CHAPTER 2

I was walking toward the garden when I heard Dominic's voice from his study.

"I miss you too,"His tone was warm and intimate in a way it never was with me. "I can't wait to see you tonight."

My claws extended out but I forced them back. I took a deep breath, and pushed the door open with a bright smile pasted on my face.

Dominic turned quickly, his phone disappearing into his pocket. "Luna. I didn't hear you coming."

"Pack meeting reports," I said, holding up a folder I'd grabbed from my office. "Who was that?"

"Alpha Marcus from the Southern Ridge," he lied smoothly. "Pack alliance discussions."

I nodded as if I believed him. "How's it going?"

"Good," he said, coming closer to wrap his arms around me. "I need to head to their territory today for formal negotiations. I'll be back tomorrow night."

I leaned into his embrace and murmured. "Be safe."

"Always am." He kissed the top of my head. "I've got something worth coming back to."

After Dominic left, I waited exactly thirty minutes before making my move. I had to find evidence of the herbs he'd been taking, something concrete to prove his betrayal.

I entered our bedroom and went straight to his nightstand. Nothing in the drawers but books and a watch. His closet revealed nothing suspicious either. I moved to the bathroom, searching through his toiletries and medicine cabinet. Still nothing.

I returned to the bedroom and knelt beside the bed. There, underneath, was a small wooden box I'd never noticed before.

Inside were dozens of empty vials, each labeled with the same script: *Fertility Suppressant – Take Daily*. There was a single vial still half-full of liquid.

"Perfect," I whispered, slipping the half-empty vial into my pocket.

But I needed more than just this. The vial would prove his deception about our inability to conceive, but I needed evidence about my mother or Selena's betrayal of the pack.

As night fell, I got into my car and drove toward the outskirts of our territory, to a place I hadn't visited in years—the home of Mira, my mother's closest friend and the pack's former Beta female before my mother's banishment.

Before I could even knock, the door swung open.

"Reina," Mira gasped, her eyes widening as she took in my presence. "What happened?"

"I know the truth," I said simply. "About my mother. About what Dominic did. About everything."

She pulled me inside quickly, checking the darkness outside before locking the door behind us. "How much do you know?" she asked.

"Enough to destroy them," I replied. "But I need your help."

"You have it," she said. "I've been waiting for this day."

We spent hours huddled at her kitchen table. Mira still had connections—wolves loyal to my mother who had never believed the lies, warriors who had been forced out of the pack when they questioned my mother's banishment. She had names, locations and promises of support.

There's something else you should know," Mira said finally. "Your mother... she's alive."

"What?" I whispered. "But Dominic said—"

"Dominic lied," Mira cut in sharply. "After her banishment, she went to the Northern Crescent pack. They gave her sanctuary. She's been waiting and gathering support. Waiting for you to learn the truth."

Tears spilled down my cheeks—the first I'd allowed myself since discovering Dominic's betrayal. "Take me to her."

"Not yet," Mira cautioned, squeezing my hands. "It's too dangerous. Dominic has spies everywhere. But soon."

She released my hands and walked to a small drawer, extracting a sleek black phone. "Untraceable," she explained, handing it to me. "When you're ready, call the number saved in it. Your mother will answer."

I clutched it like a lifeline, this connection to the mother I'd thought lost forever.

Dawn was breaking when I left Mira's cabin with resources gathered and a network of allies at my disposal. But I made one more stop before returning home.

The pack healer's cottage stood silent in the early morning light. I didn't bother knocking. I pushed open the door to find Elena already awake, mixing herbs at her table.

“Luna Reina!" she gasped, nearly dropping her mortar and pestle.

"I know what you did," I said coldly. "The fertility suppressant herbs for Dominic and the treatments for him."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, but her hands shook.

I pulled the vial from my pocket. "This. You've been making this for years."

The healer's face paled. She set down her mortar and pestle with shaking hands. "I was merely following the Alpha's orders."

"And what about your oath to protect all pack members?" I stepped closer. "Did that mean nothing when you helped him keep me childless? When you helped Selena conceive his child?"

"What do you want from me?"

"Nothing," I said, raising my phone. "I just wanted you to admit it."

Her eyes widened as she realized I'd been recording our entire conversation.

"What will you do?" she whispered.

"That depends," I said. "Are you loyal to the Alpha... or to the mother of the true heir to Silver Moon pack?"

She blinked rapidly. "Wait—you're pregnant?"

"Apparently the Moon Goddess intervened," I replied coolly. "Or should I say, he got careless. So what's it going to be?"

She hesitated only briefly before kneeling. "I serve the true bloodline. Your child is the rightful heir."

"Then help me with a potion to mask my pregnancy from everyone—including Dominic until I'm ready for the truth to be known."

She moved to her shelves immediately, gathering ingredients. "It will be done, Luna."

