When My Husband Turned Traitor, I Fought Back

The morning air carried a crisp bite as I stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching Victor lead the pack warriors through their drills. My notebook was open in my hands—the dutiful Luna taking notes for pack records—but my attention was fixed on my husband's left hand.

His Alpha signet ring glinted in the early light. Every few minutes, his eyes would flick down to it, pupils dilating slightly at the soft chime only he could hear through his private mind-link. Each time, the corner of his mouth would twitch upward before he resumed barking commands at the warriors.

Three days had passed since my discovery in the bathroom. Three days of smiling, of pretending, of watching. My inner wolf, dormant for so long, now prowled restlessly beneath my skin, heightening my senses. Things I'd overlooked for years suddenly came into sharp focus.

Like the way Victor's ring finger tapped against his thigh when a notification came through. The way his nostrils flared slightly, a predator savoring a scent. The way his eyes lingered on me when he thought I wasn't looking—not with love or desire, but with calculation.

"Luna Grace," Delta Reeves approached, his head slightly bowed in respect. "The Alpha requested these reports be delivered to you."

"Thank you," I said, accepting the folder with a smile that felt like cracking glass.

As Reeves walked away, Victor's gaze caught mine across the field. He winked, a gesture that once made my heart flutter. Now it made my stomach turn. I waved back, the perfect, adoring Luna.

His attention returned to the training session, but not before I caught him glancing at his ring again. This time, his pupils didn't just dilate—they darkened with hunger.

Merchandise. The word from that vile chat group echoed in my mind.

I clutched the folder tighter, my knuckles white. "We need to be patient," I whispered to my wolf. "We need to see everything first."

---

Dusk painted the forest in shades of amber and violet as I took my usual evening walk around the pack grounds. These walks had been my small escape, moments of solitude away from the weight of being Luna. Now, they were reconnaissance.

I followed the familiar path toward the eastern boundary, my footsteps deliberately casual. Something new caught my eye—a silver glint among the trees that hadn't been there yesterday.

I veered off the path, approaching what appeared to be a new boundary marker. Unlike our standard wooden posts carved with the Moonstone Pack symbol, this was sleek silver metal, etched with runes I didn't recognize. I reached out, my fingers hovering just above the surface.

"Admiring my handiwork?"

I startled, my heart leaping into my throat as Victor materialized beside me. How had he approached without me hearing? Had he been watching me all along?

"They're beautiful," I said, forcing warmth into my voice. "New boundary markers?"

"Enhanced security," he replied, sliding an arm around my waist. His touch, once comforting, now made my skin crawl. "I've installed them around the entire pack house perimeter. They'll alert me to any... unwanted visitors."

Or track movements within. I leaned into him, playing my part. "Always keeping us safe."

"Always," he agreed, kissing the top of my head. "Especially you, my precious Luna."

My precious merchandise, I thought bitterly.

"There are twelve markers in total," he continued, his voice taking on that lecturing tone he used when he wanted to impress me with his Alpha prowess. "Each linked directly to my signet ring. Nothing happens on our territory without my knowledge now."

I nodded, appropriately impressed, while my mind raced. Twelve markers. A complete surveillance network. No wonder he always seemed to know my whereabouts.

"It's getting dark," he said, steering me back toward the path. "Let's get you inside. I've prepared a special dinner tonight."

---

The dining room glowed with candlelight, a romantic setting that would have once made me melt with gratitude. Now I saw it for what it was—a stage, carefully set.

Victor poured wine into my glass, then his own. "To us," he toasted, his eyes never leaving mine.

"To us," I echoed, taking a small sip.

He served the meal himself, another 'thoughtful' gesture that now seemed sinister. When he placed my plate before me, I noticed the steaming cup beside it—a fragrant herbal tea.

"Your special blend," he said, smiling. "You've seemed tense lately. This will help you relax."

I lifted the cup to my lips, pretending to sip while watching him over the rim. His eyes tracked the movement, that same hungry anticipation I'd seen during training.

"Drink up," he encouraged, his tone light but insistent. "It's best when it's hot."

I nodded, making a show of taking another fake sip. "It's lovely. Thank you for always taking such good care of me."

We ate in companionable silence, the perfect Alpha and Luna. When he turned to fetch dessert, I quickly poured half the tea into the potted plant beside me. By the time he returned, I was cradling an almost-empty cup.

"Feeling better?" he asked, his eyes searching my face for signs of the drug taking effect.

I let my eyelids droop slightly. "Mmm, yes. Much more relaxed."

His smile widened, satisfied. "Good. I thought we might take a walk in the greenhouse after dinner. It's been a while since you showed me your new plantings."

The greenhouse. My sanctuary. The one place I'd thought was still mine alone.

"I'd like that," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.

As I followed him from the dining room, my wolf growled a warning. The greenhouse had an alcove, hidden behind the tall ferns, where I sometimes retreated to read. The perfect place to discard the rest of this poisoned tea before he could see.

Perfect for him, too, I realized with a chill. Private. Secluded. Where no one would hear if I suddenly felt... unwell.

I squared my shoulders, my steps matching his. Whatever game he was playing tonight, I would not be his willing prey.