Chapter 1

When I discovered I was carrying Waylon’s pup, the Alpha of the Martin Pack spared no expense in ensuring my well-being. He brought in Dr. Ramon Salazar, our pack’s most trusted Healer, to prescribe the finest prenatal supplements. Though Waylon had never been one to show reverence to the Moon Goddess, he visited the sacred grove—a place of worship among our kind—and prayed fervently for the safe arrival of our child.

“My Luna,” he said, his voice soft but laced with his commanding alpha tone, “you’ve been through so much. Once the pup arrives, I promise to make it up to you.”

That same day, I accidentally answered his phone.

“Alpha Martin, as per your instructions, the prenatal supplements for your Luna contain a herb to ensure the pup isn’t born alive.”

“Aspen Baker’s pup is thriving and will undoubtedly succeed as the heir to the Martin Pack.”

“Your Luna will never suspect a thing, and your bond with her will remain intact. Rest assured.”

I stared at my growing belly, my heart shattering into pieces. His love was nothing but a lie. With no ties left to bind me, I prepared to leave, though the mate bond still burned faintly within me.

My hand trembled as I ended the call. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I cradled my stomach. No wonder every time I asked Waylon to feel the pup’s movements, he showed no excitement. He had known all along that this child was never meant to live.

Waylon emerged from the ensuite bathroom, his towering frame dominating the room. His muscles, a testament to his alpha strength, rippled as he moved. “My Luna,” he said with a smile that once made my heart flutter, “is the pup being troublesome? Let me teach him a lesson!”

I lifted my tear-streaked face to look at him, the accusation burning in my chest. But when he rushed over, his large hands wrapping around me in a protective embrace, I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

“What’s wrong, my Luna?” he asked, his deep voice laced with concern. “Are you too tense? I’ll be here with you. You’re safe.”

His touch sent shivers down my spine, but not the kind I once welcomed. How could he be so cruel? To plot the death of our pup, maintain his affair with Aspen, and still whisper sweet lies to me?

I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and ventured cautiously, “Alpha, why… why can’t I feel the pup moving?”

He bent down, pressing his ear to my belly, and I watched him intently. For a fleeting moment, impatience flickered across his face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by that familiar warmth.

“The pup is strong, my Luna,” he said, his voice steady. “You’re just anxious. I’m here with you.”

I was about to mention the phone call when Beta James knocked on the door.

“Alpha,” he said, his tone respectful, “the Healer needs to discuss the procedure with you.”

Waylon glanced at me instinctively, his voice softening. “I’ll be right back.”

He always insisted on having Dr. Salazar discuss things in my presence to keep me calm. But Beta James whispered at the door, “Aspen keeps asking for you, Alpha. I’m concerned her distress might affect her pup.”

My heart clenched, and I followed Waylon out, watching him enter the room next door. In his haste, he left the door slightly ajar.

Inside lay Aspen Baker, the rogue wolf who had once been the daughter of our pack’s Omega. Waylon was at her side, his deep voice coaxing, “The pup is fine, Aspen. You’re going to be a mother soon. Stop pretending to be ill; you know how it worries me.”

He playfully tapped her forehead, his touch gentle yet indulgent. Aspen smiled sweetly, taking his hand and pressing a kiss to his palm. She pouted, “I just miss you, Alpha. You spend all day with her; can’t you spare more time for me?”

Waylon bent down, his lips brushing against hers as he murmured, “I need to keep her calm for a while longer. Otherwise, how will she care for our pup?”

“Everything I do is to ensure your child becomes the heir of the Martin Pack. You understand, don’t you?”

Weakness overwhelmed me, and I stumbled back. Not only had he planned the death of our pup, but he intended for me to raise his and Aspen’s child.

Just moments ago, this man had been at my bedside, holding my hand, whispering sweet promises. Now, he was in another room, plotting to make me nurture his lover’s pup.

Had I not heard it with my own ears, I wouldn’t have believed it was the same mate I had loved for eight years. The sounds of their intimacy spilled from the room, Aspen’s laughter mingling with his low murmurs.

“The Healer says I can indulge a bit in the later stages of my pregnancy… oh! Alpha, you’re so playful!”

I stood there, watching as if to punish myself, before finally turning away. Step by step, I made my way to Dr. Salazar’s office, my heart heavy with the weight of betrayal.