A Bond of Deceit

Five years had passed since the rogue wolves attacked, leaving me scarred and unable to shift, causing me to lose the extra ability of hearing and smelling a werewolf possess. I had dedicated myself to healing, finally regaining my wolf form just hours ago. My heart ached to share the news with Kaid, my alpha, and mate, the one who’d sworn to stand by me, shifted or not.

But as I approached the pack house, in my wolf form to surprise my mate, a harsh whisper carried on the wind stopped me in my tracks. It was Kaid’s voice, laced with a coldness I’d never heard before.

"I thought after five years, I could move on," Kaid said, shattering all my excitement in a few seconds as he continued, "But it turns out, I just can't stop loving Sophie."

My breath hitched and I froze, my pulse pounding in my ears.

"You know," Kaid continued, "I've been thinking of challenging the alpha of the Nightshade pack, Kalean’s rival, to a duel, to win his pack and give it to Sophie. This way I can prove my worth to Sophie and I can let her know I still love her."

His beta chuckled, “If your mate finds out you married her only because you wanted to clear Sophie’s way into marrying Kalean, for the sake of Sophie’s happiness, she will be devastated.”

Kaid's lips curved into a faint, dismissive smile.

“She is just a cripple, blind in love and affection,” Kaid said, his response sending chills down my spine, “I know how to handle her.”

Kael's tenderness, his whispered promises – all a sham. He’d kept me close, not out of love, but out of convenience, to keep her beloved happy.

The pain was a physical blow, more agonizing than any wound the rogues had inflicted. I had poured my heart and soul into our relationship, clinging to the hope of a future together. Now, that future crumbled to dust. I wouldn't be a burden, a reminder of his weakness. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of discarding me.

Turning away, I vanished into the forest, in my newly regained wolf form a silent promise. I would leave, not just the pack, but his life entirely. He wanted strength? I would show him strength he never imagined.

As soon as the pack's healer confirmed that my injuries from the last full moon had fully healed, I could hardly contain my excitement. My heart racing, I imagined running with my mate, Kaid, under the light of the full moon – feeling the rush of the hunt, the thrill of the chase. But as I approached our den, I caught the scent of a stranger, and my excitement turned to unease. I slowed my pace, my senses on high alert.

My hackles rose as I pushed open the main door to our den. Kaid sat on the couch, his eyes locked on his beta, Ronan, who stood opposite him. "I thought after five years, I could move on," Kaid said, shattering all my excitement in a few seconds as he continued, "But it turns out, I just can't stop loving Sophie."

My breath hitched and I froze, my pulse pounding in my ears.

"You know," Kaid continued, "I've been thinking of challenging the alpha of the Nightshade pack, Kalean’s rival, to a duel, to win his pack and give it to Sophie. This way I can prove my worth to Sophie and I can let her know I still love her."

Ronan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his face calm but resolute. "Back then, Sophie chose Kalean over you, Kaid, so you couldn't take care of her as her mate. But you can still prove your worth to her by defeating the Nightshade alpha."

“Kaid…” Ronan chuckled, “You are acting so love sick. What about your mate? Aren't you afraid your actions might hurt her?”

Kaid's lips curved into a faint, dismissive smile.

“She is just a cripple, blind in love and affection,” Kaid said, his response sending chills down my spine, “I know how to handle her.”

My fingers gripped the edge of the door so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I had just recovered to be able to shift into my wolf, I couldn't maintain the form for long and soon my wolf gave up, forcing me to shift back to my human form.

Ronan's voice faltered as he glanced toward the doorway and saw me standing there. His eyes widened in alarm and his words came out in a panicked stammer. "SSara, you're back?"

Kaid turned his head sharply, his gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, there was tension in his eyes—an instinctive flicker of guilt, quickly masked by a calm, almost indifferent expression as he turned back to Ronan.

"What are you so flustered about? She couldn't have heard us. She is almost a human now, can't hear us from afar." he said coolly before walking up to me, his eyes showing feign concern and worry, "Sara, what are you doing here? You were supposed to be with the healer, recovering from your injuries."

His words twisted the knife already buried in my heart. Ronan relaxed visibly, even chuckling nervously as he stood and offered me a small bow before signing a polite greeting.

