He Wants His Ex-Lover Back

Cestia's POV

“JACK? WHERE ARE YOU?”

The hallway was dark and I am already upstairs, away from the loud noise of the banquet. Jacques suddenly disappeared in the midst of the party.

I was about to go back to the party when I saw a door that was a litle opened. When I went near to the door, I heard my mate's voice.

“I don't love her, Fayre. You are the one that I love,” he said with passion.

I felt like I was stabbed when I heard those words. When I peek to them, I saw Fayre kissing my mate. They are passionately kissing each other.

That moment, I wiped my tears and decided. It was a mistake staying here. It was a mistake agreeing in making a pact to him. I sighed and said to myself important words before I left.

“This is over now.”

•••

A month ago...

“WHAT? YOU ARE LETTING ME GO?”

I'm so done! It's interesting how life can kick you when you're feeling down. The last straw for me was losing my job at the coffee shop.

My boss had avoided looking at me when he remarked, "We're cutting back staff." My ticket to extra income vanished in an instant.

I couldn't bring myself to approach Lucas, my adopted father, for further assistance since I was already walking a wire financially while attending college. He has taken care of Melanie and me sufficiently.

“You need a break,” Melanie had said, tossing her auburn hair over her shoulder. “We’ll go to Mt. Calestina for the weekend. It’s supposed to be amazing this time of year.”

I didn't believe it. Melanie often defined "amazing" as flaunting her most recent attire and telling everyone how much better she looked in it.

But I was swayed by the prospect of a change of scenery and fresh air. Perhaps, just perhaps, I might feel a little less lost.

“Sure,” I replied.

She clapped her hands. “Perfect!”

As described in the advertisements, Mt. Calestina was indeed magnificent. The highest mountain in the area, it towered magnificently, a curtain of mist concealing its top. The cries that reverberated across the woodland during full moons were a whisper among the locals. The mountain was known for its folklore of werewolves, creatures who alternated between human and animal forms. I dismissed the stories, saying, "Nonsense."

Werewolves and humans couldn't possible live together.

Could they?

The hike started off uneventfully. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, the air crisp and cool.

The tour guide shouted while we are walking, “Don't go to the off limits zone. Remember, this mountain is full of wolves and other dangerous species.”

Melanie led the way, her pace brisk, as if she had something to prove. I trailed behind, lost in thought, until I felt the empty space around my neck.

My necklace was gone.

“NNo... It can't be.”

Panic surged through me. It wasn’t just any necklace—it was a silver pendant Lucas had given me when I was a child. “A reminder of how much you’re loved,” he’d said. It was my tether to the family I sometimes felt I didn’t quite belong to.

“I’ll catch up,” I called to Melanie, who didn’t bother to stop.

I went back and looked for the slight shimmer of silver on the forest floor. Here, the light looked dimmer and the trees denser. The sounds of nature dwindled as I continued on, giving way to an uncomfortable quiet.

Then came the first howl.

It was distant but haunting, reverberating through the trees. My pulse quickened as I realized just how alone I was. “Hello?” I called, my voice trembling. “Is anyone there?”

Another howl answered, closer this time.

Fear began to creep in and around me like the forest's shadows. With the weight of the stories I had previously discounted bearing down on me, I quickened my pace.

The growl was barely audible at first, but it got louder with each stride. As two black wolves with strangely bright eyes sprang out of the darkness, my breath caught in my throat.

Their fur blended in with the darkness, and they were big. Their growls chilled me to the bone. My head whirling, I froze.

“Stay back,” I whispered, knowing they wouldn’t understand.

One of them lunged. I stumbled back, tripping over a root and landing hard on the ground. My chest heaved as they closed in, their teeth bared.

Suddenly, a thunderous growl echoed through the forest.

The strong figure of a goldenbrown wolf was a whirl of action as it sprang into the conflict. It slammed into the black wolves and drove them furiously away. With its deliberate and accurate movements, the golden wolf's presence was overwhelming.

“WWhat's happening?”

The black wolves snarled, but they were hesitant to confront it more. Their brilliant eyes vanished into the darkness as they withdrew into the shadows with a last roar.

The golden wolf turned to face me, and I sat still, my heart racing. With such intensity that I forgot to breathe, its crimsonglowed eyes locked upon mine.

And then, impossibly, the wolf began to change.

Its fur receded, muscles rippling as its form shifted. In moments, a man stood where the wolf had been.

Werewolves...

They are true! I can't believe that they are real and I am seeing one right in front of me. I could believe it. This is crazy!

