Betrayed by My Fated Mate

The day my mate, Fabian Bailey, came to take me back to the city, I heard the Alpha of our pack mention that a wealthy Beta from the neighboring territory was coming to our village to search for his long-lost daughter. I didn’t pay much attention, focused instead on packing my belongings so I wouldn’t keep Fabian waiting. He wasn’t known for his patience.

To my surprise, he offered to help me pack this time.

That’s when a strange voice echoed in my mind:

*Don’t do it, Dana! That wealthy Beta is your father! Fabian has ulterior motives!*

*He’s planning to steal the necklace your mother left you so his mistress, Samira Cruz, can pose as you and claim your inheritance!*

*Once he takes you to the city, he’ll frame you for a crime you didn’t commit and force you to mate with his family’s Omega, a violent and unstable werewolf.*

*Ten years later, when your father finally discovers the truth, Fabian and Samira will push him off a cliff and take everything that’s rightfully yours.*

I froze, staring at Fabian, who stood before me, his usual calm demeanor suddenly unsettling.

“Dana, where were you? I’ve been waiting. Let me help you pack.”

Today, Fabian was uncharacteristically warm, even reaching for my hand to lead me inside.

*Don’t fall for his lies,* the voice warned. *He’s only acting this way because he hasn’t found your necklace yet. He’s trying to trick you into revealing where it is. Protect it at all costs.*

The necklace was the only thing my mother left me before she passed away. She said it might help me find my father, who had disappeared during a violent pack conflict years ago. Fabian and I had been mated since we were pups, and I’d never questioned his loyalty—until now.

As the voice in my head recounted the grim future that awaited me if I trusted him, I felt a chill run down my spine.

I forced a casual tone and said, “I heard the Alpha mention a wealthy Beta is coming to the village to search for his daughter. My things can wait. Maybe we should go see what’s happening.”

Fabian’s expression tightened, and his voice grew sharp. “You’re not even packed yet. Why waste time on something that has nothing to do with you? Those high-ranking wolves don’t care about someone like you. Let’s focus on getting to the city before the last car leaves.”

He paused, then added casually, “By the way, give me your mother’s necklace. I’ll keep it safe while we pack. You wouldn’t want to lose it.”

His words were smooth, but I caught the flicker of guilt in his eyes.

My heart sank. The voice was right.

I forced a smile and said, “Of course. But first, can you get the food tokens Mrs. Li owes me? You know how hard they are to come by.”

Without hesitation, Fabian turned and left.

The moment he was out of sight, I rushed to retrieve the necklace from its hiding place. As I held it, memories flooded back.

Years ago, during a period of intense pack conflict, my mother and I had fled to this village. Fabian and his family arrived later, exiled from their own pack. One night, Fabian fell gravely ill, and the pack’s healer couldn’t save him. My mother, who had some knowledge of healing, stayed by his side for three days until he recovered.

Fabian’s parents were so grateful that they arranged for us to be mated. After they regained their status and returned to the city, they visited less and less, especially after my mother passed away. I knew they regretted the arrangement, but I’d promised my mother I’d make it work.

The voice interrupted my thoughts:

*Don’t tell me you’re actually considering giving him the necklace!*

*Fabian has already mated with Samira in secret. She’s carrying his pup. He’s only here to steal your identity and your father’s wealth!*

*Run, Dana! Don’t let them ruin your life!*

My chest ached at the mention of Samira. My mother had taken her in as a pup, raising her alongside me. Two years ago, Samira left the village, claiming she was going to the city for work. Now I knew the truth—she’d been with Fabian all along.

I clenched the necklace tightly. I had to leave. For my sake, and for my father’s.

---

I waited until Fabian was out of sight before slipping out of the house and taking a back path to the Alpha’s residence. The voice in my head urged me on:

*She’s finally waking up! Go, Dana!*

But as I approached, I saw a crowd had gathered. I hid behind a stack of hay, watching as Samira stepped forward, clutching the arm of a middle-aged man.

“Father,” she sobbed. “I’m your daughter. My mother’s name was Seraphina Young. She brought me here when I was a pup and changed my name to protect me. She told me your name—Roger Young, a Beta from the northern territories.”

The man’s voice trembled with emotion. “Yes, that’s correct. But anyone could know that information. I need more proof.”

Samira’s face fell, but then Fabian appeared, holding a small, well-preserved pup’s outfit.

“Samira, you forgot this,” he said, handing it to her.

Samira’s eyes lit up as she showed it to the man. “Father, look. This is what I wore as a pup. Mother kept it all these years.”

The man’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes, Seraphina made this for you. But if she kept this, she must have given you the necklace I left her. Where is it?”

Samira faltered, and Fabian quickly stepped in. “We’ll find it. Let’s go check her belongings.”

As they walked away, hand in hand, my heart ached. I’d always believed Fabian was my mate, my future. I’d even told him that if he didn’t truly want me, I’d let him go. But he’d insisted I was the only one for him.

Yet here he was, his affection and loyalty clearly devoted to Samira.

*Don’t waste your tears on him,* the voice said. *Go claim what’s yours.*

I steeled myself and stepped out of hiding, rushing toward the man. Clutching the necklace, I called out, “Father! I’m your daughter!”