Betrayed Mate's Revenge Plot

Synopsis

The scent of fresh roses filled my car as I drove toward the pack house, excitement bubbling in my chest. My birthday had never been a big deal to Marcus, but eight years together had taught me to create my own joy. I'd left work early, planning to surprise him with the dinner reservation I'd made at Crystal Moon, the upscale restaurant in the neighboring pack's territory. I hummed softly, fingering the mate mark bracelet on my wrist—a silver band with our initials entwined that Marcus had given me when we completed our mate ceremony. The memory made my heart flutter, though the flutter wasn't as strong as it once was. My wolf had been unusually quiet lately, something I attributed to stress from my job at the pack's community center. "He'll be so surprised," I whispered to myself as I pulled into our driveway. The pack house was quiet this afternoon, most members at work or training. Perfect timing. I slipped my key into the lock, careful to be silent.