He was tall, with a powerful build and tousled dark hair. His tan skin gleamed in the faint light, and his eyes—still tinged with that eerie red—bore into mine.

“You…” he said, his voice deep and gravelly, as though unused to speech.

I couldn’t move. My instincts screamed at me to run, but something about him held me in place.

“You’re human,” he murmured, as though confirming a suspicion. Then his expression softened, though his crimson eyes never left mine.

“Who… who are you?” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

His lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You don't know me...” he said, his voice steady now. “But I can smell you...”

“WWhat do you want?”

His gaze softened further, his tone almost reverent as he spoke the next words. The next words came out to his mouth made my whole body frozen.

“You are my mate.”

Cestia’s POV

“YOU ARE MY MATE...”

Those red eyes penetrating the darkness and the words that sent my life into a tailspin were the last things I remembered: You are my mate. After then, everything was a haze. My knees had given way, and I was completely engulfed in darkness.

Now, I am awake.

“GGoodness! WWhere am I?”

Blinking against the warm light coming through the wide windows, I sat up gradually. My body fell into the comfortable mattress of a large bed, the silky sheets cooling on my skin.

The space surrounding me was gorgeous, with ornate sculptures and rich tapestries on the walls. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, providing a golden glow that accentuated the opulent furniture.

For a second, I wondered if I was dreaming.

Then, I saw him.

“YYou...”

So, that's not a dream.

He stood by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the light. His dark hair was tousled, and his broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the world. Those same crimson eyes from before met mine, though now they seemed softer, less intense.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice deep and smooth.

I scrambled to the far side of the bed, pulling the sheets up as if they could shield me from him. “Who are you? Where am I?”

“You fainted,” he said, ignoring my panic. “I brought you here for your safety. Welcome to my palace.”

“That doesn’t answer my question!” I snapped, my voice shaking.

He sighed, stepping closer, and I noticed the tension in his jaw. “My name is Jacques Caldwell, though most know me as Jack. I am the King Alpha, ruler of all werewolves.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I stared at him, my mind racing. “King Alpha?” I echoed. “You mean… you’re the leader of werewolves?”

“Yes,” he said simply, as if that explained everything.

I shook my head, my disbelief bubbling to the surface. “This isn’t possible. Werewolves aren’t real. This has to be a dream.”

“It’s not a dream.” His voice was firm but not unkind. “You’ve already seen the truth.”

I paused for a moment and then I introduce myself to him. “I am Cestia Storm. I am a human. This can't be... This is not possible!”

He scoffed. “But look, here we are already. So yes, this is possible. That my mate is a human.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but immediately closed it. I had a distinct and unmistakable recall of his transitioning from wolf to man. “Why did you say that I am your mate?”

He approached, his presence authoritative yet somehow reassuring. “Because you are. I can smell it,” he said, his eyes unflinching. “Werewolves view the tie between mates as holy. It's a fateforged bond that is stronger than anything else in the world.”

My pulse quickened, and my thoughts became disorganised. “But I am not a werewolf! I am just... human.”

“That doesn’t matter,” he said, his tone resolute. “Fate doesn’t make mistakes. You’re meant to be mine, Cestia. My mate, my Luna.”

“Luna?”

“My queen,” he clarified, his voice softening. “You would rule beside me, guiding our kind.”

I stared at him, stunned by the weight of his words. None of this made sense. Less than a day ago, I was worrying about my next paycheck, and now I was being told I was destined to be the queen of werewolves?

“You can’t just decide that for me,” I said, my voice shaking. “I didn’t ask for this.”

“I’m not asking, Cestia,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “This is bigger than either of us. The bond between mates is not something that can be ignored.”

I felt a cold knot of fear twist in my stomach. “What happens if I say no?”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, his expression was unreadable. “If you refuse, it will weaken me as King Alpha. The pack needs a Luna to maintain balance and order. Without you, my leadership will be challenged.”

“And if I refuse anyway?” I pressed, my voice barely above a whisper.

He met my gaze, his crimson eyes darkening. “Disobeying the King Alpha is not an option, Cestia. For your sake, I advise against it.”

The unspoken threat sent a chill down my spine. I was trapped, caught in a web I didn’t understand.

He must have sensed my fear because his tone softened. “I don’t wish to force this on you,” he said. “But it must be done. For both of us.”

“What must be done?” I asked hesitantly.

He stepped back, folding his arms across his chest. “A pact. It’s the ceremony that binds mates together. Think of it as a wedding, but for werewolves. Once the pact is made, you’ll officially be my Luna.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “You expect me to marry you? I don’t even know you!”

