Bella's fated mate, Jasper, has been away for three months. All Alphas had been summoned by the Lycan king to the battlefield of a war against a neighboring country. Bella anxiously waits for her husband to come back. After 5 years of agonizing wait and yearning, she is finally pregnant.

Jasper, her mate, comes back bearing terrible news. Her Alpha father and two brothers died on the battlefield. She couldn't believe that 3 of the most powerful Alphas she knew would have met their death in such a manner. The devastating news broke Bella's heart. They were the only family she knew. She had never met her mother, but her father and brothers raised her and trained her to be the strong Alpha female she was now.

Bella couldn't even find support in her cold and distant mate, Jasper. She was used to his cold demeanor, but she thought they were happy together. She could've never imagined she had been living a lie. When she was at her lowest, Sadie, her childhood friend, confessed to her, that she had been Jasper's mistress for 5 years and informed her of their plans to overtake Bella's former pack as well as making Sadie Jasper's new Luna.

That's what they wanted to believe, but they had underestimated Bella and what she was capable of. They will all have to face her wrath and that of an unthinkable ally.

Bella’s POV

The beeping of the machines surrounding me matched the thudding of my heart. It all came back to me. The pain and agony. My father and my brothers...the three powerful Alphas of the White Claw Pack forever gone.

I stared at the ceiling of the hospital, and the numb feeling was washing over me from head to toe. I lay on the bed like a lifeless body, and the only thing I could do was touch my belly—a baby was there.

Three months ago, the Lycan King summoned my mate, Jasper, to the North border, where there had recently been unrest. My father and brothers, as Alphas, went to the battlefield together. I waited at home, and every day, I prayed to the Moon Goddess to bring them back safely.

But Jasper bore the bad news when he came back. It was also the day I received the news that I was pregnant, the baby I had expected for five years since I married Jasper.

The increasing pain kept torturing me. I missed my family.

I never saw my mom after I was born. My father and brothers raised me. They were powerful, dominant, and aggressive soldiers on the training ground, but they never made me feel like I needed to surrender to them. We were just a happy, normal family. We talked about everything and created many special moments together.

They witnessed my first shift and held my hand, guiding me down the aisle on my wedding day.

They meant everything to me.

But now I've lost them. All of them at the same time. How was I supposed to keep going without them?

My pillow was soaked with tears, and I subconsciously looked for my mate. I felt panicked when I realized he wasn’t there.

I remember I fainted in his arms before he answered my question. “Who killed them?” Dr. Janna wasn’t here either.

It was then that I noticed a figure by the window. It was my friend Sadie.

““Sadie! My father and my brothers,” I said, my voice breaking. “I still can’t believe it.” She approached me and took my hand. “They were a force to be reckoned with. How could they have been killed?”

If anyone understood my pain, it was Sadie. We grew up together like sisters. She is the daughter of Uncle Conner, my father’s Beta and best friend.

Five years ago, she moved in with me from the White Claw Pack to Jasper’s Riverbank Pack on my marriage day. It was good to have a familiar friend in a new place.

At this saddest moment, having Saide by my side was a relief. I didn't know how long I had fainted, but she must have taken care of me for a long time.

She leaned closer as if she wanted to wipe my tears.

“I’m really sorry for you.” She laughed. “What? Do you think I came to comfort you?” My eyes widened in confusion.

“Oh, pitiful Bella.” Sadie sneered. “Blissful is this day, for at last Jasper and I could step out of the shadows and proclaim our love to the world.” Her mocking laugh was like a slap to my face.

“What do you mean?” The pang in my heart made me wish it wasn’t what I was thinking. Sadie’s satisfied grin only grew. Her boldness had no limits, and she continued with her self-satisfying rant.

“Because of you, Jasper and I had to hide our love for five years. He was by my side whenever he made an excuse for not being with you. I was the woman he loved.” My heart was trapped in my throat, and an invisible rope strangled my neck, taking my breath. This was not possible.

