My Alpha Abandoned Our Son for the Pack’s Healer’s Boy

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. Joseph had actually made an effort—pancakes stacked high, fresh berries scattered across the plate, and maple syrup warming in a small pitcher. Nash bounced in his chair, his eyes bright with excitement.

"This looks amazing, Dad!" he exclaimed, reaching for his fork.

Joseph smiled, ruffling Nash's hair. "Only the best for my birthday boy."

I watched them from the coffee maker, my wolf stirring uneasily despite the domestic tranquility. For once, Joseph seemed present—really present. Maybe yesterday's warning had penetrated his thick skull after all.

"Mom, can I have some orange juice?" Nash asked, his legs swinging beneath the table.

"Coming right up," I replied, pouring the juice into his favorite cup—the one with silver wolves racing across the rim.

Joseph caught my eye and offered a tentative smile. "About last night—"

The doorbell rang, sharp and insistent.

"I'll get it," Joseph said, already moving toward the door.

My wolf growled low in my chest. The scent hit me before I saw her—Carla's cloying floral perfume, now masked with something herbal. Scent masking. She was deliberately hiding her anxiety-inducing pheromones.

"Alpha," she gasped, her voice trembling perfectly. "I'm so sorry to intrude, but Talon was just crying for you."

Sure enough, Talon stood behind her, his eyes wide and innocent. "Uncle Alpha, I had a bad dream."

Joseph's face softened instantly. "Come in, come in. You'll have breakfast with us."

I stepped forward. "Joseph, we were having family time."

Carla's eyes welled with tears. "I understand completely, Luna. We'll just... we'll go."

The pathetic tremor in her voice made my stomach turn. She knew exactly what she was doing.

"Nonsense," Joseph insisted, his hand already on her shoulder. "You're part of this pack. Sit down."

Nash's fork clattered against his plate. "But Dad, you said—"

"Plenty for everyone," Joseph interrupted, pulling out chairs for Carla and Talon.

I watched as our family breakfast crumbled before my eyes.

---

"The perimeter drive will be fun," Joseph promised later that morning, keys jingling in his hand. "Nash can sit up front with me."

Nash's face lit up. "Really? In the front seat?"

"Absolutely," Joseph confirmed, opening the passenger door. "My special co-pilot."

I bit back a smile, watching my son scramble into the front seat of Joseph's SUV. Maybe this was his way of making amends.

"Ready to inspect our territory, buddy?" Joseph asked, adjusting the rearview mirror.

"Ready, Alpha!" Nash replied enthusiastically.

That's when Carla appeared again, this time clutching a piece of paper. "Alpha, I... I found this outside my door."

Joseph took the note, his expression darkening as he read it. "A threat?"

"I don't feel safe," Carla whispered, hugging Talon close. "Could we... could we come with you? Just until Marcus checks our cabin?"

I rolled my eyes. "Carla, we're doing a family—"

"We can't leave them unprotected," Joseph interrupted, already opening the back door. "Sophia, you'll need to move."

"What? No, Joseph—"

"Please," he said, his tone firming. "Carla needs protection."

I stared at him in disbelief. "And what about your Luna and Heir?"

"You'll be fine," he insisted. "Nash, buddy, let Carla sit up front. She's scared."

Nash's face fell as he climbed out of the front seat. I opened my mouth to protest, but Joseph was already helping Carla into the passenger seat.

"Talon can sit with Nash," Joseph said, settling Talon in the back row.

I slid into the back seat beside my son, my jaw clenched. "This isn't right, Joseph."

"He'll be okay," Joseph replied dismissively. "Buckle up."

---

The forest blurred past as we drove along the perimeter road. Nash had fallen silent beside me, his earlier excitement replaced by a quiet dignity that broke my heart.

"Look at the size of that oak," Joseph pointed out, attempting normalcy. "Must be three hundred years old."

Carla laughed softly. "You know so much about the territory."

"Alpha's job," Joseph replied proudly.

That's when it happened. A blur of movement on the road ahead—a massive rogue wolf lunging from the treeline.

"Watch out!" I screamed.

Joseph slammed on the brakes. The SUV skidded, tires squealing against asphalt.

Instinctively, Joseph's Alpha protective aura flared—a brilliant gold shield that should have enveloped his mate and heir.

Instead, it wrapped around Talon.

The force of the stop threw Nash against the door frame. I heard the sickening crack before I saw the blood.

"Nash!" I cried, pulling him into my arms.

His forehead was split open, blood streaming down his face. His eyes were wide with shock.

"It hurts, Mommy," he whimpered.

I looked up to see Joseph staring straight ahead, his hands gripping the steering wheel. He hadn't even turned to check on his son.

"Joseph," I said, my voice deadly quiet. "Your heir is bleeding."

He finally turned, his eyes widening at the sight of Nash's injury. "I... I didn't..."

"You protected the wrong pup," I said, each word precise and cutting.

The first strike had fallen.