After My Alpha Killed My Mother to Save His Mistress

The diplomatic trip to the Lycan King's territory had been grueling. Two weeks of political maneuvering, careful negotiations, and maintaining the perfect image of the Silvercrest Pack. All I wanted was to sink into Julius's arms and forget the stress.

I'd managed to return a day early. A surprise I knew he'd appreciate.

The Pack House smelled of pine and freshly baked bread as I entered, but something felt off. The usual warmth of homecoming was missing.

"He's probably in his office," I murmured to myself, making my way through the familiar corridors.

My wolf, Luna, stirred within me. *Something's wrong*, she whispered.

"It's just been a long trip," I assured her, but she remained agitated.

I pushed open the door to our private quarters, expecting to find Julius waiting. Instead, the room was empty, but the scent hit me like a physical blow.

Cloying. Sickly-sweet. Floral.

It wasn't just another woman's scent. It was an Omega's heat mingled with the distinct musk of post-coital arousal.

Luna growled, the sound rumbling up my throat before I could stop it.

"Paige? You're back early." Julius appeared in the doorway, his shirt half-buttoned. "I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow."

I crossed the room and hugged him, burying my face in his neck. The cedar scent that always calmed me was tainted now, layered with traces of someone else.

"What is that smell on you?" I asked, pulling back to look at him.

His eyes darted away. "Pack business. Some of the Omegas needed... assistance with their quarters. It's been a busy few days."

Luna snarled within me, recognizing the lie. *He smells like sex. Like her.*

"I need a shower," he said, awkwardly pulling away. "Didn't expect you back so soon."

As he turned, I caught sight of something on his neck—a scratch mark, fresh and deep. Not the kind of wound that came from battle or patrol.

"Julius," I said quietly, "what happened to your neck?"

He touched the mark, his expression flickering. "Nothing. Just a branch caught me during border patrol."

But we both knew the lie.

---

The next morning, I headed to Julius's office to file my diplomatic report. The Lycan King had made several suggestions about strengthening our territory's defenses—suggestions Julius needed to hear immediately.

I pushed open the office door without knocking. As Luna, I had that right.

The scene before me froze my blood.

Briella Woods sat behind the Alpha's desk—a place forbidden to Omegas—her fingers drumming casually on the mahogany surface as she barked orders at two senior staff members.

"I need those reports by noon," she was saying, her voice dripping with false authority. "And make sure the northern border patrols are doubled. The Alpha wants it done yesterday."

The staff looked uncomfortable but didn't contradict her.

"Briella." My voice cut through the room like ice. "What exactly are you doing?"

She turned slowly, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Luna Paige! I didn't expect you back so soon."