The Alpha’s Mate Tried to Kill Our Heir

The cafeteria fell silent as Monica's hand cracked across my cheek. The sting spread like wildfire, but before I could react, a blur of motion intercepted her second strike.

Caleb's fingers wrapped around Monica's wrist, his grip tight enough to make her wince. The air crackled with tension as Alpha power radiated from him in waves.

"Enough," he commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Monica's eyes widened in shock. "Alpha, she's contaminating the heir with her presence. I'm protecting our son!"

"Our son?" I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Caleb's gaze flickered to me, something unreadable passing through his eyes. He released Monica's wrist and stepped back, putting distance between us.

"This situation requires a different approach," he said, straightening his jacket. The calculated tone in his voice made my stomach twist.

The staff and children watched in frozen silence as Caleb paced, his Alpha aura filling the room like a physical presence. Finally, he stopped directly in front of me.

"I'll have a high-tier apartment prepared in the pack house," he announced, his voice carrying to every corner of the cafeteria. "Three rooms, private bathroom, full amenities."

I stared at him, not comprehending at first. "What?"

"It's compensation," he continued smoothly. "For your... services to the pack. You'll have everything you need."

Monica's face contorted with rage. "Caleb, you can't be serious—"

"He can't what?" Caleb's Alpha tone silenced her instantly. "I am Alpha here. I decide what's best for the pack."

I understood then. This wasn't protection—it was a bribe. A gilded cage.

"You want me to stay away from Kai," I said quietly.

Caleb's jaw tightened. "It's for the best. For everyone."

The room held its breath as I looked up at him. Five years ago, I would have done anything he asked. Five years ago, I would have been grateful for scraps from his table.

But not now.

"No," I said, my voice stronger than I expected.

Caleb blinked, clearly not expecting resistance. "What did you say?"

"I said no." I straightened my spine, feeling something long dormant stir within me. "I won't be your kept Omega, Caleb. I won't be hidden away while you and Monica pretend Kai doesn't have a mother."

Monica's laugh was brittle. "As if you have a choice."

I turned to her, meeting her gaze steadily. "I always have choices. Even when you took everything from me."

Caleb's expression shifted, confusion replacing his usual confidence. "Isla..."

"Thank you for your generous offer, Alpha," I interrupted, my voice carrying the faintest echo of my former Luna authority. "But I must decline."

The silence that followed was deafening. Caleb stood frozen, his mouth slightly open as if he'd forgotten how to speak. Monica's face had gone pale, her eyes darting between us as if seeing something she hadn't noticed before.

"You're making a mistake," Caleb finally managed.

"So are you," I replied softly.

---

The moon hung like a silver pendant in the night sky as I slipped through the shadows toward the pack borders. Every step away from the safety of the Academy sent fear coursing through my veins, but I had no choice.

I needed to be stronger. For Kai.

The border markers loomed ahead—ancient stones carved with the Silverclaw emblem that separated pack territory from the wilderness beyond. I paused at the edge, listening for patrols.

"Lost little Luna," a voice drawled from the darkness. "Or should I say, Lost little Omega?"

I whirled around to find a woman leaning against a tree, her posture casual but her eyes sharp as they assessed me. She wore torn jeans and a leather jacket despite the chill, her dark hair pulled back in a messy braid.

"Daisy," I breathed, recognizing her from rumors among the pack women—the rogue she-wolf who'd made the borderlands her home.

"The one and only." She pushed off the tree, circling me slowly. "What brings an Omega to the border at midnight? Besides suicide, that is."

"I need your help," I said simply.

Daisy laughed, the sound harsh in the quiet night. "And why would I help the mate of Alpha Caleb? The man who's hunted my kind for sport?"

"Because I'm not his mate anymore," I replied, my voice steady despite the pain of the words. "And because I have something you need."

Her interest piqued, Daisy stepped closer. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"Food. Medical supplies." I swallowed hard. "Whatever you need that the pack has and you can't get yourself."

Daisy's eyes narrowed. "And what do you want in return?"

"Training," I said. "Combat. Survival. Everything you know about fighting when you have nothing."

Something like respect flickered across her face. "Now that," she said slowly, "sounds like a conversation worth having."