The alpha protected his mistress's pub while aborting mine

The next morning, I gathered up the tiny clothes and toys I'd made for our unborn pup. Each little jacket I'd sewn with trembling excitement after learning I was pregnant, each rattle I'd painstaalphaly crafted under a master's guidance-they all went into the fire.

As the flames devoured them, my heart ached so fiercely I could barely breathe.

By the time alpha Lucian returned from the morning court session, the fire had burned out, leaving only cold ashes in the basin.

He let out a heavy sigh and pulled me into his arms.

"Luna, don't take it so hard," he murmured.

"I heard the priest at the church is powerful. I've arranged for him to perform a blessing for the baby."

Numb, like a walalpha corpse, I let him guide me to the carriage.

At the church steps, he was helping me down when a guard approached.

"My lord, someone's here to see you..."

Alpha Lucian's brow furrowed in irritation.

"What is it? I told you, today's for Luna. No interruptions."

Before he could finish, a figure pushed past the guard and dropped to their knees before him. His eyes widened, words catching in his throat. I expected him to explode, but instead, he stepped in front of me, blocalpha my view, his face tight with unease.

"Luna, I just remembered-His Majesty gave me urgent business. Go find the priest. I'll handle this and be right back."

I stared into his eyes, catching the flicker of panic. In that split second, as he turned, I glimpsed the person kneeling. Despite the oversized men's robe, the delicate waist and pale skin gave her away-Vanessa, his mistress.

But I played the dutiful mate, as always.

"If it's urgent business, go. Don't rush back."

Relief washed over him. He grabbed Vanessa's arm and hurried off without a backward glance, missing the grief in my eyes.

Alpha Lucian had never put work before me. He'd stay up all night drafting reports just to spend a day with me, saying every moment together was precious.

Yet now, for another she wolf, he left me without a second thought.

Their figures blurred through my tears.

I brushed off the guard with some excuse and followed them quietly. In a narrow, deserted alley, alpha Lucian stopped and rounded on her.

"Are you out of your mind?" he hissed.

"I told you, show up in front of Luna, and you're done."

His hand gripped Vanessa's throat, leaving red marks as he squeezed.

She sobbed, trembling. "My lord... I didn't mean to. I had a nightmare about our baby last night. I was so scared, I had to see you."

His fierce expression softened, his hand dropping as a trace of tenderness flickered in his eyes. "It was just a dream," he said gently. "Don't take it seriously."

Vanessa, sensing his shift, nestled into his arms, pouting playfully. "But I'm so scared. Can't you stay with me, just for today?"

He pushed her back, voice firm.

"I promised Luna I'd be with her at the church. She's fragile after the miscarriage. I have to be there for her."

Undeterred, Vanessa unbuttoned her blouse, leaning in to whisper against his throat.

"You've always wanted to try it outside. No one's around. How about..."

Before she could finish, alpha Lucian's demeanor changed.

He yanked her close, wrapping her in his cloak, and pressed her against the wall with a hungry edge.

"You little tease," he growled. "Always pulling me in."

I crouched behind a corner, torturing myself with their muffled gasps and whispers.

My legs went numb, but I stayed until the sounds faded. Soon after, alpha Lucian emerged, carefully draping his cloak over Vanessa and carrying her out.

I trailed them from a distance.

He'd changed clothes and donned a mask, blending in like any ordinary mate as he led Vanessa into the church.

They approached the priest, asalpha for a blessing for their pup.

In his hand was the golden pendenlant I'd seen him carve late into the night.

Back then, his gentle smile had convinced me he loved our baby as much as I did. But now, I saw the truth etched into the metal: Vanessa.