Chapter 11 " I swear on the Moon Goddess herself , I'm going to rip that fake smile right off her face ! " Lily slammed her fist against the table , her eyes blazing with fury . " How dare she manipulate Raymond like that ? " I placed a gentle hand on my best friend's arm . " Lily , please . You'll only make things worse . " " Worse ? " She scoffed . " Aurora , that girl is playing victim while actively trying to sabotage you , and Raymond is too blinded by his mate bond to see it ! " I winced at the truth in her words but maintained my composure . I couldn't afford to lose control - not with so much at stake . The annual school visit from the Alpha and Luna was approaching fast . This event had always been my responsibility , and I took pride in organizing it flawlessly each time . " Aurora . " Raymond's voice cut through my thoughts as he approached our table in the cafeteria . " I need to speak with you . " Lily shot him a vicious glare before reluctantly giving us space . " What is it ? " I asked , keeping my voice steady despite the familiar ache in my chest . " About the Alpha visit ceremony- " " I've already started the preparations , " I interrupted , eager to show my competence . " Actually , " he said , not quite meeting my eyes , " I'm assigning Giana to handle it this year . " The words struck me like a physical blow . " What? " " Giana needs to prove herself to my parents . This is her chance to show them she belongs here . " I took a deep breath . " Raymond , has Giana ever organized an event like this before ? " " No , but- " " The Alpha and Luna visit is in three days . There's no time for someone with no experience . " His eyes narrowed . " I want you to assist her . Show her what to do , but let her take the lead . " I stared at him in disbelief . He wasn't just taking away my responsibility - he was forcing me to train my replacement . " Please , Aurora . " His voice softened . " For me . " Those two simple words still held power over me . I nodded stiffly , hating myself for my weakness . *** 1/4 Chapter 11 +15 BONUS " I don't need your advice , " Giana snapped , crossing her arms as we stood in the school auditorium . " Raymond chose me to lead this project because he trusts my vision . " I pinched the bridge of my nose , counting to ten silently . " Giana , the centerpieces you ordered are too tall . The Alpha and Luna need to see the students performing . " " Well , I think they're perfect , " she insisted , her chin lifted in defiance . " Besides , everyone knows you're just jealous because Raymond picked me instead of you . " The student volunteers exchanged uncomfortable glances , but no one dared to contradict Giana . Over the next two days , I watched helplessly as Giana dismissed every suggestion I made . The stage setup was all wrong , the reception area was cluttered , and the ceremonial gifts remained unwrapped . Worse , she had dressed the student performers in clashing colors that would make Luna Elena cringe . " This is a disaster , " whispered one committee member as we surveyed the chaos the morning of the visit . My phone buzzed with a text from Lily : " Alpha and Luna arriving in ONE HOUR . How bad is it ? " I texted back a single word : " Catastrophic . " I found Giana in the reception area , frantically barking orders that only created more confusion . " Giana , " I said firmly , " we need to talk . " " I'm busy ! " she snapped , her voice shrill . " The Alpha and Luna will be here soon , and nothing is ready , " I stated bluntly . " This reflects on all of us , but especially on you and Raymond . " At the mention of Raymond , fear flashed across her face . " It's not my fault ! Your committee members have been sabotaging me ! " I took a deep breath . This was my moment . " As the future Luna of this pack , " I announced clearly , " I am relieving Giana of her duties and implementing emergency protocol . " Gasps echoed through the hall . " You can't do that ! " Giana protested . " Actually , I can , " I countered , my voice steady with authority . " Raymond assigned you to lead , but the Alpha and Luna appointed me as future Luna . Their authority supersedes his until he officially becomes Alpha . " Without waiting for her response , I turned to the committee . " Plan B. Now . " What followed was a flurry of activity . We removed Giana's garish decorations , replacing them with elegant arrangements I'd hidden in storage just in case . The stage was quickly reconfigured, the lighting 2/4 Chapter 11 +15 BONUS adjusted , and the performers given proper attire . Thirty minutes later , the transformation was complete . I stood at the entrance as the sleek black cars of the Alpha family pulled up . Alpha Marcus and Luna Elena emerged , their regal presence commanding immediate respect . And behind them , to my surprise , was Kane , looking impeccably handsome in a tailored navy suit . " Aurora , darling ! " Luna Elena embraced me warmly . " Everything looks beautiful , as always . " Alpha Marcus nodded approvingly . " Excellent work . Raymond mentioned there were some changes in the planning this year ? " I maintained a neutral expression . " Nothing that couldn't be handled , Alpha . " Kane's knowing smirk told me he understood exactly what had happened . " Impressive recovery , " he murmured as he passed , his voice low enough that only I could hear . The ceremony proceeded flawlessly . Throughout it all , I felt Raymond's gaze burning into me , his expression unreadable . As the event concluded , Luna Elena took my hands in hers . " Aurora , you truly are a natural leader . We're so blessed that you'll be joining our family officially . " She turned to address the gathered crowd . " Mark your calendars ! In exactly one month , we will celebrate the union of Raymond and Aurora as they begin their journey as Alpha and Luna ! " Applause erupted around us . I felt a surge of pride , unable to help the smile that spread across my face as guests approached to congratulate me . " The perfect Luna , " Alpha Marcus declared proudly , his hand on my shoulder . Even Kane raised his glass in my direction . " To the future Luna , " he toasted , his eyes gleaming with something I couldn't quite identify . " May your reign be as impressive as your event planning skills . " I caught sight of Raymond and Giana at the edge of the crowd . Raymond's jaw was clenched , and Giana's eyes were rimmed with red , their expressions dark contrasts to the celebration around me . As the crowd dispersed , I saw Giana tug Raymond away , her face crumpling with tears . I shouldn't have followed , but curiosity got the better of me . I found them behind the auditorium , Giana sobbing dramatically against Raymond's chest . " This proves it ! " she cried . " Everyone looks down on me because I'm a rogue ! They're all trying to make a fool of me ! Aurora never really wanted to help me - she just wanted to humiliate me ! " She clutched Raymond's sleeve , looking up at him with sorrow - filled eyes . " But my love for you is real ... I can't give you up . I want to work hard and become as outstanding as Aurora ... " 3/4 Chapter 11 +15 BONUS I watched Raymond's expression soften , his hand gently stroking her hair . " It's okay , I understand . " " Raymond , " I called out , unable to listen to any more lies . " That's not what happened . Giana refused all my help- " He whirled around , his eyes flashing with anger . " This is exactly what you always do , " he accused , cutting me off . " You constantly flatter my parents just to secure the wealth and status you want . " I recoiled as if slapped . " That's not true! " Giana sniffled behind him . " Aurora is the Beta's daughter ... but I'm just a rogue . I'll never measure up to her ... You should just stay with her instead ... " " Why are you crying over something so obvious ? " I turned to find Kane approaching , a smirk playing on his lips . " Who would ever choose a rogue over a Beta's daughter ? " he continued mockingly . The air around us grew tense as Raymond's expression darkened in an instant . " What exactly do you mean by that , Kane ? " Chapter 12 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!