My Alpha Cheated While I Carried His Heir

I stood in the shadows of the east wing corridor, my hand pressed against the wall to steady myself. The baby monitor I'd hidden in Anders' office earlier that day was now transmitting crystal-clear audio to the device in my palm. My heart hammered against my ribs as I heard the door slam open.

"You can't keep stringing me along like this," Vienna's voice hissed through the speaker, raw with frustration.

"Lower your voice," Anders snapped back. "Someone could hear you."

"I don't care anymore!" Her voice rose dangerously. "We've been doing this for months, Anders. I've played the perfect mistress, the understanding woman who doesn't burden you with pregnancy hormones and pack duties."

I pressed my lips together to suppress a smile. Vienna was digging her own grave.

"And what exactly do you want me to do?" Anders sounded exhausted, stressed beyond his usual composure.

"I want you to mark me," she demanded. "Soon. Before that brat is born."

There was a heavy silence, and I could almost see Anders running his hand through his hair the way he did when cornered.

"Vienna, be reasonable—"

"Reasonable?" She laughed bitterly. "I've been reasonable while your Luna parades around playing the perfect mate. I've been reasonable while you give her everything I deserve."

"Everything you deserve?" His voice hardened. "You're nothing but a distraction."

The monitor crackled with static as something heavy slammed against the desk.

"I'm giving you an ultimatum," Vienna's voice trembled with rage. "Mark me or I walk. Is that what you want? For me to leave and tell everyone about us?"

"You wouldn't dare," Anders growled.

"Try me," she shot back. "Either I'm your chosen mate or I'm gone. Your choice."

I switched off the monitor, tucking it into the hidden pocket of my maternity dress. The first act was complete.

---

"Ready?" Roland asked, offering his arm as we stood at the entrance to the banquet hall.

I smoothed the silver fabric of my gown, designed to accentuate my pregnancy rather than hide it. The shimmering material caught the light with every movement, making me appear to glow from within.

"More than ready," I replied, placing my hand on his forearm.

We entered together, and the room fell silent for a beat before conversation resumed with renewed intensity. I felt Anders' gaze from across the room, where he stood with Elder Margaret and Alpha Vincent Cross.

"Stevie," Roland murmured, "you look like a queen."

"I feel like one," I whispered back, my eyes scanning the room.

Former Luna Margaret approached us, her disapproval evident in her pinched expression.

"Luna Stevie," she greeted me stiffly. "Where is Alpha Anders? You should be entering with your mate."

I smiled serenely. "The Alpha is busy with his... duties."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "A Luna should always accompany her Alpha at official functions."

"Of course," I agreed pleasantly. "But as you can see, I'm quite large with child. Roland offered to escort me instead."

Margaret's gaze flicked to my brother, her expression softening slightly. "Very well. But you should inform the Alpha of your arrival."

"I'm sure he's already aware," I replied, watching as Anders excused himself from his conversation and headed toward us.

---

As the banquet officially began, I moved through the crowd with practiced grace, accepting congratulations on my pregnancy and compliments on the decorations. The hall was filled to capacity—pack members mingling with visiting dignitaries, all unaware of the drama about to unfold.

I caught the eye of Gamma Reid, stationed near the main doors. He gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"Luna Stevie," he greeted me formally as I approached. "Everything is secure."

"Excellent," I murmured, touching my ear discreetly. "And the recording?"

"Active and transmitting to your device," he confirmed quietly.

I smiled, patting his arm gratefully. "Thank you for your loyalty to pack law."

"It's my duty," he replied simply.

As I moved away, I caught sight of Vienna entering through the side door, her face flushed with anger after her confrontation with Anders. She hadn't noticed the subtle shift in the room's atmosphere—the way conversations had quieted, the manner in which pack members were discreetly checking their phones.

I climbed the two steps to the small platform where the ceremonial speeches would take place, tapping the microphone to test it.

"Attention, everyone," I called out, my voice carrying across the now-hushed room. "Please find your seats. We're about to begin."

As the crowd settled, I nodded to Gamma Reid again. He moved to the main doors and locked them with a decisive click that echoed through the suddenly silent hall.

"What's happening?" someone whispered loudly.

I smiled, one hand resting protectively on my swollen belly. "Nothing to worry about. Just a security precaution."

My eyes found Anders in the crowd, his expression darkening as he realized what was happening.

"Security precautions," I repeated, louder this time. "After all, we wouldn't want anyone to miss the main event."