Alpha's Downfall for Revenge

I adjusted my silver gown over my swollen belly, the fabric stretching uncomfortably across my nine-month pregnant form. The grand hall of Gabriel's pack house buzzed with activity as wolves from allied packs mingled, celebrating another successful territory expansion. My hand instinctively went to the moonstone necklace that hung at my throat—Gabriel's gift when he'd first declared me his mate.

A mate. What a beautiful, sacred word in our world.

I smiled softly, watching Gabriel across the room. His tall, commanding presence drew every eye as he shook hands with the Alpha of the Northern Ridge Pack. My chest swelled with pride. From a small group of rogues to one of the most powerful Alphas in North America—and I had helped him achieve it all. Every resource from my father's Silvermoon Pack, every alliance I'd brokered, every sacrifice I'd made had been worth it for the empire we were building together.

For our pup.

I caressed my belly, feeling a strong kick against my palm. Any day now, our heir would arrive.

"Sophia." Victoria's voice sliced through my thoughts like a cold blade.

I turned to face her, forcing a polite smile. Victoria Hayes, the daughter of Alpha Valerius from the Crimson Ridge Pack. She'd been hovering around Gabriel since we'd formed an alliance with her father's pack three months ago.

"Victoria," I acknowledged with a slight nod, the movement causing a wave of dizziness. I'd been feeling weak all day, but I couldn't miss this ceremony. It was too important to Gabriel.

"These heels are killing me," she complained, gesturing to her stilettos. "I've been standing for hours greeting these boring Alphas."

I noticed Gabriel watching us from across the room, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Perhaps you should sit down," I suggested, uncomfortable with her proximity.

"No, I have a better idea." A smirk twisted her lips as she stepped forward. "I need to rest my feet."

Before I could react, Victoria placed her foot directly onto my swollen belly, pressing down with deliberate force.

Pain exploded through me, sharp and blinding. I gasped, unable to even scream as I felt something tear inside me. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the marble floor, clutching my stomach.

Warm liquid pooled between my legs, soaking through the silver fabric of my gown. Blood. So much blood.

"My pup," I whispered, horror washing over me as pack members scattered in shock. "Gabriel!"

Through the haze of pain, I saw him standing frozen, his eyes locked with Victoria's. He didn't rush to me. He didn't move at all.

Darkness claimed me then, mercifully pulling me under.

* * *

Three days later, I walked slowly up the steps to the pack house, my body still weak from the loss of our pup. The pack healer had finally released me, though she'd warned me to rest. But I needed to see Gabriel. He hadn't visited me once during my recovery.

Surely, he was devastated too. Perhaps too broken to face