After My Alpha Framed Me for Attacking His Luna

The rain pounded against the windows of the Alpha's quarters as I slipped through the side entrance, my heart hammering against my ribs. Tonight was our night—the night Rhett and I could pretend there weren't a thousand walls between us. Or so I'd foolishly hoped.

"Take off your wet clothes," Rhett commanded without looking at me, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the fireplace. "You're dripping all over my floor."

I swallowed hard, fighting the sting of tears. "I came as soon as I could. The border patrols—"

"I don't care about your excuses," he cut me off, finally turning to face me. His eyes, usually warm amber, were cold as stone. "Just do as you're told."

My fingers trembled as I peeled off my soaked jacket and shirt, standing in just my bra and jeans. The firelight danced across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw, the fullness of his lips that had kissed me so tenderly just days before.

"Everything," he said, his Alpha tone vibrating through the room.

I obeyed, though my wolf whined in protest at the humiliation. Once I was naked, he approached me slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. His hands were hot against my skin, his touch sending conflicting signals—pleasure and pain intertwined.

"Remember your place," he whispered against my ear as he pulled me closer. "You're here because I allow it."

Afterward, he stepped back, already reaching for his pants. "Get dressed. Now."

The command hit me like a physical blow. I stumbled to my clothes, my legs still weak from his touch.

"You'll find your payment on the dresser," he said casually, tossing an envelope onto the polished wood. It landed with a heavy thud—the sound of my dignity hitting rock bottom. "For Andy's treatment. Make it last."

I stared at the envelope, feeling sick. "Rhett, please—"

"Saige is coming back tomorrow," he interrupted, his tone final. "Be smart, Mackenzie. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

---

The Moon Goddess Festival transformed the pack grounds into a wonderland of silver lights and flowing fabric. Music drifted through the air as pack members danced and celebrated under the full moon. I balanced a tray of champagne glasses, my injured leg throbbing with each step.

"Mackenzie serving drinks? How... fitting." The Beta's wife smirked as she plucked a glass from my tray.

I bit my tongue and moved on, searching the crowd for Rhett. My heart stopped when I spotted him on the raised platform at the center of the gathering—with a stunning woman at his side.

"Attention, everyone," Rhett's voice boomed across the lawn. The crowd fell silent. "Tonight is special for many reasons, but none more important than this announcement."

His eyes found mine in the crowd, holding me captive as he continued.

"I'm honored to officially introduce Saige Morris as my chosen mate and future Luna of Silver Lake Pack."

Gasps and cheers erupted around me. My tray tilted as my hands went numb.

"Saige brings strength, loyalty, and the perfect bloodline to lead alongside me," Rhett continued, taking her hand and kissing it formally.

The glass slipped from my grasp, shattering against the stone patio. Everyone turned to stare.

"Oh dear," Saige's voice cut through the silence as she approached me. Her perfect nose wrinkled as she inhaled deeply. "What's that smell? It's... familiar."

She knew. She could smell Rhett on me.

"You must be the little Omega I've heard so much about," she said sweetly, then deliberately stepped into my path as I tried to back away.

My ankle twisted on the uneven ground, and I fell backward into the shattered glass. Pain exploded across my back and arms as the shards cut deep.

"How clumsy," Saige sighed dramatically. "Someone clean this up."

---

"Pack your things," I whispered to Andy as I bandaged his thin arms later that night. "We're leaving."

His eyes widened. "Kenzie, what about the healer? What about—"

"I don't care anymore," I said fiercely. "We can't stay."

But we never made it out. Rhett appeared at our hut like a shadow, his Alpha aura filling the small space.

"Going somewhere?" he asked softly.

He dragged me outside, his grip bruising on my arm. We reached the territory border where the healer's hut was visible in the distance.

"One step across this line," he said, his voice deadly calm, "and I call Elena right now. One word from me, and she stops sending spiritual energy to your precious brother."

"Rhett, please—" I begged.

"Kneel," he commanded.

My knees hit the mud as rain began to fall again.

"Swear it," he demanded. "Swear you'll never try to leave me."

"I swear," I choked out, tasting blood and rainwater.

"Good girl," he murmured, cupping my face roughly. "Remember, you're nothing without me. Nothing but a servant who should be grateful for my mercy."

As he walked away, leaving me in the mud, I wondered if the Moon Goddess had abandoned me completely—or if she was saving something worse for later.