Kaid immediately reached for a shawl draped over a nearby chair and gently wrapped it around my shoulders. His fingers brushed against my skin, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine—not from the cold, but from the growing chasm between us. He signed to me with a concerned look, "Honey, why are you not saying anything? Why did you come back so early? You're not fully recovered yet."

His tenderness and concern over me reminded me of the days when I had been mocked for pronouncing our ancient word wrongly in the pack. He instantly stood up for me and later told me that he would teach me personally because no mentor had ever been successful in teaching me before.

“You don’t have to do this,” I’d told Kaid once, my voice soft in the dim light of our den. He was hunched over a pile of ancient scrolls, his brow furrowed in concentration as he painstakingly arranged the archaic werewolf dialect, only to teach me after finishing his job, “I understand. These texts are old, difficult. I should start teaching you the basic first.”

He’d looked up, his amber eyes, usually so warm, now clouded with a strange intensity. “All these years, you have been mocked merely for a language which is not very easy to learn. But, from now on, I won't allow it. I’m with you, Sara. Don't worry.”

I had always been mocked for not knowing ancient language. All my mentors who were brought to teach me, gave up. My parents always felt ashamed of me and never took me to any Alpha gatherings or ancient festivals as being the Alpha blood, it was mandatory for us to keep our ancient language alive and it was a rule that werewolves of higher ranks would speak only ancient language in the gathering.

Everyone felt ashamed of me, but no one ever thought of teaching me personally, not even my parents or Kalean, whose life I had saved, except Kaid. His words had resonated deep within me, touching a place I’d kept carefully guarded.

But now, as I watched Kaid effortlessly translate a passage of invitation, written in ancient language, thinking I hadn't mastered the language yet, I felt no gratitude. Only a bitter, stinging irony. His voice, once a source of comfort, now mocked me with its easy fluency. He used his knowledge, the very skill he’d promised to share with me, to exclude me, to keep secrets.

He looked up, his face carefully neutral. “Sara, It's an invitation from your sister, Sophie. It's her birthday. We should leave now. If we’re late, the other packs will talk.”

His eyes held a strange glint – not affection for me, but something else… anticipation? Excitement? It was directed somewhere beyond me.

A coldness spread through my chest, tightening with every beat of my heart. I forced a small smile and pulled my hand away. “Then give me a moment. I need to…prepare.” My voice was steady, but inside, a storm was brewing.

I turned and walked towards our private chambers with heavy steps. The moment the door closed behind me, the carefully constructed facade crumbled. My shoulders shook as tears began rolling down my cheeks.

When I finally regained control, I changed into a simple but practical tunic and leggings. I wouldn't give the other packs any reason to whisper.

As I headed out, a sliver of light caught my eye – it was coming from Kaid’s personal study, a room he’d always kept locked.

A strange compulsion pulled me towards it. In the two years we’d been mated, I’d never questioned his need for privacy. I’d respected it, believing it was simply his way of separating pack business from our personal life.

But today, something felt different.

I pushed the door open, just a crack, and peered inside.

My breath caught in my throat.

The walls were covered, not with maps or strategies as I’d imagined, but with sketches. Detailed, intricate drawings…of Sophie. The Alpha’s daughter. Every stage of her life was represented, from her playful youth to her blossoming womanhood. The air in the room crackled with an intensity that had nothing to do with pack business.

There wasn't a single image of me.

I stumbled forward, my legs weak, and reached the desk. Lying on the surface was a sheaf of parchment. My fingers trembled as I picked up the top sheet. It was a challenge declaration, addressed to Alpha Gareth.

Kaid was challenging the Alpha for leadership. For Sophie.

It hit me hard. I couldn't remember the last time Kaid had done an extravagant thing like this for me. Kaid hadn’t been courting me out of love. His whole life, he had been only taking those moves which could benefit Sophie in one way or another, even if it was clearing the way to let her marry the person she loved. The realization was like a gaping wound, tearing through the fragile remnants of my trust.

The scent of damp earth and pine needles was clinging to me as I slipped through the shadowed woods towards the Alpha’s compound. The air was filled with the energy of celebration. Laughter, deep and resonant, mixed with the rhythmic drumming that echoed through the trees.