“You've never had enough, Bella. Always wanting more. Always taking away what was meant to be mine. You always had the better clothes and the most expensive jewelry. All the best for the pack’s princess. Then you have to go and shamelessly steal my Jasper!” She bellowed.

She hated me, not from today, but from the day I had something better than her

“Sadie...I never knew you thought so...” She was one of the most important people in my life. We grew together and had each other for our whole lives. My father and brothers treated her as part of our family.

Emotion controlled me, I pulled my arm, and the medical needle pricked the back of my hand and bled me.

Sadie walked close to me. Her wolf flickered in her eyes. She grabbed my hand, making me groan and struggle.

You know that marrying Jasper was the worst decision of your life. He should be mine.

“He is my fated mate. I didn’t steal him from you.”

“I saw him first. I talked to him first. But he chose you; it was your fault to seduce him.” She growled.

The person I considered a sister and my fated mate had cheated on me for five years, starting from the first day of my marriage.

"If you tell me..." Her face contorted. She hated to hear that.

“Shut up you bitch. He was always meant to be mine. But finally, I’m getting justice. Now you have lost everything. Your daddy and your brothers are no longer here to support you.” She laughed joyfully.

“Stop,” I whispered. Her words were killing me. She had been an illusion in my life. Everything I knew and thought of her was only a lie.

“You are no one to order me now, Bella, or I must say, ex Luna. Do you think you are feeling pain now? Wait until Jasper takes over your father’s pack and makes me his Luna. The first thing I will do is strip you of all your ranks. You will be my slave, nothing but a worm in the dirt. Small, dirty, and insignificant.” She spewed her venom at her heart’s content.

She left and then slammed the door. I could still hear her laugh all the way from here.

I put my shaking hands on my face to confirm I was still breathing; my head was about to explode.

I sat up and pulled out the needle linked to my hand. I needed to confirm the truth.

Dr Jana appeared at that moment as I was changing my clothes.

"Luna, you’re leaving? The Alpha wanted you to stay overnight. He seemed concerned about you.” Said Dr. Janna. Obviously, he probably wanted alone time with Sadie.

“I’m fine, Dr. Janna. Remember our deal. Nobody can know.” She nodded. I headed to Jasper’s office.

I walked into the Alpha’s mansion with determination. It was the middle of the day, and everyone was busy elsewhere. I heard voices coming from Jasper’s office. The door was ajar. I could see Sadie straddling Jasper’s lap on his office chair. A growl was caught in my throat.

“I missed you so much, Jas.” She said in between kisses. Bile rose inside my throat. Each kiss to my mate was like a lash with spikes against my body. “I can’t believe the excellent news you brought. We don’t have to hide our love anymore. As soon as you take over their pack, you can make me your Luna. My father will help you at every step.” Sadie cooed.

"Shut up and bend over. It’s been a long time, and Bella is still at the hospital.” Sadie’s exaggerated moans mixed with their unmistakable wet pounding almost made me empty my insides right then and there.

I went straight to my room, feeling like a ghost of myself. The wedding picture of Jasper and me hanging from the wall was a mocking reminder of his lies.

'Bella, I will love you forever.'

'I will protect you for the rest of my life.'

The promises he made to me and my family were untrue. All five years of care were merely a disguise. He even pretended that he wanted to have a baby with me..

Two stray tears fell down my cheeks. Should I give up on this little life?

Jasper was a bastard, and he conspired to take the Alpha title of my father’s pack.

If I keep the baby, Jasper will use it as a weapon to threaten and imprison me.

No! My heart ached immediately at the thought of losing my child. I just couldn’t; the baby was the only one who shared the same blood with me. I needed to protect my blood, and I still had the chance now.

Sadie thought I lost everything with the death of my family, but she was wrong.

She didn’t know the real me.

Bella's POV

I left Jasper’s place in a hurry. I took my small bag and walked through the roads towards the parking lot, trying to act normally. I needed to leave fast before Jasper felt my absence. If not him, but Theron his wolf. He wouldn’t like it.

