CLAIMED BY MY EX'S UNCLE

Harley's P.O.V.

"Why is Ella sharing her nudes with Xander?"

As I switched on the laptop for the record of monthly expenditures, the notification on my Alpha husband's official email caught me off guard. I was startled to see the contents of Ella's email. She had sent intimate images to Xander without any message or subject.

For a moment, I couldn't believe my eyes that my best friend would do something like this!

Ella and I were childhood BFFs, sticking to each other's side in every thick and thin. She was used to calling Xander her brother, respecting our relationship. Then how could she cross the limits of decency all of a sudden?

I knew that spying on your spouse was wrong, but I couldn't suppress my suspicion and decided to get to the bottom of it. There was a voice screaming in the back of my head that something was fishy!

Xander was expanding his business overseas, so his one laptop was at home for me. I had to manage the pack expenses and make a full report for him to review later. All thanks to my luck, I was able to check Ella's email before him this time, scrolling back to the start of their conversation.

The ground below me shook as I took a look at the thread. "Meet me at the Hotel in London. I will wait for you."

Just like that, Xander had informed Ella about his every foreign trip, inviting her to his room. The world around me spun on its axis as I read about their recent meet up.

"Don't call or text on the phone, Ella. Harley will get suspicious. Let's meet at my farmhouse tonight!"

An involuntary gasp escaped my mouth as I sat there frozen, staring at the laptop screen in a catatonic stupor. My Alpha husband's betrayal cut through my heart. After three years of marriage, he hooked up with my best friend, stabbing me in my back. The sting of his treachery burned my eyes with tears as I choked out.

"How can you do this to me, Xander? I loved you!"

The rivers of despair flowed down my cheeks as the memories of the past flashed across my mind, laughing at me for my stupidity. I was moving heaven and earth to be the ideal wife for Xander when he was fucking Ella for fun. He disregarded my love and affection, breaking the sacred vows of matrimony.

The vulgar messages on the screen snapped something inside my chest, turning my grief into burning rage. The role of Luna I played for three years made me forget my limitations as an omega. Feeling vindictive, I couldn't help but swear impulsively.

"You will pay for it, Alpha Xander Ledger!"

...

Although Xander returned to the pack yesterday, he didn't come home until evening. His emails gave me a rough idea of his whereabouts. As the Luna of his Crystal River Pack, I ordered the security staff to send me the CCTV footage of the farmhouse's cameras. It was time to expose my cheating husband.

After gathering the evidence, I booked a table in Xander's favorite restaurant and invited him for dinner. He was reluctant to go out with me.

"I am tired after a business trip, Harley. We can go some other day."

My mouth turned bitter to hear his response, but I masked my hostility with a pleasant smile and insisted.

"Please try to understand, Xander. Ella has invited us for dinner. You know I can't say no to her. She is my best friend."

As expected, Ella's mention changed Xander's decision. He spoke with a smile.

"Oh, Ella is here? Fine, I will come."

Xander's affection for Ella burned me as a whole, but I had to suppress my unease until the perfect moment. My fiery gaze was fixed on my husband and my BFF as they met at the restaurant like strangers.

"Long time no see, Ella!"

My indifferent husband, who remained cold and aloof to me throughout our marriage, was smiling widely. He didn't hide his glee after seeing Ella.

And my backstabbing friend, she lived up to her reputation and gave an Oscar winning performance of being surprised.

"Brother Xander? What a pleasant surprise!

Harley always complains that you don't stay at home much. It's nice to see you here."

They chatted like long-lost buddies, ignoring my presence. Ella was flicking her honey blonde hair flirtatiously while talking. Her pure eyes, hourglass figure, and tight red dress had captivated Xander's attention. He praised her.

"You must give Harley some tips about fashion, Ella. She doesn't have good taste in clothes."

He criticized my style, comparing my simple housewife appearance to Ella. It was the first time I felt offended instead of laughing it off. Xander often did this in the past, showing me models' pics for reference, but I never mind it. I was foolish enough to think that he tried to communicate about his preferences like this.

But no!

He always insulted me, making me conscious about my chubby figure. I was so enraged to remember all the little things I ignored until now that my patience was exhausted before dessert.

Unable to keep cool, I interrupted their happy chatter and spoke up.

"I have planned a surprise for you, Xander!"

My firm tone puzzled my husband, but he didn't ask anything and replied.

"Yeah, sure!"

After getting his approval, I called the server and gave him the pen drive to play a video on the large TV screen. That short clip was better entertainment than the live football match.

Then I got up and announced, "Attention, ladies and gentlemen. We are honored to have Alpha Xander Ledger among us today. Please watch the video clip I prepared for him."

