Claimed by the Alpha’s Lies

"Mom, the ten-year agreement is almost over. Can you finally tell me where Gregory is?"

Laura Mitchell, the former Luna of the Mitchell Pack, hesitated on the other end before letting out a sigh. "Maisie, after all these years, you still haven’t let him go? I thought with Cayden in your life, you might have moved on from the past."

Maisie Robertson, the former Luna of the Mitchell Pack, forced a bitter smile. How could she let go of such a profound love? Gregory Scott, a Gamma warrior from the Scott Pack, had been her mate in every way but the bond. His untimely death had left a void that even her arranged marriage to Quinn Mitchell, the Alpha of the Mitchell Pack, couldn’t fill.

"Mom, we agreed on this a long time ago..."

Noticing Maisie’s resolve, Laura decided not to push further. "Gregory’s ashes are buried in the Alps, near the border of the Scott Pack’s territory."

Finally receiving the information she’d longed for, Maisie felt a flood of joy, her excitement evident. "Thank you, Mom."

Laura added, "Have you talked to the Alpha about it?"

Thinking of Quinn’s indifferent attitude, she chuckled softly. "He’ll be alright with it."

After hanging up, Maisie clutched her phone tightly. As she tried to calm herself, the bedroom door swung open, and Quinn stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.

Maisie helped him to bed, tending to him as a dutiful Luna might, even though the mate bond between them had long since faded.

Quinn opened his bleary eyes to see Maisie. He leaned in to kiss her.

But Maisie turned away, saying, "Tonight’s not the night for that."

Her words halted Quinn’s advances. "Sorry, I drank too much and lost control."

Maisie shook her head politely, helped him change into clean clothes, and lay down beside him. Despite ten years of marriage, their bond was only surface-deep.

They each held someone else in their hearts; Quinn was in love with his stepsister, Kairi Weaver, a rogue werewolf, while Maisie loved Gregory. Unfortunately, pack politics and the Moon Goddess’s will had torn them apart.

Gregory’s untimely death had been a cruel blow, and she hadn’t even gotten to see him one last time before her father, Osiris Vasquez, the Alpha of the Vasquez Pack, pushed her into marrying Quinn.

Laura had promised the location of Gregory’s grave if Maisie agreed to a ten-year contract, during which she was supposed to provide an heir for the Mitchell Pack.

With the birth of Cayden, Maisie’s obligation was essentially fulfilled. The couple established clear boundaries, living separate lives but still physically attached.

Now, Maisie was finally released from her duties. In the dark of night, she wept tears of relief. She had waited so long for this day.

Her joy kept her restless all night. Early the next morning, she prepared to meet with a lawyer to discuss the dissolution of their mate bond.

When she came downstairs, she found Quinn and Cayden getting ready to leave.