After My Mate Gave Our Son to His Mistress

The sound of footsteps echoed behind me. I froze, my fingers still clutching the journal that revealed Jaxxon's betrayal. The hidden door swung open wider as Jaxxon's imposing figure filled the frame, Elena close behind him.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice was dangerously low, eyes flashing with rage.

"I..." My voice faltered as Elena's gaze swept over the scattered journals and paintings. Instead of shame, her lips curved into a smile that made my blood run cold.

"Spying, Alpha," she purred, her hand resting on Jaxxon's arm. "Just like I told you she would."

Jaxxon stepped forward, snatching the journal from my hands. "These are private."

"Private?" I whispered, Luna growling within me. "You've been planning to leave me since before we were mated."

His face hardened. "You're unstable, Scarlett. Your Omega mind has always been... fragile."

Elena laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "She's jealous, Jaxxon. Look at her—pathetic."

I backed away as Jaxxon moved toward the fireplace. "No," I pleaded, realizing his intention. "Those are my grandmother's journals. Irreplaceable healing knowledge."

"Knowledge that belongs to the pack," he countered, grabbing the stack of ancient leather-bound books from the table. "Knowledge that could be dangerous in the wrong hands."

With a swift motion, he tossed them into the crackling fire. The pages curled instantly, edges blackening as flames devoured centuries of Omega wisdom.

"No!" I lunged forward, but Elena blocked my path, her strength surprising me.

"Watch them burn," she hissed in my ear. "Just like your legacy here."

I fell to my knees as the journals disintegrated, tears streaming down my face. Each page contained remedies passed down through generations—cures for ailments that plagued our kind, strategies for healing wounds no one else could mend.

"Your grandmother should have taught you your place," Jaxxon said coldly, watching the last pages turn to ash.

---

"The Pack Healer position requires someone with a stable mind," Jaxxon announced to the assembled pack members the following morning. "Someone who puts the pack's interests above their own."

I stood before the crowd, head bowed as whispers rippled through the gathering. Elena stood beside Jaxxon, draped in a ceremonial healer's cloak—my cloak.

"Scarlett Wright has proven herself... unfit," he continued, his Alpha tone making several Omegas flinch. "From today forward, she will serve as Elena's personal attendant."

Gasps echoed through the hall. Personal attendant—little more than a servant.

"But Alpha," an elder began, "her healing abilities—"

"Will be utilized when appropriate," Jaxxon cut him off. "Elena will oversee all healing protocols from now on."

I felt the weight of every stare as Beta Ryan approached with a small box. "Your belongings, Omega," he said, not meeting my eyes.

The box contained only a few personal items—a hairbrush, a worn photograph of my mother and me, a small vial of moonflower essence. Everything else—my books, my clothes, my life—was being given to Elena.

"Your quarters have been reassigned," Jaxxon said, his voice carrying across the silent hall. "Elena will be moving into the Alpha suite tonight."

As if on cue, two Deltas appeared with my remaining possessions—mostly clothes and basic necessities—and escorted me to the Omega servants' wing. The damp, narrow room smelled of mildew and resignation.

"Your duties begin immediately," Elena called after me, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I expect the Alpha suite cleaned and prepared by sunset."

---

The regional Alpha Summit was held in a grand stone hall, torches casting flickering shadows across the gathered leaders. I stood behind Elena, dressed in the plain gray uniform of a servant, my eyes downcast.

"Remember your place," Jaxxon murmured as we entered. "You're here to serve, nothing more."

Before we reached the main chamber, he pulled me aside. "I've arranged for insurance," he said, nodding to an elderly woman in dark robes.

The Witch approached, her eyes milky with cataracts that somehow saw everything. "Open your mouth," she commanded.

I hesitated until Jaxxon's Alpha tone forced compliance. "Wider."

Something bitter and cold slid down my throat as she pressed her thumb against my tongue. "A simple glamour," she explained to Jaxxon. "She'll be unable to speak of strategies or healing techniques. Any attempt will cause her physical pain."

The main hall buzzed with conversation as we entered. I recognized Alphas from neighboring territories, their Betas and advisors flanking them. And there—across the room—stood Sawyer Henry, his penetrating gaze finding mine immediately.

Elena stepped forward, her voice ringing clear as she accepted the Grand Strategist Award for a border formation I had designed. "Shadow Moon Pack is honored to receive this recognition," she said, clutching the crystal trophy.

I tried to speak, to call out the truth, but my throat closed painfully, the glamour tightening like a noose. My body trembled as I fought against the magic.

Sawyer's eyes narrowed as he watched me struggle. He took a step forward, then stopped as Jaxxon's hand clamped around my arm.

"Smile," Jaxxon hissed in my ear. "Or I'll make sure your mother's rations are cut further."

Across the room, Sawyer's expression shifted from confusion to concern as our eyes locked again. In that moment, something passed between us—something that made the glamour around my throat loosen just enough for me to draw a breath.

Help me, I thought desperately, not knowing if he could hear the silent plea in my eyes.