A SURROGATE LUNA FOR THE ALPHA

Jasper Grey, my mate had taken me in as a slave and surrogate for his barren fiancée.

“Where's that baby making machine that calls herself my mate?” Alpha Jasper Bellowed, his voice echoing through the pack house.

“Come here right now and get to work on some spicy chicken pepper soup for my one true love!”

I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine as I realized my marriage was about to be reduced to ashes.

Zara Flynn, the woman my husband had been obsessing over for years, was finally moving in. And I, the Omega wife, was expected to roll out the red carpet for her.

The air was thick with tension as I entered the room, the scent of Zara's perfume hanging heavy over everything like a bad omen.

I wiped my hands on a kitchen towel, my eyes locking onto the sight before me. Zara lounged in Alpha Jasper's embrace, his fingers tracing her arms while a playful smile danced on her lips.

"Jasper, I've told you I can't stand this stupid omega's smell," Zara spat, her voice venomous. "It's been four years! Can't you just get rid of her? She's fulfilled her part of the deal, giving you two kids in four and a half years. Send her away so we can finally get married!"

The words cut deep, each one a razorsharp slash to my heart.

I felt a pang of resentment as I remembered the circumstances that led me to become Alpha Jasper's wife.

I was once the Alpha of the Moonstone pack, but a brutal war had left me orphaned and at the mercy of the Shadow Born pack.

Jasper, the Alpha, had offered me a deal: marry him and bear him children, and he would spare my life and protect my pack.

But now, four years into our contract, I realized I was nothing more than a prisoner, a breeding machine for Jasper's children.

And Zara, his true mate, was the one holding the reins.

"Get out!" Jasper's voice cut through the air, his words dripping with disdain. "You heard my woman! She doesn't want to see your face in this mansion again. From now on, you'll be moving to the boys' quarters. We'll call for you when we need you!"

The words hung in the air like a challenge, each one a cold, calculated blow. I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the true extent of my imprisonment.

"I... can't," I stammered, my voice shaking with fear. "Alpha... What about my children? Who will take care of them? I can't be away from them for too long, please..." I pleaded, tears welling up in my eyes like a desperate prayer.

Zara's face twisted in a snarl, her eyes flashing with anger.

"How dare you! How dare you question the Alpha's orders? Are you out of your mind?" She wrapped herself in a blanket, leaped off the bed, and delivered two stinging slaps across my face.

The pain exploded through my cheek like a firework, leaving me reeling. I stumbled back, my eyes blurring with tears.

"No, that's not what I meant at all," I stammered, my voice shaking with fear. "I'm just really concerned about my little ones. I can't bear the thought of them getting hurt while I'm not around."

Zara's eyes flashed with anger, her voice dripping with venom.

"Let me remind you why you're here! You're my surrogate! Those kids belong to me, and your job is to help care for them. When I decide it's time for you to leave, you will leave!"

The words hung in the air like a death sentence, each one a cold, calculated blow. I felt a surge of defiance, of desperation.

"But I promise I won't cause any trouble," I pleaded, my voice shaking with fear. "I'm happy to be a caretaker for my babies. Please don't take them away from me!" I clung to Zara's legs, my tears streaming down my face like a desperate prayer.

But she was unmoved, her eyes flashing with anger. "Get off me, you fool! You have five more months here, and then we're done with you! Now get out and make me some hot soup!"

I rose, my eyes blazing with fury. "I won't be treated like this! I demand a divorce! I won't stay in a marriage where I'm nothing but a breeding machine!"

Jasper's eyes narrowed, his face twisted in a snarl. "You think you can demand a divorce from me? I am the Alpha, and you are nothing but a stupid omega. How dare you challenge me?"

The air was electric with tension as Jasper's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with fury.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized I had crossed a line.

"Guards!" Jasper growled, his voice dripping with venom. “Take this omega away and teach her a lesson, fifty strokes of the cane should remind her of her place”

I spent five long days locked away in the storage room, enduring relentless beatings from the guards at Jasper's command.

