Chapter 1

Hope's POV

The searing pain of enemy claws tearing through my abdomen still burned in my body, but the next second, I found myself standing in the sacred grounds of SteelMoon Pack.

A blood-red moon hung high in the night sky, ancient stone pillars surrounding the full moon altar where all our people had gathered. Instinctively, I pressed my hand to my stomach—there should have been a fatal wound there, but now there was nothing.

I had been reborn.

Reborn back to that night that changed everything—the full moon mate selection ceremony.

My wolf let out a low whimper deep in my consciousness, the pain of betrayal from my past life still etched into my bones. As the Alpha's illegitimate daughter, I was merely a lowly Omega, while my half-sister Nova possessed noble birth, forever ranking above me.

"Listen well, everyone!"

Father's authoritative voice echoed across the sacred grounds. "SteelMoon Pack faces a life-or-death situation. RedClaw Pack is closing in, and we need the strongest alliances possible."

His gaze swept over all the pack members before settling on Nova and me. "Hope, Nova—you must choose mates who can protect our people!"

I looked toward the two candidates standing before the altar. Axel stood on the right, tall and imposing, his deep eyes harboring barely concealed loneliness. Douglas smiled warmly, his gentle gaze mild as water behind wire-rimmed glasses.

In everyone's eyes, though Axel's wolf nature was intimidating, he remained the superior choice—the Pack's strongest warrior.

I turned to look at Nova. She was staring at me, her eyes glinting with cunning. The moment our gazes met, I knew for certain—she had been reborn too.

"I'll choose first," Nova suddenly announced, her voice crisp and clear.

By tradition, the legitimate daughter did indeed have first selection rights. Everyone held their breath.

Nova walked forward gracefully, deliberately pausing for a few seconds to savor being the center of attention, then shot me a smug glance.

"I choose Douglas." Her voice rang throughout the sacred grounds. "His wisdom is what our Pack's future needs."

The crowd ERUPTED.

"What?" "Nova chose the healer over the warrior?" "Has she lost her mind?"

Shocked whispers rose from all directions. No one expected Nova to pass up the strongest Alpha warrior.

I nearly laughed out loud. My wolf howled with excitement in my consciousness—Nova thought this would help her avoid the tragedy of our past life, not knowing she had just jumped into an even deeper pit.

Douglas raised his eyebrows in surprise, then smiled warmly in response. "I'm honored to be chosen by you."

Elder Garrett was the first to recover. "Nova, are you certain about this choice? At such a critical time, we need combat strength..."

"I trust my judgment, Elder," Nova interrupted arrogantly. "Intelligence trumps brute force, don't you think?"

"Intelligence is indeed valuable," Douglas agreed gently. "I'll do everything in my power to protect Nova and our entire Pack."

He sounded so sincere and moving, but I only sneered inwardly.

All eyes turned to me. I could feel the pack members' complex emotions—their disdain for my Omega status, their pity that I could only choose the "leftover" option.

I took a deep breath and walked toward Axel. This powerful and dangerous man watched me silently, showing no displeasure or need for explanation, simply accepting fate's arrangement with quiet dignity.

"Well, I guess that leaves the two of us," I said calmly.

A flash of surprise crossed Axel's eyes, then he nodded. "If you think you can handle it."

His voice was deep and rough, carrying the natural authority of an Alpha, without a trace of weakness or guilt. This was the presence befitting the Pack's strongest warrior.

"I can handle more than you think," I answered sincerely, extending my hand first.

The moment my hand touched his, a warm current flowed between us. A complex emotion flickered in Axel's eyes.

"Interesting," he said quietly, gripping my hand tightly.

Father looked at us both deeply, then nodded. "Since the choices have been made, may the Moon Goddess bless these unions."

After the ceremony ended, Nova and I stood side by side.

"Sister," Nova lowered her voice, her eyes glinting with smugness, "looks like you got pretty lucky, huh?"

Her words had an underlying meaning, as if suggesting I had gotten a bargain.

"Yes," I replied indifferently, "Axel is indeed impressive."

Nova frowned, clearly not expecting me to be so calm.

"But..." Nova said tentatively, "aren't you worried about his wolf losing control? Everyone says he's dangerous."

"Dangerous?" I laughed lightly. "Which powerful warrior isn't dangerous?"

Nova's expression stiffened.

I looked at the confusion in her eyes and sneered inwardly. Foolish sister, you think stealing Douglas away will let you replicate my past life? You have NO IDEA what the real truth is.

"Hope's right," Axel's deep voice came from behind me. "I'll use my danger to protect her."

His words made all the surrounding pack members show respect. Nova's face grew even uglier.

I felt Axel's steady presence beside me and experienced true security for the first time.

This time, let me see what consequences your "clever" choice brings, my dear sister.