Selena's POV

  I heaved an exhausted sigh as I hung up the phone, Anna's reassuring voice echoing in my ears. "Don't worry, Mom," she had said. "We are all safe at the hotel. I won't let anyone bully my little sisters, not even Jacob."

  Letting the phone fall into the passenger seat, I refocused my attention on the bright, sunny road, steering my car towards the office of a renowned doctor-a friend from the Greenfrost Pack had recommended to me. My son's crucial illness had brought me back to this bothersome Knightstorm Pack, my only purpose to secure the lifesaving surgery he so desperately needed.

  Pulling into the parking lot, I took a steady breath before stepping out of the car, the hot sun glinting off the polished top. A strange rush of nostalgia crashed over me as I made my way towards the building's entrance, the familiar sights and smells evoking memories I had long buried.

  But as I approached the front desk, my steps faltered. A sizable crowd had gathered outside a door inscribed with the name "Dr. Kenneth"-the very man I had come to see. Shoving my way forward, I was immediately confronted by a furious she-wolf.

  "Who do you think you are to cut line? Get in the back!" she snapped, shoving me roughly.

  I stumbled, barely catching my footing. "What the hell is your problem?" I responded, struggling to shove down my rising anger.

  The woman scoffed. "Dr. Kenneth hasn't been seeing patients for the last three hours. Word is out that... he is a fraud!" Her voice wavered, a handkerchief swiping at her eyes. "I-I was really hoping it wasn't true."

  My blood ran cold, the woman's words striking me like an acid reflux, burning and bitter. This couldn't be happening-I had given the doctor every penny I'd earned over the past five years at my art gallery in Greenfrost Pack, all in the hope of saving my son.

  Panic seized me, and I began fanning my face, willing the tears not to fall. "No, no, no!!!" A scream rippled from my throat at the painful news.

  But the crowd's increasing anger told a different story. Chants and shouts filled the air as the crowd pounded on the wooden door, demanding refunds or threatening to break it down. I watched in disappointment as several men slammed their bodies against the door, finally breaking the wood and rushing inside.

  The crowd ran into the office, and I followed, just in time to see Dr. Kenneth jump from the window, a briefcase clutched in his hand. A collective cry of outrage rose up, and some of the men gave chase, jumping out the window after him.

  Without a moment's hesitation, I tossed my bag to the floor and jumped out the window myself, my feet pounding the roadway as I gave chase. The doctor ran across the busy street, causing a traffic jam, but I didn't give up, following the mob as they rushed into a clothing store across the way-a supposed shortcut.

  The shop owner and staff shouted in anger as we pushed through, knocking over displays and crushing outfits. But just as we neared the exit, two police cars suddenly blocked our path, officers rushing out to confront us.

  I made a wild run for freedom, but a muscular cop caught me, twisting my arms behind my back and slapping handcuffs onto my wrists. "You are under arrest for breaking and entering and destruction of property!" he barked.

  As I was shoved into the backseat of the patrol car, a bitter laugh bubbled up from my throat. Could this day get any worse? First, I had been conned out of my life's savings, and now I was facing criminal charges.

  ***

  Curled up in the overcrowded prison cell, I hugged my knees, troubling worry consuming me. My children were waiting for me at the hotel, and I was powerless to return to them, trapped behind bars on my first day back in this annoying Knightstorm pack.

  With no family here to call upon and no lawyer to plead my case, I was utterly alone. Sighing, I wracked my brain, trying to think of who I could possibly contact.

  My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a female police officer, who tossed a few loaves of bread into the cell. The other imprisoned she-wolves rushed forward, fighting savagely over the meager scraps. I remained in my corner, unwilling to join the fight.

  The officer eyed me curiously. "Aren't you going to eat?" she asked, her tone filled with disgust. "Stop acting all high and mighty, like you are better than everyone; you will starve, and it doesn't seem like any of your family has come to get you. You must be an orphan."

  I bit my lip, refusing to dignify her insult with a response. The woman simply scoffed and walked away, leaving me alone with my stormy thoughts.

  As I watched the other inmates devour the bread like wild wolves, a bitter disgust welled inside me. My hard-earned savings had been stolen, and my son's life-saving surgery is now impossible. And here I sat, helpless and penniless, unable to even afford a decent meal.

  After what felt like a decade, the same female officer returned, unlocking the dirty cell door. "Hey, Miss Orphan, someone is here to bail you out," she announced.