I returned to the pack house just as the sun fully rose, hearing Dominic car in the driveway. He was back early. Perfect.

I smoothed my dress, applied fresh lipstick and positioned myself in the kitchen. The front door opened. "Luna?" he called out. "I'm home early. Missed you too much."

I smiled at my reflection in the kitchen window, watching the dangerous woman I was becoming.

"In here," I called back sweetly. "I've been waiting for you."

CHAPTER 3

Dominic appeared in the doorway, his face lighting up at the sight of me. In three long steps, he crossed the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me.

"I missed you so much," he whispered against my hair.

I returned his embrace, ignoring the way my wolf recoiled inside me. As he held me close, I caught the unmistakable scent of honeysuckle and jasmine perfume clinging to his skin. Selena's scent.

I pulled back while keeping my smile intact. "How was your trip? I thought you said you'd be back tomorrow night."

"The negotiations went faster than expected," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Alpha Marcus was very... accommodating."

I nodded, pretending to believe the lie. "That's wonderful. Are you hungry? I made your favorite."

His eyes brightened. "Starving."

I served him a plate of the venison stew I'd prepared earlier, watching as he devoured it with enthusiasm. I sat across from him, nursing a cup of tea and waiting.

"Speaking of news," Dominic said between bites, "we're going to have a guest staying with us for a while."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who?"

"Selena," he said. "Her father's territory is dealing with some rogue attacks near their borders. I offered our protection until things settle down."

I gripped my teacup tighter, the glass nearly cracking under my fingers. "You mean your ex will be staying here? In our home?"

"Former ex," he corrected. "Now she's just an ally. Her father is an important pack leader, Reina. We need their allegiance."

I took a sip of tea to hide my reaction. How much more would they infiltrate my life? How much longer would they mock me under my own roof?

I forced myself to take a deep breath. "When will she arrive?"

"In two days," he replied, pushing his empty plate away. "I need to head out for another pack meeting. Can you prepare the blue guest room for her?"

I nodded, watching as he stood, dropped a quick kiss on my forehead and left without another backward glance.

After Dominic left, I went to the guest bedroom at the far end of the house. If Selena was going to stay with us, I wanted her as far from our bedroom as possible. I changed the linens and placed fresh towels in the adjoining bathroom.

As I smoothed down the comforter, I pulled out the untraceable phone Mira had given me. My thumb hovered over the single number saved in its contacts. Not yet, I told myself. I needed more evidence and more allies. When I struck, it would be decisive.

I slipped the phone back into my pocket and continued preparing for our unwelcome guest.

Two days later, I heard a car pull into the driveway. I stood at the top of the grand staircase, watching as the front door opened.

Selena entered and stood in the doorway, surveying our home like she already owned it. She was still the same as I remembered—beautiful, with her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Reina," she said. "It's been so long."

"Selena," I replied coolly. "Welcome to our home."

She glanced around with her calculative gazs. "Where's the Alpha? He said he would receive me personally."

The way she said "personally" made my blood boil, but I maintained my composure.

"He had an urgent matter to attend to," I lied. "He should be back soon. Would you like something to drink while you wait?"

"Water would be fine," she said dismissively, moving past me to enter the living room. She sat on the couch, my usual spot and crossed her legs, looking completely at home.

I brought her water, setting it on the coffee table without a word. Finally, the sound of Dominic's car broke the tension. The front door opened, and he appeared, his eyes immediately seeking out Selena.

I stood, intending to greet my husband as any dutiful Luna would, but he walked right past me. He crossed the room and pulled Selena into a tight embrace that lasted far too long.

"You made it safely," he said with genuine concern. "I was worried."

Selena smiled up at him. "The journey was fine. Though my hands are hurting from carrying my bags. They're still outside."

Only then did Dominic seem to notice me standing there, watching their reunion with anger. He had the decency to look slightly embarrassed.

"Reina," he said. "Could you help Selena bring her bags in? Put them in the blue guest room."

I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing. My husband, the Alpha, was asking me,his Luna to act as a servant for his mistress.

CHAPTER 4

I forced a smile masking the rage burning through me.

"Of course," I said with a practiced smile. "I'd be happy to help our guest."

Selena smirked as I walked past her to the front door. Outside, three large suitcases sat by her car, as if she was planning to stay for months rather than weeks. I grabbed the smallest one first, not wanting to strain myself in my condition.

One by one, I carried the heavy suitcases up the stairs and down the hall to the blue guest room. My arms ached by the time I finished, but I refused to show weakness.

"Is there anything else you need?" I asked pleasantly as Selena entered the room.

"I think I can manage from here," she replied, making a dismissive gesture with her hand. "You can go now."

I nodded and closed the door behind me, but I didn't leave. There was something very suspicious in her bag, and I trust my Instinct.

