Introduction：”He sneered and said I was unworthy when he tore up the contract, but now he pinched my waist and growled: ‘Why is your scent… stained with other wolves?’” Five years. I bled for him as Luna, but watched him mark someone else with my own eyes on the night of the full moon. When the truth tore apart the last bit of fantasy, I took off my wedding ring and turned into the blizzard– Now his empire has collapsed, and my new partner is gently kissing the scar on the back of my neck: “Baby, do you want to see him kneeling and confessing?” The moment the truth stared me in the face, I felt as if the ground beneath me had been ripped away. My hands trembled as I clutched the pregnancy test slip, my breath coming in short, uneven bursts. Pregnant. Again. My vision blurred as I forced my feet to move, rushing through the Pack House corridors until I stood before Alpha Kael Vargan’s office. The heavy oak door loomed before me, but before I could knock, voices slipped through the cracks—clear, sharp, impossible to mistake. “Make sure the suppressant isn’t too damaging, alright? I promised Nyra I wouldn’t mark Selene Nightbane. If she ends up carrying a pup, that little she-wolf will lose her mind.” A deep, measured voice responded, irritation woven between the words. “Every drug has its risks, Kael. Even the best suppressants can cause permanent damage over time. And I have to ask—Selene is your Luna. Why waste your time chasing after a Beta?” Kael scoffed, and I could practically hear the smirk in his voice. “You think I haven’t tried handling this properly? I’ve had her take suppressants, and she’s miscarried three times already. Another one won’t make a difference. She’ll never be able to carry a pup at this rate.” He exhaled, then added almost lazily, “Not that it matters. You don’t choose who you love.” I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat. Three times. My fingers dug into the pregnancy test slip so hard the paper crumpled. My entire world—the love I had once been so certain of—had unraveled in mere seconds. Inside, Kael was scrolling through a luxury goods site on his phone, an indulgent smile playing at his lips. “What do you think of this one?” he mused, tilting the screen toward his companion. “Nyra’s been eyeing it for a while. A rare gemstone—it’ll shine beautifully against her pale fur.” Across from him, Fenrir Drayden, the Pack’s Head Healer and one of Kael’s oldest friends, let out a heavy sigh. “That kind of jewelry would look good on anyone, Kael,” Fenrir muttered, rubbing his temples. Then his golden eyes hardened. “But tell me something—after five years of being your Luna, have you ever given anything like this to Selene?” Kael’s expression darkened instantly. “She doesn’t know how to present herself as a Luna,” he replied dismissively. “Even if I did, she’d just say I’m wasting the Pack’s resources.” Then, as if speaking of some rare, delicate thing, his lips curved into a wistful smile. “ Nyra is different. She’s young. She enjoys beautiful things.” The chair legs screeched against the floor as Fenrir shot to his feet, his patience snapping. “Wake up, Kael! Selene is your mate—your mate of five years! Do you even remember what she’s sacrificed for you? She’s lost three pups—three!—and yet, you still treat her like she’s nothing.” His voice turned dangerously low. “Let me say this one last time. Those suppressants you keep forcing on her? They aren’t harmless. If she takes them for too long, you’ll never have an heir—not even if you regret it later.” Kael waved a dismissive hand, his expression impassive. “Regret? I don’t make mistakes, Fenrir.” His voice was laced with arrogance. “I told Nyra she’d be the only one to carry my heir.” Then, leaning back in his chair, he added coolly, “As for Selene? I won’t reject the bond. Half of what I own in this Pack is more than enough for her.” The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Fenrir’s jaw clenched, his golden eyes blazing. “I watched you claw your way to Alpha, step by step—and Selene was right there beside you through it all. Do you even remember? How many times she drank for you at diplomatic banquets, how many sleepless nights she spent managing Pack affairs while you pursued your ambitions?” His fists tightened at his sides. “And this—this is how you repay her?” The silence that followed was suffocating. Then, with a sharp exhale, Fenrir turned on his heel, storming toward the door. “I’ve said my piece. If she ever finds out the truth, Kael, you’ll be the one to destroy yourself.” The door slammed shut behind him. I shrank back into the shadows of the adjacent storage room, pressing my hand against my mouth to stifle the sob threatening to escape. Five years as his Luna. Seven years as his mate. I had fought beside him, sacrificed for him, built this Pack with him. I scrimped on the smallest luxuries, living frugally so the Pack could grow stronger. I thought when he thrived, I thrived. When he won, I won. But it was all a lie. I had convinced myself the miscarriages were due to stress and exhaustion. Fenrir had told me my body was overworked, too drained from handling Pack duties. I had blamed myself, forcing down tonics, doing everything I could to strengthen my body for the pup I longed for. But Kael never wanted me to carry his heir. He never wanted me at all. He just didn’t have the courage to reject me outright. That was fine. Because I would make the choice for him.
