My Alpha Left Me Bleeding to Protect His Mistress

The Moonstone Pack's grand hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and silver decorations. I smoothed down my midnight blue gown, still hardly believing the appointment was real. Lead Strategist for the Lycan King's Council—me, Vivian Ferguson, the girl who'd spent seven years organizing pack schedules and managing territories from the shadows.

"Luna Vivian!" Another pack member approached with a glass of champagne. "You've made us all so proud!"

I smiled graciously, accepting the drink. "Thank you. I'm still processing it myself."

From across the room, Scott caught my eye. My mate, my Alpha, my everything for the past seven years. He looked handsome in his tailored suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention. He made his way toward me, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease.

"There's my brilliant Luna," he said loudly enough for nearby guests to hear. He took my hand, raising it to his lips. "The Moonstone Pack couldn't be prouder."

The room erupted in applause. I basked in the moment, in his pride, in the public acknowledgment of our partnership.

"To new beginnings," Scott announced, raising his glass. "To my incredible mate and her remarkable achievement."

Everyone cheered. I smiled, leaning into his embrace—but something made me glance past his shoulder.

That's when I saw her.

Rebecca Daniels stood in the shadows near the back of the hall, her lavender dress almost blending with the darkness. Our eyes met for just a moment before Scott turned, his gaze immediately finding hers across the room.

Something passed between them—a look, a feeling, something I couldn't quite name but that made my wolf stir uneasily within me.

"Scott?" I whispered.

"Hmm?" He turned back to me, but his eyes were already scanning the crowd again. "Just making sure everything's running smoothly."

Later that night, I slipped into our bedroom, still buzzing with excitement. "This calls for a proper celebration," I said, approaching Scott as he loosened his tie.

I reached for him, my fingers tracing the buttons of his shirt. "I want to thank you properly for all your support."

"Vivian." He gently caught my wrists. "Not tonight, love."

"Is everything okay?"

"Just tired." He kissed my forehead. "The relocation logistics have been... complicated. Let's save our celebration for when we're settled in the West."

I nodded, swallowing the disappointment. "Of course."

---

Three days later, I was organizing files in Scott's office when the courier arrived.

"Package for Alpha Webb," the young wolf said, placing a small box on the desk. "Marked urgent."

"He's in a meeting with the Beta," I replied. "I'll make sure he gets it."

The courier nodded and left. I glanced at the package: "Urgent - Alpha Eyes Only" stamped in red ink.

My heart skipped. Was this about our relocation? The Council had been sending documents for weeks, but Scott insisted on handling all the arrangements himself.

"Just a peek," I murmured to my wolf, who whined anxiously.

I carefully opened the box. Inside lay a small velvet