Benedetta

After recovering from the traumatic attack by the Rogues from the north, I walked through the corridors of the pack hospital. My steps halted when I heard a familiar voice.

“Increase the Wolfsbane dosage to weaken her wolf’s strength. This is a direct order from your Alpha.” The voice was commanding and left no room for argument. “I want Luna completely stripped of her powers after this, Dr. Morris.”

Curiosity piqued, I stepped closer. Through the crack in the door, I saw Arlott gently brushing Bianca Jackson’s hair, the new omega recently recruited into our pack. I’d been observing her since her arrival. Bianca possessed everything I lacked: youth, extraordinary beauty, and a cunning nature capable of manipulating even the sharpest of wolves.

“Make sure to monitor the health of the mother and the baby she’s carrying,” Arlott continued. “Report every development directly to me.”

I froze, my blood running cold. Never had I imagined that Arlott-my mate, the Alpha of the Ambersky Pride Pack, the man who had sworn to love and protect me, could betray me so cruelly.

“Listen, Bianca,” Arlott’s deep baritone voice was clear and unfeeling. “My plan is nearly complete. Once Luna Benedetta loses her wolf abilities, you will take her place at my side. Together, we’ll have a child who will inherit this pack, and Ambersky Pride will rise to become the strongest in this realm.”

My heart sank, shattered into pieces that could never be mended. My eyes widened in disbelief, but my body remained frozen.

“Are you sure Luna won’t suspect anything, Alpha Arlott?” Bianca’s voice was soft and sweet, dripping with faux innocence.

Arlott chuckled lightly, relishing the brilliance of his deception. “She trusts me too much. She’s just a fragile Luna. This is all for the future of the pack; she’ll understand, whether she likes it or not.”

Dazed and heartbroken, I wandered aimlessly through the hospital garden, the weight of his words pressing heavily on my chest. When I finally returned to my room, I found Arlott pacing by the stretcher. His expression shifted the moment he noticed me.

“Oh, thank to the Moon Goddess. I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You even blocked our mind-link connection.”

“I felt suffocated in here,” I replied, my voice calm despite the storm within me. “So I went to the garden to get some fresh air.”

He smiled, feigning sweetness and concern. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to confront him. I had seen him with Bianca, heard their plans. How could he act as if nothing had happened?

As Luna, descended from a noble lineage of former Alphas, I had always been considered an asset to the pack. But now, the truth lay bare; I was nothing more than a pawn in Arlott’s grand scheme.

I struggled to breathe, my chest tightening painfully. How could the man I believed to be my fated mate speak such vile words? Wasn’t the bond between mates sacred? Wasn’t love supposed to be more than cold calculations and ruthless plans?

The days that followed blurred into a haze of confusion and bitterness. They transferred me back to the packhouse under the guise of comfort and care. The omegas assigned to tend to me spoke endlessly of Arlott’s virtues.

“Alpha Arlott is the perfect man,” Emily, one of the omegas, gushed while tidying my room. “He ordered the best medicines for you, Luna. He even stayed up all night when you were injured. It’s clear how much he loves you.”

Her companion, Anne, nodded enthusiastically as she replaced the empty IV bag beside me. “He even scolded a new omega for bringing the wrong flowers. He remembered you dislike tulips, Luna. Isn’t that proof of how thoughtful he is?”

I forced a faint smile, swallowing the bitterness brewing in my chest. They didn’t know the truth. They only saw the mask Arlott wore; the perfect Alpha, the devoted mate. The love they spoke of was nothing but a carefully crafted illusion.

That night, Arlott entered my room with the same warm smile that once comforted me. Now, it made my skin crawl.

“Luna Benedetta, my love,” he greeted softly, his tone dripping with false affection.

Behind him, Dr. Tripp Morris, the Ambersky Pride pack doctor, stood silently at the side of my bed. He followed Arlott’s orders without question. In his hands, he held a syringe and a small vial filled with thick, purple liquid.

“Dr. Morris will administer an injection to help you recover more quickly,” Arlott said, turning to the doctor with an approving nod.

As the syringe hovered just inches from my skin, instinct took over. Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I pulled my hand away. But Arlott’s grip was swift and unrelenting. He held me firmly, his strength far beyond my own in my weakened state.

“This is the same injection as before,” I whispered, my voice trembling with fear and desperation. “After receiving it, I couldn’t feel my senses. Please, don’t do this to me, Alpha Arlott.”

Arlott sighed, his tone patronizing, as if placating a stubborn child. “Benedetta, you need to trust me. This will speed up your recovery. If you want to become the mother of our heir, you must regain your strength.”

His words cut deeper than any blade ever could. He knew how much I longed for a child, how fervently I had prayed to bear a strong heir for Ambersky Pride. Now, he wielded that longing like a cruel weapon.

“No! Please, I’m begging you, Alpha!” A sudden surge of defiance burst within me. I grabbed the syringe and hurled it across the room, where it clattered against the wall.

