Jace's past. There was no point in blaming her.
After we hung up, I went downstairs for breakfast, then stepped outside to get a taxi.
Just as I did, a message popped up. ‘Ms. Frost, have you considered my proposal?’
Kade Stark—Heir to BloodMoon Pack.
Before I could respond, another message came in.
‘My offer is sincere. I want you to join Bloodmoon Biotech Institute as Council Director.’
I stared at the message from Kade for a long moment before replying.
“I’ll consider it.”
I wasn’t going to refuse an opportunity like this—not after everything. Especially from a company backed by BloodMoon Park, whose reputation in the supernatural business world was unmatched.
He responded almost instantly.
“Good. If you’re free today, I can give you a tour of the company. See it for yourself and decide after.”
Maybe it was his respect—or the way he treated me like I mattered—that won me over. I typed back a simple, “Okay,” and went to finish breakfast.
Later, I took a taxi to BloodMoon Biotech. The early autumn air brushed my face as I rolled down the window, tousling my hair and carrying away some of the heaviness in my chest.
The BloodMoon Biotech tower rose before me, gleaming in the morning sun. To my surprise, Kade Stark was waiting at the entrance personally. He looked like he had been standing there for a while, the Alpha’s aura calm yet commanding.
I stepped out, nerves twisting in my stomach. “Mr. Stark. Good morning.”
He extended a hand, dressed sharply in grey. “Thank you for coming,” he said, a subtle flick of his eyes acknowledging the tension I carried. “Don’t worry. BloodMoon isn’t some dangerous pack rivalry. This is mutual interest. Tour the company. If it’s not right, you walk away—no hard feelings.”
The weight in my chest eased slightly, and I let out a low hum of approval.
Kade was the eldest son of the Lycan Alpha of BloodMoon Pack, heir to an empire of influence and wealth. Though young, he commanded respect, having expanded the family’s reach across Hollowcrest. BloodMoon Biotech, the subsidiary he wanted me to lead, was only two years old. Its growth had stalled, but its potential—backed by the full might of the Starks—was enormous. Surpassing Moonfall Vitae Institute was not impossible.
He gestured for me to follow, and I couldn’t help glancing around. Thirty employees, prototypes in progress… this was a small pack in its infancy, but it had teeth.
We arrived at his office. He explained everything with honesty and clarity. The company was growing slowly but surely. If someone with experience and vision stepped in, it could thrive.
“The team is small,” Kade said, eyes bright. “But it’s yours. Shape it however you see fit.”
“I’m very interested,” I admitted. “But my situation with Moonfall Vitae Institute is complicated. I can’t leave immediately.”
“I understand,” Kade said calmly and patiently. “Take your time. However long you need.”
A compromise came to me. “I’ll start a one-month leave today. A one-month trial here. If it’s a good fit, we’ll sign a formal contract after that.”
He smiled, clearly pleased. “Perfect. Benefits during the trial will be the full package.”
I nearly choked when he slid the agreement across the table—three hundred thousand dollars a year, ten percent equity, annual dividends. I let out a low growl of approval.
I hadn’t realized how deprived I had been at Moonfall Vitae Institute—my devotion, my sacrifices, my loyalty—all met with Jace’s coldness. And now, someone saw me for who I was.
I signed the papers, my hands trembling slightly—not from the money, but from the thrill of being seen, acknowledged, and wanted. Kade insisted I rest before starting formally next Monday.
I accepted it gratefully. Exhaustion pressed down on me like a weight I had carried for years.
Back home, my mother Sarah whispered the moment she saw me, “Alessia, your eyes… are you alright, darling?”
“I’m fine, Mom,” I lied, forcing a small smile. “Just tired from the business trip.”
She patted my cheek. “Don’t push yourself too hard. Talk to Jace if needed. He’s your mate. He’s supposed to look after you—and there’s nothing greater than a mate bond.”
The words opened a floodgate. Tears threatened to spill, but I held them back. I couldn’t burden her with Jace’s betrayal yet.
“Mom… food?” I forced a playful tone.
She laughed softly and headed to the kitchen. I collapsed onto the sofa, every ounce of strength leaving
Chapter 3
Alessia Pov
At home, my phone vibrated on the table. I saw the name—Jace.
I paused. I didn’t want to answer.
My mother leaned closer, puzzled. “What’s wrong, dear? Why aren’t you picking up Jace’s call?”
Before I could stop her, she pressed the answer button.
I sighed and brought the phone up. Jace’s face appeared on the screen. “Hello?”
I thought he was calling about my resignation and the cancelled mating ceremony. I had already prepared everything in my head.
After all these years, if nothing else, I had been loyal. I only hoped he would let me go cleanly, with some respect for what I had given him. And in return, I would wish him and Myra a proper future. I had even planned to see the new project through until the contract was signed.