I froze when I saw Beta Luca standing there in the parking lot. Luca, Dr. Janna's mate and my friend. Another jab at my heart. He must have known everything since the start. He is Jasper’s Beta. The closest person to Alpha.

He knew about Jasper and Sadie, but he chose to stay quiet. I stood there, not knowing what he was going to do. He saw me and gave me a knowing nod.

“Get in the car, Luna. I’ll take you wherever you wish to go.” He opened the door and helped me get in. It was never lost to me how, as Beta, he had always been protective of his Luna. Whatever were his reasons to stay quiet I’m sure one day he’ll let me know.

Inside the car, I breathed a sigh of relief. Luca didn’t ask me anything. He was probably still embarrassed for betraying our friendship. I asked him to drop me somewhere near my pack. He did as he was told, and then he drove off.

It was late afternoon when I arrived at White Claw Pack. Everything was quiet. It felt gloomy. They were mourning the death of their three Alpha’s.

I came here to await the bodies of my father and brothers. If they fell on the battlefield, the Royal Guard would bring them back home for a proper burial. How I wish my child could have had the chance to meet them.

Uncle Conner and my father were the best of friends. This pack saw glorious years under their command. Uncle Conner taught my brothers and then Sadie and me how to fight.

The rigorous training for me came years later, but just with my brothers and my father. Did Uncle Conner betray me, too? I disguised my scent as I entered his house quietly. I needed to be cautious and respect the warning my father gave me once.

‘Never reveal everything of what you’re capable of Bella. Not even to your mate. Power corrupts people. You will never know a person’s true colors until you’re no longer of use to them. You were blessed like your mother. Be cautious with that.'

The phone rang, and Uncle Conner picked up.

“Alpha Jasper.” He said with disdain. “What are you calling for?”

Shit, I shouldn’t have come here. Of course, this is the first place he would look for me. My heart started pounding wildly.

Uncle Conner sneered at something Jasper said. “She’s not here, I didn’t see her.” Fuck, they’re talking about me. “I don’t have time for this Jasper. We’re preparing funerals for our Alphas.” I started to leave quietly but the next thing Uncle Conner said made me stop.

“Fuck you, Jasper. What makes you think you can order me around? Just because you are having an affair with my daughter? I am ashamed because of that! If I didn’t say anything was because Bella’s brothers would not only have killed you but Sadie as well.”

He threw the phone to the wall visibly enraged. He knew, but he had his reasons to stay quiet. I was glad that at least he was still someone I could trust.

I stepped out of the shadows startling him, but he quickly moved to give me a hug when he froze.

“You heard that, didn’t you?” He said, ashamed. I nodded.

“But I also heard you refusing to help him. You didn’t betray us, Uncle, and for that, I will be forever grateful.” This time he really gave me the fatherly hug I didn’t know I needed.

Tears started prickling my eyes again. “Uncle, I want to see the bodies of my family.” Those were the hardest words I ever uttered.

“You didn't know?" Uncle Conner looked at me with pity in his eyes. "Bella, there are no bodies. They couldn’t be found. They were swiped away by an avalanche. The snow up North was out of the ordinary.” A glimmer of hope surged through me, between the dark clouds that surrounded my existence. I knew that not everything was lost. If they couldn't be found, how sure were they of their death?

“But if there are no bodies, there’s still hope, Uncle. They need to keep searching. They need to hurry… They need to....” He shook his head, sadness marring his features. The tears I was so bravely trying to contain ran down of their own free will as my last hope was torn to shreds.

“No, child. We all felt our Alpha’s aura and control snap. We can’t feel him anymore. You know what that means. Searching for their bodies is another impossible task. More people’s lives would be lost if they ventured into the inclement conditions in the North. Alpha Jasper said that the only reason the war stopped was because the conditions were hazardous. If they didn't die fighting, they would've died of hypothermia. None of those options were good." My heart sank.