He nodded, as if my outburst was expected. “I understand this is sudden, but there’s no time to waste. My enemies are already circling, looking for any sign of weakness. The bond will solidify my position as King Alpha and protect you from those who might harm you.”

I swallowed hard, my mind reeling. It was all too much, too fast. Yet the fear of defying him loomed large.

“What happens during this… pact?” I asked reluctantly.

“The ceremony is simple,” he explained. “It involves an exchange of vows and a symbolic marking to signify the bond.”

“Marking?” I repeated, alarmed.

He nodded. “It’s painless, I assure you. The mark will protect you, letting all wolves know that you are my mate and under my protection.”

I felt trapped, my choices slipping away with every word he spoke. Refusing him wasn’t an option, not if it meant putting my life—and possibly his—at risk.

“When would this… ceremony happen?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Tonight,” he said, his tone final.

My heart sank, the weight of his words crashing down on me. I was about to be bound to a stranger, a man who was more beast than human.

And yet, deep down, a part of me wondered if this was truly fate—or a nightmare I couldn’t wake from.

“Alright, I will be your mate. Your Luna.”

Cestia’s POV

IT'S ALMOST ONE MONTH.

It had been about a month since the deal that transformed my life. I'd gone from being a regular college student to Luna of King Alpha, Jacques Caldwell.

My days on the werewolf king's huge estate were weird, filled with luxury I had never imagined, as well as a peculiar sense of belonging I didn't fully comprehend.

My days in the sprawling estate of the werewolf king were surreal, filled with luxury I never imagined but also with a strange sense of belonging I didn’t quite understand.

Despite being human, Jacques and his pack treated me with the utmost respect. His Beta, Hale Roberts, was the first to bow to me as their Luna, and the others quickly followed suit.

They deferred to me in ways that were overwhelming at first, calling me “Luna Cestia” as though it were a title I’d always carried. Jacques himself treated me like a queen, his actions and words always protective, though he remained an enigma.

That day, Elder James came on the estate. Jacques had told me very little about the council of elders, save that they were ancient and knowledgeable wolves who advised King Alpha.

“Greetings to the King and the Luna,” he said.

Elder James was the leader of the pack's elders and consutants, a man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through me.

When he entered the big hall, Jacques and Hale lowered their heads in reverence, and I did the same. To my astonishment, Elder James smiled warmly at me and said, "Rise, my child," in a calm but gentle voice.

I stood hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Elder James,” I said, my voice soft.

“The honor is mine, Luna Cestia,” he replied, his gaze gentle but probing. “You remind me of someone very dear to this pack.”

I tilted my head curiously. “RReally? Who is it?”

“The previous Luna,” he said, a hint of sadness in his tone. “She had a kindness about her, a strength that came not from power but from her heart. You carry that same spirit.”

I wasn't sure what to say. I had never met the prior Luna, but the way Elder James described her made me feel the weight of her heritage.

Elder James turned to Jacques and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of her, Jacques," he said firmly. "The link between partners is a gift. Protect it and cherish your Luna.”

Jacques nodded, his expression unreadable. “I will, Elder.”

The elder then turned to me, his smile returning. “There will be a banquet soon, Luna, in your honor. It is time for the pack and its allies to see their queen.”

“A banquet?” I echoed, my heart racing.

“Yes,” Jacques said, stepping closer to me. “You will be introduced to the pack formally as my Luna. It’s an important tradition.”

I nodded slowly, unsure if I was ready for such a spotlight.

However, Jacques made every attempt to prepare me for the occasion. Dresses of the finest silks and jewellery that glittered like stars were delivered to my chambers.

“I am not used to big events,” I said.

Jacques smiled a bit. “You'll be fine, Cestia.”

Hale and the rest of the pack ensured that every element of the feast was excellent. By the evening, I could scarcely recognise myself in the mirror.

The dinner hall was stunning. Chandeliers cast golden light over the area, and the air was alive with excitement.

“For the main event! The King and Queen of the pack!”

The wolves, clad in fine clothes, moved with elegance that appeared almost unearthly. Jacques stood at my side, dominant as ever, his crimson eyes scanning the room keenly.

When he introduced me, his voice carried across the hall like a king addressing his kingdom. “This is my mate,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Your Luna.”

Applause erupted, and for the first time, I felt accepted by these otherworldly beings. They smiled and bowed, demonstrating true respect.

The night was a flurry of congratulations and warm welcomes. Jacques was never far from my side, his protective aura a continuous reminder of my new life. I began to relax, enjoying the music and the talks.

