Back Again, My Mate Was Cheating On Me

I waited until Ryan left for his afternoon pack meetings before slipping into our bedroom with the small package I'd received from a trusted contact in the neighboring territory. Inside were five tiny cameras—each no larger than my thumbnail—and a receiver that would transmit their feed to a secure device hidden in my personal library.

My hands trembled slightly as I examined them. In my previous life, I'd never had the chance to gather evidence. I'd been too trusting, too naive. This time would be different.

"Perfect timing," I whispered, glancing at the clock. Ryan would be gone for at least two hours—plenty of time to install my surveillance network.

I moved methodically around our bedroom, placing the first camera inside the decorative wooden carving above our bed. From there, it would capture most of the room without being easily detected. The second went into the light fixture near the sitting area, and the third behind a book on the shelf where Ryan kept his most private papers.

My fingers brushed against his journal—the one where he'd detailed my murder and my father's "accident." I fought the urge to rip it open and read it again. I already knew what was inside; I needed to be patient.

The fourth camera went into the bathroom ventilation grate, and the fifth—the smallest of all—I placed in the ornate mirror frame that faced our bed.

"Let's see how you like being watched," I murmured, testing the receiver to ensure all cameras were transmitting properly.

With the system in place, I quickly erased all evidence of my activities and returned to my normal routine, reviewing plans for the upcoming full moon celebration.

---

The pack dining hall glowed with warm light as servants placed platters of roasted meat and fresh bread on the long tables. I sat at the head table beside Ryan, my hand resting lightly on his arm as he discussed territory matters with the elders.

"Sarah," Melissa's voice cut through my thoughts as she approached our table. "You look tired tonight."

I smiled up at her, noting how her eyes lingered on Ryan's face a moment too long. "Just busy with preparations for the ceremony."

"You should take care of yourself," she said, her hand reaching out to touch my shoulder. "The pack needs its Luna strong."

As she leaned in, I noticed her fingers brush against Ryan's arm—a gesture so subtle that anyone else might miss it. But I wasn't anyone else anymore. I watched as she pressed her index finger against his wrist, then tapped twice.

A signal.

Ryan's expression didn't change, but his eyes flicked to her for just a fraction of a second. "Perhaps you should help Sarah with some of the preparations tomorrow," he suggested to Melissa. "Since you're so concerned about her well-being."

"I'd be happy to," Melissa replied, her smile never reaching her eyes.

I took a sip of water, hiding my expression. "How thoughtful of you both."

Throughout dinner, I observed them carefully. The way Melissa's chair gradually shifted closer to Ryan's. How her foot brushed against his under the table. The possessive way her fingers lingered on his arm when she reached for the wine.

All while maintaining the perfect facade of sisterly affection.

---

Three days later, I sat in my private study, watching the feed from my bedroom cameras on a small tablet hidden beneath a stack of ceremonial documents.

Ryan entered our bedroom with Melissa close behind him. They thought I was visiting with the pack's elders—a meeting I'd carefully scheduled to give them privacy.

"Is she gone?" Melissa asked, already unbuttoning Ryan's shirt.

"For hours," he confirmed, pulling her against him. "The elders can keep her occupied until dinner."

I adjusted the camera angle, ensuring their faces were clearly visible as they moved to sit on the edge of the bed.

"We need to be careful," Ryan said, his voice low. "Her father is getting suspicious about the border patrol incident."

Melissa laughed softly. "What's he going to do? Challenge you?"

"He's still the most respected warrior in the pack," Ryan replied. "We need to be smart about this."

I leaned closer to the screen as Ryan pulled a small vial from his pocket.

"Just like I was smart with my father," he said, holding up the vial. "Slow-acting toxin mixed with his heart medication. Took months before it finally stopped his heart."

Melissa's eyes widened. "You never told me how you did it."

"Didn't I?" Ryan smiled coldly. "The old Alpha was weak—just like Sarah's father. Neither of them deserved their power."

I pressed my hand against my mouth to stifle a gasp. This was it—the first concrete evidence of his crimes.

"And after Corbin is gone?" Melissa asked, stroking Ryan's chest.

"Then it's just Sarah," he replied. "And we'll handle her the same way we handled my father."

---

The garden was in full bloom, roses and lilies scenting the air as I walked slowly along the stone path. This was Leo's patrol route—I remembered from my previous life how he would walk this path every afternoon at precisely this time.

I'd placed myself here deliberately, a small envelope of photographs clutched in my hand.

Sure enough, I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I turned to see Leo approaching, his tall figure silhouetted against the afternoon sun.

"Luna Sarah," he said, stopping at a respectful distance. "Is everything alright?"

"Just enjoying the flowers," I replied, forcing a smile. "The pack house can feel so... confining sometimes."

Something flickered in his eyes—concern, perhaps, or suspicion. "You seem troubled."

I hesitated, as if deciding whether to trust him. Then, with calculated clumsiness, I let the envelope fall from my hands.

Photos spilled onto the path between us—images of Ryan and Melissa in intimate embraces, taken from my bedroom cameras.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, bending to gather them. "I didn't mean—"

Leo knelt to help me, his eyes widening as he saw what the photos contained. "Luna..."

I let my hands shake as I collected the scattered images. "Please don't tell anyone," I begged, my voice breaking. "I don't know what to do."

To my surprise, Leo gently took the photos from my hands and pulled me to my feet. Then, before I could react, he wrapped his arms around me as I collapsed against his chest.

I hadn't expected physical contact—hadn't prepared for it—and for a moment, genuine emotion broke through my carefully constructed facade. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I sobbed against Leo's shoulder.

"I've known for so long," I choked out, allowing my real pain to surface for the first time since my return. "They're going to kill me, Leo. Just like they killed Ryan's father."

Leo's body tensed, his arms tightening around me protectively. When he spoke, his voice was low and fierce.

"Tell me everything," he commanded. "And I promise you this—whatever they're planning, they won't succeed."

I pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, seeing the determination there—and something else, something that looked remarkably like love.

"Even if you don't understand everything?" I asked softly.

"Especially then," he replied without hesitation. "I will help you, Luna Sarah. Whatever it takes."