Not once did he check on me or even suggest they ease up; it was clear I meant nothing to him, and this cycle of humiliation seemed endless.

The only moments when Alpha Jasper shows me any kindness are when he desires something more intimate.

On those days, he gazes at me with a false sense of admiration, but I’m exhausted from being treated like a mere option.

It’s time to file for divorce, end this ridiculous contract, and escape with my children.

“Susan, tidy yourself up and come downstairs to prepare breakfast for Zara. She prefers black coffee and scrambled eggs without any spices. Hurry, don’t keep her waiting,” Jasper's voice cut through my thoughts, laced with impatience, but I chose to ignore him.

“Did you hear what I said, or do you want me—”

“To hit me, to kick me? That’s all you seem capable of. You’re supposed to be my mate, yet you’ve turned me into your punching bag. What have I done to deserve this, Jasper? Is it a crime to have been chosen to bear your children?” I shot back, my voice icy as tears streamed down my cheeks.

He scrutinized me from head to toe, his silence heavy as he hissed, ignoring my words.

“By the time you finish embarrassing yourself, you’ll head downstairs to make breakfast. And just so you know, you’ll be warming my bed tonight since Zara is off on a business trip for a few days,” he said, turning to walk away.

“I’m not a prostitute, Alpha Jasper,” I shot back, my teeth clenched as he turned his back to me.

“What did you say?” he asked, eyebrows raised and fists clenched.

“I said I’m not a prostitute, Jasper. I’m meant to be your wife, not just a fallback for your desires when the woman you love is gone. I’m exhausted, Alpha Jasper, and I want a divorce.” I paused, locking my gaze with his.

“It’s been nearly five years. I haven’t broken any vows; I’ve given myself completely to you. But you’re the one who hasn’t upheld your part of the deal, so I want out.”

Alpha Jasper opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Zara walked into the room.

“Babe, why are you taking so long? I'm really hungry… When her gaze met mine, her expression twisted into a frown. “Don’t tell me this hideous scarecrow is causing you trouble again!” she shouted, and Jasper shook his head before planting a wet kiss on her lips.

“No, babe, I was just telling her what to whip up for breakfast.”

“No, sweetheart, I don’t want you talking to this local nuisance. It’s my responsibility, and since my gig got canceled until next month, I have all the time to handle her!”

“Now listen, you better go out there and whip me up something to eat before I lose my patience!” Then she turned to Jasper. “Babe, let’s go for an early morning run in our wolf forms. I’ve missed our time together.”

She giggled, casting me a look of disdain before strutting out of the room. I sank to the floor, overwhelmed, and began to cry.

After breakfast, which turned into yet another round of humiliation courtesy of Zara, who claimed she disliked the meal I prepared, Jasper insisted I whip up dish after dish until she was finally appeased.

It was all a charade; I knew my cooking was excellent. Zara simply aimed to undermine my efforts, and I was at my breaking point.

Seeking a moment of tranquility, I locked myself in the storage room and quickly fired off an email to the law firm managing my divorce.

I attached various pieces of evidence detailing the domestic violence I had suffered at the hands of Alpha Jasper and his girlfriend.

The lawyer assured me that the divorce agreement would be finalized in two weeks, and I had a solid chance of gaining custody of my children.

I also took the opportunity to look into an apartment in a quieter part of town.

Thankfully, I had managed to save a decent amount during my four and a half years as Alpha Jasper’s mate.

Just then, Jasper stormed into the room, and I hastily concealed my phone among the pile of clothes beside me.

“I have to head to the pack house for a meeting with the elders. It might take a while, so I need you to look after Zara until I get back,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow, confusion lacing my voice. “Look after her? How exactly? Is she incapable of taking care of herself? Does she need a babysitter?”

I had always followed his orders without question, but everything changed the moment Zara threatened to take my children, and he stood by her side.

His expression darkened, and his voice turned low and menacing.

“Susan, you’re crossing the line! You’re testing my patience, and I swear on my deceased parents, I’ll kill you if you provoke me again! No more questions—just do what I say, or I’ll show you why I’m feared!”

