After My Mate Chose Her, I Took His Pack

The rogue who delivered my message was a scraggly thing, all matted fur and nervous energy. He shifted in the Pack House courtyard, pulling on torn jeans that had seen better days.

"You're sure they'll believe it?" I asked, handing him the envelope stuffed with cash.

He nodded, eyes darting to Duke who stood behind me like a shadow. "Word travels fast in the city, Luna. Especially gossip this juicy."

I smiled. "Then make sure it travels to the right ears."

He pocketed the money and shifted, disappearing into the forest. Duke's hand settled on my shoulder, warm and solid.

"You're playing with fire," he said quietly.

"Good." I turned to face him. "I want him to burn."

The rumor was simple. Devastating. I was carrying Duke's pup. The merger wasn't just political anymore—it was personal. Permanent. The Silver Moon bloodline would end with Harrison, and the Obsidian line would rise in its place.

All lies, of course. But Harrison wouldn't know that.

Duke's jaw clenched. "When he hears—"

"He'll come running." I touched my stomach, the gesture deliberate even though there was nothing there. "He'll think he still has time to stop this. To reclaim what's his."

"And walk straight into the Council Gathering."

"Exactly."

***

Two days later, I was reviewing merger documents when my phone buzzed. Unknown number. I answered anyway.

"You bitch."

Bell's voice. High-pitched. Furious.

I leaned back in my chair, smiling at the ceiling. "I'm sorry, who is this?"

"You know exactly who this is." Her breathing was ragged. "Pregnant? You're pregnant with that—that—"

"Alpha Duke?" I let the title hang in the air. "Yes. It's wonderful news, isn't it? The pack is thrilled."

Silence. Then: "Harrison's coming back."

My wolf perked up. There it was.

"Is he now?"

"He's going to take back what's his. The pack. The territory. You." Her voice turned vicious. "And when he does, you'll be nothing. Just another rejected Luna, fat with another man's bastard."

I should have been angry. Instead, I felt nothing but cold satisfaction.

"Tell him I'll be waiting," I said softly. "Tell him the Council meets in three days. If he wants his pack back, he knows where to find me."

I hung up before she could respond.

Duke appeared in the doorway, his expression dark. "He took the bait?"

"Hook, line, and sinker." I stood, moving to the window that overlooked the territory. "He's coming home."

"Good." Duke moved behind me, his reflection joining mine in the glass. "Elder Hugh called. The Council convenes tomorrow night. Full assembly."

My heart kicked against my ribs. This was it. The moment everything either fell into place or shattered completely.

"And the border guards?"

Duke's smile was sharp. "Already briefed. If Harrison approaches, they let him through. No resistance. No warning."

"He'll think we're weak."

"He'll think exactly what we want him to think." Duke's hands settled on my shoulders. "That you're vulnerable. Desperate. That he still has power here."

I turned to face him. "What if he doesn't come alone? What if he brings rogues?"

"Then we crush them." His eyes had gone black, his wolf rising. "But he won't. He's too arrogant. He'll think his bloodright is enough. That the pack will choose him over you."

"They won't."

"I know." His thumb brushed my cheek. "They chose you the moment you led that defense. The moment you stood in front of them and claimed your power. Harrison's already lost. He just doesn't know it yet."

***

That night, I stood at the eastern border, watching the forest. The guards had reported movement an hour ago. A lone wolf, running hard from the city. Cedar and rain.

Harrison.

My wolf stirred, but not with longing. With anticipation. The hunt was almost over.

Sarah appeared at my side, her face pale in the moonlight. "The guards just called. He's two miles out."

"Let him come."

"Maeve—" She touched my arm. "Are you sure about this? Once he's here, once the Council sees him—"

"I'm sure." I met her eyes. "I've never been more sure of anything."

She nodded slowly. "Then I'll stand with you. Whatever happens."

I squeezed her hand. "Thank you."

We stood in silence, watching the tree line. Waiting.

Then I felt it. A pulse through the mate bond I'd left deliberately open. Rage. Possessiveness. The toxic cocktail of emotions that had always defined Harrison's love.

He was close.

I smiled into the darkness.

"Welcome home, Harrison," I whispered. "I hope you're ready for what comes next."

Because tomorrow, the Council would convene. Tomorrow, Elder Hugh would demand proof. And tomorrow, Harrison would walk into a room full of witnesses and hand me everything I needed to destroy him.

The trap was set. All that remained was watching it spring closed.