Arlott’s expression darkened. The warmth he feigned disappeared, replaced by a cold fury that flickered in his eyes. But it was fleeting. In the blink of an eye, he masked his anger with unnerving composure.

“Luna Benedetta…” he said evenly, his voice steady and chilling. “I only want what’s best for you. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

A wave of helplessness washed over me as he unleashed his Alpha Command, his voice carrying the full weight of his authority. My body froze, betraying me entirely. The lingering effects of the Wolfsbane only made it worse.

Before I could muster a response, the world around me blurred and dissolved into darkness.

Benedetta

When I opened my eyes, the glaring white glow of hospital neon lights blinded my vision. My entire body felt heavy, as if burdened by an unseen weight. Struggling, I tried to move, attempting to sense the air around me.

Panic coursed through my veins as my breathing quickened. I couldn’t feel the sharpness of my wolf senses. The heat of auras passing beyond the door and the bland scent of their presence filled my dulled perception, leaving me questioning.

What have they done to me?

Before I could piece it together, the door creaked open. Arlott entered, followed closely by Dr. Morris.

“My love,” he said gently, his voice as soft as a whisper that once comforted me but now felt like a cold knife cutting through my heart.

“What… what happened to me, Alpha Arlott?” I asked, my voice trembling.

Arlott hesitated for a moment, then handed over the medical records in his hand. His eyes looked exhausted, but there was something strange behind his gaze. It wasn’t the loving tenderness I once knew; it was something else, something I couldn’t decipher.

“Dr. Morris discovered significant changes in your womb,” he explained, his voice low. “I… I had to make a decision for you because your life was at stake. I couldn’t bear to lose you, my Luna.”

His words cut through my soul. I had not only lost the strength of my wolf but also the greatest dream of my life, to become a mother. Yet there was something unsettling in the way he spoke, a dissonance that gnawed at me. His hand cupped my face gently, but the touch no longer offered safety or warmth.

“I want to be alone,” I said flatly, my voice devoid of emotion.

Arlott stood there silently, his expression unreadable. Before he could respond, the door opened again. Bianca stepped in, carrying a basket of fresia flowers, her small smile lighting up her face.

“I’m here on behalf of the omegas to visit you, Luna Benedetta,” she said cheerfully. Her voice was sweet, but every word she spoke rang with a sharp edge of suspicion in my ears.

Bianca was the new star among the omegas in our pack. Beautiful, charming, and adept at capturing the attention of every he-wolf, including Arlott. I had always tried to push aside the notion, reassuring myself that Arlott was my mate, my true mate. But now, doubt stormed through me.

“Thank you, Omega Bianca,” I replied softly, forcing myself to remain polite. I turned to Arlott. “Alpha Arlott, I truly need to rest now.”

Yet Bianca did not leave. She settled into the chair beside my bed while Arlott remained standing at my side. “I’ll assist Alpha Arlott if he needs anything,” she said with an innocent smile. But I knew, there was nothing innocent about that smile.

I closed my eyes, pretending to sleep. Beneath the covers, I felt Arlott’s hand gently massaging my shoulder, a gesture that usually comforted me. This time, it felt empty, devoid of love and warmth.

Not long after, Bianca moved to the sofa, crossing her legs gracefully. Her movements were fluid, like a soft breeze, but I could feel the energy radiating from her. Her foot brushed against Arlott’s under the small table with a deliberate motion.

I wanted to leap up and scream, but my body refused to move. My heart shattered into pieces, yet I knew I had to remain calm. I suppressed the surge of emotions, determined to see just how deep this betrayal ran.

I peeked as Bianca grew bolder. She stood and walked over to join Arlott by the window. Her hand brushed lightly against his shoulder. In the reflection of the wardrobe’s glass, I could see everything clearly.

Arlott turned abruptly, grabbing her hand in a swift motion. “Stop it,” he hissed quietly but firmly.

But Bianca only smiled, leaning in to whisper something in his ear. I couldn’t hear her words, but I saw the way Arlott’s jaw tightened, his eyes flicking toward me to ensure I remained ‘asleep’.

Eventually, they left the room. The door closed softly, and I opened my eyes fully. Anger and pain swirled within me like a storm. Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I decided to follow them.

The hospital corridor was eerily quiet, illuminated only by faint overhead lights. Slowly, I crept along, peering around the corner. At the end of the hall, I saw them, Bianca and Arlott. Bianca stood too close, her hand draped casually around Arlott’s neck.

“I told you, don’t do this in front of Benedetta,” Arlott said, his tone low but firm. He looked frustrated, yet not entirely resistant. His hand rested on Bianca’s waist, as if trying to push her away; but without conviction.

Bianca smiled, her face inches from his. “You’re too tense, Alpha,” she whispered. “We can enjoy this moment. She’s fast asleep; no one will ever know.”

