My Alpha Died Protecting Our Daughter

The moon cast long shadows across the forest floor as Emma slipped between the trees, her footsteps silent despite her haste. I watched from my hidden position among the pines, my Luna senses alert to every movement. She thought she was alone—but I'd been tracking her for days.

She reached the border stone that marked the edge of our territory, glancing nervously over her shoulder before continuing into the neutral zone. I followed at a distance, my wolf's natural stealth serving me well.

"You're late," a deep voice growled from the shadows.

Emma startled, then composed herself. "I had to make sure I wasn't followed."

Alpha Preston Hill emerged from the darkness, his imposing figure silhouetted against the moonlight. I'd never met him in person, but his reputation preceded him—ruthless, ambitious, and willing to do anything to expand his territory.

"Have you secured what we discussed?" he asked, his voice cold and businesslike.

Emma nodded, her expression hardening into something I barely recognized. Gone was the vulnerable, tearful woman who'd been manipulating Robert for weeks. In her place stood someone calculating and dangerous.

"Everything is in place," she replied. "Fiona's willpower is unbreakable. She'll never step down voluntarily."

Hill's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Then we'll have to remove her by force."

I pressed myself deeper into the shadows as they began discussing details of their planned coup—troop positions, timing, weaknesses in our defenses. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to remain still, to hear every word.

"And Robert?" Hill asked. "Will he stand with you?"

Emma's laugh was hollow. "He's too confused to be a threat. His wolf responds to me, but his loyalty to Fiona and their daughter complicates things."

"Then we'll need to ensure he's neutralized as well," Hill said matter-of-factly.

I'd heard enough. I backed away silently, my mind racing with the implications of what I'd just witnessed.

---

Days later, I watched Emma from across the pack house kitchen. She moved with purpose, her hands busy with what appeared to be normal meal preparation. But I'd been observing her patterns for days now, noting how she always volunteered for tea duty when I was expected in the library.

Today was no exception. She carefully measured leaves into the silver tea pot—the one reserved exclusively for the Luna's use—then added something extra from a small vial hidden in her apron pocket.

Wolfsbane. I recognized the distinctive purple residue that clung to the rim of the vial.

"Need help with that?" I asked, stepping into the kitchen.

Emma jumped, nearly dropping the pot. "L-Luna Fiona! I didn't expect you so soon."

"Clearly," I replied, my voice neutral despite the rage building inside me. "I thought I'd check on the preparations for today's council meeting."

"Oh, of course," she stammered, quickly wiping the vial's residue with her finger. "Your tea is almost ready."

I nodded, pretending not to notice her nervousness. "Thank you, Emma. You've always been so... attentive to detail."

---

The dizziness hit me three days later as I stood addressing the pack council. The room tilted suddenly, and I gripped the edge of the podium to steady myself.

"Luna Fiona?" Marcus stepped forward, concern etched across his features.

"I'm fine," I insisted, though the lie tasted bitter on my tongue. My Luna aura, once vibrant and commanding, now flickered weakly around me.

But I knew I wasn't fine. These episodes had been increasing in frequency and intensity. My Luna powers were diminishing, my connection to the pack bonds weakening.

After dismissing the council, I made my way to Dr. Helena Rivers' private quarters, avoiding the main corridors where Emma might spot me.

"You look terrible," Helena said bluntly as she closed the door behind me.

"I feel worse," I admitted, sinking into a chair. "Something's wrong, Helena. My aura is fading."

She pressed her lips together, concern evident in her eyes. "When did this start?"

"Around three weeks ago," I calculated. "Right after Emma arrived."

Helena's expression hardened. "Let me take your blood. Now."

The test was quick but thorough. Helena worked in silence, her movements precise as she analyzed the sample under her microscope.

Finally, she looked up, her face grave. "It's wolfsbane poisoning, Fiona. Small amounts, but consistent exposure."

The confirmation hit me like a physical blow. "Emma," I whispered.

Helena nodded grimly. "She's trying to kill you, Luna. And she's been doing it for weeks."

I touched my Luna pendant, drawing strength from it as the full implications sank in. Not just an attempt to steal my position—but murder.

"And she's working with Alpha Hill," I added, the pieces falling into place.

Helena's eyes widened. "Then we need to act quickly."

I nodded, a cold determination settling over me. "Yes," I agreed. "But first, we need to let them think their plan is working."