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