Betrayed by the Alpha’s Secret Heir

Julien’s face paled, and the coffee in his hand trembled slightly.

“Eleanora, don’t joke about such things. I swore before the Lycan King that you would be my only mate.”

I ignored him and turned to Frances, my voice calm but deliberate. “What do you think?”

Frances couldn’t hide her joy, though she pretended to be startled and bowed her head respectfully.

“Luna, please don’t tease us. We’re just a mother and child seeking shelter. We’re already grateful to have a place in the pack. We wouldn’t dare hope for anything more.”

“It’s fine,” I said, my tone steady. “My father was a respected Gamma who gave his life for the pack. If I speak to the Lycan King, he’ll grant this without question.”

Frances kept her head down, but I saw the corner of her lips curve into a faint smile. She nodded, her voice soft but eager. “I’ll follow your lead, Luna.”

Julien slammed his mug onto the table, the sound sharp and jarring.

“This is absurd!” he roared, his Alpha aura flaring with anger. Without another word, he stormed out of the room, leaving me alone with Frances and Aidan.

I stood slowly and walked over to them, my fingers brushing lightly against Aidan’s cheek.

“He smells just like him,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone else.

Frances chuckled softly but didn’t respond. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a scarf, handing it to me with both hands.

“This was left in my room last night by the Alpha. I forgot to return it earlier. Would you mind giving it back to him, Luna?”

I took the scarf, my fingers tightening around the fabric as I recognized the embroidered crescent moon—a design I had stitched for Julien myself. My heart twisted, but I forced a smile.

“Of course,” I said, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest.

When I returned to my room, I collapsed onto the bed, the tears I’d been holding back finally spilling over.

Years ago, my father had warned me against Julien, but I had defied him, refusing to listen. I had loved Julien so fiercely that I’d risked everything to become his mate. And for a time, he had loved me just as passionately. Our bond had been the envy of the pack, a story whispered with admiration.

But now, I felt only shame. How could I face my father’s memory, knowing I had failed to honor his warnings?

Just then, Roselyn burst into the room, her face flushed with anger. In her hand was a piece of paper—a prescription.

“Luna, I found out. The Healer said this contains ingredients that are extremely harmful. Long-term use not only makes it difficult to conceive but also increases the risk of miscarriage.”

I stared at the prescription, my hands trembling.

All these years, the medicine I’d been drinking had carried this bitter taste. Had Julien never intended for me to bear his children?

The thought was like a knife to my heart, and the tears fell harder.

My children—how they must have fought to survive, struggling against the poison in my body just to reach me. They had endured so much only to be taken from me by the one person who should have protected them.

I wiped my tears and called for paper and pen.

“Find someone trustworthy,” I told Roselyn as I wrote. “Deliver this letter to Conrad Snyder, the Gamma of the Northern Howl Pack. Make sure it reaches him directly.”

Once she left, I summoned the other Omegas to help me prepare. I needed to see the Lycan King.