After My Mate Replaced Me with a Rogue Seer

The full moon hung heavy in the night sky, casting silver light across the Blood River Pack's annual Moon Festival. I stood at the edge of the clearing, my fingers nervously twisting the stem of the moon-bloom I'd spent hours gathering. The delicate white petals seemed to glow in the darkness, just like they had in my mother's stories about true mates and perfect bonds.

"Tonight's the night," I whispered to myself, smoothing down the front of my dress. "He'll see me tonight."

Two years of marriage, two years of rejection, and still my heart held hope. The mating moon was at its peak—the perfect time for Jasper to finally acknowledge our bond. I took a deep breath and stepped forward into the circle of firelight where my mate stood tall and proud.

Jasper's dark hair gleamed as he conversed with visiting Alphas from neighboring territories. His broad shoulders and commanding presence drew every eye, just as they had drawn mine when we first met. But when his gaze finally fell on me approaching with the traditional offering, something cold flickered in his eyes.

"Siena." My name on his lips sounded like an accusation.

I extended the moon-bloom toward him, my hand trembling slightly. "Alpha, I thought—"

"Thought what?" His voice cut through the festive chatter around us. "That I'd welcome your... attentions?"

The sudden silence made my skin crawl. Dozens of eyes turned toward us—pack members, dignitaries, warriors—all witnessing my humiliation.

"I just wanted to honor the mating moon," I whispered, fighting to keep my voice steady.

Jasper's laugh was sharp and cruel. Beside him, Sabrina's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Her hand rested possessively on his arm, her fingers adorned with rings that should have been mine.

"Kneel," Jasper commanded, his Alpha tone vibrating through my bones.

My knees hit the dirt before I could resist. The moon-bloom fell from my fingers, its petals scattering across the ground.

"Know your place," he continued, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You're an embarrassment to my rank."

Sabrina's silvery laugh tinkled like breaking glass. "Perhaps she should learn to accept her station, Alpha."

Jasper nodded, then turned away, extending his hand to Sabrina. "Dance with me, Seer."

They moved to the center of the clearing as music began again. I remained on my knees, the dirt grinding into my skin as tears burned behind my eyes. No one looked at me—no one dared—but I felt their pity like a physical weight.

---

The next morning dawned cold and gray. I was packing my few belongings when Jasper appeared in the doorway of the Alpha Suite.

"You're moving to the east wing," he announced without preamble.

I paused, a silk nightgown in my hands. "The east wing?"

"The servant's quarters." His eyes were flat, emotionless. "Sabrina needs to be close to me. Her spiritual energy is... beneficial."

"But this is my room—ours—"

"Was," he corrected. "Now it's hers."

An hour later, I stood in the cramped servant's room, staring at the narrow bed and bare walls. Through the window, I could see pack members gathering in the courtyard below, whispering and pointing.

That evening, Jasper summoned me to serve dinner in the main hall. Sabrina sat in my chair at his right hand, wearing a dress that seemed to capture all the light in the room.

"Serve us," Jasper ordered as I entered.

I moved mechanically, pouring wine and placing dishes before them. My wolf stirred within me—a rare occurrence—as Sabrina deliberately tilted her glass.

Red wine splashed across the white tablecloth and onto my hand.

"How clumsy," Sabrina sighed. "Really, Jasper, she can't even perform simple tasks correctly."

"Apologize," Jasper demanded.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, though we all knew it wasn't my fault.

"Not to her," he snapped. "To me. For embarrassing me again."

Something deep inside me growled—a sound so primal and full of hatred that for a moment I didn't recognize it as coming from me.

---

My parents arrived three days later. I hadn't told them about the change in my circumstances—how could I admit that my mate had cast me aside for a Rogue?

"Siena?" My mother's eyes widened as she took in my appearance. "What's happened to you?"

Before I could answer, my father's nostrils flared. "Where is your mate's scent on you?"

"Parents." Jasper's voice cut through our reunion as he approached with Sabrina at his side. "Welcome to Blood River."

My mother straightened her spine. "Alpha Jasper, we've come for the scheduled border patrol discussion. And to check on our daughter."

Sabrina stepped forward, her eyes rolling back dramatically. "I see darkness around you," she whispered in her mystical voice. "A dark cloud that could infect our pack."

My father's face darkened. "What nonsense—"

"Silence!" Jasper's Alpha tone made my father flinch. "Sabrina sees what others cannot."

"She's a fraud," my mother hissed.

Sabrina's eyes snapped open, focusing on my parents with calculated intensity. "I see death following you. The Northern Ridge needs patrolling immediately—your presence is required there."

Jasper nodded gravely. "Prove your loyalty to Blood River. Patrol the Northern Ridge tonight."

"But that's—" My father began.

"Now," Jasper commanded.

As my parents were led away, my mother turned back to me, her eyes filled with fear and something else—something that looked like apology.

The Northern Ridge was notorious for Rogue activity. And as I watched them go, a chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the evening air.