Sophie, my twin sister, was standing at the center of the festivities, radiant in her handstitched elegant gown. The intricate beadwork shimmered in the moonlight, highlighting the graceful lines of her lean, powerful form. She looked every inch the future Luna of a Cascade pack, every inch the beloved child of Silver Moon Pack.

My parents were hovering near her, their faces etched with pride and a possessive affection that sent a pang of loneliness through me. Their hands were rested on her shoulders, their touch lingering, as though they still couldn't believe she was truly back with them. They had once looked at me that way, their eyes filled with warmth and unwavering love.

That was before. Before Sophie had returned.

Seven years ago, when she was found after vanishing during a rogue wolf attack, I’d dared to hope we could finally be a family again. But her first words upon her return had shattered that fragile hope.

“Sister, why did you throw me before the rogue wolves and ask them to take me as their slave?

Sophie’s accusation hung in the air, thick and heavy, poisoning the bond between me and my parents. Suddenly, I was no longer their daughter, their kin, but a villain, blamed for Sophie’s disappearance. The warmth I’d known was gone, replaced by a bitter frost that permeated every aspect of my life.

Even now, years later, their distrust lingered in their every glance, every word, every strained silence directed at me.

At the celebration, Sophie spotted Kaid and me entering the celebration. Her dress swirled around her as she moved, making her the undeniable focus of every eye.

Her smile was bright, almost too bright as she greeted us, “Sister, Kaid, you made it! I was worried you wouldn't come."

Then, as if remembering something, she placed a delicate hand to her throat, her expression shifting to one of exaggerated concern. “Oh, I’m sorry, sister. I forgot... you are still struggling with your wolf form after the Change. Did I just speak too loud? I should be more patient. It must be difficult for you to accommodate different tones of us, werewolves, especially with your… sensitivity.”

Her words were dripping with honeyed sweetness, but her eyes, sharp and intelligent, were gleaming with cruel amusement.

My mother, who had been watching from nearby, let out a low, guttural growl, her lips curling back to reveal her sharp canines as she said,“If it weren't for her, You wouldn't have been sold as a slave in the first place. How can she even blame you? If anyone's at fault, it's her. Now even losing her wolf, she is a disgrace to the pack.”

Her voice was laced with venom, tearing at me with the force of a physical blow. My father remained silent, but his gaze, hard and unforgiving, was mirroring her sentiment.

I lowered my eyes, my breath catching in my throat. It wasn't the first time they'd treated me this way. It wouldn't be the last. But the familiarity didn't lessen the pain—it only deepened it.

Before I could respond, Kaid stepped forward, his usually easy going demeanor hardening. He placed a protective hand on Sophie’s arm, his touch surprisingly firm and affectionate before he said in ancient language, not knowing that I had already mastered the ancient language just to surprise him on his birthday.

“Sophie, Sara isn’t like that. She will not mind, Don’t worry. Besides, she doesn't understand ancient language.”

“Oops…” Sophie grinned, her words filled with malice as she continued, “ I had almost forgotten how many times she brought shame to our family by her lack of knowledge. I hope my sister isn't holding you back, Kaid. I truly feel pity on you for having to get married to my sister.”

Kaid's silence on Sophie’s remark was another kind of heartbreak to me. So, even his discomfort while seeing me being mocked was a facade in the past or it was allowed to Sophie to treat me however she wanted?

He then presented Sophie with a small, intricately carved wooden box, his movements deliberate and reverent, as though offering a sacred artifact. “Sophie, this is for you.”

Sophie’s face lit up, her smile radiating pure joy as she accepted the gift. “Thank you, Kaid. You’re always so… thoughtful.”

As she opened the box, a glint of silver caught my eye. My heart clenched.

The claw pendant.

The Alpha’s ancestral claw pendant—a symbol of strength, leadership, and unwavering loyalty. The one that Kaid had told me was lost during the rogue attack, the same attack that took Sophie.

Now, the truth stared back at me, gleaming under the moonlight. The pendant wasn’t lost. It had never been meant for me. It was always hers.

But, I didn't expect Sophie to chase after me

When she appeared, her face was no longer the picture of polite amusement she’d worn inside. The mask slipped, revealing the cruel satisfaction beneath. Her eyes, usually warm and hazel, glittered with something cold and predatory.

