After His Luna Poisoned Him, He Believed I Betrayed Him

The Silver Moon Pack's corporate headquarters loomed before me, a gleaming tower of glass and steel that pierced the Manhattan skyline. Five years ago, I'd walked out of these doors as a rejected mate. Today, I was walking back in as a beggar.

I smoothed down my wrinkled blouse, wishing I had something better to wear for this meeting. The security guard at the front desk gave me a suspicious look as I approached.

"Name?" he barked.

"Jane Ellis," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "I have an appointment with Alpha Davis."

His eyes widened slightly. "You're the event planner?"

"Yes." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. I wasn't just any event planner—I was the one who'd rejected their Alpha five years ago.

The elevator ride to the top floor felt endless. Each floor that passed brought back memories I'd tried so hard to bury. The scent of rain and ozone—our mate bond—grew stronger with every ascending floor. My wolf stirred uneasily within me.

*Stay calm,* I told her silently. *We're doing this for Gordon.*

The hospital had given me three days to pay the remaining balance for Elder Gordon's heart surgery. Three days, or they'd discharge him. And without the surgery, he wouldn't last the month.

"You can go in now," the Beta assistant said, his expression carefully neutral as he opened the heavy oak door.

I stepped into the Alpha's office, and there he was.

Nolan Davis.

Five years had only enhanced his features. His dark hair was shorter now, more severe. His jawline harder. But those eyes—those piercing blue eyes that once looked at me with love—now burned with hatred.

"Jane Ellis," he said, my name sounding like poison on his lips. "The traitor returns."

I forced myself to meet his gaze. "Alpha Davis. Thank you for seeing me."

He circled me slowly, like a predator assessing prey. "I'm surprised you have the courage to show your face here after what you did."

"I'm here on business," I said, pulling out my portfolio. "My company specializes in event planning, and I've brought a proposal for your Mate Ceremony."

Nolan laughed, the sound devoid of humor. "A convict planning the social event of the year? I think not."

"I served my time," I said quietly.

"For crimes against my pack!" His fist slammed down on the desk. "Do you think I would trust you with anything after you abandoned us during our darkest hour?"

I swallowed hard. "I'm not asking for trust. I'm asking for a chance to prove myself professionally."

He studied me for a long moment, then nodded toward the corner of the room where a champagne tower stood—seven tiers of delicate crystal flutes filled with expensive champagne.

"Prove yourself, then," he said coldly. Then, before I could react, he swept his arm across the table, sending the entire tower crashing to the floor.

Glass shattered everywhere. Champagne splashed across the marble floor, soaking into the expensive carpet.

"Clean it up," he ordered, his Alpha tone vibrating through the room.

My knees buckled instantly. The Alpha command hit me like a physical blow, forcing my Omega nature to submit.

"On your knees," he added, his voice softening dangerously.

I fell to the floor, my hands reaching for the broken glass. Sharp edges cut into my palms as I picked up the shards one by one.

"Careful with the crystal," he mocked. "It's worth more than you are."

From the doorway came a soft laugh. I looked up to see a beautiful blonde woman watching me with undisguised pleasure.

"Is this the entertainment you promised me, darling?" she asked Nolan.

"Kylie, meet Jane Ellis," Nolan replied. "My mate's predecessor."

Kylie Wilson. His chosen mate. The one who would wear his mark while our bond remained forever incomplete.

"Charmed," she said with a smirk.

Blood mixed with champagne as I continued picking up glass shards. Each cut sent pain shooting through my hands, but I kept working, determined to finish and get the contract.

When I finally stood, my hands were bandaged and throbbing. Nolan tossed a check at me.

"The ceremony is in three weeks," he said. "Don't disappoint me."

---

Two hours later, I stood outside Elder Gordon's hospital room, clutching the check in my bandaged hand.

"You got it," Elena whispered beside me. "How did you do it?"

"I'll tell you later," I promised, squeezing her hand. "Let me see him first."

Elder Gordon looked so small in the hospital bed, his normally robust frame diminished by illness. Monitors beeped steadily around him.

"Jane?" he murmured, opening his eyes as I entered.

"I'm here," I said, forcing a smile as I took his hand.

"You shouldn't waste money on these visits," he said weakly. "Save your resources, child."

"I got the money for your surgery," I told him, my voice steady despite the tears threatening to fall. "A grant came through. Everything's arranged."

His eyes filled with gratitude. "You're an angel, Jane Ellis."

If only he knew what I'd really done to secure that money.

"The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning," I continued, lying smoothly. "You're going to be fine."

As I held his hand, watching the machines keep him alive, I made a silent vow: Whatever Nolan threw at me next, I would endure it. For Gordon. For the only person who'd ever truly cared about me.

What I didn't know then was just how far Nolan's revenge would go—or how much more I would have to sacrifice before this was over.