Alpha's Betrayal, Luna's Escape

On the eve of the annual pack gala, Everly arrived at my home to try on the custom embroidered evening gown I had crafted for her. The ivory silk fabric, adorned with intricate gold thread patterns at the hem and cuffs, shimmered under the light as she twirled in front of the mirror, her expression brimming with satisfaction. I stepped forward to make the final adjustments, my fingers deftly smoothing the fabric.

As I worked, Everly leaned in closer, her breath warm against my ear. "Zoe," she said softly, her voice dripping with faux concern, "have you noticed how exhausted the Gamma has been lately? The pack’s training and defense duties are overwhelming, and I’m the only one who can help ease his burden and keep him company. You’ve been so preoccupied with Ella and the embroidery shop—it’s no wonder you haven’t noticed."

Her words were a calculated mix of sweetness and venom. Then, as if remembering herself, she added with a feigned apology, "Oh, I’m sorry, Zoe. I forgot you haven’t been around much to see how hard he’s been working."

I stepped back, putting distance between us, and met her smug gaze. "Miss Graham," I replied evenly, "you’re very thoughtful. No wonder the Gamma values your support."

Her eyes gleamed with triumph at my apparent lack of reaction. She ran her fingers over the embroidery on the gown, her tone almost wistful. "The craftsmanship is exquisite. I wish I had your skill, Zoe. But I suppose all I can do is help the Gamma secure more resources for the pack."

"Practice makes perfect," I replied simply, though my chest tightened at her words.

That evening, I attended the gala as the Gamma’s mate, though the title felt hollow now. The grand hall was filled with elegantly dressed werewolves, their laughter and chatter mingling with the clink of glasses. My eyes drifted to Everly, who stood in the ivory gown I had made, speaking to a young boy. The child, around six years old, bore a faint resemblance to her—perhaps a cousin or nephew. He was engrossed with a toy wolf figurine, occasionally looking up to beam at Everly, who smiled back at him.

She had brought a child to the event. A pang of bitterness struck me. There had been a pack family day once, when I’d wanted to bring Ella to see where her father worked. Ella had just started training and was eager to show her father her progress. But Jalen’s response had been cold, his tone sharp. "The training grounds are for warriors, not for children."

Not for children. I repeated those words in my mind, the sting still fresh. It seemed it wasn’t the presence of children that mattered, but who brought them.

As the Gamma of the pack, Jalen took the stage to give his speech, concluding with high praise for Everly, crediting her with securing alliances and resources for the pack. On cue, an assistant handed him a large bouquet of vibrant red roses. Jalen hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly, but then he passed the bouquet to Everly, who stood beside him.

She accepted it with a shy smile, drawing applause from the crowd below. Whispers and knowing glances followed.

"Did you see that? The Gamma gave her roses!"

"First time he’s done something like that at a gala, isn’t it?"

"Shh, keep it down. The Gamma’s mate is still here…"

"Does it matter? It’s clear who’s really important to him now."

The whispers were quiet but sharp enough to cut through the noise and reach my ears. I stood in the corner, a champagne glass in hand, watching the pair on stage. Seven years as his mate, and I had never received so much as a single flower in public. One Valentine’s Day, I had dropped hints, hoping he’d understand, only to be met with a frown.

"Zoe," he had said, his tone dismissive, "we’ve been mated for years. Do we really need to act like pups in love?"

No, we don’t.

I should have realized then that some bonds, once broken, could never be mended. To cling to them any longer would only bring more pain.

When the gala ended, we returned home. Jalen seemed in an unusually good mood, even complimenting me as he tossed his jacket onto the sofa. "The event went well tonight. Nice job, Zoe."

Then, as if remembering, he asked, "Where’s the reimbursement form? Bring it for me to sign."

I turned to retrieve the form I had prepared earlier, nestled within it was the mate rejection agreement. Jalen leaned against the sofa, took the papers, and without looking, signed his name.

"I, Jalen Lynch, Gamma of the Silvermoon Pack, reject you, Zoe Lynch, as my mate," I whispered in my mind, the words burning like fire even though they remained unspoken. But the bond between us, once unbreakable, now felt like a fragile thread ready to snap.