Chapter 1

1.

The day I found out my Alpha husband had a "true love" he could never be with, I decided to leave.

I submitted an application to leave my pack and join a top-secret supernatural organization called "The Phoenix Project."

But before I left, I decided to play the part of the perfect Luna for my husband, Aiden Blackwood, for one last week.

Seven days until my departure, he asked me to give up the Alpha's bedroom for his "true love." I moved into a side room without a word.

Six days left, he left me standing in a downpour to go pick up his "true love." I got out of the car so he could play the hero.

Five days left, he ditched our movie date to take care of his sick "true love." I decided to leave for good and let them have each other.

When he finally realized I was missing, he panicked and begged the Supernatural Council for help, sending the entire werewolf world into a frenzy.

But the Council Elder told him, "There is no Clara Stone in our archives. Alpha Blackwood, your mating status has always been 'unmated'."

"The Phoenix Project begins in one week. The ritual will erase all traces of your existence, including your pack mark and your record with the Moon Goddess. This must be kept secret from your home pack. It will be as if Clara Stone never existed."

"Clara, are you truly willing to leave your mate and your son?"

Even the director of the organization was shocked by my application. After all, I had always put my family and my pack above everything else.

I paused for a moment.

"They already have the people they care about. I think our world needs me more."

Aiden Blackwood was the youngest Alpha in the history of the Blackwood Pack, the most powerful pack in the Pacific Northwest.

As his destined mate and Luna, I gave up my own passions―studying ancient werewolf texts and herbal medicine―to be the backbone of his pack.

Only later did I learn that outside of our pack, he had a "best friend" he spoiled endlessly.

Before signing the magical contract, I asked, "What about my mate bond with Aiden Blackwood?"

The director cleared his throat awkwardly. "That will be severed by the ritual as well. I expect you'll..."

I didn't hesitate for a second.

"In that case, I volunteer for the Phoenix Project. I'll be there in one week."

Seeing my determination, the director's eyes filled with admiration.

"Clara, thank you for the sacrifice you're making for our world. We welcome you."

One more week.

Then I would no longer be someone's mate, or someone's mother.

I would only let them have me for one more week.