Alpha's Betrayal, Luna's Rebirth

I returned to my chambers, my body still humming with the power of my newly awakened wolf. Every sense was heightened—the rough texture of the wooden door under my fingertips, the distant heartbeats of sleeping pack members, the lingering scent of Alexander's cologne mixed with something sour I now recognized as deceit. My wolf, strong and alert within me, growled at the thought of him.

With careful movements, I retrieved my blindfold from the nightstand. The silk felt different against my fingertips now that I could see its deep blue color, embroidered with the Silvermoon Pack's crest—a symbol of the very people who had mocked me for years.

"We'll play their game a little longer," I whispered to my wolf as I secured the blindfold around my eyes. I didn't need it anymore, but they couldn't know that. Not yet.

From the hidden compartment in my jewelry box—a secret even Alexander didn't know about—I retrieved the small vial of scent blockers Elara had given me. The liquid was cool as I dabbed it along my pulse points, masking the telltale scent of my awakened wolf.

"Perfect," I murmured, checking my reflection in the mirror. The blindfolded, seemingly helpless Luna stared back at me, but underneath was a white Alpha wolf, powerful and vengeful.

A knock at my door startled me. I quickly adjusted my posture, tilting my head in the practiced way of someone who navigates by sound rather than sight.

"Enter," I called softly.

Caleb's scent hit me immediately—pine and arrogance, with an undercurrent of the liquor from tonight's celebration.

"Luna Victoria," he slurred slightly. "Alexander sent me to check on you."

Liar. My wolf snarled internally, but I kept my face placid, vulnerable.

"How thoughtful of him," I replied, my voice deliberately soft. "Please tell my mate I'm resting comfortably."

Caleb chuckled, the sound grating against my enhanced hearing. "You know, I've gotten really good at this. Listen—" He cleared his throat and then spoke again, his voice a perfect imitation of Alexander's deep baritone: "My beautiful Luna, rest well."

My skin crawled, but I forced a small smile. "That's... impressive, Gamma Caleb."

"Impressive enough to fool a blind Luna," he muttered, thinking I couldn't hear.

I turned slightly, positioning my phone on the nightstand. Its recording function had been activated the moment he entered. One more piece of evidence added to my growing collection.

"Was there anything else?" I asked, my tone still gentle despite the rage building inside me.

"No," he replied, his normal voice returning. "Sleep well, Luna."

As the door closed behind him, I removed the blindfold and looked at my phone. The recording was clear—Caleb's voice, his perfect imitation of Alexander, his cruel comment. I transferred it to a secure folder, alongside screenshots I'd managed to capture from the pack mind-link—logs showing Caleb's Beta scent overlay during times he was supposedly away on border patrol but actually impersonating Alexander with me.

The next morning, I made my way to the kitchen, blindfold in place, tapping my cane against the floor in a rhythm I no longer needed but maintained for appearance. The servants bustled around, preparing breakfast for the pack. Most avoided me, unsure how to interact with their blind Luna.

Except for Sophia.

The Omega maid had always been kind, bringing me extra blankets on cold nights, describing the changing seasons when Alexander couldn't be bothered. Today, she approached with a cup of tea, her hands trembling slightly.

"Your morning tea, Luna," she whispered, placing it carefully in my hands.

"Thank you, Sophia," I replied, letting my fingers brush against hers. "Would you sit with me a moment? The kitchen is quiet this morning."

Her heartbeat quickened with surprise. "Of course, Luna."

We sat in the corner, away from the other servants. I sipped my tea slowly, building the silence until she grew uncomfortable enough to fill it.

"The ceremony was beautiful yesterday," she offered tentatively.

"Was it?" I asked, tilting my head. "Tell me what you saw, Sophia. Tell me everything."

Something in my tone must have reached her. Her breath caught, and when she spoke again, her voice was barely audible.

"They made us practice," she confessed, the words tumbling out. "The lower-ranked omegas. Alpha Alexander would make us practice applying the scent blockers correctly. Said it was important for... for pack security."

My fingers tightened around the teacup. "Go on."

"During pack trainings, when you thought you were with him..." She swallowed hard. "I'm so sorry, Luna."

Beneath the table, my free hand clenched into a fist, nails digging into my palm. But my face remained compassionate, understanding.

"It's not your fault, Sophia," I said softly. "But I need to know everything. Every detail. Will you help me?"

She looked up, tears glistening in her eyes, and nodded once.

My wolf smiled within me. Another ally. Another piece of the puzzle. Soon, very soon, Alexander Sterling would learn that the true predator had been sleeping right beside him all along.