After My Alpha Killed My Mother to Save His Mistress

I needed to hear it for myself.

The secret passage in the Pack House walls had been a secret of the founding families for generations. My mother had shown it to me when I was just a pup, making me swear never to reveal its existence.

"Only in the direst need," she'd whispered.

I'd say this qualified.

The narrow passage was dusty from disuse, but the wooden panels remained sturdy. I slid through the darkness, Luna guiding me with her enhanced senses until I reached the small viewing slit that opened into the Alpha's bedroom.

Voices drifted through—intimate, hushed.

"I'm so excited, Julius," Briella's voice, honeyed with false sweetness. "I've been waiting for the right moment to tell you."

"Tell me what?" My mate's voice was warm with anticipation.

"I'm pregnant."

The world tilted beneath me. Luna snarled, clawing at my insides.

"You're sure?" Julius sounded breathless.

"Eight weeks. The pack healer confirmed it this morning."

I pressed my hand against my mouth to stifle any sound. My other hand gripped the wooden panel so tightly my knuckles turned white.

"This is it," Julius said, his voice dropping lower. "This is the sign I've been waiting for."

"What do you mean?" Briella asked.

"The Pack Union Ceremony is in three weeks. It's the perfect opportunity."

My heart pounded as I strained to hear every word.

"There's an ancient loophole in pack law," Julius continued. "If a Luna fails to provide an heir within five years, the Alpha can reject the bond for the good of the pack."

"But we've only been mated for three years," Briella said.

"The law doesn't specify consecutive years," Julius replied smugly. "And Paige's mother held the position for two years before me. Technically, the Barnes bloodline has had five years to produce an heir."

I bit down on my fist to keep from screaming.

"At the ceremony," Julius continued, "I'll announce your pregnancy and reject Paige for barrenness. The pack will support me—they always do what the Alpha commands."

"And then you'll mark me as Luna?" Briella's voice was eager.

"Immediately. Before anyone can challenge the transition."

---

I became the perfect Luna.

"Julius, I've been thinking," I said the next morning, keeping my voice soft and submissive. "I've been too uptight lately."

He looked up from his breakfast, surprise flickering across his face. "Oh?"

"I want to support you better. The pack needs a united front."

Suspicion clouded his eyes for just a moment before his ego won out. "That's... good, Paige. I'm glad you're being reasonable."

"I'd like to help with the Pack Union Ceremony," I suggested, lowering my eyes as if embarrassed. "I've always handled the diplomatic aspects well."

"Actually," he said, reaching for my hand across the table, "that would be perfect. The Lycan Prince will be attending. You've always been better with politics than Briella."

I forced a smile, ignoring Luna's rage. "I'm happy to serve however I can."

---

"This is the slideshow of pack achievements," the audio-visual technician explained, showing me the presentation scheduled for the ceremony. "It will play on the main screen during the Alpha's speech."

I nodded, examining the control booth with calculated interest. "And this is where everything is controlled?"

"Yes, Luna. We've prepared everything according to Alpha's instructions."

"I'd like to make some changes," I said, my voice friendly but firm. "The Alpha mentioned I should oversee the final preparations."

The technician—an Omega named Tess who I knew had been targeted by Briella in the past—hesitated. "I'm not sure..."

I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "Between us, I think the slideshow needs more... impact. And I have something special to add."

I pulled out a small drive. "This will replace the current presentation at exactly the right moment."

Tess's eyes widened slightly. "Luna, I don't know if—"

"Briella had you cleaning the bathrooms last week," I said quietly. "After you'd been assigned to the communications team."

Her jaw tightened. "She said I wasn't good enough for important work."

"I think you're perfect for this task," I replied. "And I need someone who understands the value of... justice."

She took the drive, her decision visible in her eyes. "What do you need me to do?"

"Lock the control booth door during my speech," I instructed. "No matter what happens, no one enters or stops the feed."

As Tess nodded her agreement, I felt Luna's approval rumble through me.

The stage was set.