  Confused, I rose to my feet and walked out of the cell, my heart pounding. Who could possibly have come to my aid?

  The answer became clear as I followed the officer down the hallway-there, in the main lobby, stood none other than-Alpha Dominic, my estranged mate. My stomach cramped, a familiar pain piercing through my chest.

  "Why didn't you tell us earlier that you were the wife of our Alpha? We had to search the computer for your name and the household you belong to." The officer remarked, her words snapping me from my trance.

  "I'm not his wife; I am his ex-wife!" I snapped sharply, my gaze fixed on Dominic's underweight face.

  He appeared thinner, his golden hair unkempt, dark circles damaging the skin beneath his eyes. A part of me felt cruel satisfaction in seeing him so visibly affected by my absence.

  Approaching me, Dominic offered a brief greeting. "Long time no see, Miss Cuddles. I can see you are doing well."

  I scoffed. "Unlike you, it seems." Shaking my head, I added, "You didn't have to come. I had it under control."

  His brow furrowed. "That's not what I saw when I arrived," he countered. "You should be grateful I came. Now, follow me, I will take you home."

  "W–" I opened my mouth to question him, but he had already turned, striding towards the main door. Hurrying after him, I found myself led to a familiar sports car-one that seemed unusually empty of his usual backup of beta and warriors.

  As Dominic held the passenger door open, I ignored him, choosing instead to climb into the backseat. He slid behind the wheel, casting me an irritated glance.

  "Put on your seatbelt," he ordered. "You have a lot of nerve for someone in need of help."

  I smirked, kicking off my shoes and leaning back. "I didn't ask for your help," I responded. "You look awful, by the way. It seems you have been living a miserable life without me and the girls."

  Dominic's jaw tightened. "Be quiet and tell me where you want me to take you."

  "I'm not done with my questions," I declared, through clenched teeth. "Did Madison give you the son you were looking for? Because I haven't seen anything on the news about you welcoming a son. And why do you look like you just crawled out of a trash can?"

  "Shut up," he snapped.

  I shook my head defiantly. "No, you are avoiding the question. Did you sign the divorce papers I left?"

  With a throaty growl, Dominic brought the car to a halt, glaring at me through the rearview mirror. "Get out," he commanded.

  I blinked in confusion. "What?"

  "Get out of the fucking car before I make you!" he shouted, his voice all sharp edges.

  Before I could protest, I found myself standing barefoot on a busy night street, Alpha Dominic's car speeding away into the night. I cried out, kicking the air in frustration, but he refused to stop.

Selena's POV

  "Shit!" I screamed, watching Dominic's car disappear down the bright street. The bastard actually dumped me here after bailing me out of jail. He could have just left me locked up-it would have been nicer than this humiliation.

  My anger was so consuming that I didn't even realize I was standing in the middle of the road. The screech of tires jolted me back to reality. A car was speeding towards me at breakneck speed. I tried to jump, my heart exploding in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

  The car stopped inches from me. I was breathing heavily, my hand pressed against its hood, feeling the heat radiating from the engine. Around me, cars screeched to a halt. Pack members sticking their heads out of their cars and yelling at me.

  "Watch where you are going, bitch!"

  "This isn't a fucking pedestrian walkway! Are you blind?!?"

  I froze, ice trickling through my veins at the sound of their voices, feeling small and embarrassed. I wished Dominic would come back, but deep down, I knew he wouldn't.

  Blinding headlights attacked my eyes. I raised my hand to shield myself, hearing heavy footsteps approaching me. A deep, angry voice cut through the air. "Do you have a death wish? You could have been hit by my car; just consider yourself lucky!"

  The tone softened immediately. "Are you okay? I hope you aren't injured anywhere."

  I squinted, trying to see the person behind the voice, but the lights were too bright. I managed a weak nod. "I'm fine."

  Something flew at me, smacking hard against my cheek. "Ow! What the hell?" I squatted down, rubbing my stinging skin, and discovered a bundle of money.

  The mysterious voice spoke again. "Consider it charity that a lot more than an average member of this pack makes a month. Next time, learn to watch where you are going, commoner."

  Outraged, I was about to throw the money back, but when I looked up, the person had vanished. The car's engine roared to life, and this time I knew it would hit me for sure.

  "I don't need your fucking money!" I shouted, scrambling away from the car.

  Crossing the busy street to the other side, I stared at the money. My ego fought with my desperation. Almost feeling victorious, I waved down a taxi, climbed in, and instructed the driver to take me to the Starlight Hotel.

