My Husband Favored His True Mistress, I Fled

I placed my hand on my still-flat stomach, a smile tugging at my lips as I sat across from Healer Elara in the Crescent Valley infirmary. The scent of healing herbs hung in the air, mingling with the faint antiseptic smell that never quite disappeared from the pack's medical wing.

"Are you certain?" I whispered, hardly daring to believe what she'd just told me.

Elara's weathered face softened, her eyes—wise from decades of serving as our pack's healer—crinkling at the corners. "Absolutely certain, Luna Grace. You're about a month along. The pup's heartbeat is strong."

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision. After two years of trying—after the devastating loss of our first pup—I was finally pregnant again. Inside me, my wolf Luna howled with quiet joy, her silver presence warming my chest.

*We're having a pup, Luna. We're finally having Ryan's pup.*

My wolf nuzzled against my consciousness, but there was something hesitant in her response that I chose to ignore. This was our moment of triumph. After five years as Ryan's mate, after the accident that had taken our first child, this pregnancy would strengthen our bond. It would make me the Luna that Alpha Ryan Sterling truly deserved.

"Thank you," I managed, wiping away tears. "I can't wait to tell Ryan."

Elara patted my hand, her touch gentle. "The Moon Goddess has blessed you, Luna. Rest well and avoid stress. I'll prepare the prenatal herbs you'll need."

I floated through the rest of the day, my hand constantly drifting to my abdomen. I imagined Ryan's face when I told him—how his stern Alpha features would soften, how he'd wrap me in his arms and whisper that he was proud of me. Maybe this time, I'd feel that elusive completeness in our mate bond that had always seemed just out of reach.

* * *

The monthly gathering of the Crescent Valley Pack filled our great hall with laughter and conversation. Fairy lights twinkled from the rafters, casting a warm glow over the festivities. Pack members mingled, sharing stories and moon berry punch, celebrating another month of prosperity under Ryan's leadership.

I'd taken extra care with my appearance tonight, wearing a silver dress that complemented my eyes. My dark hair fell in soft waves past my shoulders, and I'd dabbed vanilla perfume—Ryan's favorite—at my wrists and neck.

I spotted my mate across the room, his broad shoulders and commanding presence drawing eyes wherever he went. My heart fluttered as I approached, carrying two glasses of moon berry punch. One for him, one for me—though mine was alcohol-free, my little secret.

"Ryan," I called softly, close enough that only he would hear. "I have something special to tell you."

He turned, his handsome face lighting up with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Something I'd grown accustomed to over the years, something I'd convinced myself was just the weight of Alpha responsibilities.

That's when it happened.

His voice, thick with alcohol and emotion, crashed into my