"I honestly don't know how you have the nerve to show your face here," she snapped, her voice low and menacing. "Can't you smell it? No one wants you here. Your weakness is truly pathetic."

“Mom and Dad are ashamed of you, and your mate, well he doesn't even care about your presence when I’m before his eyes. He only has me in his heart. Even a fool can see that but you,”

The words were like barbs, pricking at my control. I kept my gaze fixed on the moon, its silvery light bathing the world in stark contrast. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

Her tone sharpened, laced with a feral edge. "You pathetic runt, did you actually think Kaid chose you? He only did it to clear my ways with Kalean. He explained everything to me. The night of the bonding ceremony, he left you in the wedding night chamber and came to see me. He shifted with me, under the full moon. He told me the one he truly desires is me.”

She stalked closer, her scent – a cloying mix of wildflowers and something musky, something wrong – filling my senses. "Didn't you see how tired he was the next morning? It's because we went all out that night. We slept under the full moon, our bodies rubbing against each other on the grasswoods.”

“Accept it, Sarah.You're a mistake. If I were you, I’d just run off into the woods and let the wilds claim you."

Every word was a claw, raking at the fragile control I struggled to maintain. My hands clenched, the urge to shift, to unleash the beast within, almost overwhelming.

Seeing my silence, Sophie lost her calm. She held my arms and shook me by force, saying, “I’m speaking in human language, not ancient, you dumbass illiterate! Can’t you hear me?”

She then let out a chilling laugh as she continued, "Oh, I guess you are taking all these as lies. I forgot how dumb you are. Let me help you see the truth, then?”

Before I could react, she lunged, throwing herself against me. I stumbled backward, surprised by her strength. I tried to defend myself and in haste a straps of Sophie's hair stuck to my nails. She immediately retreated. A faint smile appeared on her lips as she threw the pendant Kaid had given her and scratched her wrist, dripping blood.

"Help!" she shrieked, the sound jarringly human. "She attacked me! She wants to kill me!"

Her cries echoed through the night, a distorted melody of fear and accusation, while I stood frozen, the beast within me roaring to life, struggling against the leash of my human mind.

Sophie’s shriek ripped through the night, shattering the fragile peace of the pack gathering and drawing a crowd of anxious wolves to the garden, staring at us with puzzled eyes. The low growls and murmurs of greeting turned to snarls as they took in the scene.

Without hesitation, Kaid rushed to Sophie's side, his eyes widening in concern as he immediately pressed Sophie’s hands, the movement swift and decisive and asked, “What happened, honey? How come you are bleeding?”

In her response, Sophie turned to me, her eyes wet and her expression a mask of wounded innocence, causing everyone to glaring at me with suspicion.

“Sis, if you wanted that pendant, you could just ask for it from me. Why must you attack me for merely a pendant?” she whimpered, her voice trembling. "Why… Why did you attack me? You know I’m still weak after the Change…"

Listening to this, Kaid’s expression turned cold. I saw him clenching his fists as he turned to look at me before spitting, “Sarah! How could you be so narrow minded, going as far as to attack your little sister for a piece of jewelry? Don't you know she is pregnant?”

“I didn't know you could be this jealous, Sis, or else I wouldn't have accepted any gift from Kaid,” Sophie sobbed, turning to our mom, she said, “Mom, she even tore my gown to make me feel humiliated before everyone.”

“Sis, if our pack members mock you for your little knowledge of ancient language, how is that my fault? Why do you have to make me feel humiliated like this just to feel great about yourself?”

“Is that so?” My mom said, her voice laced with venom. Her face was contorted with rage, her eyes glowing with a dangerous light as she commanded the beta of our pack,“Lyra! I think I failed to discipline my elder daughter. That's why she acts on her will. Please help me discipline her so that she doesn't repeat her mistake again.”

I was laying subconscious, moaning in unbearable pain, desperately pleading for help. But, all the guests were busy taking care of Sophie, including my parents and Kaid, their care genuine and eyes showing hurt as if they were punched in the gust just by watching a few scratches on her wrist. Many were busy accusing me, while Kaid and my father were only staring at me, their expressions revealing their thoughts, they were also believing Sophie's words.

“I didn't do it…” I barely whispered, still lying on the floor, unable to move.

