Rejected by My Mate, Claimed By His Enemy

"Are you planning to surprise Alpha Lance, Lady Cassie?"

"Yes," I replied softly, my fingers cradling the small wooden carving I'd spent days perfecting. "I carved this myself. I want it to be meaningful. Something to show him how much he means to me."

A proud, content smile tugged at my lips. Today marked eight years with Lance, and he was preparing our anniversary celebration tonight!

Eight years of standing by his side. Through battles, wounds, council politics, and sleepless nights. I had given him everything. My heart, my loyalty, my youth.

"Congratulations on your anniversary, Lady Cassie," the maid said, bowing slightly.

"Thank you. Could you prepare my dress for tonight? I want to look my best for him."

She nodded and scurried off, leaving me alone in the dressing room. I placed the carving, a crescent moon with our initials, into a red velvet box.

Soon, Lance and I would be fully bound. The Luna ceremony was expected to be announced any day now.

I chose a white silk dress that shimmered under the candlelight, one Lance had once said made me look like a goddess.

I ran a comb through my dark hair and added a touch of perfume he'd gifted me last winter. Tonight would be perfect.

I spotted Beta Damien near the courtyard, overseeing arrangements.

"Have you seen Lance?"

He stiffened, avoiding my gaze. "I... I'm not sure where he is, Lady Cassie. Perhaps he's in the Den."

The Den of Shadows. Reserved for high-ranking wolves, warriors, and of course, the Alpha.

I thanked him and made my way there, confused by his tension. The corridors leading to the Den were dim and quiet, the scent of burning wood and incense thick in the air.

I raised my hand to knock, but froze.

Because I heard voices.

"Alpha Lance, how are you planning to tell Lady Cassie that this whole preparation isn't for your anniversary... but for Arielle's return?"

Every muscle in my body locked.

Wait...what?

"I'm not," Lance replied, voice low and soulless. "Let her find out with the rest of them."

"But she's your mate."

He scoffed. "Cassie's nothing more than a convenience. She was loyal, sure, and useful for a while. But now that Arielle's back, and carrying my child, Cassie's role is finished here."

My knees nearly gave out. No...

"She's not even of noble blood," another voice sneered. "Arielle's lineage dates back to the original High Blood packs. She was always meant to stand beside an Alpha."

"That's why she'll be my Luna," Lance said flatly. "Cassie will understand. Or she won't. Doesn't matter. I just used her anyway. It's good to **** her. You all should try her sometime."

I stumbled back from the door, my breath shattering into sharp, uneven gasps.

Arielle. That name.

The last I heard, she had left the territory years ago to train in one of the royal courts. Rumors swirled that she had power, bloodline, and ambition. I never thought she'd come back, let alone steal everything from me.

And Lance... Lance had been hiding this. Hiding her.

And a child.

I clutched my chest as my wolf whimpered inside me, her cries echoing in my head.

My wolf snarled, pacing inside me, torn between mourning and murder. He betrayed us, she howled. He chose her. A liar. A snake.

I ran.

I didn't care who saw me. My legs carried me back to the pack house like they had a mind of their own.

Once inside, I collapsed onto the floor.

The velvet box opened on impact, revealing the necklace I had lovingly carved. A symbol of us.

Now meaningless!

I sat in silence, trembling, tears running down my cheeks.

Eight years. Eight years I had devoted to a man who saw me as disposable. Who was ready to cast me out for status and bloodline.

I hadn't been marked. Not yet. He always said he was waiting for the Luna ceremony.

Now I knew why.

"Cassie, darling, are you here?"

Lance's voice cut through the air.

I wiped my tears, calming myself. I stood tall, slipping the box beneath a nearby table.

"Yes," I replied calmly.

He walked in, tilting his head. "Were you crying?"

I forced a laugh. "Just emotional. It's our anniversary, after all."

He looked at me, disinterested. "You should start preparing. Tonight's important."

Then he turned and left.

No kiss. No embrace.

Just orders.

That night, the ceremony began. Music swelled, candles flickered, and the pack gathered under the moon.

Lance stood beside me, his hand casually draped around my waist as if nothing was a problem.

He leaned close, whispering, "Happy anniversary, darling. You should smile and enjoy it."

So I did.

But I felt like I was choking on every breath.

Because I knew what this celebration was really for.

"Excuse me... I need to go to the bathroom."

I didn't wait for his response. I immediately pulled my hands away from his and walked off. He didn't follow me, and honestly, I didn't care.

I was halfway through jogging when someone suddenly bumped into me. Or maybe... they were the one who ran into me.

"Ouch. Watch where you're going, you *****!"

The shrill voice pierced through the hallway, followed by the loud click of designer heels.

I turned slowly, already knowing who it was.

Her glossy lips curled into a smug smile as her eyes raked over me like I was something she scraped off her shoe.

"Oh, look. The placeholder," she said with a mocking tilt of her head.

"Arielle," I muttered through clenched teeth, trying to keep my cool. "What do you want?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she strutted closer until she was right in my face, the sharp scent of her expensive perfume clashing with the stifling tension between us.

Her manicured nails reached up and she grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking it back so hard I winced.

"To watch you fall," she whispered sweetly, "To watch you crash and burn like the pathetic little stand-in you are."

I tried to pull away, but her grip tightened.

"You think Lance actually cares about you?" she sneered, eyes blazing. "You're just a distraction. A joke. A warm body he uses when I'm not around."

I opened my mouth to retort, but she was faster, leaning in so only I could hear the next cruel whisper.

"He moans my name when he's with you, doesn't he?"

My stomach twisted. She laughed, low and cruel, clearly enjoying my reaction.

"Don't flatter yourself, Cassie. You'll never be me. You don't have the looks, the class, or the history. Lance and I, we're inevitable. You? You're just a phase."

She shoved me back roughly, still gripping my hair, and I stumbled before regaining my balance.

Then she turned to the crowd and raised her voice.

"Everyone, I have an announcement!"

Silence fell.

She slowly walked toward Lance. I watched in horror as she reached for his hand.

He didn't resist.

He smiled when he saw her.

"I'm pregnant," she said, her voice rich with pride. "And I will be claiming Alpha Lance as my mate!"