As it was the rush hour, the restaurant was packed with customers. All gazes were fixed on the wall-size screen when the proof of Xander's infidelity was played on it.

"You are such a magnificent beast, Xander!"

A chorus of startled gasps echoed in the surroundings as two naked bodies intertwined passionately appeared on the screen, engaged in hot sex. It wasn't difficult to recognize Ella and Xander in bed, as I specifically chose this clip from a long video.

Ella's breathy moans followed the sound of intense flesh slapping, she begged for more.

"Harder, babes. Ahh ... fuck ..."

A venomous smirk stretched my lips as my gaze fell on that dumbstruck couple, gawking at the screen in horror. Ella grabbed Xander's arm as if he could save her now. Utterly disgusted, I took out the file from my purse and waited until the end of the video. Then, I removed my wedding ring and spoke coldly.

"Alpha Xander, you have broken your vows of loyalty. So, all our promises are null and void!"

Xander's jaw clenched as he glared hard at me, asserting his dominance. But I didn't give a damn to his Alpha authority and threw the divorce deed in his face.

"You and I are done, Xander. Sign the divorce papers now!"

Harley's P.O.V.

"Divorce? How dare you!"

Xander's thunderous growl reverberated in the restaurant as he lunged forward, grabbing my neck directly.

"You must have borrowed the guts from the devil to humiliate me in public like this, omega!"

He spat out in disgust, jerking my body. His anger touched the sky as he defended his actions brazenly.

"I am the Alpha of the Crystal River Pack. No one can stop me from having as many women as I want.

Who are you to poke your nose in my personal matters?"

Xander increased the pressure on my neck, clutching my throat. I struggled hard to breathe as he tried to cut off my oxygen supply.

Seeing their Alpha in anger, all the pack members knelt on the floor, baring their necks in submission. Ella rushed to stop Xander and spoke hurriedly.

"Let her go, Xander. You can't dirty your hands with her filthy blood!"

Her honey-sweet voice surprisingly calmed Xander's rage. He shoved me aside.

"Don't you dare forget that you are a worthless, ugly omega, Harley. It was my pity that I allowed you to climb my bed."

He called me trash, slapping me hard across my face. I could hardly balance my weight as he shouted angrily.

"You were a mere omega servant; I married you and gave you the title of my Luna. Is this how you have repaid me for my kindness? By insulting me in public?

You are a disgrace to all women in the supernatural world, Harley!"

He shifted the blame on me, as if it was written in the werewolf constitution to endure your husband's infidelity with a smile. His audacity to defend his cheating clenched my stomach with the force of restraint as I shot back at him.

"I am your legally wedded wife, Alpha Xander. If you don't like me, why bother about marriage? I didn't beg you to marry me in the first place!"

Like my mother, I was a maid in Alpha's mansion. Xander was my senior in college. As the only heir of Ledger family, he was the dream of every girl aka the most eligible bachelor in town. I was also one of his countless admirers.

However, my life took an unexpected turn when Xander proposed to me for marriage after my eighteenth birthday. I still remembered how he bent on his knee and said.

"Out of all the girls in the pack, you are the one in my heart, Harley. I am in love with your simplicity."

I doubted his love, but he won my heart with his sweet gestures, filling my head with dreams. So, after the wedding, I devoted myself to him and served his family. He even swore to mark me at this Moon festival!

The whirlwind of memories shook me to the core as I glanced at Xander's darkened face and spoke.

"For three years, I didn't spare a moment for myself and served you and your pack wholeheartedly.

But still, if you were in love with Ella, why didn't you divorce me? What's the meaning of keeping a mistress in secret?"

As Xander was the Alpha, I couldn't stand a chance against him if he simply kicked me out of his mansion. He wasn't forced to spend his life in an unwanted relationship.

The mention of our past brought a wicked grin to Xander's lips. He wrapped his arm around Ella's thin waist and chuckled.

"Why would I divorce you when a piece of paper gave me a free maid? How can you even think that I could trouble my delicate Ella with demeaning tasks?

You are a perfect nurse for my ill mom, an efficient caretaker for my pack, and an obedient slut in bed, Harley. And on top of that, you are an omega with a lowly background. You can't leave me ..."

Xander's heartless statement doused a bucket of icy water over me, running my blood cold. I couldn't recognize the man standing before me anymore. That Alpha wasn't my husband, the one I loved my entire life. He was Ella's lover, who spoke shamelessly.

"Come on, Harley. Don't be so mean. We are friends, and I have shared all my good things with you.

Can't you share Xander with me?"

Ella's query broke my trance, rolling a lone tear down my cheeks. I sniffled and responded shakily.