But then, the atmosphere shifted.

The doors to the banquet hall opened, and all eyes turned to the figure that entered. A woman, tall and strikingly beautiful, strode in with an air of confidence. Her long, jetblack hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes scanned the room with a familiarity that sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.

“Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice low and tense.

I froze. Fayre. Jacques had never mentioned her, but the way his posture stiffened told me everything I needed to know.

Then, I heard the chatters and whispers of other wolves. I couldn't help but listen to them.

One woman said, “She came back already?”

The other woman nodded and said. “The alpha's exlover... His first love!”

What?!

She stopped a few feet from us, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Jacques,” she said smoothly. “It’s been a while.”

The way she said his name, the way her eyes lingered on him—it was clear they shared a history. My chest tightened, and I instinctively took a step closer to Jacques.

“This is a private banquet,” Jacques said, his tone cold.

“And yet I’m here,” Fayre replied, unbothered by his hostility. Her gaze shifted to me, and her smile grew. “So, this is the new Luna. I’ve heard… interesting things.”

I felt her eyes sweep over me, assessing, judging. She was flawless, exuding a confidence I couldn’t hope to match.

“Yes, Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice a low growl.

“I came to talk,” she said, her tone softening. “Surely you can spare a moment for an old… friend.”

“I’ll handle this,” he said to me, his voice firm. “Stay here.”

I wanted to argue, to demand answers, but the tension in the air was suffocating. Instead, I nodded, watching as he led Fayre away from the crowd.

Is she really his exlover?

Cestia’s POV

“WHERE IS JACQUES?”

The meal proceeded downstairs, its joyful hum of discussion and music providing a strong contrast to the turmoil that was developing within me. Jacques had vanished not long after Fayre's spectacular arrival, leaving me alone among the murmurs and curious looks of the crowd.

I faked a grin at others who approached me, like nothing was wrong. But as the minutes passed into an hour, his absence grew more difficult to ignore. My heart tightened with uneasiness.

“Excuse me,” I muttered to the Beta, Hale Roberts, who had been standing nearby.

“Is everything alright, Luna?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.

I nodded quickly, unwilling to show weakness. “I just need some air.”

Without waiting for an answer, I slipped out of the hall and headed towards the grand staircase.

My footsteps resonated in the silence as I ascended, leaving the joyous commotion behind. The more I proceeded, the darker and quieter it became, with the luxurious corridors now cloaked in shade.

“Jack? Where are you?” I called, my voice trembling slightly.

The silence that followed just added to the discomfort in my chest. My fingers brushed against the wall as I moved, the low light from the sconces forming flickering shadows.

I turned a corner and saw it: a little ajar door with gentle light flowing into the corridor. My pulse accelerated.

I paused, my senses telling me to turn back. But then I heard his voice: low and familiar.

“I don’t love her, Fayre. You are the one that I love.”

The words hit me like a physical blow, the air rushing from my lungs.

I stepped closer, unable to stop myself. My trembling hand pushed the door open a fraction more, allowing me to see inside.

“I am just keeping her as my Luna because she's my mate,” he said.

Standing there, Jacques leant towards Fayre with his towering body. Unquestionably intimate, her hands were on his chest as their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

The world seemed to have paused. Tears clouded my eyes, and it felt like the walls were closing in on me.

My dearest mate...

Here was the man who had vowed to keep me safe and to uphold our relationship—betraying me with another woman.

“I hate him...” I whispered.

I wanted to yell, to stand up to him, to ask him questions. But I couldn't get my body to move. With each second that went by, my heart broke and my legs felt like lead.

“I only did it to gain the elders’ trust,” Jacques continued, his voice dripping with conviction as he pulled away from Fayre slightly. “They needed to see stability, a Luna at my side. But she’s just a human, Fayre. I could never love her.”

I pressed a hand to my mouth to stifle the sob threatening to escape.

How could he? After everything, after asking me to make the pact, after standing beside me and introducing me as his Luna—how could it all have been a lie?

I backed away from the door, my movements careful and silent. The last thing I wanted was for them to know I’d overheard. My tears blurred my vision as I stumbled down the hallway, the oncebeautiful estate now feeling like a prison.

When I reached the grand staircase, I paused, wiping my face. I needed to leave. Staying here, pretending this was my life, was no longer an option.

“This is over now,” I whispered to myself, my voice steady despite the chaos inside me.

I descended the staircase, ignoring the curious glances of the pack members who noticed my pale face and redrimmed eyes. I didn’t care what they thought. I didn’t care about the banquet or the titles or the expectations.