“Stop lying, Sarah!” Kaid snapped, “If you didn't hurt Sophie, then how come your nails are filled with Sophie’s hair? How are you going to justify it?”

It was a statement rather than a question, because he didn't even wait to let me explain. He pulled Sophie in his arms and said to her in a concerned voice, “Don't worry, Sophie. I’ll take you to my Pack's infirmary. We have the best healers in the kingdom. You will be absolutely fine. I’ll take care of you.”

“Kaid…” I called him, my voice trembling, only to be refused by my disloyal mate who just passed the judgement on me and proved me to be the guilty one without letting me explain myself. I put Sophie in his arms and left, showing his back to me.

His departure, without sparing a look at my wounds, enhanced the pain I suffered from the beating. I was slowly losing my consciousness and stopped feeling my limbs when I heard my mom's voice, laced with toxicity, “Stop pretending, Sarah!”

“It was just a little beating to put some sense to your mind. Laying there like that, do you want to make me feel guilty? If your fragile body can't even take a little beating, you are a disgrace to our Alpha family. I would better have only Sophie as my daughter than to have a disgraceful daughter like you!”

My mom's harsh words felt like a poison to my wounds, but she didn't care. She never did. While lying there, shivering in cold and pain, I remembered the countless incidents when I was beaten by my parents for Sophie's lies. Though it was the first time I was beaten in public and humiliated, when it comes to my parents, I was accustomed to it. Nothing new for me. Just the pain this time was unbearable because of finding out about my husband’s betrayal.

I kept laying there for what felt like eternity, everyone left for their destination, only I was left to shiver in the cold. Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm hands, holding me from either side and grabbing me up. I could feel this person’s heart beat as he had held me close to his chest, probably carrying me out. A familiar scent felt in my nostrils and I couldn't help but feel safe and secure before I finally closed my eyes.

When I opened my eyes, the white ceiling, and the smell of potions placed near my bed, explained to me where I was. I was lying on the bed of Pack's infirmary.

But, who took me to the infirmary?

I hesitated. A part of me, a small, fragile ember of hope, still clung to the memory of Kaid, of the life I had dreamed of. Maybe perhaps it was Kaid. But the image of his cold eyes, of his unwavering support for Sophie, extinguished that ember completely. There was nothing left for me to believe Kaid helped me out.

I lay in the infirmary’s bed, my body weak and my mind reeling. The events of the previous night were hazy, but the pain and betrayal were still fresh.

Suddenly Kaid's face appeared beside me, his eyes filled with concern and his hair disheveled. He looked like he hadn't slept.

"Sarah, I'm so sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to leave you behind last night. Sophie was pregnant, and I had to take her to the pack's healer. She's having the pups—I had to make sure she and her children were safe."

I turned my head away, unable to look at him. The ache in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"You know how important the bloodline is to the Nightshade pack," Kaid continued, his voice filled with emotion. "If something happened to Sophie's pup, their pack would blame you. Even your parents wouldn't forgive you. I was only trying to protect you..."

I knew he was lying. I knew he had chosen Sophie over me, just like he always did. But, I didn't respond. I didn't let him know that I could see through his lies. But, Kaid hesitated, a moment of uncertainty was visible in his eyes. He reached out to hold my hands. I didn't pull away, but I didn't look at him either. He continued, “I know you are angry at me because I didn't stop Lyra from beating you. I was helpless, Sarah.”

“Lyra was following your mother's command, who is my motherinlaw. I thought it was your family's matter and I shouldn't interfere in that. I’m sorry if my actions hurted you, Sarah. But I meant you no harm. Believe me,” he added.

Kaid waited for my response. He expected me to accept his apology or even thank him for saving my life on time, or just a word for him from my mouth. But, I said nothing. Instead, I turned my head away, not in the mood of even looking at his face. He sighed. Standing up from his seat, he walked out and came back with a bowl of poridge, saying, “Even if you are mad, you need food to recover, Sarah.”

“Let me feed you, honey,” he said while taking a spoon filled porridge near my lips. I didn't refuse him and let him feed me in silence. He mistook the gesture as my forgiveness and a sweet smile appeared on his lips. But, he didn't know, he didn't matter to me anymore, nor were his actions.

