After My Mate Stole Moonstones, I Ended His Reign

The first sign of Kane's smear campaign appeared on my office door.

I stared at the red spray paint letters—'MAD ALPHA'—blazing across the polished wood. My fingers traced the fresh paint, still tacky to the touch.

"Shadow," I called quietly.

A figure materialized from the corner. "Yes, Alpha?"

"Have this cleaned immediately." My voice remained steady despite the rage burning beneath my skin. "And find out who did this."

"Already in progress, Alpha." Shadow's voice was neutral, but I caught the flicker of disgust in their eyes. "The security footage shows three Omegas—paid agitators, not pack members."

I nodded, unsurprised. Kane was getting bolder.

By midday, the whispers had spread through the pack like wildfire. I sat in my office, watching through the window as pack members gathered in small groups, their eyes darting toward the pack house before leaning in to whisper.

"Alpha," my assistant's voice came through the intercom. "Jemma Ellis has posted another story."

I pulled up her profile on my tablet. There she was—all perfect makeup and practiced concern—speaking directly to the camera.

"I'm just worried about our pack," she said, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "We all know Alpha Hudson has been... struggling since Mael's passing. Ten years of grief can change a person."

The comments section below was flooded with pack members' responses—some expressing concern, others outright calling for evaluation of my fitness to lead.

"Shadow," I called again.

"Jemma's post has reached over five thousand views in the last hour," Shadow reported. "Kane's funding her account through a shell company."

I set down the tablet, my mind racing. This wasn't just a personal attack—this was calculated political maneuvering. Kane was systematically undermining my authority.

"Schedule a strategy meeting for this afternoon," I ordered. "All council members and senior warriors."

---

The conference room fell silent as I entered. Twelve pairs of eyes followed me to the head of the table.

"Thank you for coming," I began, my voice deliberately erratic. I let my hands tremble slightly as I arranged my papers. "I've called this meeting to discuss... to discuss..."

I paused, letting confusion ripple across their faces.

"Alpha?" Elder Blackwood prompted gently.

"Yes, yes, of course." I cleared my throat. "Intelligence reports indicate a group of Rogues moving illicit Moonstones near our northern border."

I spread out a map, pointing to an area well-known for its danger and lack of clear jurisdiction.

"These stones represent a significant threat to pack stability," I continued, allowing a hint of wildness to enter my eyes. "I propose we intercept them."

"Alpha," General Lopez spoke up, his weathered face creased with concern. "That area is disputed territory. Any action there could spark inter-pack conflict."

"Exactly!" I slammed my fist on the table, making several council members flinch. "We must protect what's ours!"

I felt their eyes on me—some concerned, others calculating. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kane exchange a glance with Ridge Ellis.

"Who will lead this mission?" I asked, my gaze sweeping across the room before landing on Kane.

"Beta Warren," I said, my voice suddenly decisive. "You will lead our warriors to intercept these Rogues."

Kane straightened, his expression carefully neutral. "Of course, Alpha."

"Good." I nodded rapidly. "The mission launches at dawn tomorrow."

---

The forest was silent except for the occasional rustle of leaves as I watched through the drone feed. My loyal Gamma operator controlled the device from a concealed position half a mile away.

"There he is," the Gamma whispered.

On the screen, Kane emerged from the trees, his team fanned out behind him. They'd successfully intercepted the Rogue shipment—over fifty Moonstones glinting in the early morning light.

"Log them all," Kane ordered his lieutenant. "Every single one."

I watched as the lieutenant began cataloging the stones, each one tagged and recorded according to pack protocol.

When the lieutenant stepped away to transmit the report, Kane moved swiftly. His hands dipped into the collection bag, pulling out handfuls of Moonstones that he quickly transferred to a smaller pouch at his waist.

"Got him," the Gamma whispered.

"Keep recording," I replied, my voice cold. "Every second."

Kane worked methodically, skimming exactly half the stones before returning to his position as if nothing had happened.

"Transmission complete," the lieutenant reported. "Twenty-five Moonstones secured and logged."

"Good," Kane nodded. "Let's get these back to the pack house."

I switched off the feed, a cold smile forming on my lips.

"Send the footage to my private server," I instructed the Gamma. "And make sure it's secure."

"Already done, Alpha."

I stood, stretching my arms above my head. The trap was set. Now all that remained was to spring it at exactly the right moment.

As I walked back toward the pack house, I could hear Kane's voice echoing through the trees—directing his team, playing the role of loyal Beta perfectly.

Soon enough, he'd learn what happened when you stole from an Alpha.