BETRAYED BY MY ALPHA

Chapter one

Selene's pov

My heart was beating so fast, I thought it might burst right out of my chest. This was the night I had been dreaming of for years - Nathan being named the new Alpha of Nightfall pack!

I smoothed my hands down the soft fabric of my dress, unable to stop fidgeting. The ceremonial hall was packed full of our packmates, drinking and laughing and cheering loudly. Anticipation crackled through the air like lightning.

Finally, Nathan strode up onto the stage, his muscular frame radiating power and confidence. A hushed silence fell as he raised one hand, then gestured for quiet with that signature smile that always made my insides melt.

"Thank you, my beloved Nightfallers," he called out in that rich, commanding tone. "I am humbled and honored to take on the mantle of your alpha."

The crowd exploded into roars of approval. I couldn't breathe from the pride swelling in my chest. This was my best friend since childhood, the male I had given up my own birthright to lead for. Because I knew he would make the perfect alpha.

I clasped my hands tightly, a giddy smile stretching my lips as Nathan waited for the commotion to die down again. This was it - he was about to announce me as his mate, his luna to rule by his side. My eyes stung with happy tears as he continued speaking.

"But no true alpha can rule alone," Nathan proclaimed, his voice carrying through the hushed hall. "The moon goddess has shown me the way, and granted me my fated mate to lead our pack into a glorious future."

Here it comes! I squeezed my eyes shut briefly as my stomach clenched with excitement. When I opened them, Nathan would be looking at me, that gorgeous face alight with pure love.

"A powerful she-wolf...Mia Fobos!"

The bottom dropped out of my world. The air punched from my lungs as if I'd been kicked in the gut. My head whipped around, dizzy confusion gripping me as I saw my supposed best friend rising with a triumphant smirk.

No...no this couldn't be happening! She sidled up to Nathan, nuzzling against him like she belonged plastered at his side. And the way he draped his arm around her waist, watching her with warmth in his eyes...

A strangled cry burst from my lips before I could stop it. I shoved out of my seat, tripping and stumbling down the aisle as my legs turned to rubber. Black spots swam in my vision, faces leering all around me.

"Nathan, how could you do this to me?" I cried out, anguish ripping through me as I finally reached the stage. "After I gave up my throne for you? You promised to make me your luna!"

The rumbling of Nathan's laughter was like a mocking dagger to my heart. He released Mia and started down the steps towards me, that infuriatingly arrogant sneer twisting his beautiful, chiseled features.

"My dear Selene," he purred in that velvet voice that used to make me weak in the knees. "This is what you deserve after your treachery."

"Treachery?" I could only gape at him, panic and confusion clouding my thoughts as mutters spread through the crowd. "What...what treachery? Nathan, you have to believe me, I would never betray you or our pack!"

I spun in a desperate circle, looking for any support or friendly face. But I found only hard eyes and disgusted frowns, even from my own family. Like I had committed some unforgivable crime.

"Please!" I begged, hot tears streaming down my cheeks as I clutched at Nathan. "You all know me! You know I'm not capable of whatever you think I've done!"

"Enough of your lies, you deceitful snake!"

Mia's shrill voice sliced through me like a whip crack. I recoiled as if struck, shrinking back from the look of pure malice blazing in her eyes.

"Don't bother denying it, Selene," she taunted, plush lips twisted into a cruel smirk. "I grew tired of your secrets long ago. Sneaking off to rut with those filthy rogue kings every night?"

I shook my head hard, choking on a sob. Shock and hurt were swiftly curdling into simmering anger and hatred towards this...this witch who had been my closest friend since birth.

"No! You know that's not true, Mia!" I wailed, fists clenching at my sides as burning humiliation flushed my skin. "I would never betray my pack, my alpha like that! How could you...?"

The rest of my words caught in my throat as Mia merely threw back her head and cackled, the sound raising goosebumps along my arms. My stomach churned queasily - how had I never seen this monstrous side of her before?

"Let's settle this farce, shall we?" she crowed, snatching up a glass of wine and sloshing some into a grimy goblet. "If our darling Selene is innocent, she'll be able to drink this and remain upright. If not..."

The cruel twist of her lips said it all. She held out the tainted cup, daring me to drink it with those glittering, heartless eyes. Part of me wanted to knock it aside, to attack her and wipe away that smug expression once and for all.

But a larger, wearier part of me knew this was likely my only chance to prove my innocence. I looked around at the hard, condemning stares of the pack I had grown up with, played with, trained with. These were people who had known me my whole life, and they had all turned on me in an instant because of Mia's vicious lies.

Dejected, defeated, I reached out with a trembling hand to take the goblet from Mia's grasp. If the goddess was truly on my side, she would protect me now.

I brought the glass to my lips, shooting one last beseeching look at Nathan over the rim. He stared back, cold and impassive in the face of my misery. With barely contained sobs racking my body, I swallowed the tainted wine in one burning gulp.

For a timeless moment, the world seemed to still. I held my breath, back rigid as I waited for the judgment of the moon goddess herself.