"Thank you so much, Ella. For your favors, you can keep Xander to yourself. I don't need him!"

My response raised Xander's brow, he growled at me. "Are you out of your fucking mind, Harley?

Enough of this bullshit. Go home and take care of my mother. You can't ..."

He used his Alpha command to make me submit. But I couldn't hear his full order and lost control over my emotions, bursting into tears. The demand for divorce was the last thing I managed to say before dashing out.

"We'll see each other in the court for divorce tomorrow."

...

I ran blindly on the roads for hours, ignoring the traffic and curious people. My world crumbled around me after Xander's cheating. He didn't show any respect for our relationship and confessed his betrayal, setting my entire existence on fire. It was a mistake to trust his love three years ago.

Crying profusely, I stumbled on a rock, losing my balance for a brief moment. I looked around and found myself in the familiar area of a human town near Crystal River Pack, the heaven of omegas like me. I was used to coming here for some peace.

This place was free of werewolf influence, so no one recognized me here. I was able to ride a cab to the Moon bar easily. That was the bar I always visited with my fellow omegas. And right now, my messed up emotional state was in dire need of alcohol.

As I entered the bar, the flickering light, loud music, and the carefree people dancing on the floor wrapped a familiar warmth around me, unlike the cold emptiness settled in my soul. I slid onto the specific barstool where I always sat, as if I truly belonged there. Even though I felt like I had nowhere to go after that heartless betrayal!

The one I trusted more than myself shattered my heart, there was nothing which could heal the lacerations deep in my soul!

I ordered the neat whiskey and eight shots of kamikaze, downing one after another at a record speed. The strong alcohol kicked in swiftly as I cried out.

"You will burn in the ninth circle of hell, Xander!"

His brazen speech and the video clip were on repeat in my mind, piercing countless fiery needles in my heart. The more I thought about him, the fire of revenge intensified in my chest.

Glancing around, I was drinking my tenth glass of whiskey when my eyes caught the sight of a devilishly handsome man. He was staring at me intently from afar. There was something so special about him that I felt immense attraction towards him. His sinfully alluring charm instantly crossed my mind.

"If Xander can cheat on me, I can too! There's no need to be loyal to a cheater!"

The strong haze of alcohol awakened my rebellious side, the one I was unaware of until now. I didn't think much and picked my glass, sashaying towards the charming man on the sofa. There was a hint of surprise in his emerald orbs when I approached him boldly.

"Hey, prince charming. Are you looking for company?"

Blonde hair, wide forehead, hypnotic eyes, high bridge of nose, and sharp jaw, that handsome stranger was a marvel of nature. He was a real life interpretation of the Greek god. After observing him closely, I couldn't think straight and threw myself on him, sitting on his lap.

"You are alone on such a beautiful night. Let's have some fun!"

Fluttering my eyelashes, I traced my finger on his smooth skin, promising a good time. But he grasped my wrist, pulling me closer with a jerk. His luscious lips drew me like a moth to the flame as I leaned in for a kiss. He warned me,

"You are playing with fire, princess. Don't you dare regret it in the morning!"

Harley's P.O.V.

"Ahh, my head!"

The golden rays of sun shining brightly in the surroundings yanked me out of my deep slumber, jolting me awake. The intense pain in my head made me feel dizzy as I tried to open my eyes.

"Where am I?"

That was the first query that popped into my mind, forcing me to check my whereabouts. The softness beneath me suggested I was lying on a comfortable soft mattress. I grabbed my head and sat up, trying to recall the events of yesterday. A tsunami of memories flashed across my mind as I jumped uncontrollably.

"Shoot! What the hell did I do last night?"

My eyes flew open as I looked around, searching for the man from the bar. I could only remember seducing him for a one-night stand shamelessly.

Goddess! What had I done?

In my twenty-one years of life, I didn't even look at any man besides Xander, saving myself for him. Just one night and a couple of drinks made me break my rules as a sensible woman.

I was really done for sure!

Darting my gaze from one corner to another, I found myself in a luxury hotel room alone. The other side of my bed was empty. My heart thumped as I cautiously moved my legs and checked my clothes, only to be startled by my current state. The white bathrobe wasn't something I was wearing yesterday.

Shoot!

An involuntary scream spilled from my lips as my hand flew to my mouth, clasping it shut. I was about to have a heart attack when I spotted a piece of paper on the pillow beside me.

Breathing heavily, I picked the paper and read it. "Dear, princess.

Don't be alarmed, nothing happened between us last night. You lost consciousness after ranting about your cheater husband. And for your clothes, a maid changed them for you. Your stomach couldn't handle alcohol for long."