I stepped out of the Obsidian Fang Pack House, the icy wind slicing through my coat like sharpened claws, burrowing into my skin until it numbed me to the bone. Five hours. That’s how long I stood beneath the flickering streetlights, my breath fogging in the cold air as I watched the windows of Bloodfang Enterprises, waiting. The office lights blinked out one by one until only a single floor remained illuminated. My fingers curled into fists, my nails biting into my palms. Finally, Alpha Kael appeared. The moment his eyes landed on me, he leaned toward Nyra Raventhorn, the Beta at his side, whispering something close to her ear. She giggled, her hand lingering on his forearm for a fraction too long before stepping away. He turned toward me then, his features schooled into something warm, something that might have convinced me once. Before I knew better. Before I understood what that warmth masked. His arms enveloped me, but I felt nothing. “When did you get here? Why didn’t you come inside?” His voice was laced with concern, but I could hear the careful control in it, the effort he made to sound affectionate. “I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a small smile. “I just wanted to bring you dinner, but your Beta said you’d already eaten.” A faint crease appeared between his brows, his grip tightening just slightly before he let out a soft sigh. “You shouldn’t push yourself when you’re not feeling well. I’d feel awful if you wore yourself out.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a familiar bottle, the label unmistakable. Suppressants. “By the way, Fenrir dropped off your dose. You’re almost out, aren’t you?” My fingers closed around the container without a word. The capsule rattled inside, hollow as the silence between us. I slipped it into my bag, feeling the weight of it settle like a stone. Winter’s frost still clung to my coat, but Kael’s touch had long since gone cold. When we arrived home, Kael barely gave me time to take off my coat before he pulled me down onto the couch, his hands skimming my sides with urgency. His lips hovered dangerously close to my marking spot, the place where our bond should have made us inseparable. I pressed a hand against his chest, firm, unyielding. A flicker of irritation crossed his face, but he smoothed it away with practiced ease, his voice turning soft. “What’s wrong? Haven’t you always wanted a pup?” “Not tonight.” My tone was steady, controlled. “I’m not feeling well. Maybe next time.” Instantly, his desire evaporated. Without another word, he rose to his feet, his frustration palpable. The bathroom door clicked shut behind him, and the sound of running water filled the space between us. Moments later, a familiar vibration hummed across the table. Kael’s phone. I stared at it for a moment before reaching for it, my fingers moving before my mind caught up. The screen lit up with a name I already knew too well. Hot Kitten. The passcode was easy to guess. Nyra’s birthday. The messages unfurled before me like a slow-burning fire, scorching away the last remnants of any doubt I had left. [Alpha, rooftop date?] [Goblin, wait for me.] [Alpha, how about tonight in the back of the patrol SUV? It’s parked right under your quarters. I’ve never tried it before.] [Not afraid of getting caught? Guess I’ll have to risk it for my Beta.] [Alpha, I really want to be part of that new foreign alliance project…] [No problem. Impress me tonight and it’s yours.] A bitter taste settled on my tongue as I forced myself to keep scrolling. Every major Pack alliance, every high-profile project Kael had undertaken in the past five years—Nyra’s name was attached to all of them. She wasn’t just his mistress. She was his shadow, woven into every inch of his life. To keep her happy, he had handed an Omega a false Pack rank just so she could act as the face of Nyra’s campaign. The final contract date? Nyra’s birthday. There were countless auction receipts, each one listing extravagant gifts—necklaces, rings, rare gemstones—all purchased under the guise of “Pack donations.” Kael’s so-called hidden love wasn’t hidden at all. It was carved into every action, stitched into the very fabric of our Pack. The same brands of jewelry he once claimed to have picked for me, the same gestures that had once made me believe I was cherished—had all been meant for her. Everything had become a weapon he used to cut me down. I let out a slow breath, then laughed. The sound was sharp, brittle, like the cracking of ice over a frozen lake. I didn’t need to read another word. Reaching for my phone, I typed in the contact I had saved for weeks now—the Pack’s legal representative. “I’d like to proceed with the Pack separation papers.” What was mine would remain mine. No one—not Kael, not Nyra, not anyone—would take it from me. The night passed without sleep. At dawn, I showered, dressed, and prepared myself for the day ahead. Just as I stepped out of the bathroom, my phone rang. Kael’s voice drifted through the speaker, his tone tinged with mild confusion. “Selene, what did you book?” I pulled the phone away from my ear, my expression unreadable. “Nothing important. Just a grooming appointment. Didn’t you say I should present myself better as your Luna?” A chuckle rumbled through the receiver, low and pleased. “That’s my girl. You’ll be the most stunning she-wolf at the next Pack gathering.” There was an ease in his voice, as if he believed everything would go back to normal. As if he had already won. “There’s a meeting at the Pack House today. I better get going,” I said smoothly. He pulled me into his arms, nuzzling against my scent gland, breathing me in. “My mate is the most beautiful she-wolf in the world, even without trying. Marking you was the best decision I ever made.” I smiled faintly but said nothing. Some lies no longer hurt—because I had already decided to leave.
