After My Mate’s Betrayal, I Became the Lycan Princess

The full moon hung heavy in the night sky as wolves gathered for the ceremonial Pack Run. I watched from the shadows as Marcus moved through the crowd, his presence barely noticed among the excitement of the gathering. Tonight, he would set our plan in motion.

"Are you ready?" Kaleb's voice came from behind me, low and dangerous.

I nodded, smoothing down the front of my dress. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The Pack Run was a tradition—a night when Alphas from all territories gathered to strengthen alliances and settle disputes. Tonight, it would become the stage for Victoria's downfall.

Marcus had positioned himself strategically near a group of Delta wolves from neighboring packs. I watched as he casually mentioned something to one of them, who then leaned in closer. The whisper network had begun.

"Look," I whispered to Kaleb, pointing to where Nolan stood in human form, his fur coat draped over his shoulders. "He's agitated."

Indeed, Nolan paced nervously, his eyes darting around the gathering. Victoria stood beside him, her perfect smile beginning to falter as she noticed the sideways glances and hushed conversations.

"It's working," Kaleb murmured, his lips curving into a cold smile. "Watch."

A young Delta wolf approached Nolan, speaking quickly and gesturing toward Victoria. Nolan's face transformed from confusion to shock as he turned to stare at his Luna.

"Where did you get that information?" Nolan demanded loudly enough for nearby wolves to hear.

"Everyone knows, Alpha," the Delta replied, backing away. "Your Luna's been dealing with black market traders for years. Three drops of nightshade in your sister's tea—that's what they're saying."

Victoria's face drained of color. "Nolan, that's ridiculous. You know I would never—"

"Is it true?" Nolan grabbed her arm roughly. "Did you poison her?"

"I would never!" Victoria's voice rose hysterically. "This is Sophie's doing! She's trying to destroy us!"

But the damage was done. I could see it in the way the other Alphas looked at them—with suspicion and judgment.

---

Two days later, I slipped away from the Royal Estate and made my way to the Omega quarters of Blood Moon Pack. These had once been my home—before Victoria, before exile.

"I need to find allies," I told myself as I approached the dilapidated buildings. "Someone must remember the truth."

The laundry sector was my first stop—where I had once worked alongside other Omegas. The smell of detergent and steam transported me back to a simpler time.

"Sophie?" A startled voice called out. "Is that really you?"

I turned to see Mia, a girl who had been kind to me before everything fell apart.

"Mia," I smiled cautiously. "I need information about—"

Her eyes widened with fear. "You shouldn't be here. Victoria has guards everywhere."

"Please," I whispered. "I just need to know if anyone saw what really happened that night."

Mia glanced around nervously. "They say you're with the Lycan King now. Is it true?"

Before I could answer, the door burst open. Five Omegas I recognized—ones who had always been loyal to Victoria—poured in.

"There she is!" one shouted. "The traitor!"

I backed away, but they had already formed a circle around me.

"Victoria will reward us for catching you," another snarled.

They lunged at me simultaneously. I fought back, using the skills Marcus had taught me, but there were too many of them. A heavy weight slammed into my back, and I fell to my knees.

"Got her!" someone yelled triumphantly.

I struggled against their grip, but they were dragging me toward the door—toward Victoria's guards.

---

Suddenly, the air turned to ice.

The door exploded inward with such force that splinters flew across the room. Every Omega froze as a wave of pure rage washed over us.

Kaleb stood in the doorway, his eyes blazing gold, his body vibrating with fury.

"Touch her again," he growled, his voice barely human, "and I will tear out your throat."

The Omegas scrambled back, some falling to their knees in submission.

Kaleb moved through them like death incarnate. I watched in horror as he grabbed the ringleader by the throat and lifted him off the ground.

"No one," he snarled, "no one threatens what is mine."

A sickening crack echoed through the room as the Omega went limp in Kaleb's grip.

He dropped the body and turned to the others, who cowered against the wall. With methodical precision, he executed the three who had held me down.

Blood spattered his face as he turned to me, his breathing ragged.

"Are you hurt?" he demanded, crossing to me in two long strides.

His hands were shaking as they ran over my body, checking for injuries. When he found a bruise forming on my wrist, he growled—a sound that seemed to come from the depths of his soul.

"I should have killed them all," he muttered.

He pulled me against him, one hand tilting my chin up to expose my neck. Without warning, his teeth sank into the sensitive skin where my pulse beat rapidly.

"Mine," he growled against my skin as he marked me deeper than before. "You belong to me, Sophie. To the King. No one touches you."

As his lips pressed against the mark, I realized something that terrified me more than his violence—the possessiveness in his eyes wasn't just about our contract.