Her Mate Favored Another, She Claimed Everything

In the seventeenth year of my mate bond with Koa Wilson, he was accused of neglecting his Luna and favoring his chosen mate, Sophie Silva. The Lycan King summoned me to his court to address the matter.

As I stepped into the grand hall, a series of thoughts flooded my mind, almost like whispers from my wolf: *The Lycan King despises those who betray their mates. This is your chance to strike back.* *Think of your daughter who died because of that woman. Don’t let them get away with it again.*

I knelt before the Lycan King, tears welling in my eyes as I spoke: "There is no Alpha who does not love his Luna, only a Luna who fails to earn his affection."

The Lycan King’s eyes narrowed, his Alpha aura pressing down on me. "Koa intends to pass his Alpha title to that Omega’s son, and yet you defend him?" His voice was sharp, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his tone. "Speak freely. I will stand by you."

The whispers in my mind grew louder: *He’s giving you the chance to bring Koa down.* *Don’t forget how that woman hurt your daughter.* *You can’t let this go.*

I raised my head, meeting his gaze with a calm smile. "Your Majesty, Koa has never wronged me. As for the title, though the boy is not my blood, he is still Koa’s son. Passing the title to him is not unreasonable."

The Lycan King’s brow furrowed, and he paced the room, his Alpha aura rippling with confusion. "As a mother, would you really sacrifice your own children’s future for that man?"

"Alpha and Luna are one," I replied softly. "Koa’s will is mine."

The Lycan King sighed deeply, his Alpha tone softening. "You may leave."

As I stood to go, I added, "Your Majesty, Koa is innocent. May he return home soon? The children miss him dearly."

The Lycan King waved me off without another word, but as I stepped out of the hall, his Beta approached me. "The King has agreed to release Alpha Koa."

"Thank you," I said, my heart lifting. "We’ll go to the pack’s holding cells to bring him home."

The car was prepared with fresh clothes for Koa, and I had asked my Beta to pack some food for the journey. When we arrived, Koa emerged, disheveled but unharmed.

"Calliope?" His voice was hoarse, his eyes wide with disbelief.

I hurried to him, draping the clean jacket over his shoulders, my tears falling freely. "Let’s go home."

He grasped my hand, his own eyes red. "The Beta told me you spoke for me before the King. I... I don’t deserve you."

I smiled, squeezing his hand. "We’re family. There’s no need for such words."

When we arrived at the pack house, Sophie Silva and her son, Palmer, were waiting at the entrance.

"Father!" Palmer called out.

"Koa," Sophie whispered, her voice trembling.

They rushed to him, wrapping him in their arms, while my children, Zendaya and Luke, stood to the side, bowing respectfully. "Father, welcome home."

Koa barely acknowledged them, his attention fixed on Sophie. "Don’t cry, Sophie. You’ll make yourself ill."

Sophie sniffled, her voice pitiful. "It’s just... Birdie has been sick, missing you so much."

Koa turned to me, his Alpha tone sharp. "How could you let this happen? You’re supposed to care for the children!"

Zendaya stepped forward, her voice steady. "Mother has been preoccupied with your case. You can’t blame her."

Koa looked away, his tone softening. "You all go inside. I’ll check on Birdie."

He took Sophie’s hand and hurried off, leaving us standing there.

My Beta muttered under his breath, "Alpha Koa’s loyalty is to the wrong person."

I watched them walk away, a small smile playing on my lips. "He’s just being a good father."

The whispers in my mind returned, sharp and unyielding: *Don’t let him off so easily.* *You’re too kind for your own good.* *They don’t deserve your forgiveness.*

But I brushed them aside. For now, I had a family to hold together.