After My Mate Sold Me for His Mistress’s Lies

The Black Moon Pack's grand hall buzzed with excitement as I stood beside my mother-in-law, Luna Elouise, watching the spectacle unfold. Tonight was supposed to be a simple welcome ceremony for the pack's new head healer—a formality, nothing more. But the moment Haley Andrews stepped through the massive oak doors, everything changed. She glided in wearing a flowing white dress that seemed to catch every ray of light, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders like a halo. The pack members parted before her like the Red Sea, their faces lighting up with genuine welcome. I felt nothing but a cold knot in my stomach.

Atticus, my Alpha mate and husband of three years, rose from his seat at the high table without a second glance in my direction. 'Haley,' he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. I watched, my face a careful mask of Luna dignity, as he crossed the room in long strides and took her hands in his. 'You've finally come home.'

Home. The word echoed in my mind like a cruel joke. This was my home too, wasn't it? I was his Luna, his mate, bound to him by the Moon Goddess herself. Yet here I stood, abandoned at the high table while my husband gazed at another woman as if she were his salvation.

'She looks like an angel,' whispered a young she-wolf beside me, her eyes wide with romantic awe. 'No wonder the Alpha never forgets her.'

I didn't react. Three years of this—three years of being the Luna in name only—had taught me to absorb these moments like a sponge, letting them soak into my core without changing my expression. But inside, my wolf, Silver, growled low and dangerous.

'That's enough,' I murmured to her through our bond. 'We have a plan now.'

As the ceremony continued and Atticus pulled Haley closer, whispering something that made her laugh, I caught Sienna Park's eye across the room. The mid-ranked she-wolf was practically vibrating with excitement, her dark eyes gleaming with the hunger for gossip that had made her reputation. She was exactly who I needed.

I excused myself with a polite smile to Elouise and made my way through the crowd, feeling the weight of curious stares. They all wondered how the Luna would handle this public humiliation. They would soon learn.

I found Sienna near the refreshment table, already surrounded by a small circle of eager listeners. 'Sienna,' I called softly, and her head whipped around, eyes widening when she saw me. 'A word?'

She followed me to a quiet corner, practically bouncing on her toes. 'Luna Raelyn, do you need something? Are you...okay?' The concern in her voice was genuine, but I could see the thirst for details lurking beneath it.

'Let's cut to the chase,' I said, keeping my voice low. 'You want the real story about what's happening at the high table.'

Her eyes lit up. 'Oh, Luna, I—'

'And I'm willing to give it to you. For a price.'