When My Mate Tried to Kill Our Sickly Pup

The morning of the Moon Festival arrived with a crisp autumn chill that seeped through the pack house windows. I stood in the kitchen, my hands deep in flour, directing the Omega staff as they prepared the traditional feast. My back ached from hours of bending over the oven, but I ignored the discomfort. Five years of this routine had taught me to endure.

"Luna Hazel, the wine glasses need polishing," a young Omega girl whispered, her eyes downcast as she approached me.

"Thank you, Lily," I replied softly, taking the glasses from her trembling hands. "You've done wonderful work today."

The girl's eyes widened slightly—she wasn't used to kindness from anyone, let alone the Luna. Though I doubted most pack members would call me that anymore. Not really.

From my position near the kitchen doorway, I could see pack members milling about the courtyard, setting up decorations for tonight's celebration. None of them spared me a glance. To them, I was invisible—the wolfless Luna who couldn't even produce a healthy heir.

My gaze drifted across the garden where Killian stood with Brittany. My mate and my step-sister. They made a striking pair—his dark hair gleaming in the morning light, her blonde curls cascading down her back as she leaned into him. I watched as he whispered something in her ear, his hand possessively sliding down her waist.

Something twisted in my chest. Not jealousy—I'd moved beyond that months ago—but a cold, hard recognition of what was coming.

Without thinking, I stepped outside, wiping my flour-dusted hands on my apron. "Killian," I called softly.

They both turned, Brittany's lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Hazel," she purred. "Shouldn't you be finishing the preparations? The festival starts in a few hours."

Killian's expression hardened as he looked at me. "Get back to work," he ordered, his Alpha tone vibrating through the air between us. "The staff needs direction, and you're neglecting your duties."

"I wanted to discuss—" I began.

"Now, Luna," he cut me off, emphasizing my title with mockery. "We have important matters to attend to."

Brittany giggled, pressing herself closer to him. "Don't worry, Hazel. I'll take care of everything... including your mate."

I swallowed the retort that rose to my lips and returned to the kitchen, my knuckles white as I gripped the edge of the counter.

Hours later, the great hall buzzed with excitement. Pack members and visiting dignitaries filled the room, their voices creating a dull roar that matched the pounding in my head. I stood in the shadows, watching as Killian took the stage.

"Tonight," he began, his voice commanding the room, "we celebrate not only the Moon Festival but a new beginning for the Silverclaw Pack."

A murmur rippled through the crowd as he pressed a button on a remote. The massive screen behind him flickered to life, displaying a pre-recorded video.

My blood froze as I recognized the setting—Killian's private chambers. And there, in vivid detail, was my mate