And then...a sickening lurch in my stomach preceded my legs crumpling beneath me. I crashed into the hard floor in a bone-jarring heap as the world spun and tilted violently.

Dimly, I heard the roars of vindicated approval and mocking laughter washing over me. My throat burned from the vile liquid I had just consumed.

But nowhere near as much as my shattered heart and broken soul.

I had loved Nathan from the moment I knew what love was. He had been my best friend, my soulmate, my everything. And he had just destroyed me.

As darkness crept in around the edges of my vision, the last thing I saw was the vicious glint of wicked glee in Mia's beady eyes as she stared down at my prone, defeated form.Nathan ordered the guards to take me to the pack dungeon.

Chapter two

Selene pov

I was stuck in that gross, wet dungeon. My body hurts bad from the nasty poison inside me. I couldn't feel Ezra, my wolf buddy, anymore. We used to share a tight bond, but now it was gone.

"Ezra? You there?" I whispered, my voice barely a peep.

No answer, just dead silence pressing down on me. I hugged my knees tight, fighting back tears.

"This wasn't s'posed to happen," I mumbled, voice shaky. "The Moon Lady...she wouldn't ditch me like this, right?"

Footsteps echoed down the hall. The cell door creaked open, bright light pouring in.

"Get up," a rough voice barked. "Alpha wants you."

I struggled to my feet, wobbly legs barely holding me up. Two big guards grabbed my arms in a vise grip, dragging me out and down the twisty passages.

Memories hit me hard - Nathan's warm hugs, his soft kisses, the sparkle in his eyes when he looked at me. And Mia...my so-called bestie who knew all my secrets. How could I have been so blind?

We reached the courtyard, the whole pack gathered there. Hundreds of faces, some curious, some downright mean. I searched for a friendly face, someone kind.

Nothing.

Nathan stepped forward, stone-cold expression. My heart clenched as his icy stare hit me.

"Selene Wells," he said, voice booming. "You betrayed the Nightfall Pack. For your crimes, you're banished. No rank, no privileges."

His words stabbed me like a knife. The guards were all that kept me standing.

"No..." I rasped, shaking my head hard. "Nathan, listen! It's all messed up!"

He didn't flinch, face frozen like rock.

"Take her away," he ordered, turning his back.

The guards yanked me forward, feet scrabbling in the dirt as I fought them.

"Nathan!" I cried, voice cracking. "I love you! Don't do this!"

But he never looked back. Never heard my screams.

Mia blocked my path, a cruel smirk on her face. She leaned in close, whispering in my ear, "He was mine first, Selene. You never had him."

Then she was gone as the guards dragged me past the pack's borders, into the thick forest.

I stumbled along in a daze, mind spinning from what just happened. One minute, I had Nathan's love and my pack. Next, I'm tossed out like trash, alone in the wild.

As the rush faded, a new pain flared up - a sharp, burning agony deep in my gut. I doubled over, stomach clenching as I screamed out.

The poison...spreading faster...

I lurched onward, each step harder than the last as the torture intensified. Not having Ezra felt like a hole had been ripped in me, a wound that wouldn't heal. I was totally alone, cut off from being a werewolf.

Black crept into my vision and the world started spinning. I crashed to my knees, everything tilting crazy around me. A figure approached in the distance, but my senses were so scrambled, I couldn't tell.

Please...make it stop...I can't take anymore...

Squeezing my eyes shut, I begged the Moon Goddess for the pain to end. As the darkness swallowed me, I could swear I felt a soft touch on my forehead, a gentle caress easing the hurt.

Maybe my fate wasn't sealed just yet.

Chapter three

Logan's pov

I landed the last hit, sending Luke staggering back with a grunt. Sweat dripped down my forehead as I straightened up, rolling my shoulders to ease the muscle tension.

"Not bad, old pal," I said, flashing him a smirk. "But you're still holding back."

Luke chuckled, wiping his arm across his sweaty brow. "You know me too well, Alpha. Didn't wanna embarrass you in front of the pack."

I laughed out loud, shaking my head in amusement. Luke's unwavering loyalty and easy jokes never failed to lift my spirits, even after all these years.

"Come on, you know you could never beat me, even on your best day."

His eyes twinkled with mirth, but he didn't argue. As my beta, Luke knew his place - and accepted it without a fuss.

We grabbed towels and water pouches from the training area. Luke took a long gulp before fixing me with a pointed look.

"You know, Logan, it's been a while since you took a mate. Maybe time to weigh your options?"

I tensed up, good mood gone in an instant. Not this again...

"What brought this on?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

Luke shrugged, not put off by my brusque response. "Just thinking about the pack's future, that's all. The Blood Moon thing is days away, you'll officially lead all five territories. Wouldn't it be fitting to have a mate by your side?"

I snorted, shaking my head. Trust Luke to bring up this topic with all the subtlety of a rampaging bear.

"You sound just like my mom," I grumbled. "And my sister. When will you all accept I'll get a mate when the right woman comes along?"

