My Alpha Forced Me to Carry His Gamma’s Baby

The mirror reflected a stranger in the blood-red gown Caden had selected for tonight's anniversary gala. Five years of pretending to be something I wasn't—his Luna, his mate, his everything. My fingers traced the intricate neckline, wondering if he'd chosen this dress because it matched his eyes when he was angry.

"You look beautiful," I whispered to myself, practicing the smile I'd wear when I told him about the baby. After all these years, the Moon Goddess had blessed us with a miracle. The pack doctor had confirmed it just yesterday—a pregnancy that should have been impossible given my suppressed Omega nature.

I touched my still-flat stomach, feeling a flutter of genuine joy beneath years of carefully constructed composure. "Tonight will change everything," I promised my unborn child. "He'll finally see us."

The grand ballroom of the Blood River Pack house glittered with champagne flutes and power players from neighboring territories. As Luna, I'd spent weeks orchestrating this fifth anniversary celebration of Caden's reign. Every detail perfected to showcase his dominance, his vision, his—

"Luna Elizabeth!" Beta Marcus approached with a strained smile. "Alpha Caden requests your presence on the dance floor."

My heart quickened. This was it—our moment to share the news privately before announcing it to the pack. I smoothed my gown and followed Marcus to where Caden stood in his tailored black suit, his dark eyes scanning the crowd with predatory focus.

"Caden," I breathed, taking his extended hand. "I have something important to tell you."

The orchestra began our song—the same melody that had played when he'd first claimed me as his Luna. His hand settled at my waist, possessive as always, but tonight there was something different in his touch. Less warmth. More calculation.

"Elizabeth," he murmured, his voice carrying that edge that always made my wolf whimper. "You've done well with tonight's arrangements."

Before I could respond, the grand doors burst open with a flourish that silenced the music. Every head turned toward the entrance, where a vision in silver stood bathed in moonlight.

Nina Warren.

Even from across the room, her scent hit me like a physical blow—vanilla and something wilder, more intoxicating. She was everything I wasn't—tall, ethereal, with golden hair cascading over bare shoulders and eyes that sparkled with triumph.

"Caden?" I felt him stiffen against me, his hand dropping from my waist so abruptly I nearly stumbled.

"Nina," he breathed, and the sound was reverent in a way he'd never spoken my name.

The crowd parted as she glided toward us, her smile razor-sharp. "Alpha Bishop," she purred, ignoring me completely. "I've returned from my travels abroad. Did you miss me?"

I stood frozen as Caden stepped away, abandoning me in the middle of the dance floor. His scent shifted from the familiar pine and smoke to something desperate, longing—a scent I'd never triggered in him.

"Elizabeth," Beta Marcus whispered urgently from behind me. "Say something."

But what could I say? The truth was written in every line of Caden's