Bloody hell!

I felt instant respect for that stranger as he respected my boundaries and helped me rest, hiring a housekeeper clean my mess. I threw up on him despite the promises of sex.

The sudden rush of embarrassment burned my cheeks as I read further and gasped.

"You aren't divorced yet, so it's not appropriate for us to be together now. But we will tie up your ex and then have sex in front of him as we agreed last night. This will be your ultimate revenge against him."

Oh, my Goddess!

Clutching the paper in my hand, I cursed myself. Like, the stupidity of broadcasting my personal life before a stranger wasn't enough that I vowed to have coitus in such a way, breaking all the records. I was on the verge of losing my mind after reading that message.

My fight and flight mode activated as I got up at a lightning speed and went to the bathroom. Thankfully, my clothes were hung in the cupboard there. I wore my dress and left the room, covering my face. Getting spotted outside a hotel building was scandalous enough for divorce.

It was daytime and there weren't many guests in the lobby. So, I came out safely and hailed a cab to the mansion, thinking inwardly.

"Xander will kill me!"

My heart dropped to my stomach as I thought about Xander's reaction. He would be hell pissed about my sudden disappearance. However, the ringtone of my cell phone diverted my attention. The call of my lawyer reminded me of other pressing matters.

"Where are you, Harley? We have a court hearing at ten."

My lawyer, Mr. Johnson, got the urgent hearing for our divorce case and called me. I panicked to see the time and assured him.

"Please wait for me, Mr. Johnson. I'll be there on time!"

...

After a fifteen-minute cab ride, I reached the tall building of the family court. Xander's BMW parked outside touched a sliver of dread to my spine. He was here, ready to tear me apart with his rage. I had to face him once to close this chapter of my life.

Feeling determined, I walked inside and found Mr. Johnson in the hallway. He had bad news for me.

"Alpha Xander has called a full court meeting for this case, Harley. The elders are waiting for you in the room."

The law department was under the rule of pack elders. They had the duty to resolve the subject's legal issues. Instead of presenting our case before one of them, Xander called them all. He must be hoping for their support.

However, I wasn't scared at all. The proof of his cheating was enough for a divorce certificate. Holding my head high, I entered the room and greeted everyone. Xander scoffed defiantly.

"Here she is! The most noble lady alive on earth."

He eyed his lawyer, Mr. Greg, to speak first, garnering sympathy from elders.

"Alpha Xander is here to seek justice, honorable elders. His wife, Harley Cooper, broke her vows and humiliated him publicly, tainting the good name of the Ledger family. Her publicity stunt has cost him a fortune ..."

Overlooking the content of the video, Mr. Greg accused me of destroying Ledger's family reputation. I was the reason behind the low stock prices of their company. He started from Xander's unfortunate losses and covered the topic of my shortcomings, speaking fiercely.

"Harley Cooper is an omega who got the honor of serving the Alpha bloodline of Crystal River Pack. But instead of being grateful, she misused her title, conspiring against her husband. Her actions yesterday were proof of her disobedience."

I heard his presumptuous speech, waiting for my turn to explain. Xander couldn't prove me wrong when he was at fault. But to my dismay, the elders didn't give me a chance to speak. Elder Harold announced,

"After causing irreversible damage to the Ledger family, omega Harley can't escape the penalty. The council thinks she should be punished severely to make her an example for flagrant women. They have forgotten their true place."

What?

A prickling sensation shot up my spine as I witnessed this new definition of justice, utterly baffled. Xander's venomous tone sprinkled salt over my injuries as he smirked coldly.

"I really appreciate your profound understanding, honorable elders. Even after her misdeeds, I am willing to take Harley back if she kneels and apologizes sincerely."

"That's right!" Elder Harold agreed to him, "Then her apology will be played on every TV channel for a lesson!"

Sitting beside Xander, Ella glanced at me with a provoking smile, wiggling her brows mockingly. She pointed at the floor and mouthed,

"Kneel, Harley!"

Struggling to keep my emotions under wraps for any longer, I protested openly.

"This is wrong. I am here for divorce; my husband has cheated on me!"

"Silence!" Elder Harold roared in fury. "How dare you raise your voice in front of your superiors, omega?

Apologize now!"

The power of his command buckled my knees, weighing me down under an invisible weight. I couldn't resist that forceful blow and collapsed helplessly. It seemed like my legs had lost all of their bones, refusing to bear my weight anymore.

I was about to hit the ground when a pair of strong arms held me, saving me from free fall. A familiar Alpha tone reverberated in the room, prickling goosebumps over my skin.

"Someone who needs to apologize is Xander, not Harley. He has broken the werewolf laws!"