As Kaid fed me the porridge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. His smile, his gentle touch, it all seemed so...insincere. I knew he was trying to make amends, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was only doing it to ease his own guilt.

I took another spoonful of the porridge, my eyes fixed on Kaid's face. He seemed so sincere, so genuinely concerned for my wellbeing. But I knew better. I knew that beneath that charming smile, he was still the same person who had chosen Sophie over me, who had stood by and watched as I was beaten and humiliated.

As I finished the porridge, Kaid set the bowl aside and took my hand in his. "Sarah, I know I hurt you," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I promise to make it up to you. I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust."

I looked at him, my expression neutral. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he had hurt me. I didn't want to give him anything.

"Thank you for the porridge, Kaid," I said, my voice flat. "But I'm tired now. I need to rest."

Kaid's face fell, but he nodded and stood up. "Of course, Sarah. I'll leave you alone for now. But I'll be back, and we'll talk more about this."

As he walked out of the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. I was glad to be rid of him, glad to be alone with my thoughts.

I had just laid on the bed and my phone buzzed. I picked up my phone only to find Sophie's message teasing me. Her words were a reminder to me, a mock, as she wrote [Have you seen the truth, sis? No one wants you, neither Kaid nor our parents. Just a word from me was enough to get you humiliated in front of the public. Guess what would they do if tell them I lost my child because of you?]

[After that, he took me home and stayed by side the whole night. He only left when someone notified him that were opening your eyes.] She added, [You see your worth in his eyes now? It's nothing!]

Just then Kaid walked up inside. He came closer to me, wanting to reach out to my hair to stroke, but I stepped back, not letting him stroke me like he did the whole night for Sophie. He hesitated for a moment, then said, “Are you still tired?”

I didn't say anything. He let out a sigh from his lips before he walked up to the window and lighted a cigarette. Just then the door of the infirmary ward opened and a tall and strong man walked inside. His gaze swept at me, then fixed at Kaid.

“Alpha Kaid, We” he instantly stopped, shooting another glance at me he began, this time in ancient language, “We have won the challenge. Gareth is defeated and his Nightshade pack is ours now.”

A flicker of smile appeared on Kaid’s lips. He Immediately said, “That's great! It will be the perfect b’day gift to Sophie. I’ll soon hand the ownership of Nightshade pack to her.”

“But, Alpha,” Kaid’s beta continued, “The Alphas of the alliance pack who fought with our knights are demanding something in return.”

“What are they demanding?” He asked, his voice careless, “Give them whatever they want. I just want Nighshade pack for Sophie and let her know I can give her what her husband can't.”

“They are demanding Silver Wing Pack, a pack Luna brought along with her as her dowry.” Kaid's beta said. A lump was formed in my throat. It was the closest thing to my heart and I gave it to Kaid on our wedding night, thinking he would take care of it better than me. But he didn't even hesitate for a second before he added, “It's a pack of old wolves who are good at nothing but some healing techniques. Just give it away.”

After throwing out these words without empathy, as if recalling something, he added, “Just tell Luna that we lost that pack in a rebellion if she ever asks about it.”

His beta nodded in agreement while Kaid walked up to me. While sitting beside me, he said, his voice sweet and gentle, as if he had never said those cruel words just now, “Honey, I got some urgent work to handle. I have to leave now. You take good care of yourself, okay? I’ll be back soon.”

I stared at him in disbelief as he placed a kiss on my forehead and left with his beta. How could a person be this fluent and confident in lying?

I didn't see a single curl on his forehead while cheating me. I now understood why I couldn't doubt this man’s true intentions even after living years with him. But not anymore!

I rubbed the skin harshly on my forehead where he had kissed me just now. It was disgusting to me. Later on, I took out our wedding ring that has his claw inserted on it, a symbol of our bond. I placed it on the side table, picked my phone and blocked him, my sister and my parents.

With a calm, calculated fury, I stood up and walked out of the ward, leaving Kaid and his pack behind.

I walked out of the infirmary's ward, my heart pounding with a mix of emotions. Anger, sadness, and a sense of betrayal swirled inside me, but I knew I had to keep moving forward. I couldn't let Kaid's lies and deceit hold me back any longer.

As I stepped into the bright sunlight, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs, and began to walk away from the pack's compound. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to get away.

