As I fixed my eyes on Alpha Craig, there wasn’t a single flicker of affection left—only a raging, burning hatred simmering beneath the surface. His brow drew together tightly, clearly unsettled by the fierce intensity of my stare.
“Kristen,” he said, trying to sound calm and reasonable, “just do as I say, and you’ll get whatever you want. We can hold the celebration for your son’s birthday—just like you wished.”
But his words rang hollow, bitter, and mocking. What was the point of celebrating now that Dustin was gone? My mate had already made his priorities clear—Sonya came first, while our son was pushed aside. Everyone in the pack knew it; Craig had always favored my sister’s presence at every banquet and public event, leaving me alone and disrespected in my role as Luna of Moonridge.
Now, with Dustin dead, Craig was using the promise of a birthday celebration as a manipulative tool to bend me to his will. It was a cruel, disgusting tactic—playing on my grief just to force me back under his control.
I fought hard to keep the anguish from breaking through my expression as I met his gaze without flinching. “No need, Alpha. It’s over. I’m leaving this place—the nightmare you wanted me trapped in. Enjoy your perfect little world with Sonya.”
Craig’s reaction showed he couldn’t believe what I was saying. A sneer twisted his lips in contempt. “What? You’re not coming to me? Pretending you still need me to care for your son?”
His voice dripped with disdain, a tone I was well accustomed to. Before I could answer, Sonya cut in, her voice dripping with fake innocence. “Kristen, don’t lie to our Alpha. If Dustin was truly dying, why would you be here by yourself?”
That was the last straw. I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Shut your mouth! You have no right to speak about my son.”
Sonya’s expression changed instantly, a mix of wounded hurt and smug satisfaction crossing her face. “Fine, I won’t mention him again. Don’t be mad at me, Kristen.”
Craig watched my fierce anger toward Sonya with visible irritation. He let out a cold, amused chuckle, then pulled out his phone and dialed Beta Yuriel. To make sure I caught every word, he switched the call to speaker mode.
“Beta Yuriel,” Craig commanded, his tone sharp and commanding, “find out where my son is. Bring him to me.”
He glanced at me with a smug smirk, as if summoning Dustin would somehow prove he still held power over me.
I forced a bitter, weary smile, overwhelmed by the hopelessness of my situation.
Then Beta Yuriel’s hesitant voice came through the speaker, trembling but clear. “Alpha… Dustin passed away days ago. It happened the day after you left the territory with Sonya.”