I couldn't picture my father and brother's bodies buried under piles of snow. They couldn't even rest in peace after death.

My lips trembled and I had to dig my nails deep into my flesh to keep myself from losing my mind

I stayed in Uncle Conner’s guest room that night, pondering about the death of my family. It all sounded like Jasper’s made-up story.

I tried to sleep but sleep never came.

It had been such a long and tiring day. I curled up on the sheets; a huge hole was dug in my heart. Today, I have lost the most important person in my life.

What should I do now?

I gently touched my belly, my child was there. I needed to be strong for my baby.

I gradually felt sleepy. The roar of a car made me jump.

‘Mate!’ My wolf, Anaisha said. Fuck, Jasper is here! I scrambled to my feet looking for my stuff. He was already inside the house, he could sense me. There was no way to run now. A loud knock on the door, made me jump. My heart was thumping.

“Open the door, Bella.” Jasper’s unmistakable voice came. “I will explain everything to you. You need to listen to me.”

Anaisha growled in my mind. I just stood there clenching my fists, unable to believe his lies anymore.

"Bella, my mate. I never loved Sadie. How could you ever think that? We’re fated mates. I’ve only ever loved you.” He is a liar. “Come back with me, Bella. Is been almost four months. I desired you. Come home. Let’s make a pup, I know you’d love that.” Bile rose in my throat. Too bad I won’t ever believe him.

“We’re done, Jasper. Forever. There is no fixing this.”

Jasper started slamming his body against the door like crazy.

“Bella!” He growled.

Jasper thinks I can’t escape him, but he is wrong. I will never come back to him. My child doesn’t need this scum of a father.

I grabbed my bag before he managed to open the door. I bit my right hand’s finger, drawing blood. I carefully Smeared it on my mother’s ring that I’ve always worn. I thought of my father when a halo enveloped me. I disappear instantly from inside the room.

I appeared in a deserted forest. It was almost dawn. I stumbled over a body falling on top of him. This man was huge, and he was wounded. I got up on my feet rather quickly. Who can it be?

Bella's POV

I almost fell on top of the wounded man. It was still night before dawn. The man moaned in pain slightly. He must be one of the warriors who fought in the war. Before I disappeared from my pack, I thought of my father, and I wished to find him. I'm near the battlefield now. The weather was cold but not as bad as Jasper made everyone believe. I put my arms around me. The night was chilly. I needed to find a safe place to spend the rest of the night.

I looked at the warrior on the floor. He must have fought side by side with my father and brothers. They were all protecting our country. The least I could do was to help him. Moving him wouldn't be easy. The soldier was impressive. With massive hands and muscles. Even wounded on the floor, he looked threatening. I played with the ring on my left hand. It belonged to my mother.

My father told me how the ring worked, but he never wanted me to use it. He was always overprotective of me on that matter. I had already exposed myself when I used it to get away from Jasper. At least this is for a good cause. I kneeled closer to the soldier. Rubbing some of my blood on the ring, I wished for a sheltered place close by.

We appeared inside a cave. I rummaged inside my bag and grabbed a small blanket to put under his head. The light of dawn was shining through the cave's entrance. He was breathtakingly handsome, like a God. I found myself shuddering as I studied his face. I couldn't resist touching his perfectly defined features. When I touched his cheek, I felt like an electric current was coming from my hand. I retracted my hand instantly, but his eyes flew open. His golden eyes pierced through mine. They were cold and menacing, but they seemed to soften when he saw me.

"I won't hurt you," I said. "I will take care of you.!" He blinked a few times before his eyes closed again. I gathered some wood to make a small bonfire. The rest of the hours flew by as I spent them taking care of the handsome warrior. With the use of my ring. I gathered everything I needed to treat his wounds. If my father were here, he would've been appalled. I had used my ring so many times in one day, more than I had ever used it throughout my entire life.

