Betrayed by the Alpha’s Hidden Mate

Before I could fully gather myself from the flood of memories, a maid burst into the room, her face pale and frantic.

“Luna, it’s terrible!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

“It’s Camden—he’s spreading rumors that *you* were the one who wanted to break the mate bond, that you’re chasing after someone of higher status!”

She hesitated, wringing her hands. “He’s also saying… saying…”

My chest tightened. “Saying what?”

“That you’re cruel and unkind, that you mistreated Michelle when you were younger.”

My claws dug into my palms, drawing blood. I knew Camden wouldn’t let this go easily. He’d ruin my reputation, make sure no one would accept me as their mate, so I’d have no choice but to crawl back to him as his mistress.

But *why*?

I’m the only daughter of the Alpha of the White Fang Pack, the future Luna of a powerful lineage. Mating with Camden was already a step down for me. How dare he try to force me into submission, to make me live in Michelle’s shadow as his hidden secret?

Rage coursed through me, and I stormed toward Michelle’s room.

As I approached, voices drifted through the door. Michelle’s soft, saccharine tone was unmistakable. “Camden,” she murmured, her scent carrying a false sweetness, “if Evie finds out what we’ve done, she’ll never forgive you. You two grew up together. Can you really bear to make her hate you forever?”

Camden paused for a moment before replying, his voice tender but laced with condescension. “Don’t worry, Michelle. Evie’s always been infatuated with me. She’ll be angry for a few days, but she’ll come crawling back.”

“Besides,” he added, his tone hardening slightly, “if we don’t pin this on her, how will you secure your place as my Luna? You’ve endured so much living under her family’s roof. You deserve this.”

Their voices faded into a muffled kiss, their entwined shadows cast against the window, a painful reminder of their betrayal.

I had thought that if I kept my distance from them this time, I could at least live in peace. But Camden was willing to destroy my reputation completely, just to elevate Michelle.

A bitter taste filled my mouth.

Without hesitation, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Why go through all the trouble?” I said, my voice cold and steady. “If you wanted to ruin me, you could’ve just asked.”