Betrayed by My Alpha Mate

The news spread through Silvermoon territory like wildfire—Paulina Rivera had returned from abroad. The she-wolf who'd haunted Lucca's dreams for years was finally back, and the pack was buzzing with excitement. I first heard about it from Mira, who mind-linked me while I was organizing files in my new office at Black Moon Pack House.

'You've heard, haven't you?' Her mental voice carried a note of concern that made my chest tighten. 'About Paulina?'

I kept my mental tone perfectly even. 'Yes. Welcome back to our unattainable goddess. I'm sure the pack is thrilled.'

The silence on the other end told me Mira knew exactly what this meant for my mate bond. She'd been one of the few who'd seen through Lucca's charm from the beginning.

That evening, I returned to our suite to find Lucca pacing like a caged animal. His eyes were wild, his movements jerky, and when he saw me, he couldn't quite meet my gaze.

'Hey,' I said softly, setting my bag down. 'Rough day?'

'You could say that.' He ran a hand through his hair, and I noticed he was still wearing his watch—the one I'd given him just days ago. 'Listen, about tonight...'

I raised an eyebrow, already knowing what was coming.

'There's an emergency border patrol. I have to go.' He didn't look at me as he spoke, and his scent carried the unmistakable note of a lie. 'Can't be helped. Pack duty, you know?'

Selene growled inside me, but I kept my expression sympathetic. 'Of course. Go save the territory, hero. I'll just eat dinner alone and plan our mate ceremony by myself. Again.'

He winced, but not enough to change his mind. 'I'll make it up to you. I promise.'

The next day, Paulina herself appeared at the Silvermoon pack house. I was arranging flowers in the main hall when she walked in, a vision in a flowing white dress that made her look like she was floating. Her scent—night-blooming jasmine and warm rain—filled the space, and I watched as every male wolf in the vicinity straightened, suddenly aware of their appearance.

'Oh!' she exclaimed when she saw me, her voice breathy and surprised. 'You must be Samara! Lucca's... mate.' She stumbled slightly over the word, and I caught the calculated hesitation. 'I'm Paulina. It's so lovely to meet you.'

I smiled, the expression feeling sharp as a blade. 'Welcome home, Paulina. Would you like some tea?'

Her eyes widened slightly at my composure, as if she'd expected tears or jealousy. 'That would be divine. You're so thoughtful.'

I led her to the sitting room, aware of Lucca's gaze following us. He'd been staring at her since she'd entered, his eyes drinking her in like a man dying of thirst. The sight should have hurt, but instead, it fueled the cold fire in my chest.

'Here we are,' I said, pouring tea with steady hands. 'Sugar? Milk?'

'Just a touch of sugar,' she replied, watching me with those calculating eyes. 'You're so... calm, Samara. I expected you to be more... upset. About me being here.'

I handed her the cup, our fingers brushing. 'Why would I be upset? You're an old friend of the pack. We're all happy to have you back.'

She sipped the tea, her eyes never leaving mine. 'You're not what I expected.'

'No?' I tilted my head slightly. 'What did you expect?'

'A mess,' she said honestly. 'A jealous, insecure little Omega tearing her hair out.'

I laughed, the sound light and genuine. 'Sorry to disappoint.'

That night, after the pack bonfire, Paulina made her move. She swayed dramatically, her hand pressed to her forehead. 'I don't feel well,' she announced to the group. 'I think I've had too much to drink.'

Lucca was at her side in an instant, his arm around her waist. 'I'll take care of her,' he said, not looking at me. 'She shouldn't try to make it back to Moonveil tonight.'

'Of course not,' I agreed smoothly. 'We have plenty of guest rooms.'

He led her away, and I watched them go, Selene snarling in my chest. But I didn't follow. I didn't scream. I simply turned back to the bonfire, my face a perfect mask of the gracious Luna-to-be.

As the flames danced in the darkness, I thought of the receipts in my drawer, each one a piece of evidence, each one a step closer to the day when Lucca would understand exactly what it meant to betray a wolf who kept score.