My Alpha Took My Blood to Heal His Mistress

The grand banquet hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and polished silverware, a stark contrast to the shadows where I lurked. From my hidden corner, I directed the servers with quiet efficiency, my damaged leg throbbing with each movement.

"Luna Elodie," a young Delta warrior approached hesitantly, "Alpha Jonathan requests more wine for the head table."

I nodded, gesturing to the waiting staff. "Immediately."

As I limped toward the wine cellar, I caught glimpses of the main table through the ornate archways. Jonathan sat at the center, his powerful frame commanding attention. Beside him, in my chair—the Luna's chair—Nanzhi preened in a silver gown that matched her eyes.

"To our honored guest," Jonathan announced, raising his glass. "May your stay with the Blood Moon Pack be unforgettable."

The pack members echoed the toast, their voices a chorus of approval. Not one of them looked toward the shadows where their true Luna stood.

I returned with the wine, keeping my eyes downcast as I approached the head table. My wolf whimpered inside me, recognizing our mate's scent mingled with another's.

"Ah, Elodie," Nanzhi's voice dripped with false sweetness. "Do be careful with that wine. These things are so... slippery."

Before I could respond, she shifted suddenly, her arm sweeping across the table. The deep red wine splashed across her dress, the stain spreading like blood.

"Oh!" she gasped, eyes wide with practiced innocence. "How clumsy of you, Luna."

Jonathan's gaze hardened as it fell on me. "Elodie."

"I didn't—" I began, but Nanzhi cut me off.

"It's alright," she sighed dramatically. "I understand. With your... condition..." Her eyes flicked meaningfully to my leg.

Titters rippled through the crowd. "The lame Luna," someone whispered, not quite quietly enough.

"Perhaps you should stick to tasks you can handle," Jonathan suggested coldly.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Yes, Alpha."

---

The party continued until well past midnight. I had retreated to my new quarters—a small room near the servants' wing—when Jonathan's Beta appeared at my door.

"Alpha Jonathan requires your presence at the VIP suite immediately," he stated formally.

My heart sank. "Is something wrong?"

"He didn't say." The Beta's eyes held a flicker of sympathy he dared not express openly.

I made my way through the silent corridors, my cane tapping against the marble floors. The VIP suite—our former bedroom—was at the opposite end of the pack house.

When I arrived, Jonathan stood outside the door, his expression unreadable.

"You will stand guard here tonight," he informed me, his voice devoid of emotion. "For security purposes."

"Stand guard?" I echoed, confused.

"Inside the room," he clarified, "someone might attempt to harm Nanzhi. You will ensure her safety."

Before I could process his words, he opened the door and guided me inside. Nanzhi lounged on the bed—our bed—wearing nothing but a silk robe.

"Your Alpha thinks someone might try to kill me," she explained with a yawn. "Isn't that sweet?"

Jonathan's hand settled on the small of her back, his touch lingering. "Elodie will keep watch while we... rest."

The implication was clear. My stomach twisted as Jonathan turned to me, his Alpha aura pressing down.

"You will stand by the door," he commanded. "You will not interrupt. You will not leave."

The Alpha command locked my muscles in place as he dimmed the lights and led Nanzhi to the bed.

The sounds began almost immediately—soft at first, then building in intensity. Each moan, each rustle of sheets sent shocks of pain through my body. The mate bond screamed in agony, burning like acid in my veins.

My wolf howled inside me, clawing at my insides, desperate to reach our mate. But he wasn't mine anymore—not in any way that mattered.

"Jonathan," Nanzhi's voice, breathless and triumphant, carried clearly in the darkened room. "She's watching us."

"Let her watch," he growled.

I stood frozen, tears streaming silently down my face as the mate bond punished me for witnessing my own replacement.

---

Morning light filtered through the curtains as I dragged myself from my post. My legs trembled with exhaustion, my wolf barely conscious after the night's torture.

I made my way to the garden, hoping for a moment of peace before beginning the day's duties. The pack house was quiet; most wolves would sleep until noon after last night's celebration.

A scream shattered the silence.

I limped toward the sound, finding a small crowd gathered near the rose bushes. Nanzhi lay on the ground, her body convulsing, foam bubbling from her lips.

"Help her!" someone shouted.

Dr. Cross pushed through the crowd, kneeling beside Nanzhi. The pack healer's hands moved quickly, checking pulse and pupils.

"Wolfsbane poisoning," she announced grimly. "Where has she been? Who gave her anything to eat or drink?"

Nanzhi's eyes fluttered open, finding mine in the crowd. "I saw..." she gasped, her voice weak and trembling, "...Luna Elodie... near my tea... this morning..."

All eyes turned to me, suspicion and accusation in their gazes.

"I didn't—" I began, but the words died in my throat as Jonathan appeared at the edge of the crowd, his expression thunderous.

"My Luna," he growled, "what have you done?"