LILIAN
They say a Luna’s bond with her Alpha is sacred.
Indestructible.
But what do you do when the Alpha you swore your life to betrays not only your bond but everything you thought was real?
I wasn’t searching for the truth—it found me, tearing through my heart with claws sharper than any wolf’s. It began with a scent: sweet, suffocating, lavender and honey. Not mine. Weeks ago, I noticed it lingering faintly on Mason’s clothes, like an uninvited guest. I told myself it was nothing. Pack life meant mingled scents, right? But tonight, it wasn’t faint. It was overwhelming.
As I entered the packhouse, the scent coiled around me like a vice, setting my wolf on edge. My instincts screamed for caution, but I ignored them. Then I heard it—laughter. Light, delicate, and unmistakably hers.
Claire.
The woman Mason had rescued two months ago, inviting her into the SilverCrest pack. The woman I’d greeted with warmth because kindness was my nature. Foolish, naive kindness.
I should’ve walked away but something deeper—instinct, or perhaps stubbornness—propelled me forward. Each step brought me closer to the truth I wasn’t ready to face.
The door to Mason’s office was ajar. My wolf growled in warning, but I pushed it open. Just a little. Just enough to see.
And there they were.
Mason sat on the edge of his desk, his golden eyes—the ones that once looked at me with nothing but devotion—locked on her. Claire stood between his legs, her hands on his chest, her lips curved into a smile that made my blood boil.
"You don’t have to worry about her," Mason said softly. "She doesn’t suspect anything."
My world cracked.
Claire laughed, light and mocking. "She’s too busy trying to be the perfect Luna to notice. Honestly, Mason, you deserve better."
Better.
The word was a knife to my chest, slicing through me in a way no claw or fang ever could.
Mason leaned forward, cupping her face, and bile rose in my throat as he whispered, "You’re all I need," before kissing her.
The door creaked as my hand slipped from the handle. Their heads snapped toward me.
"Lilian!” Mason’s eyes widened, guilt flashing across his face.
My hands balled into fists at my sides. I wanted to scream, to rip her throat out, but instead, I focused on him. “What happened to the promise of forever you made when you marked me?”
His gaze faltered for a moment before hardening. "It’s not what it looks like.”
“Oh?” My voice shook, my control slipping. “So you’re not sleeping with her? Not betraying our vows?”
“She needed me,” he said defensively. “She’s been struggling ever since she came to the pack, and I—”
“You what?” I stepped forward, my wolf surging. "Decided to comfort her by screwing her?”
“Lilian, calm down,” he said, his tone soft, patronizing.
Claire’s laugh was a spark to my simmering fury. "Don’t blame him, Luna. He just needed someone who could give him the attention you’ve been too distracted to provide."
My vision blurred as I turned to her, my voice a low, dangerous growl. "Say one more word, and I’ll rip your throat out."
Her smirk faltered, but she stepped back, her eyes gleaming with victory. She wanted to win, but I wouldn’t let her see me crumble. "Get out.”
She hesitated.
"Now!" My power rippled, and she scurried away, though not without a parting glance of triumph.
The silence after her departure was deafening.
“Lilian—” Mason began, stepping toward me.
"Don’t." My voice cracked, but my resolve didn’t. "Don’t come near me."
Without another word, I turned and left before he could say another word. Tears blurred my vision as I stormed down the hall, ignoring the stares of pack members who had undoubtedly heard everything.
I kept walking until I reached the edge of the forest, the cool night air wrapping around me like a cruel comfort. I didn’t know how long I stood there, staring into the trees, trying to piece together the shards of my shattered reality.
“Lilian.”
The soft voice startled me. I turned to see Dr. Mirra, the pack’s head healer and my late mother’s best friend, her expression hesitant.
“What?” I snapped, harsher than I intended.
She stepped closer, her expression softening. “I didn’t mean to intrude,” she said gently. “But I’ve been looking for you. There’s something you need to know.”
“What now?” I asked bitterly. “Is there some other disaster I need to handle tonight?”
She blinked and her brows furrowed in confusion. “What disaster?” Then she shook her head like that wasn’t important, her eyes flicking down to where my hand rested over my stomach.
Something I suddenly realized I had been doing often.
“I ran some tests earlier after you mentioned feeling unwell. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I thought it would be better to wait until you weren’t so busy.” She paused for a second. “You are pregnant, Lilian.”
The words hit me like a blow, the air rushing from my lungs.
Pregnant.
The words echoed in my mind, slicing through the anger and heartbreak. I was carrying his child. The child of the man who had betrayed me.
"Lilian? Are you okay?"
I blinked, instinctively wiping away the tears that slid down my face. I didn’t answer. What was there to say?
“I know it’s scary, but I’m sure Alpha Mason—”
Her words hit me like a slap. I stared at her, cutting her off. "Don’t tell him," I said, stepping closer and taking her hands. "I’m not asking as the head healer. I’m asking as my mother’s best friend. Please, don’t tell him or anyone else. I’ll tell him when I’m ready."
Mirra nodded as I turned my gaze toward the packhouse. He hadn’t even come looking for me. My resolve solidified. One thought consumed me:
Mason would never know about this child.
Even if I had to take that secret to my grave.
