My Alpha Married His Lover and Made Me Serve Her

The iron gates of the Crawford Estate loomed before me, their intricate wolf designs catching the moonlight. My heart hammered against my ribs as the taxi pulled up to the side entrance—not the grand front doors I'd expected.

"This is where I'm supposed to enter?" I asked the driver, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, avoiding my eyes. "Mr. Crawford's instructions, ma'am."

Snowball stirred anxiously in my bag. I'd smuggled him in, unable to leave my companion behind. His presence was the only thing keeping me grounded as I stepped out onto the cobblestone path.

A stern-faced woman in a black uniform met me at the door. "You must be the healer," she said, her tone suggesting I was something unpleasant stuck to her shoe. "Follow me, quickly now."

I was led through narrow corridors lined with pipes and storage rooms, the sounds of a gala growing louder with each step. Music and laughter drifted through the walls, a stark contrast to my growing dread.

"Wait here," the woman instructed, pushing me into a small antechamber. "Mr. Crawford will address the guests first."

Through a crack in the door, I could see into the grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over hundreds of elegantly dressed werewolves. My breath caught as I spotted Knox at the center of it all, resplendent in a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders.

He looked strong. Healthy. My blood had done its work.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Knox's voice carried effortlessly across the room, "tonight marks a new chapter for the Crawford Pack."

The crowd fell silent. I leaned forward, my fingers digging into the doorframe.

"As you know, I recently survived an... unfortunate incident." His silver eyes swept the room. "But fate has a way of turning tragedy into opportunity."

Beside him, a stunning woman in a crimson gown stepped forward. Her hand slid possessively into Knox's, and my stomach twisted into knots.

"I am honored to announce my engagement to Scarlet Ellis, daughter of Elder Thomas Ellis."

Applause erupted. I swayed on my feet, the room spinning around me.

"And now," Knox continued, his gaze finally finding mine through the crack in the door, "I'd like to introduce our new Pack Healer, Freya Harvey."

The crowd turned as one. Hundreds of eyes found me standing in my simple green dress, a peasant among princes.

"Ah, there she is," Knox said smoothly. "Freya, please join us."

I stepped into the light, feeling like a specimen under glass. Whispers followed me as I crossed the polished floor.

"A healer? She looks half-starved."

"Where did he find her?"

"Poor thing doesn't even know how to hold a fork properly."

Knox's hand closed around mine, his touch both familiar and foreign. "Smile," he murmured through clenched teeth. "You're drawing attention."

* * *

"The marriage is purely political," Knox insisted later that night, pacing the length of the small suite he'd assigned me. "You must understand, Freya. The Council demanded assurances."

"And Scarlet provides those assurances?" I asked, my voice hollow.

"She brings connections, influence." Knox stopped pacing, his silver eyes serious. "But you, Freya—you're the one who saved me. You're the one I want."

He approached slowly, as if I were a wounded animal. "This wing is private, secure. No one will bother you here."

The luxurious room with its silk drapes and four-poster bed suddenly felt like a cage. "And I'm to stay hidden away? Your secret healer?"

"You're my mate," he countered, cupping my face. "But we must be patient. The pack isn't ready for... what we have."

A soft knock interrupted us. A petite woman with downcast eyes entered, carrying fresh linens.

"This is Isla," Knox said dismissively. "She'll attend to your needs."

Isla's eyes flickered to mine briefly before returning to the floor. In that moment of connection, I saw something—recognition? Sympathy?

"Leave us, Isla," Knox ordered.

After she departed, Knox's demeanor shifted. "You'll stay here until I come for you. That's an order."

The door closed behind him with a soft click that sounded like a prison cell locking.

* * *

"A baby," Scarlet announced a week later, her hand resting protectively over her still-flat stomach. "Knox's heir."

The pack doctor beamed beside her as Knox stood tall and proud. I watched from the shadows of the grand staircase, my heart turning to stone.

"Freya," Knox called suddenly, his eyes finding mine in the crowd. "Come here."

I descended the stairs mechanically, aware of every eye tracking my movement.

"Scarlet requires special care during her pregnancy," Knox said, his hand pressing firmly against my lower back. "You will attend to her personally."

Scarlet's smile was razor-sharp. "I've heard so much about your... unique abilities."

I placed my hands gently on her abdomen, closing my eyes to focus. The baby's heartbeat was strong, vibrant—too strong for someone claiming weakness.

"She needs rest," I said quietly.

"Oh, I need much more than rest," Scarlet purred, her eyes never leaving Knox's face. "I need special treatments. Only Freya's blood can provide what our baby needs."

Knox's grip on my arm tightened painfully. "Whatever Scarlet needs, you will provide."

As Scarlet's triumphant smile widened, I felt something inside me begin to break.