Instead, I listened, hearing the click of the lock. Perfect. I waited in the hallway, counting seconds until I heard the shower turn on in the bathroom.

Silently, I unlocked the door using my master key and slipped back inside. I moved quickly to the largest suitcase and unzipped it carefully.

The zipper slid open silently, revealing neatly folded clothes on top .I pushed them aside and froze. There, carefully wrapped in cloth, was a large bundle of dried purple flowers—consecrated wolfsbane, the most potent form that could weaken even an Alpha. Beside it lay a silver dagger, its handle inscribed with ancient runes known to cause excruciating pain to our kind.

My hands trembled as I reached deeper into the suitcase. Underneath a layer of silk scarves, I found it, a folded map of our territory. I spread it open carefully. Red circles marked strategic points—our guard posts, patrol routes, and most alarming of all, the underground tunnels known only to pack leadership.

"What are you planning?" I whispered, quickly pulling out my phone to snap pictures of everything. I sent them to Mira with a simple text: Found these in Selena's luggage. She's planning something. It's worse than we thought.

Her response came seconds later: Not surprising. Keep watching. Stay safe.

From my pocket, I retrieved the tiny listening devices and cameras Mira had given me. I worked swiftly, placing one under the nightstand, another in the closet, and a third behind the mirror. Just as I finished, I heard the shower turn off.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. There was no time to reach the door. I dove under the bed, tucking myself into the shadows just as the bathroom door opened. Selena's bare feet padded across the hardwood floor. She moved to the suitcase I'd just searched, and I held my breath, certain I'd been discovered.

But she merely grabbed some clothes and returned to the bathroom. I didn't waste the opportunity. I slipped out from under the bed and out the door, closing it silently behind me.

My next stop was Dominic's study. I planted devices in the bookshelf, under his desk, and inside the small clock on the wal l.As I finished, I heard footsteps approaching. I quickly positioned myself at the desk, pretending to organize papers as Dominic entered.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked, his voice sharp with suspicion.

I looked up innocently. "Just organizing your schedule for the week. I wanted to make sure you had time for the border patrol reports tomorrow."

He seemed to accept this, his posture relaxing. "Always so thoughtful," he murmured, but there was no warmth in his voice. "Dinner should be ready by seven, right?"

"Of course, Alpha," I replied.

*******

Dinner was a masterclass in pretense. I sat at my usual place at the end of the table, while Dominic and Selena engaged in their conversation about pack politics, old friends, and shared memories. They barely acknowledged my presence except when they needed something passed to them.

"The venison is excellent, Reina," Selena commented, her tone suggesting surprise that I could accomplish something so basic.

"Thank you," I said, smiling. "It's Dominic's favorite."

"Oh, I know," she replied with a knowing look. "He always did prefer his meat rare and fresh."

The double meaning wasn't lost on me. I maintained my smile even as my wolf snarled within me.

"More wine, Selena?" I offered.

"Please," she replied, holding out her glass. As I poured, her free hand slipped beneath the table to rest on Dominic's thigh and he didn't move away.

After dinner, I excused myself, claiming a headache. Neither seemed particularly disappointed by my departure.

In our bedroom, I changed into my nightgown and sat at my vanity, brushing my hair with precise strokes. The door opened, and Dominic entered.

"Is your headache better?" he asked, not quite meeting my eyes.

"Much," I lied. "How is our guest settling in?"

"She's comfortable," he said, removing his watch. "I'll be working late in my study tonight. Don't wait up."

I nodded, watching him grab clothes from the dresser before disappearing into the bathroom. When he came closer, he kissed my forehead and left.

I waited thirty minutes before retrieving my tablet from its hiding place in my drawer. I connected my tablet to the hidden cameras, and hit play.

I was about to give up for the night when Selena's phone rang. She answered it immediately with her voice barely whispers.

"Yes, everything is in place," she said. "The Luna suspects nothing."

I leaned closer to my screen, straining to hear.

"He actually bought the lie about me being pregnant ," she continued with a laugh. "He believes it. Men are so easily fooled when they want something to be true."

My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, where my own secret grew stronger each day.

"Once I'm officially announced as his new mate, we'll implement the next phase," Selena continued. "The pack will be ours by the full moon. My father's warriors are ready."

There was a pause as she listened to whoever was on the other line.

"And the Luna?" Selena's voice turned cold. "If she becomes a problem, I'll handle her personally. No one will question if she has an... unfortunate accident.

I turned off the tablet, my heart hammering in my chest. They weren't just planning to humiliate me or push me aside, they were planning to kill me if necessary. And they weren't just after my position ,they wanted the entire pack.

As I set the tablet down, a floorboard creaked behind me. I whirled around to find Selena standing in the doorway, her eyes fixed on the screen showing her room.

"So," She said, her voice deadly calm as she closed the door behind her. "You've been spying on me."