Sandy's POV
The three words sliced through me like silver. "I love you."
My husband Dominic spoke them with such tenderness, but they weren't meant for me. Kari basked in his confession, her lips curving into a victorious smile as her eyes found mine across the crowded hall.
"I love you too, Dominic," she purred, loud enough for everyone to hear.
The birthday celebration around us seemed to freeze. Pack members shifted uncomfortably, their gazes bouncing between their Alpha's public declaration and me, his Luna of three years. I stood there like a statue, watching my world crumble in real time.
Dalia materialized beside me, her fingers gripping my shoulder. "Luna, hold yourself together. Alpha bonds are fragile things in our world. This won't last forever."
Her words meant to comfort, but they felt hollow. On the surface, I maintained my composure, but inside, everything was dying. My husband paraded his mistress through our guests, introducing Kari to neighboring pack leaders while I became a spectacle of pity.
Kari played her part perfectly, leaning into Dominic with feigned concern. "Your wife looks upset with me. Maybe I should go."
The moment those words left her lips, Dominic's attention snapped to me. His eyes darkened with fury, and suddenly my skull felt like it was splitting apart. His Alpha aura crashed over me in waves of pure agony.
'Don't you dare intimidate her,' his voice snarled through our mind link. 'She's done nothing wrong. Why do you insist on tormenting an innocent woman?'
The pain drove me to my knees internally, though I refused to show weakness publicly. I pressed my hand to my chest and fled the hall, their laughter echoing behind me like a death knell.
Rain pelted my face as I stumbled outside, but even the cold couldn't extinguish the fire of rage burning through my veins. Tears mixed with rainwater as memories flooded back.
Three years ago, my father had arranged this marriage. The prophecy was clear - I had to mate with a Ezekiel or watch our packs and countless others fall to a catastrophic war. I'd hated the idea of a forced bond initially.
But Dominic had surprised me. He'd been kind, ambitious, understanding. He promised to cherish me forever. Together, we would prevent the prophesied destruction.
Our mating ceremony had been intimate and beautiful. When my father died months later, I inherited leadership of the Shadow Howlers Pack. To strengthen our people, I merged our territories and stepped aside, allowing Dominic to become Alpha while I served as his Luna.
We'd built the most powerful pack in the northern region together.
Then came the war with the Half Maw Pack. Dominic led our warriors while I managed everything at home. When he returned victorious, he brought her with him.
Kari Stryker. Alpha Abel's former slave, supposedly abused for years. But it wasn't her tragic story that shattered me - it was Dominic's next words.
"She's my fated mate. I can't reject her, but I won't reject you either, Sandy. You're my Luna. We have responsibilities that transcend personal desires."
Another lie to add to his collection.
Kari had wormed her way into our home first, then into Dominic's heart. The man who once whispered love to me every night now despised me and worshipped another woman.
"Luna, you can't just run away," Dalia called, following me into the rain. "She's taken your place. Fight for what's yours or lose your Alpha forever."
I wiped my tears and straightened my spine. She was right. This conversation couldn't wait any longer.
Soaked and trembling, I returned to the hall. Every eye tracked my movement, but I ignored their stares and focused on the group surrounding my husband.
"Alpha Abel had close ties with Alpha Dan of the Shadowwalkers Pack," another Alpha was saying. "He'll likely seek revenge for your victory."
Dominic's chest puffed with pride. "I'm meeting with the Alpha King soon. My uncle Charles commands respect from every pack. No one dares challenge his authority."
The Alpha King. Rumors painted him as something beyond a typical werewolf - possibly pure-blooded Lycan. His intelligence and power were legendary, though he'd never visited our territory or extended invitations to his court.
Kari gasped dramatically as I approached, covering her mouth in mock surprise. "Goddess, Sandy. Did you take a swim in the lake?"
"Dominic." I ignored her completely, focusing on my husband.
I expected some flicker of concern seeing me in such a state. Instead, his expression filled with disgust.
My throat constricted as I forced out the words. "It's inappropriate for your mistress to be present during pack business. It disrespects our allies and your Luna."
His laugh was cruel. "And it's not disrespectful for my Luna to parade half-naked in front of other males?"
Heat flooded my cheeks as I glanced down at my rain-soaked dress clinging to my body. I looked unhinged, desperate, broken.
"Don't embarrass me further, Sandy. Go to your room until you find your sanity." His words cut deeper than any blade.
I retreated to our bedroom, determined to salvage what remained of our bond. After washing and changing into red lingerie - his favorite color - I waited.
And waited.
Midnight came and went. The rain matched my thundering heartbeat as anxiety consumed me.
Then the pain hit.
Agony exploded through my stomach and radiated outward. I collapsed, screaming as my body convulsed. My heart felt ready to burst from my chest.
That's when I heard them.
'I love you, Kari. You're so beautiful. I can't resist you tonight,' Dominic's voice echoed through our bond.
'What about your Luna?' Kari's breathless response followed.
'She has no say in this. If I want you tonight, I'll have you. She'll learn to accept it.'
I crawled to the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting water cascade over me as I sobbed. The Maw Goddess's cruel rule was in effect - when mates betrayed each other, the innocent partner felt every moment of their infidelity.
Hours passed before the physical pain subsided, but the emotional devastation had settled into my bones permanently.
When omega servants found me under the still-running water the next morning, pity filled their eyes. Everyone preferred sweet Kari to their strong-willed Luna.
"Luna, stay strong," Dalia whispered as I sat lifeless on my bed. "Alpha Dominic is temporarily bewitched by their mate bond. He'll return to you."
All hope had died during the night. Even if he came back, how could I forget his betrayal?
"I need to speak with him," I mumbled.
"You can't, Luna." Dalia's voice was barely audible.
"Why not?"
"Alpha left with Kari."
My stomach turned to lead. "When will he return?"
"He's attending the Council Meeting, Luna. To meet the Alpha King. He might be gone for weeks." Her reluctance to share this information spoke volumes.
The Council Meeting was reserved for the five allied northern Alphas led by the Alpha King himself. It convened only during times of war. Traditionally, Lunas accompanied their Alphas to greet the King.
Was Dominic presenting Kari as his Luna to the most powerful werewolf alive?