“Will my mighty Alpha grant me a grand gift today?” I teased, letting my voice dip into a playful lilt. Kael’s lips curved into that easy, practiced smile—one that once made my heart flutter, but now only felt rehearsed. “Of course,” he assured me, his tone dripping with confidence. “I’ll make sure it’s worth the wait. See you at the Pack House.” He didn’t linger, didn’t kiss my forehead the way he used to. Instead, he turned on his heel, his stride purposeful as he disappeared down the corridor. A few moments later, a Pack Omega arrived, balancing a silver tray draped in fine linen, a lavishly plated breakfast arranged with meticulous care. Five years ago, my heart would have swelled at the gesture. Kael had religiously ordered my favorite meal from the same high-end kitchen, ensuring it arrived without fail each morning. Back then, I had foolishly convinced myself it was a display of devotion. Now, I saw it for what it was—habit. A duty, devoid of sentiment. A wolf as powerful as he was, capable of leading an entire Pack, yet he had never once lifted a hand to prepare a meal for me himself. If he had ever cared, he would have at least tried. Instead, he had spent years ensuring I never clashed with Nyra, his precious Beta. I didn’t hesitate. Without a second glance, I picked up the tray and dumped the meal straight into the trash. Grabbing my coat, I stepped out into the brisk morning air, my decision set in stone. This five-year farce was ending today. The Pack Council’s law office was dimly lit, the scent of aged parchment and ink filling the room as I sat across from the Pack’s legal advisor. “The longer the mate bond, the more tangled the resource entanglements,” the advisor explained, adjusting his spectacles as he sifted through the thick stack of documents before him. “It’ll take a few days to finalize everything.” I nodded, sliding across the ledger filled with evidence—the financial records of Kael’s generosity toward Nyra, disguised as Pack expenses. “We’ll meet again in three days to review the final agreement.” Without looking back, I left. As I made my way home, my phone buzzed with a notification. A new announcement had been posted by Bloodfang Enterprises. The screen illuminated with a video—champagne spraying through the air, the raucous cheers of Pack members filling the Alpha’s grand hall. At the center of it all stood Kael, his dark hair damp from the celebration, golden eyes gleaming with unrestrained triumph. And then I saw it. The cloak draped over his broad shoulders. The ceremonial anniversary cloak I had gifted him last year—the one he had once sworn was irreplaceable, steeped in meaning. This year’s gift? He had sent it back to me without a word. I arrived at the Pack’s business estate just as the revelry reached its peak. Standing before the assembled wolves, Kael raised his glass high. “I am officially transferring half of my Pack assets to Beta Nyra,” he declared, his voice smooth, commanding, victorious. “Additionally, there will be a bonus of fourteen thousand gold marks.” Gasps rippled through the hall. Whispers and murmurs slithered through the crowd. “Half the assets? Nyra might as well be the Luna now.” “Careful. The real Luna is still around. If she hears this, you’ll regret it.” “Oh, please. She’s like a ghost—never seen, never involved. Nyra is young, stunning. No Alpha could resist that. Poor Kael.” “Wouldn’t be shocked if the Pack name changes to Raventhorn soon.” Their laughter rang out like a chorus of knives. I clapped my hands together once—sharp, deliberate. The room fell into dead silence. Kael’s golden eyes locked onto mine across the hall, the blood draining from his face. “Selene…” He stepped forward, his voice faltering. “Why are you here?” I raised a brow, watching the panic flicker in his gaze as he struggled to recover. “It’s not what it looks like. I was just distributing rewards—nothing more.” Nyra stepped in then, her lips curling into a saccharine smile, lifting the territory transfer decree in her manicured fingers. “Alpha Kael is truly a generous leader,” she purred, her voice dipped in false modesty. “Thanks to his unwavering support, I can finally afford a beautiful den overlooking the Silver River.” A few wolves chuckled, anticipation crackling in the air like a brewing storm. I met Kael’s panicked stare with a serene, unreadable expression. “Bonuses are a standard Pack practice,” I said lightly. “Every Pack member should receive what they’re owed. Make sure they do.” His brows furrowed. “You’re not upset?” I tilted my head, offering him a slow, indifferent shrug. “Why would I be?” “I just stopped by to take a look. You’re busy—carry on.” His relief was palpable. I turned, stepping past him toward the doors, but I didn’t make it far before he hurried after me, lowering his voice. “Selene, it’s not what you think,” he insisted. “I was only rewarding my warriors. Don’t misinterpret this.” I almost laughed. The irony of it all was suffocating. The same wolf who had sacrificed three unborn pups for Nyra’s sake was now scrambling to convince me his actions were honorable. Now that he had everything he wanted, who exactly was he trying to convince? I kept my expression carefully neutral. “Don’t worry, Kael. I’m not unreasonable.” “I don’t claim to understand Pack politics. Just do whatever you think is right.” He exhaled, his relief evident. As if my approval still mattered. Before I could leave, he caught my hand, his grip gentler than it had been in years. “There’s a Full Moon Banquet coming up,” he murmured, his voice thick with something unreadable. “Come with me. I have a surprise for you.” I nodded, expression unreadable. Then I turned and walked away. But deep inside, I laughed bitterly. He had already given me more surprises than I could ever stomach.
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