My Mate Betrayed Me for the Lycan Princess

Seven years of lies, forged identities, and breathless escapes had all built up to this single night.

I stood in the center of our luxurious suite at the Crescent Moon Pack, smoothing my hands over the heavy parchment on the mahogany desk. These were the strategic alliance plans I had spent weeks drafting. Every word, every diplomatic clause was carefully designed to impress the Lycan King and solidify our cover as visiting dignitaries.

I, Juliet Morales, was a street-smart rogue with no pack, no family, and no real name to speak of. But tonight, I was a master strategist. This was our masterpiece. Our final job before we could disappear, shed our fake skins, and build a real life together.

I looked over at Reid Wallace. My partner in crime. My chosen mate. He sat on the edge of the velvet sofa, staring intensely at his phone. His thumbs flew across the glowing glass screen.

"Nervous?" I asked softly, crossing the room to wrap my arms around his shoulders.

He stiffened, locking his phone screen instantly. "Just reviewing the guest list," he murmured, his voice distant. He didn't look at me.

"I'm going to get us a drink," I said, kissing the top of his head. "To celebrate. After tonight, no more running. No more sleeping in damp alleys. We'll finally be safe."

Reid offered a tight, forced smile. "Hurry back."

I slipped out of the suite and walked down to the private VIP lounge. I poured two glasses of the most expensive champagne I could find, my heart fluttering with excitement. I hurried back up the stairs, eager to surprise him.

But when I pushed the heavy oak door open, the suite was dead silent. A soft, breathless moan echoed from the bedroom. My inner wolf snapped to attention, the fur on her back rising in immediate distress.

I walked toward the half-open door. The glasses slipped from my fingers, shattering against the hardwood floor.

The sound of breaking glass didn't even stop them.

Reid was in our bed. He was tangled in the expensive silk sheets with a blonde woman. The cloying, sickening scent of vanilla and roses hit my nose—Maren Sanders, the pampered daughter of the Lycan King. The future Luna of North America.

Reid didn't scramble. He didn't panic. He calmly climbed out of the bed, his naked back facing me, and reached for his trousers. Maren smirked, lazily pulling the white sheet over her chest. Her eyes danced with cruel amusement.

"Reid?" my voice cracked. It sounded small. Broken.

He turned around, buttoning his shirt. He ran a hand through his dark hair—his classic tell when he was calculating his next move. But his eyes were entirely cold.

"Don't look so shocked, Juliet," he sneered, his lip curling in disgust. "Did you really think I'd spend the rest of my life with a gutter rogue?"

The words felt like a silver blade driven straight into my chest. "We've been together for seven years," I whispered,