  As the city lights twisted past, I thought about Dominic. How could he change so much? The man I once loved had become a stranger. Leaving my pack for him seemed like the most stupid decision of my life.

  The taxi finally stopped after a few minutes. I paid the driver, using part of the mysterious cash, and rushed into the hotel. My kids were waiting. The exhaustion of the day weighed on me, but the thought of seeing them gave me strength.

  I walked towards room 302, but unease leaked into my blood. Sounds of argument echoed through the hallway, and I prayed that it wasn't our room and had nothing to do with my kids.

  I pushed open the door and froze, shocked by the sight before me. The front desk staff and another hotel employee were in the room; they were both demanding to speak with me. Anna was trying her best to handle the situation, arms crossed defiantly across her chest as the younger children huddled on the bed, little Jacob's cries breaking my heart.

  As I stepped into the messy room, my foot crunched against something underfoot. Taking in the mess-the walls and surfaces smudged with countless foods, the clear signs of a wild food fight-I let out a weary sigh, shaking my head in disappointment.

  "Mom," Anna murmured as my gaze landed on her.

  The staff members both turned to face me, the front desk woman immediately shushing me. "I don't want to hear any silly excuses," she snapped, her voice all sharp edges. "Is this how you raise your children? This is a hotel, not your home that you can just mess up anyhow you like!"

  The other employee cut in, her tone equally hurtful. "Your kids are so spoiled. They act like wild wolves and don't respect their elders, you have failed as a mother."

  I clenched my fists, my anger running hot in my veins at her statement. "How dare you speak about my children that way?" I snapped, my voice loud. "Is this how you guys treat your guests? It's just kids being kids, making a mess, it's not that big of a deal. If I tip the cleaners extra, they will have it sorted in no time, but I am going to have my kids take care of it-"

  "We wouldn't be talking if that's the only thing," the desk woman interrupted me. "But your children stole the food that was meant for another room."

  My mouth dropped open in disbelief. "My kids would never steal! I raised them better than that."

  But the staff member shook her head, indifferent. "We haven't reported you to management yet, but we will let it slide if you pay for the food."

  Clenching my teeth, I demanded to speak to the manager, insisting my children would never do such a thing. But the woman simply pulled out an iPad, tapping the screen.

  "I'm afraid I have evidence," she said, turning the device to show me security footage.

  My heartbeat skyrocketed as I watched Rose sneaking around the corridor and monitoring the movements of the server. When the server entered the hotel room, she confidently stole the food cart outside. I was utterly ashamed, unable to defend my daughter's actions.

  Swallowing hard, I asked how much the stolen food cost. The reply-$3,000-made my stomach clench. Digging into my purse, I counted out the exact amount, handing it over with a bowed head.

  "I apologize for the inconvenience," I murmured. "I will be sure to set my children straight."

  The staff members scoffed as they exited, leaving me to face the aftermath alone. Where had I gone wrong as a mother? I needed answers.

  Turning to my children, I found them all pretending to be asleep, except for Anna, who stood firm. Striding to the bed, I hovered around Rose, who reluctantly sat up, avoiding my gaze.

  "Why did you do it?" I pressed, my voice dropped in volume. "I know you wouldn't steal without a good reason."

  Rose nibbled on her lip, finally meeting my eyes. "Uh, w-we were all hungry, and Jacob was crying so much. I couldn't just ignore him; that's why I... did it."

  I let out a groan, her reasoning striking a major chord. I knew how persistent and stubborn my youngest could be.

  "That doesn't make it right," I scolded, my voice growing stronger, angrier. "You could have just ordered room service when I came back, and I would have settled the bill. Because of you, I was-" Anna cut in.

  "We tried that, but the home phone isn't working, Mom. That's why we couldn't order." She explained.

  Returning my gaze to Rose, I ordered her to look at me. "What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?"

  Blowing a strand of hair from her face, she murmured, "I'm sorry, Mommy. It won't happen again."

  I heaved a sigh. "That apology won't fix this. I was humiliated because of your actions. It's like I didn't raise you all properly."

  Rose apologized again, but I cut her off. "Sorry isn't enough." I replied, raising my voice. "The rest of you, stop pretending to be asleep and get up, we have a lot of cleaning to do."

  Abruptly, my little Jacob sat up, reaching for me. "Mommy, I missed you!" he cried, flinging his arms around me.

