Betrayed by My Alpha, I Became Free

The pack gathering hall buzzed with excitement as silver and blue decorations adorned every corner. Victoria's labor had begun at dawn, and by midday, the news spread through the Silver Fang territory like wildfire. The birth of Alpha Maxwell's first pup—a momentous occasion that demanded celebration.

I stood in the shadows at the back of the hall, my fingers nervously twisting the hem of my simple dress. Six moons had passed since Victoria's pregnancy announcement, six moons of watching her belly swell with Max's child while my own dreams withered.

"Luna," Anya whispered, appearing at my side. "You don't have to be here."

"Yes, I do," I replied, my voice hollow. "Max asked me to come."

The crowd parted as Max entered, cradling a tiny bundle wrapped in the Silver Fang's ceremonial blanket—pure white with silver thread embroidery. His face glowed with pride as he approached the Moon Stone at the center of the hall.

"Today, the Silver Fang Pack welcomes its newest member and future heir," Max announced, his Alpha voice resonating through the hall. "I present to you, Lily Foster."

He lifted the bundle higher, and the tiny pup let out a soft cry. The pack erupted in cheers and howls of approval. My wolf whimpered inside me, the pain of seeing Max with his child—Victoria's child—almost unbearable.

Through our mind-link, I felt Max's presence brush against my consciousness. *Soon, Luna. Just a little longer.*

His eyes found mine across the crowd, a fleeting look of apology before Victoria appeared, dressed in a flowing silver gown. She took the baby from Max's arms, her triumphant smile directed at me as she pressed herself against his side.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Victoria's voice carried. "She has her father's eyes."

I slipped out before anyone could see the tears streaming down my face.

---

Three weeks later, I crept through the silent pack grounds under the cover of darkness. My stomach had been churning for days, and a strange scent clung to my skin—one that my wolf recognized before I could admit the truth to myself.

The healer's cabin sat at the edge of the territory, isolated from the main pack houses. Old Mira had been the pack healer for three generations, her wisdom respected even by Luna Elara.

"I've been expecting you," Mira said as I slipped through her door. Her ancient eyes, cloudy with age, seemed to see right through me.

"How did you know I'd come?" I asked, wrapping my arms protectively around my middle.

"A healer knows when new life begins to form." She gestured for me to lie on the examination table. "Even when that life is meant to be a secret."

Her gnarled hands moved over my abdomen, her eyes closing as she connected with the energy within me. After a moment, she smiled.

"Strong. Resilient. Like its mother."

"Then it's true?" I whispered, afraid to hope. "I'm carrying Max's pup?"

Mira nodded. "About six weeks along. The Moon Goddess has blessed you."

A sob escaped my throat—part joy, part fear. This changed everything. Max had promised we would leave after Victoria's pup was born. Now I carried his child too. Surely this would be the push he needed to finally honor his promise.

"Be careful, child," Mira warned, pressing a small pouch of herbs into my hand. "Not everyone will celebrate this news."

---

The grand hall of the Silver Fang pack house gleamed under crystal chandeliers. The annual Spring Gala brought together neighboring packs, a display of the Silver Fangs' wealth and power. I stood near the refreshment table, my simple blue dress a stark contrast to the opulent gowns around me.

Max had insisted I attend, though Victoria had thrown a fit when she learned I would be there. For once, he had stood firm. Through our mind-link, I had felt his excitement when I told him about our pup. *This changes everything,* he'd said. *We'll announce our departure after the gala.*

Hope bloomed in my chest for the first time in months. I hadn't told anyone else about the pregnancy—not even Anya. This was my secret, my chance at happiness.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice Luna Elara approaching until she was beside me, her cold smile never reaching her eyes.

"Enjoying the festivities, omega?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Yes, Luna Elara," I replied, lowering my gaze as protocol demanded.

"Such a shame you won't be joining us for much longer," she said, leaning closer. "I know about your... condition."

My blood ran cold. How could she know?

"My son may be blinded by the mate bond, but I see clearly." Her eyes narrowed. "No omega's bastard will ever threaten my granddaughter's position."

Before I could respond, she bumped into me with surprising force, sending me stumbling backward toward the grand staircase. I reached for the railing, but my fingers slipped.

Time seemed to slow as I fell, tumbling down the marble steps. Pain exploded through my body with each impact. I heard screams, felt hands reaching for me, but it was too late.

I lay at the bottom of the stairs, warm blood pooling beneath me. Through blurring vision, I saw Max rushing toward me, his face contorted in horror. But behind him stood Elara and Victoria, watching from the top of the stairs.

Victoria's lips curved into a smile as darkness claimed me.