When My Alpha Left Me Bleeding for His Mistress

The dining hall's grand oak table gleamed under the crystal chandelier, a silent witness to the traditions of the Black Moon Pack. I stood at the entrance, my hands smoothing the fabric of my navy dress—a nervous habit I couldn't break. This would be Hayden's first dinner with the pack, and as Luna, it was my responsibility to ensure everything was perfect. Even if Jace had stripped me of most duties, I refused to fail at this simple courtesy.

The pack members filed in, taking their customary seats with the easy familiarity of wolves who had dined together for years. I waited for Jace, watching the empty chair at the head of the table—his chair, where he would sit with me at his right as Luna. When he finally appeared, Hayden was at his side, her honey-blonde hair catching the light like spun gold.

'I've rearranged the seating,' Jace announced without looking at me, his voice carrying the unmistakable weight of Alpha command. 'Hayden will sit here.' He gestured to the place directly to his right—my place.

A hush fell over the room. I felt every pair of eyes dart between us, hungry for drama. My thumbnail pressed into my wrist, the small pain keeping my face composed as I nodded. 'Of course, Alpha.'

Jace pulled out the chair for Hayden with a gentleness I hadn't seen in twelve years. 'This is the place of honor,' he told her, his voice soft and warm. 'You deserve to be close to the action.'

Hayden's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she glanced at me, but she didn't refuse. How could she? An Alpha's command was law.

I took the seat three places down, relegated to the position typically reserved for visiting dignitaries—outsiders. The symbolism wasn't lost on anyone present. I was Luna in name only, a stranger at my own table.

Throughout the meal, Jace's attention remained fixed on Hayden. He leaned toward her, his blue eyes warm as he asked about her life in Silverfang, her musical training, her preferences. His laugh, rich and genuine, filled the room when she described a particularly disastrous first piano recital. I hadn't heard him laugh like that since we were children.

'And what about your family?' he asked her, his voice tender. 'Do you have siblings who play?'

'No,' Hayden replied, her soft voice carrying easily in the hushed room. 'I was always the only one interested in music. My parents thought it was a waste of time, but...' She smiled shyly. 'I couldn't help it.'

Jace's eyes softened. 'Well, we're very grateful you followed your passion. Owen is already thriving under your guidance.'

Owen, seated beside Hayden, beamed at the praise. 'Miss Hayden is the best teacher I've ever had,' he declared, reaching for another roll. 'She never gets mad when I mess up the scales.'

'That's because mistakes are just part of learning,' Hayden told him, ruffling his hair with easy affection. 'Everyone stumbles on the way to greatness.'

I watched them, this tableau of warmth and connection, and felt myself fading into the woodwork. I might as well have been invisible for all the attention my mate paid me. The food on my plate grew cold as I pushed it around with my fork, each bite tasting like ash.

When dinner ended, I rose to help with the clearing, but Jace's voice stopped me. 'Leave that to the Omegas, Luna. We have more important matters to discuss.' He was already guiding Hayden toward his study, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back—a gesture of intimacy he had never once offered me.

I stood frozen in the dining hall, surrounded by pack members who suddenly found the floor fascinating. In their silence, I heard the truth they wouldn't speak aloud: I was nothing more than a placeholder Luna, a political convenience. And now, with Hayden in my rightful place, I was becoming less even than that.