  I smiled, hugging him tight. His blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes were a mirror image of his father's, but my son was so different-sweet and smart, someone I refused to lose, despite being so cruelly deceived. I needed to find another way for him to get that treatment.

Alpha Dominic's POV

  I parked my car in the middle of the empty road, eyes uncontrollably scanning the sidewalks for any sign of Selena. But she was nowhere to be seen, the night growing increasingly empty as the pack members retired to their homes.

  Stepping out of the car, I looked around, wracking my brain. This was the place where I had heartlessly kicked Selena out of my car-I still didn't know what had come over me. All I could remember was the mention of the child we had lost, the one that had ruined our marriage.

  I wished I hadn't chosen Madison over my beloved wife. For the past five years, I had been consumed by regret, wondering what had become of Selena and our daughters, how they must perceive me now.

  A car zoomed past, jolting me back to reality. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, knowing full well that Selena was doing just fine without me-but I, on the other hand, was a mess.

  Resigning myself to the fact that I wouldn't find her tonight, I climbed back into the car and started the engine, driving toward the packhouse. The sound of loud music assaulted my ears as I approached the wide-open gates, other vehicles already parked outside.

  A guard greeted me as I handed over the keys. "Welcome, Alpha."

  I nodded briefly, striding into the mansion. The place was alive with merriment-people dancing, swimming in the pool, all appearing blissfully happy.

  But not me. I stood in the open doorway, scanning the crowd. My gaze landed on Madison, dressed in a sparkling crystal ball gown as she slow danced with Luke, giggling at something he whispered.

  A flash of jealousy twisted my gut. I knew they were just friends, but the sight still irritated me. Forcing my way through the crowd, I positioned myself directly in front of them.

  Yet they seemed to look right through me, oblivious to my presence, like I was a ghost. "I know what you mean, but I can't keep pretending that I haven't found my mate." Luke muttered, his brows drawn together in an agonized expression. "I want to be able to-"

  "So, you have found your mate?" I interrupted, unable to contain my curiosity. "Why hide it? You have been single for so long; you also deserve to be happy. why don't you go spend some time with her? And when the time is right, you can introduce her to us."

  Luke's expression shifted to one of discomfort, his fingers entwined with Madison's gloved ones, the other resting on her waist. "Uh, yes. I... I will make sure to introduce her to you in the future."

  Unable to resist, I rudely shoved him aside, grasping Madison's face in my hands. "Where have you been?" she demanded, irritation spreading across her face.

  "It's nothing, just Alpha duties," I murmured, enjoying the fact that she had noticed my absence. "You know how it is, very stressful and all."

  Madison nodded, appeased. "I'm sorry for asking such a stupid question."

  "No, you are allowed," I assured her, pulling her close to my chest. "You are my fiancée, after all, and we still have a wedding to plan."

  The truth was, I still hadn't brought myself to sign the divorce papers Selena had left me. I didn't want Madison to find out-not when I was so close to finally making her my Luna.

  Capturing her soft lips in a fierce kiss, I trailed down to her neck, only for her to pull away, flustered. "What the hell is wrong with you? We are in public for goodness sake!"

  A scoff escaped my lips. "Can you blame me? I'm a man, darling. I have needs you haven't been fulfilling; I can't remember the last time we had sex."

  She let out an exasperated huff. "You are a literal pig! All you think about is sex. You never take me on dates or do anything romantic when you are very much aware why I can't have sex. I haven't been able to heal from the miscarriage, and I am not ready for another child right now."

  I opened my mouth to say something, but no words came out, and she continued. "Today was supposed to be my birthday, not about how horny you are. You weren't even there when everyone sang to me, and I cut my cake." Her words exploded with frustration. "I want to be left alone," she declared, storming off toward the grand staircase.

  I watched her go, unable to understand her perspective. Didn't she realize I grieved the loss of our child, too? Consumed by frustration, I snatched a tray of cocktails from a passing waiter, downing them one after the other. Demanding more, I tried to drown my sorrows in the burning liquor, desperate to numb the pain.

  Where had everything gone so wrong? I had lost my wife and children, and now my relationship with Madison seemed to be crumbling. Was there no end to my misery?

  The alcohol flowed freely, dulling my senses as I stumbled up the grand staircase, gripping the railing tightly to keep myself upright. The party was winding down, the pack members filtering out of the mansion, but I still hadn't caught sight of Madison since her stormy exit.