I took a breath. “Alpha…”
On the other end, Jace frowned slightly. It was rare for me to call him that outside work.
But his discomfort passed quickly.
He loosened his tie. “Did you see my message yesterday?”
I paused. That was not what I expected.
I pressed my lips together. “Yes.”
He waited, as if expecting more. Then, hearing nothing, he seemed satisfied as though my silence was enough.
“Good,” he said. “When you have a moment, write a summary of your business trip and send it to me.”
For a second, I thought I heard him wrong.
A summary?
He called me while I was on leave… just for that? My chest tightened.
He knew I was on leave to take care of my mother in the pack infirmary. And still, there was no concern—only work.
He only ever contacted me for work. How did I only see that now?
“Alpha, I’m on leave,” I said carefully. “Would this be considered overtime?”
His tone changed immediately. Irritated. “It’s just a summary. How is that overtime, Alessia? Stop being difficult.”
I wasn’t surprised. I already knew he would say that. My voice stayed calm. “My mother is being admitted tomorrow. I’ll be taking care of her. I won’t have time for extra work.”
There was a brief silence.
“Right. I forgot,” he said, like it was an afterthought. But he didn’t apologize. He never did. He was used to being Alpha. Used to my silence. Used to my obedience.
Then his voice softened slightly. “Take care of your mother. I’ll visit you both at the Pack’s infirmary this weekend.”
My heart felt numb.
“That won’t be necessary,” I said quietly. “Also, about the—” I hesitated, forcing myself to stay steady. “I sent a—”
“I have a meeting,” he cut in. “I have to go.”
And just like that, the call ended. I gave a small, bitter smile.
Same as always. He called when he needed me… and left when he was done.
I dropped the phone onto the sofa and walked to my bedroom.
The small room was filled with gift boxes.
Engagement gifts. Small expensive items. Things he had sent through his beta a month ago when we set the mating ceremony date.
Jace was never warm, but he was generous.
I knelt down and slowly gathered everything into a cardboard box.
My mother, Sarah, came out of the kitchen with a plate of food. She stopped when she saw me.
“What are you doing with all that?”
My expression didn’t change. “The betrothal gifts Jace sent. And everything else he gave me over the years.”
She blinked. Then I chuckled. “Why are you packing them away? The mating ceremony is still a month away. Are you that excited?”
I didn’t answer.
She thought it was just pure excitement and I let her think that.
Carefully, I carried the box into the storage room.
Her surgery is soon. She doesn’t need any type stress. I’ll tell her the truth after she recovers. I told myself
After lunch, I slept for almost two hours. When I woke up, I did some light exercise, just to clear my head.
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from an alumni group.
It was a group formed years ago by students accepted into Professor Kael Steele’s program. Everyone there had once dreamed of studying under him.
“Prof. Kael’s birthday is next Saturday. DM me if you want to join.”
Kael Steele.
A giant in biogenetics. The professor I had once planned my entire future around.
During my undergraduate years, I had met him directly. He had been impressed with my work and later guided me on several patents.
The most important one—The Genetic Stabilization Model.
Most people thought it was his work alone. No one knew how much I contributed.
He had once believed in me deeply.
“Come study under me,” he had said. “In three years, you’ll shine in this field.”
And I had been accepted.
But before the semester began… I tore up the letter.
I chose Moonfall Vitae Institute instead. I chose Jace.
Kael had tried to stop me. Even used his wolf aura to pressure me.
“Get your master’s first,” he had said. “Then start your business. Your potential will be wasted otherwise.”
But I didn’t listen.
I was afraid that if I went, I would drift away from Jace. That distance would grow between us.
Especially after Myra left for the same reason.
Back then, I thought staying close would keep everything together.
Kael looked disappointed… but in the end, he said nothing more.
In the early years after graduation, I still sent him greetings on holidays. His replies were always short. Eventually, I stopped. I thought I was becoming a burden.
Now… I wanted to attend his birthday.
But I didn’t think I had the right.
Just as I was about to lock my phone, a private message appeared.
“Alessia, I signed you up for Prof. Steele’s birthday.”
It was from Hunter Grey—the one who had posted in the group.
We had met during admissions years ago. He was the one who added me to the alumni chat.
Now he was one of Kael’s most successful students.
And I… had chosen something else entirely.
My eyes stung.
I typed slowly. “Thank you, but I don’t think I should go.”
Mostly, I was afraid. Afraid of disturbing Kael. Afraid of seeing disappointment in his eyes.
In my current state, I couldn’t face him.
But Hunter replied almost immediately. “No. You have to come. Professor Steele mentions you often. He’ll be happy to see you.”
Then another message came. “It’s settled. I already signed you up. You must come.”
He sent the time and address. A tear slipped down my cheek.
I wiped it quickly and added the event to my calendar anyway.
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