After My Husband Cheated, I Reclaimed My Pack

The clock struck midnight, its soft chimes echoing through my study as I reviewed the day's events. My son's innocent question still haunted me: "Why does Daddy smell like another lady now?" I'd managed a gentle deflection, but the truth would eventually surface. Children, especially wolf pups, sensed more than adults gave them credit for.

A sudden pressure against my mind interrupted my thoughts—not James's demanding presence, but something more refined, more ancient. I recognized it immediately.

*Alpha Victoria Stone.* Lyra Vasile's mental voice was cold as winter frost. *I wish to speak with you regarding today's... unfortunate events.*

I straightened in my chair, allowing the connection to solidify. *Lady Vasile. I'm honored by your direct contact.*

*Save the pleasantries.* Her disapproval radiated through our link. *Your mate and his... companion have made a mockery of sacred hunting traditions. The girl challenged my Second's dominance, shifted inappropriately, and insulted neighboring territories within earshot of their kin.*

My white wolf stirred within me, but I kept my mental voice steady. *I offer my deepest apologies for the disrespect shown to you and your delegation.*

*Pretty words.* Her skepticism was palpable. *But they don't erase the fact that the Moonstone Pack has demonstrated questionable judgment. Our alliance is suspended, effective immediately.*

This was expected, yet the formal declaration still stung. Not for my sake, but for my pack's.

*Lady Vasile, I understand your position.* I chose my words carefully. *The behavior you witnessed does not reflect the values of the Moonstone Pack. I would like to offer reparations and the opportunity to restore trust between our people.*

A long silence followed. I could feel her weighing my sincerity.

*Interesting,* she finally replied. *You speak as though you and your mate hold separate positions.*

*Perhaps we do.* I allowed a hint of truth to color my response.

Another pause. *I will consider your offer of reparations. But know this—I will deal only with you directly henceforth.*

The connection severed, leaving me alone with the night shadows. I sipped my cooling moon tea, a small smile playing at my lips. The first step of my plan had succeeded—James's authority was already crumbling.

---

"They're on the move again, Alpha."

Beta Kael's voice was low as he entered my private war room the next evening. Three Delta scouts followed him, their expressions grim.

"Report," I commanded, setting aside the territory maps I'd been studying.

The lead scout, Ren, stepped forward. "Alpha James and the Morgan female have established a pattern. They meet at the eastern cabin every afternoon, but tonight they've ventured beyond our normal patrol routes."

"We followed at a safe distance," another scout added. "They're... careless with their conversations."

Kael nodded to the scouts. "Show her."

Ren closed his eyes, opening the pack bond. Fragments of memory flowed into my mind—James and Ashley walking through the forest, their voices carrying in the still air.

*"She's too focused on the pup to notice what's happening right under her nose,"* James's voice echoed through the bond. *"The pack needs a real Alpha, not someone splitting her attention."*

Ashley's laugh followed. *"And that Alpha is you."*

*"Damn right it is. Victoria built something impressive, I'll give her that. But she's lost her edge since Leon was born. The pack sees it. Soon they'll be begging me to take full control."*

My white wolf snarled within me, but I maintained my composure as the memory continued.

*"What about the rejection? Could she do that?"* Ashley's voice held a note of worry.

*"She won't. She needs me. Without me, she'd have to admit she can't handle both motherhood and leadership. Her pride won't let her do that."*

I severed the connection, my decision crystallizing. "Follow them. I want to know everywhere they go, everyone they speak with."

The scouts nodded and departed, leaving me alone with Kael.

"There's more," he said quietly. "The third scout tracked them to the abandoned watchtower at the northern border. James met with rogues there."

My eyes narrowed. "Rogues? On our territory?"

Kael's expression darkened. "Yes. And he brought pack resources—gold, silver, territory maps. He's funding something, Alpha. Something big."

I rose from my chair, my wolf's cold fury matching my own. "Have the scouts maintain surveillance on the watchtower. I want to know exactly what my mate is planning."

As Kael left to relay my orders, I walked to the window, gazing out at the territory I'd built from nothing. The moon hung heavy in the sky, a silent witness to betrayal and the revenge that would follow.

"You think I won't reject you?" I whispered to the night. "You have no idea what I'm capable of, James. But you will."