Right now... I need a plan.

I just needed to escape this hell!

Cestia’s POV

I AM SUCH A BIG FOOL.

I made my way swiftly to my room in the strangely still royal hallways. A harsh reminder of the life I was leaving behind was the faint reverberation of the banquet's music and laughter. The realisation of what I was doing hit me suddenly, causing my hands to shake as I unlocked my room's door.

“Damn it! I wished I never trusted him!”

I reached for a suitcase and started tossing in my clothing while tears ran down my cheeks. I made an effort to concentrate, but my thoughts kept returning to the sight I had seen upstairs—the intense kiss, the confessions. I couldn't express how much it hurt.

I feel so betrayed...

I had secretly begun to think that Jacques had promised me this life. Deep down, I wish it was true. A life in which I was his Luna, valued and revered.

However, it was all a big fucking lie!

Why does it hurt so much?

I hesitated, holding one of the clothes that Jacques had given me. It was exquisitely designed for tonight's meal and was composed of the finest silk. I had proudly worn it, thinking it represented my position besides him. It felt like a nasty joke now.

After packing my luggage, I took a seat at the little writing desk in the room's corner. The words first resisted coming as my fingertips lingered over the page. What could I say?

After a long moment, I began to write.

Dearest Jacques,

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Being here has been an experience I will never forget. I hope I was enough as your Luna, even if only for a short time. I wish you happiness and peace in the life you choose.

Goodbye.

Your Luna,

Cestia

I didn’t tell him I knew. I didn’t accuse him of betrayal. That would have given him the power to explain, to twist the truth, to try and make me stay. I couldn’t bear to hear his voice again, not after what I’d seen.

Folding the note carefully, I placed it on the bed where he would see it.

Taking a deep breath, I wiped my tears and stepped out of the room. My next destination was the potion room. It was a place I had stumbled upon weeks ago while wandering the palace, filled with strange elixirs and vials glowing with unnatural light. I wasn’t sure if what I needed would be there, but it was my only hope of leaving undetected.

The room was tucked away in one of the older wings of the palace, its door creaking softly as I pushed it open.

The air inside was heavy with the scent of herbs and magic, the shelves lined with bottles in every size and color. My eyes scanned the labels, searching for the one I’d seen during my first visit.

And then I found it: a small vial filled with a shimmering, clear liquid.

The label read: Invisibility Potion – 3 Hours Only. Use with caution.

The immensity of what I was doing made me hesitate for a second. I couldn't go back if I left now. However, the recollection of Jacques and Fayre's treachery provided me with the necessary clarity. I was finished.

“I need to do this!” I said to myself.

I took a quick swallow of the potion after uncorking the container. It tasted metallic and harsh, like crushed leaves. My entire body started to tingle strangely almost instantly. I gazed down and marvelled at my hands and feet as they dwindled to nothing at all.

It worked!

I tucked the empty vial back onto the shelf and slipped out of the room, careful to avoid the creaky floorboards.

“I must leave now...” I whispered.

My heart raced as I moved through the hallways, my senses heightened by the adrenaline pumping through me. I passed a few servants and guards, their oblivious faces only solidifying my resolve.

Ahead was the palace's main entrance. Since the majority of the pack was still at the banquet, the big doors, which were typically guarded, were now unattended.

I felt the freezing night air as I slipped through the doors. I breathed easily for the first time in weeks.

I will be free...

I walked into the woods and the castle vanished behind me. In the moonlight, the branches of the tall trees stretched out like bony fingers. The forest seemed more cosy than the castle walls ever had, even though it was silent but for the odd rustle of leaves.

I didn’t have a concrete plan.

I didn’t know how far I would have to walk or how I would return to the human world, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to leave this nightmare behind.

I felt lighter the farther I went, as if the bonds that held me here were gradually coming loose. By this point, my tears had dried up and been replaced by an odd resolve.

I stopped to gaze at the sky when I came to a clearing. The stars served as a constant reminder of the world's immense size.

“This is where I belong,” I whispered to myself.

I had thought I could be part of Jacques’s world, that I could find a place among the wolves. But I was wrong.

I'm a human, and the human world was where I was meant to be.

Clutching my bag tighter, I stepped forward, leaving behind the forest and the life I had once thought was mine. But suddenly, I heard a voice inside my head.

“DDon't... We need our mate.”

I suddenly stopped walking. What is that voice? Where the hell it came from? I don't understand what's going on. This is insane!

But then, I responded to the voice.

“WWho are you?”