Before Arlott could respond, Bianca stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. It lasted only seconds before Arlott jerked away, gripping her neck roughly.

“I said enough!” he hissed. But Bianca wasn’t intimidated. She gently touched his chest, her smile unwavering.

“You know you can’t resist me, Alpha Arlott. I’ve given you everything. I even… carry your blood.” Her hand rested on her stomach, the motion delicate yet laden with meaning.

“You always have a way of breaking my resolve, Bianca.”

This time, it was Arlott who initiated the intimacy. He deepened the kiss with Bianca, one hand supporting her weight as she leaned into him.

I hated them. Twice betrayed, my eyes were now wide open. By whatever force exists, I prayed that the Moon Goddess would witness my suffering.

Benedetta

“Take it slow, Alpha Arlott. Our baby is still so young.”

“Shut up and just moan for me.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. The disgusting sight in front of me, the sounds they made; it was too much. I ran, but even as I fled, their voices echoed in my ears like a cruel, unending taunt.

Tears streamed down my face as I clung to the cold walls, trying to keep myself upright. My body was weak, trembling from the pain, until my legs finally gave out. I collapsed to the floor, utterly defeated.

As I struggled to pull myself together, a man appeared out of nowhere, his voice full of concern. “Are you all right, lady? Someone, help her!”

Soon, a few nurses rushed over. One of them placed a hand on my shoulder. “Luna Benedetta, we’ll get you back to your room.”

I let them guide me, my strength completely gone. Once alone, I cried until there was nothing left in me, and then I sank into the bed, exhausted.

When I woke, everything still felt heavy; my body, my heart, even the air around me. The November chill seeped into the room, making my already frail body feel even weaker. I reached for a cup of tea on the bedside table, my hands trembling as I brought it to my lips.

I sat there in silence, praying to the Moon Goddess for strength. Just enough to face whatever came next.

But the peace didn’t last long. The door opened, and in walked Bianca. She looked smug, her head held high and her lips curled into a grin that made my stomach churn.

“Oh, Luna Benedetta. You’re still alive this morning, I see,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery.

I looked up at her, forcing my expression to stay calm. “As you can see, a snake bite won’t kill me.”

Her laugh was cold and condescending. She leaned in closer, her face just inches from mine. “I just wanted to make sure you’re still around to see it. The warmth you once had? It’ll belong to me soon enough.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral even though I already knew the answer.

She tilted her head, smiling like she was talking to a clueless child. “Me and Alpha Arlott, of course. We’ve been together for two years. He loves me. Maybe it’s time you let go and set him free.”

Two years. Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. All those moments, all his promises, they were lies. I felt my chest tighten, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.

“Oh, I see,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “Tell me, Bianca…do you always take in secondhand goods?”

Her smug expression faltered for a moment. “What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t do leftovers.”

“But you are,” I said, letting my words sink in. “You’ve latched onto Arlott, discarded as he is, and you’re flaunting it like a prize. Don’t you find that funny?”

Her face hardened, but she quickly recovered. “Listen, you fool. Arlott adores me. He was with me the night you bled. I’m the one who turned off his phone because he was too busy… with me.”

My grip tightened on the blanket as I fought to keep my composure.

“And next week,” she continued with a smirk, “we’ll have our Mating Ceremony. We’re also blessing our first descendant. It’s going to be beautiful. Make sure you come to watch, Luna.”

I stared at her, letting her think she’d won, then finally spoke. “You’re unbelievable,” I said, my voice soft but cutting. “I pulled you out of that omega auction, and this is how you repay me? You’re just a snake in the grass.”

Her smile wavered for a split second before she straightened. “Oh, Luna, you’re so naïve. This world isn’t kind to women like you. Never trust another woman.”

Slowly, I stood, my legs shaking but steady. I walked up to her, meeting her gaze head-on. “Do you think your words scare me? You don’t know a thing about me.”

Her confidence faltered. “What are you talking about?”

I smiled faintly. “I know something about you that even Arlott doesn’t.”

Her face turned pale, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t find the words.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” I said, turning away. “Maybe it’ll make your Mating Ceremony even more memorable.”

I left her standing there, frozen, and returned to my bed.

Once she was gone, I let the tears fall again. Memories of that awful night flooded back; the searing pain, my wolf’s cries, the desperate calls to Arlott that went unanswered.

The next day, he came back, pretending to care, his eyes red and filled with fake guilt. I saw through it now, but back then, I believed him.

But I’m done hoping. My heart is numb, frozen.

The next morning, Arlott was sitting by my bed. He held my hand, his face filled with concern. When I opened my eyes, he pulled me into his arms.

“You’re awake,” he said softly. “You scared me. Dr. Morris said you fainted from dehydration.”

I stared at him, his fake empathy making my skin crawl. I didn’t move, didn’t speak. He frowned, waiting for me to react, but I wouldn’t give him what he wanted.

“Save your concern,” I said coldly. “I don’t need it, Alpha.”