"By the third day, the warrior seemed to be better. His wounds were starting to heal. The herbal medicine made him drowsy, though. I rarely saw him opening his eyes, but when he did, he would watch me intently, making me blush under his scrutinizing gaze. Sometimes, our eyes would lock, and I felt an increasing pull towards him. The electric tingles I felt every time I touched him were unsettling as well. He never fully woke up, though, and we were never able to have a conversation.

Later that day, I was going to gather some berries. I needed to take care of myself as well. The pregnancy was making me constantly nauseous. Sometimes, I had to force myself to eat something. I came to an abrupt stop when I saw the cave surrounded by warriors. My heart plummeted to my stomach. They didn't look friendly at all. They barged inside when they saw me. The tallest, meanest one looked at me threateningly.

"Search inside the cave." The burly and intimidating warrior said. He looked like he was their leader. The men scurried inside the cave, looking for something. They were dressed similarly to the wounded God inside the cave.

"Who are you, woman?" He asked icily. I retreated a few steps, fearing for my baby. I wetted my lips, feeling them dry. My mouth had probably been agape. Before I could say anything, profane exclamations were heard from inside the cave.

"Fuck! He's here, Dane!!" One of the soldiers yelled. The scary warrior named Dane almost pushed me when he ran inside. They were here for him. They sound happy to have found him. I saw Dane's cold demeanor change when he heard that the wounded God was here.

"Do not leave that woman out of your sight!" He growled. I fidgeted nervously. Who were these men? They all looked dangerous and powerful. I was sure they would harm me. I was tempted to use my ring, but one of the warriors grabbed my arm. "Do not attempt anything. You don't want to make him mad." He warned menacingly.

One of the men came back and dragged me forcefully inside the cave. My hands moved instinctively to my abdomen. We stopped near that Dane guy who was staring worriedly at the wounded warrior.

"Who did this to him?" His voice was laced with a dangerous edge. "Speak woman, if you value your life!" He snarled. He was clenching his fists. I could feel his anger rolling out in waves. Where were they when this happened to him if he was so important to them?

Usually, I would have something smart to say, but I didn't want to make this beast angrier. "I found him unconscious, and I brought him here." Before I even finished, I realized my big mistake. His eyes went wide, and then he sneered.

"Do you want me to believe that a fragile woman like you carried him to this cave? Who else helped you?." He stepped closer to me, trapping me between him and the cave's wall. "Look for her accomplices. Find them!" Roared Dane. He stepped back, making me release the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"There's no accomplices! I didn't do this to your... friend. You have to believe me!" I said frustratedly. He punched the wall above my head, making me flinch. He literally made a small dent in the solid rock. How strong were these people?

"Oh, I know you didn't do this to my...brother. It'd take more than a weak woman to bring him down. He was clearly ambushed. Someone else helped you, and I will make you talk one way or another." What does that even mean? How did I get involved in all of this? I was just trying to help. My breaths started to quicken. His look was murderous. I was in danger. I needed to make him understand he was wrong to judge me.

"That is not how it happened! You're horribly mistaken..!" I kept arguing but they all ignored me. He started barking orders to the werewolf warriors. Some of them brought a stretcher I didn't know they had.

"Seize her!" He ordered like I hadn't been threatened since the very beginning. "You will be treated as a suspect until my brother wakes up. You better be telling the truth. Otherwise, we will not show you mercy!" My heart sank. 2 soldiers restrained me and forcibly tied my hands. I was beginning to regret having helped Dane's brother. I stared at him on the floor. Oblivious to everything that was going on. If he were awake, he would tell them, but even though he was healing, the herbs and lack of proper food weakened him.

I saw them pull him out on the stretcher. He was too big for it, his legs were dangling. I was unceremoniously thrown in the back of one of their cars once we made it down the mountain. Dane had gotten impatient at my low pace and had thrown me over his shoulder when we were descending. All I could think of was my child. I can't reveal my identity to them. They would send me straight to Jasper. I prayed to the Goddess that Dane's brother woke up. Only he could save me now.