Back Again, My Mate Was Cheating On Me

The morning sunlight streamed through the gossamer curtains of my chamber, casting a golden glow across the polished wooden floor. I stood before the ornate mirror, my fingers gently caressing the slight swell of my belly—the first visible sign of the heir growing within me. My reflection smiled back at me, eyes bright with hope and anticipation.

"Sarah, you look radiant," came a soft voice from the doorway. My sister Melissa stood there, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "The pack's future Luna and mother-to-be."

"Thank you, Melissa," I replied warmly, turning to face her. "I'm so excited. In just a few months, I'll be holding my little one."

She crossed the room and placed her hands on my shoulders, her touch lingering a moment too long. "Ryan must be so proud. The perfect Alpha with the perfect Luna and the perfect heir."

Something in her tone made me pause, but I dismissed it as sibling envy. Melissa had always been sensitive about living in my shadow.

"I should check on the preparations for tonight's ceremony," I said, moving toward the door. "The elders expect the Luna to oversee the blessing ritual."

As I passed her, I caught a whiff of something familiar—Ryan's distinctive cedar-and-sage scent clinging to her clothes. My steps faltered for just a moment.

"Is everything alright, Sarah?" Melissa asked, her voice dripping with false concern.

"Yes, of course," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just thinking about all I need to do before the ceremony."

I made my way through the pack house, nodding at the warriors and pack members who bowed their heads respectfully as I passed. The weight of my position as Luna sat comfortably on my shoulders. I had been raised for this role, daughter of Corbin Vance, the pack's most celebrated warrior.

My father had taught me everything about honor and duty, about serving the pack with unwavering loyalty. When Ryan had chosen me as his Luna three years ago, Father had been proud. "You'll make a fine leader at his side," he had said.

I paused at the doorway of Ryan's study, intending to discuss the ceremony with him. Voices drifted through the partially open door—Ryan's low murmur and a feminine laugh I instantly recognized.

"You're sure she suspects nothing?" Ryan's voice was tense.

"Completely oblivious," Melissa replied. "She's too busy planning nursery colors to notice what's happening right under her nose."

I froze, my hand halfway raised to knock.

"After the birth, it will be simple," Ryan continued. "A tragic accident during her recovery. The pack will mourn, but they'll accept you as the new Luna quickly enough."

"And our child?" Melissa asked, her voice soft with anticipation.

"Will be raised as the heir," Ryan confirmed. "No one will question it."

The world tilted beneath my feet. My knees threatened to buckle as I backed away from the door, one hand pressed against my mouth to stifle any sound.

Somehow, I made it back to my chambers without collapsing. Once