  I needed to check on her, make sure she was alright. Staggering down the dimly lit corridor, I reached her door, pausing briefly before pushing it open. The room was dark, except for the faint light of the private bathroom.

  A smile crossed my lips as I caught the sound of running water. Perhaps Madison was taking a shower-an opportunity for me to join her, to see the body I hadn't lavished with attention in far too long.

  Shrugging off my shirt, I tossed it carelessly to the floor, followed by my pants and boxers. With wobbly steps, I approached the bathroom, pulling the door open.

  But the sight that greeted me made my blood run cold.

  Madison was on her knees before the tub, gripping its edge as Luke pounded into her from behind, her loud moans piercing the air.

  I stumbled back a step, a sudden sense of shame coursing through me. I knew I should leave. But I couldn't tear my eyes away from her, from her large, bouncing breasts, the way her hair fell about her shoulders, the way her lips parted as she was rocked back and forth by the force of his thrusts.

  "Fuck, Luke, you are so fucking big," she moaned, her voice loud and clear in the small bathroom.

  I couldn't help but feel a horrifying tendril of jealousy snake around my gut and squeeze as I watched him grip her hips, pulling her back onto his cock as he fucked her harder and harder. I knew I should have been the one making her scream like that, the one making her body tremble with pleasure.

  But instead, I was standing there, completely naked, with my own cock hardening at the sight of her being fucked by another man. It was wrong; I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help it.

  "God, yes, fuck me harder," Madison cried out, her voice growing louder and more desperate with each passing moment.

  Luke was relentless, his hips thrusting back and forth as he drove himself deeper and deeper into her. I could see the sweat glistening on his back, the muscles in his arms bulging as he held onto her, using her body for his own pleasure.

  And Madison, my Madison, loved every moment of it. Her eyes were closed, her head thrown back in ecstasy as she took every inch of him, her body trembling with the force of his thrusts.

  "I'm going to cum, baby," Luke growled, his voice deep and guttural. "I'm going to fill you up with my cum."

  "Yes, yes, do it," Madison begged, her voice a whimpering, needy plea. "I want to feel you cum inside me, I want to have your baby."

  I rubbed my eyes, praying my alcohol-addled mind was playing tricks on me. But the explicit scene refused to disappear, my heart shattering at the realization that my trusted beta was betraying me in the most intimate way.

  Unable to contain my rage, I seized Luke by the shoulder, yanking him away. He shrugged me off, eyes widening in panic as he tried to cover himself.

  "A-Alpha," he stammered.

  "Luke, why did you stop?" Madison whined, shaking her hips temptingly. "I was so close!"

  I shook my head in disgust, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. For years, this bitch had guilt-tripped me, blaming me for the loss of our child. And now I discovered she was cheating with my own beta.

  "How long has this been going on?" I demanded, my voice tight with barely suppressed fury.

  Madison reached for me, her face a mask of false remorse. "Honey, I can explain! It's not what it looks like."

  Her attempt to calm me only served to enrage me further. As she tried to stand, she slipped, crashing back to the floor with a pained grunt.

  "What does it look like, then?" I snapped, my voice rose with each word until I was yelling. "After calling me a pig who only wants sex, you are here fucking my beta?"

  Tears filled her eyes as she trembled. "It's all my fault! I seduced him. Please don't fire Luke-this is on me."

  I let out a sarcastic laugh, disgusted by her pathetic attempts at deflection. "Instead of explaining yourself, you are defending another man? Enough with the crocodile tears," I snarled. "I'm done seeing your manipulative bullshit."

  Turning around, I made to leave, but Luke caught my arm. "Alpha, please let me explain-"

  I cut him off with a brutal punch, the disgusting crack of his nose echoing through the bathroom. "Enjoy yourself, continue fucking my fiancée; I don't give a damn," I yelled, ignoring his painful screams.

  Madison came running after me, still naked. "Honey, I'm sorry! I... I couldn't resist the pull of the mate bond!"

  I froze, the words piercing me like a dagger. "What do you mean, mate bond?" I demanded, my wolf howling in anger inside of me.

  Luke joined us, holding his bleeding nose. "Alpha, I-"

  I didn't let him finish, the realization hitting me over and over like a lead pipe. Madison and Luke were mates. And I was the fool who had been played all along.

  Overcome with a torrent of emotions-rage, betrayal, grief-I could only stare at them in stunned silence, my heart shattering into a million pieces.