Betrayed by My Alpha Mate

The morning air was crisp as I walked toward the training grounds, the scent of pine and earth filling my lungs. Joint pack training sessions were rare, and today's was particularly significant—the first since Paulina's return. I'd dressed with my usual care, a simple but elegant blue dress that complemented my eyes, my hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. Selene was restless within me, sensing the tension before I even reached the clearing.

The training area was already filled with wolves from both packs, their excited chatter creating a dull roar. I spotted Lucca near the center, his head bent close to Paulina's as they discussed something with animated gestures. My stomach tightened, but I kept my face neutral, moving toward the edge of the group with practiced grace.

'Good morning, everyone!' Alpha Colton's voice cut through the noise, his commanding presence immediately drawing all eyes. He stood tall and imposing, his dark gaze sweeping over the gathered wolves. 'Today's exercise will focus on defensive formations. Beta Damon will demonstrate the proper positioning.'

As the training began, I found myself assigned to a group with Paulina and several other she-wolves. She'd changed since I'd seen her last, now wearing a familiar piece of clothing—Lucca's oversized jacket, the one he'd been so proud of last season. It was unmistakably his, with his scent all over it, deliberately displayed like a trophy.

'Oh, Samara!' Paulina's voice was honey-sweet as she approached me, the jacket hanging loosely from her shoulders. 'I hope you don't mind that I borrowed Lucca's jacket. It was so chilly this morning, and he insisted I take it.'

The other she-wolves watched with barely concealed interest, waiting for the drama to unfold. This was Paulina's power play, her way of marking territory in front of the entire pack. A less secure she-wolf would have crumbled, would have shown the hurt and jealousy Paulina clearly wanted to see.

But I wasn't that she-wolf.

'Of course not,' I replied, my voice smooth and pleasant. 'That jacket looks lovely on you, Paulina. The color really complements your complexion.'

The words hit her like a physical blow. She'd expected tears, expected a scene—not this calm appreciation. Her smile faltered, and for a moment, frustration flashed in her eyes before she recovered.

'Thank you,' she said, her voice slightly tighter. 'You're so... generous.'

I smiled back, the expression feeling like a blade. 'Just being honest.'

The training session continued, but Paulina's attempt at provocation had backfired. She'd wanted to unsettle me, to make me crack, but instead, she'd only highlighted her own insecurity.

Hours later, I was alone in the Black Moon office, the quiet of the night wrapping around me like a blanket. The alliance files were spread across my desk, each one requiring careful attention. I'd volunteered to stay late again, finding comfort in the methodical work.

A sudden vibration in my mind made me pause—Mira, my loyal friend from Silvermoon, was mind-linking me. Her mental voice was urgent, almost breathless.

'Samara, you need to see this. Right now.'

Before I could respond, an image flooded my consciousness—a photographic memory, crystal clear and undeniable. It showed Lucca and Paulina behind a thick treeline, their bodies pressed together as they shared a passionate kiss. His hands were tangled in her hair, her fingers digging into his shoulders. The timestamp showed it was from this morning's pack run.

I sat back in my chair, a cold smile spreading across my face. This was it—the final piece I needed. The undeniable proof that would make my rejection irrefutable.

'Thank you, Mira,' I said through the link, my mental voice steady. 'This is perfect.'

'Perfect?' Mira sounded confused. 'Samara, are you okay? I thought... I thought you'd be devastated.'

I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. 'No, Mira. I'm not devastated. I'm ready.'

The image burned in my mind, fueling the cold fire in my chest. Lucca had played his final card, and now it was time for me to show him exactly what happened when you underestimated an Omega who kept score.