The trees seemed to blur together as I walked, my feet carrying me farther and farther away from the life I thought I knew. I felt a sense of numbness spreading through my body, as if I was leaving behind a part of myself.

After what felt like hours of walking, I finally reached the edge of the forest. The trees gave way to rolling hills and a small village in the distance. I squinted, trying to make out the details, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw a figure standing outside the village entrance.

It was a woman with long, curly hair and a warm smile. She beckoned me towards her, and I felt a sense of hope rising up inside me. Maybe, just maybe, I had found a new beginning.

As I approached the woman, she introduced herself as Elara, a healer from the village. She looked at me with kind eyes and asked, "Child, what brings you to our village?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Elara's gentle demeanor put me at ease. I took a deep breath and began to tell her my story – a story of love, betrayal, and survival.

The same day, Kaid called an urgent gathering at his pack. Sophie and my parents received a special invitation, feeling proud and showing off their relations to others. The gathering was held for the announcement to be made.

At the pack gathering, the air vibrated with tension as Kaid stood on the stage beside Sophie, a victorious smile spreading across his face. The pack members howled and cheered as he announced Sophie as the Alpha of Nightshade Pack, the wealthiest pack in the Kingdom. Sophie feigns a surprised expression on her face, as if she only heard it now that Kaid was going to do something as extravagant as this for her.

With a fake smile, she complained, “Nightshade pack is such a precious tertiary in our kingdom and you earned it by your sweat and blood, Kaid. How can I accept it? What if Sarah dislikes it? After all she is your wife and can get jealous.”

“I never intended to keep the pack for myself, Sophie. I won it for you. Since you like it, you keep it.” He said, his voice laced with love and longing as he continued, “Besides, you know your sister’s situation, Sophie. She can't even shift to her wolf, how will she rule over a pack?”

“Kaid is right,” My mom jumped in the conversation, “She is a goodfornothing. It's a blessing that she got married to an Alpha like Kaid who accepted her knowing all her weaknesses. How can she ask for more?”

“If I were at her place, I would follow my husband's wish blindly and would never demand anything from him.” She added.

“You are right, Mom.” Sophie smiled, her gaze shifting at Kaid’s strong muscles. While biting her lips seductively, she said, “Sis is really lucky to get married to Kaid. He is so strong and powerful, no Alpha would ever dare to challenge him after his victory over Nightshade pack.”

"This marks a new era for our pack," Kaid declared to the Alphas of allied packs, his voice strong and assertive. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause, their voices echoing through the forest. Among them, my parents, the pack's elder members, beamed with pride, their eyes shining with approval.

As the ceremony concluded, Kaid offered to take Sophie on a celebratory run through the forest, to let her watch the beauty of the newly gained tertiary. She clung to his side, her eyes gleaming with excitement, but just as they were about to depart, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows.

"Long time no see, Kaid," Liam, Kaid's friend, greeted, his tone laced with a hint of challenge. "Taking your sisterinlaw out for a run again? Why didn't you invite your true mate and our Luna along? I don't think it will affect her health in any way. There is no need to shift to our wolves while running in a forest, do we?”

Liam’s words hung in the air like a sarcasm, “ I'm sure she'd love to join in on the celebration, only if she is aware of it.”

Kaid's expression shifted from triumph to unease.

"What are you talking about, Liam? Why would I hide anything from my wife? It's just she wasn't feeling good since the morning and was tired. She wanted to take a rest. That's why I didn't tag her along." he said, his voice low and cautious.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. " Was she? As far as I know she was quite excited the other day I saw her in infirmary. She was so excited to surprise you with the certificate of her masters in ancient language that she received from Pack’s elders. She told me she was going to surprise you with a speech written by her in the ancient language.”

The pack's murmurs grew louder, their whispers spreading like wildfire. But, Kaid's face darkened, his eyes flashing in shock.

"WhWhat did you say?" his voice trembled, “Sarah… she can understand ancient language?”

“ Not just understand it but can also speak fluently, didn't she tell you yet?” Liam asked, his voice carrying the weight of deepness as he added, “She told me everything after showing me her newly found wolf.”

“A… a wolf?” Kaid stuttered, “She regained her wolf… and all her powers?”