Luke raised his hands in a calming gesture, his expression softening.

"Of course, Alpha. No disrespect meant. It's just..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "The pack is thriving under your leadership. But even the strongest tree needs deep roots to weather storms ahead. A mate could give you that stability, that anchor when times get tough."

I exhaled slowly, mulling over his words. As annoying as this constant pushing could be, I knew Luke spoke from a genuine concern - for me and the pack's future.

"I appreciate your thoughts, my friend," I said finally. "But I won't be rushed into this. When the Moon Goddess decides it's time for me to find my fated mate, she'll reveal her to me. Until then, I got bigger stuff to deal with."

Luke nodded, seeming to accept my rebuke with grace.

"Very well, Alpha. Speaking of bigger stuff..." His expression turned serious. "Farmers along the west border reported more rogue activity in their fields. They're getting restless, demanding we beef up the boundary markers before it escalates."

I frowned, feeling that familiar weight of responsibility on my shoulders.

"Have the scouts picked up any trails? Camp signs?"

Luke shook his head grimly. "Nothing definite, but you know how slippery those rogue scum are. We'd be wise to heed the farmers' warnings before it's too late."

My jaw clenched as I weighed our options. The western border was always a hotspot for rogue packs slipping through undetected. If they gained a foothold in our lands...

"Double the patrols," I said finally. "And reinforce the boundary lines with mountain ash - that should deter even the boldest trespassers. But keep your ears open; I want to know the second there's a whisper of rogue activity."

Luke's expression turned grim, but he nodded without hesitation.

"It'll be done, Alpha. Should I have the builders focus efforts on shoring up the west wall?"

I pondered for a moment before giving a curt nod.

"Yes, that would be wise. We can't afford any lapsed defenses, not with the Blood Moon so close."

Luke clapped me on the shoulder, his touch reassuring.

"Have faith, my friend. Our pack is strong, our warriors loyal. Whatever threats lurk beyond our borders, we'll face them head-on - together."

I allowed a faint smile, drawing strength from Luke's steadfast conviction.

"Well said. Come, let's go inspect the construction effo-"

I cut off abruptly, nostrils flaring as I caught a faint unfamiliar scent drifting on the breeze. Earthy and rich, tinged with the coppery tang of blood.

Luke instantly went on alert. "What is it? What do you smell?"

Without a word, I took off at a brisk lope, following the elusive trail deeper into the forest. Luke kept pace beside me, his sharp senses now tuned to the strange new scent.

We picked up speed, the wind whipping through our fur as we bounded over fallen logs and weaved between ancient trees. The trail grew stronger with every stride until it was unmistakable - the rich, heady aroma of werewolf, laced with the cloying reek of fresh blood.

"Logan, wait!" Luke panted, voice edged with concern. "This could be a trap, we should call backup!"

But I was past heeding warnings. Something primal stirred in me, urging me onward with a ferocity I couldn't ignore. The scent was intoxicating, filling my lungs until all rational thought fled.

I burst into a small clearing, skidding to a halt at the scene before me. There, lying in a rapidly expanding pool of blood, was the source of that bewitching aroma - a female werewolf, battered and broken, barely clinging to life.

Instantly, the beast in me retreated, replaced by a surge of protective wolf so powerful, it stole my breath. I shifted to human form and dropped to my knees, cradling her fragile body in my arms.

"Luke!" I barked urgently. "Is she one of us ?Do you Recognize her scent?"

My beta shook his head mutely, his expression a mix of concern and wariness.

"No, Alpha. Never encountered her before. She must be..."

"A rogue," I finished grimly, tightening my grip on the unconscious woman.

Her pulse was thready and erratic, her skin ashen and clammy. Whatever - or whoever - had done this unleashed hell on this slight, delicate creature.

My wolf raged, snarling at the injustice. She was so small, so frail... Yet she'd fought with everything just to draw another breath.

"Luke, get Marcus to prep the healing rooms," I growled, already rising with my precious cargo. "This woman needs urgent care if she's gonna survive."

My beta wavered, casting a wary glance at the unconscious she-wolf.

"Alpha, I must advise caution. She could be a spy, sent by rivals to sow discord. Perhaps wiser to let her..." He didn't finish that grim thought.

I leveled him with a look that could freeze hellfire.

"Questioning my judgment, beta?" I all but snarled, the words laced with quiet menace.

Luke swallowed hard, shrinking back a step. "N-No, Alpha. Of course not. I'll fetch Marcus."

He turned and loped off, leaving me alone with the mysterious stranger. I looked down at her ashen face, brushing a stray lock of hair from her brow with surprising tenderness.

"Just hold on a little longer," I murmured, more to myself than her. "I'll keep you safe, I swear."

Cradling her against my chest, I took off at a ground-devouring lope, pushing my body to its limits as I raced toward my territory. The pack healers would know what to do, I told myself. They'd worked miracles before.

They had to... Because if this woman died in my arms, I knew with soul-deep that a part of me would die along with her.