Betrayed by My Beta Mate

The council chamber felt smaller than usual with so many Alphas present. I stood in the back corner where senior designers traditionally observed alliance negotiations, my evidence folder pressed against my chest like armor. The morning light streaming through the tall windows did nothing to warm the cold knot in my stomach.

Alpha Marcus sat at the head of the long oak table, his expression carefully neutral as he welcomed the visiting delegations. But it was Alexander Reid who commanded my attention—the Silver Ridge Pack Alpha carried himself with a quiet authority that didn't need to dominate the room to be felt. His dark hair was touched with silver at the temples, and when his eyes swept the chamber, they lingered briefly on me before moving on.

Julian stood near the front, his Beta pin catching the light. Beside him, Evie wore a cream-colored dress that practically screamed innocence, her newly shifted status making her the center of attention among the younger wolves. She caught my gaze and smiled—sweet, triumphant, unbearably smug.

Luna growled low within me, but I forced myself to remain still. Not yet.

"We're pleased to resume negotiations for the alliance project," Marcus began, his Alpha voice carrying easily through the chamber. "Beta Vasquez has assured me that the design concerns have been addressed."

Julian stepped forward, his movements confident. "Indeed, Alpha. I'd like to present Evie Anderson, whose fresh perspective and natural talent have created a design that I believe will exceed all expectations."

My fingers tightened on the folder as Evie moved to the presentation board, where my stolen work was displayed in enlarged format. She began her presentation with practiced ease, describing the crescent moon motif as if she'd spent months developing it instead of simply copying my sketches.

"The silver threading represents the connection between our packs," Evie explained, gesturing to details I'd agonized over. "The way it interweaves with the lunar phases symbolizes—"

"Why did you choose to offset the eastern corner?" Alexander's voice cut through her rehearsed speech, his tone politely curious but his eyes sharp.

Evie blinked, her hand dropping to her side. "The eastern corner?"

"The deliberate imperfection in the pattern." Alexander leaned forward slightly. "It's an unusual choice. What was your reasoning?"

I watched Evie's throat work as she swallowed, her confidence faltering. "It's... aesthetic balance?"

"Interesting." Alexander's expression didn't change, but something in his tone suggested he wasn't convinced. "And the thread count variation in the outer bands—that serves what purpose?"

"Structural integrity," Evie said quickly, but her voice had lost its certainty.

Julian moved closer to her, his presence a clear message of support. "Alpha Reid, if I may—the technical specifics are less important than the overall vision. Evie has created something that honors both our packs' traditions."

"Has she?" Alexander's gaze shifted to Julian, and I saw the flicker of doubt in my mate's eyes before he masked it. "Because the more questions I ask, the less convinced I am that the designer truly understands her own work."

Murmurs rippled through the chamber. Other visiting Alphas exchanged glances, their interest piqued by Alexander's challenge. Marcus frowned, his fingers drumming once on the table—a sign I recognized as his thinking tell.

"The lunar phases progress counterclockwise," Alexander continued, his attention back on Evie. "That's contrary to traditional pack symbolism. Explain your choice."

Evie's face had gone pale. "It's... it represents forward thinking? Breaking from tradition?"

"Or," Alexander said quietly, "it's an error made by someone who didn't understand the symbolic meaning behind the original design."

Julian's jaw clenched, and I felt the surge of his Beta aura even from across the room. "Alpha Reid, I must object to this interrogation of our pack's designer. Evie has proven her talent—"

"Has she?" The question came from Marcus, who was now studying the design board with new scrutiny. "Alexander raises valid concerns. Beta Vasquez, you vouched for this work personally."

The weight of multiple Alpha gazes turned toward Julian, and for the first time since this nightmare began, I saw uncertainty cross his features. Evie looked at him desperately, silently begging for rescue, but the questions had done their damage. Even the pack members who'd been nodding approvingly during her presentation now wore expressions of doubt.

I felt Luna surge within me, sensing the shift in the room's energy. The moment was coming—the moment when truth would either emerge or be buried forever under political convenience.

My hands steadied on the folder. Not yet, I told my wolf. But soon.