Alpha's Betrayal

The magnificent hall of the Silver Fang Pack was filled with expectancy, yet there was also a sense of uneasiness. Trista Valerith, the pack's Luna, looked upright and stately, despite the flutter of anxious energy in her chest. The Elders sat in their high-backed seats, their features etched with age and the weight of their knowledge. Beta Jack, her husband's closest confidant, peered by the window, his face wrinkled. Trista's best friend, Hazel, remained at her side, providing comfort as the minutes passed.

What do you believe this is about? Hazel muttered, her voice low and concerned.

Trista shook her head, her raven-black hair flowing gently. ?" I don't know," she said. ?Liam has been aloof for weeks, but I never expected... this.

Before Hazel could reply, the enormous oak doors groaned open. The boom hushed the room, directing all attention to the entryway. Alpha Liam Kaelthorn moved forward, his wide shoulders and authoritative presence dominating the room. But it wasn't only him. Trista recognized the lady draped over his arm, dressed in a daring costume. Lucinda Raventhorn.

There was an audible collective gasp in the room.

"Liam," one of the Elders, Magnus Thornhaven, started, his voice harsh. What is the significance of this?

Liam's gray eyes searched the room, momentarily focusing on Trista before moving on as if she were a known feature. ?I've summoned you all here,? He stated, his tone steely and uncompromising. "To inform you of a change in leadership within the pack."

Trista's stomach churned. A shift of leadership? What might he mean?

He placed his hand on Lucy's waist, and the sensation was like a dagger twisting in Trista's chest. ?This is Lucy," he said. She is my genuine mate, and starting today, she will take her due role as Luna of the Silver Fang Pack.

The gathering erupted with shocked gasps and whispers.

"Are you my true mate?" Elder Magnus sprang to his feet, his silver beard shaking with rage. ?Liam, is Trista your Luna?Your selected companion for three years! You made an oath to her in front of the pack and the Moon Goddess?

Lucy spoke first, her ice-blue eyes flashing with victory. True mates are the will of the Goddess, Elder. Surely you wouldn't advocate going against Her wishes?? Her voice was lovely, yet there was a distinct undercurrent of smugness.

Trista, stuck in place, sensed her world disintegrating. The man she had loved, who had promised her forever, was now standing before her, announcing his commitment to another.

"Liam," she continued, her voice wavering despite her efforts to stay calm. How could you do it? I've been devoted to you and the flock. I've been at your side through everything.

His look was inscrutable, and his tone lacked passion. This is not about loyalty, Trista. Lucy was my first mate. She was taken away from me, but now she is back, and our relationship is clear.

?Undeniable?? Trista's voice cracked, and wrath surged through her agony. ?You're telling me that three years of marriage and developing a life together mean nothing now that she's back?

"Don't make this any harder than it needs to be," Liam replied dismissively.

Hazel moved forward, her fierce rage on full display. You are making a mistake, Liam. Trista has done everything for this bundle, only for you! And what are you dismissing her for? She stared at Lucy.

Lucy's smile did not waver. Jealousy does not suit you, sweetheart.

?Enough!? Liam's words resonated across the hall, quieting everyone. This is my choice, and it is definitive. Lucy will become Luna. Trista will be... free to go?

You're free to go. The words rang in Trista's thoughts like a funeral knell.

Magnus smashed his fist upon the table. ?Liam Kaelthorn, you are blind to the harm you are inflicting. A split pack is a weakened pack, and you risk losing everything you've built.

Liam ignored him and turned to go. Lucy took one final, victorious look at Trista before following him out.

As the doors shut behind them, the quiet in the room was overwhelming. Trista, still standing in the middle of it all, felt the weight of their glances. Pity. Disbelief. Even rage.

?Trista, Jack remarked, leaning closer to her, his voice soothing. ?Say the word, and I'll challenge him for the championship. He doesn't deserve you.

Trista shakes her head. ?No,? she said gently. This isn't about me anymore. She turned and exited the hall, her mind racing.

---

Back in her apartments, Trista sat by the window, gazing out at the starry forest. The anguish in her chest was excruciating, yet when her hand rested on her tummy, a spark of warmth appeared through the darkness. She closed her eyes, the understanding striking her like lightning.

She was pregnant.

---

The next morning, Trista packed anything she could carry. Hazel entered, her face paler but resolute. 'You don't have to do this,' she murmured.

?I do,? Trista responded, her voice solid for the first time in several hours. ?If I stay, my kids will be pulled into the turmoil. Liam made his decision, and now I'm making mine.

Hazel nodded, tears welling in her eyes. ?Where will you go?

?As far away as I can get. Trista stated. ?Somewhere they will never find me.

---

As darkness struck, Trista snuck out of the pack's area, her heart sad but determined. She did not glance back, even as the wolves howls resonated across the forest.

Liam stood near the glass in the vast hall, far behind her, admiring the moonlight. Lucy approached and wrapped her arms around him.

Is she gone? Lucy inquired, her voice filled with joy.

Liam didn't respond. His gaze remained fixated on the horizon, a shade of doubt cast on his features.

?Good,? Lucy purred as her smile widened. Can we finally begin?

A shadowy creature emerges from the trees, watching Trista depart with calculating eyes. A loud, frightening growl disturbs the calm as the figure vanishes into the darkness.