I swallowed hard, the pain bitter in my throat, and nodded, albeit reluctantly. Before he left, Jasper delivered one final warning, his tone laced with authority.

“Zara is my future Luna, and I expect her to be treated like royalty. If I hear anything from her, you’ll wish you hadn’t crossed me.”

He pressed a lingering kiss on Zara before departing, leaving her and me alone in the living room. The mood shifted as she sank into the sofa, a sly smile playing on her lips.

“How would you feel if something you cherish was snatched away right before your eyes?” she asked, her voice smooth and calculated.

“I have no idea what you mean, Zara,” I replied, shifting my weight nervously.

My gaze fell on the jar of peanut butter on the table, an odd sight since no one in this house consumed it due to my son’s severe allergy that could lead to anaphylaxis and even death.

“What have you done, Zara?” I gasped, my breath quickening as I gestured toward the bottle. She blinked at me, pretending not to understand.

“Oh, you’re talking about peanut butter! I love it, and your son does too—”

But before she could finish, I screamed and dashed to my son's room, only to find him lying on the floor, unconscious and foaming at the mouth.

Breathless and panicked, I dashed into the living room, only to find Zara nonchalantly filing her nails.

She looked up with a smirk and casually requested a glass of juice. In response, I hurled a sofa cushion at her while cradling my son in my arms.

“What’s wrong with you, omega? Have you lost your mind?” she shouted, her voice laced with irritation.

“What did you do to my son? Why on earth did you give him peanut butter when you know he’s allergic?”

I yelled, turning my son to face her. His breathing was alarmingly shallow, and I couldn’t bear the thought that something terrible had occurred.

I attempted to call the doctor multiple times, but the line was dead.

Frustrated, I decided to take him to the pack hospital. Just as I was about to leave, Zara stepped in my way.

“Where do you think you’re going? Didn’t Jasper tell you to look after me? I need fries and grilled chicken, no oil, just airfried—”

I glared at her as she rattled off her demands, scoffing as I shoved her aside, causing her to stumble against a wooden chair.

“Zara, you better pray nothing happens to my son. I swear, I’ll make your life a living hell!” I shouted before bolting out of the house, flagging down a taxi and jumping in.

As soon as I arrived at the hospital, my son was rushed into the ICU, wires and monitors connected to him, I just stood shaking and crying non stop.

The doctor expressed frustration that I had brought him in too late, warning me that it would take a miracle for him to survive.

He instructed me to go home and retrieve his hospital card.

Reluctantly, I left my son behind, reassured by the doctor that he was being closely monitored.

However, chaos awaited me when I got home. The moment I stepped through the door, I was met with three hard slaps across my face, leaving me disoriented and struggling to see who had attacked me.

Before I could utter a word, I was lifted off the ground and slammed against the wall.

“So, you thought you could raise your hands against my woman, huh? I’ll make you pay for this!” he shouted, unleashing a flurry of punches to my face as I whimpered in agony, while Zara encouraged him to hit me harder.

After he had vented his rage and ripped my clothes, I managed to weakly plead,

“Jasper… your son… he’s in the hospital!” I cried out in pain, and he froze, his expression darkening, sweat trickling down his forehead.

“What do you mean my son is in the hospital? I left him in your care! What happened to him, you worthless Omega?”

I was about to respond when Zara interjected.

“Honey, your son was struggling to breathe, so I went inside to call Susan. She told me to leave her alone, and in a moment of panic, I grabbed her phone”

“What?” I asked, blinking repeatedly but she continued spitting out lies.

“That’s when I discovered she was chatting with her secret lover, and that’s what triggered her to hit me! It was me and the gateman who rushed the boy to the hospital hours ago,” She said, tears streaming down her face, leaving me speechless as I fumbled for words.

“Jasper, I can’t just stand by while my child suffers! I’m not that kind of person; I love my kids more than anything, and you know that. She’s lying, Jasper! She’s the one who gave him peanut butter, fully aware of his allergy. She’s doing this to hurt me!”

“Really? So you’re having an affair right under my roof? And you had the audacity to leave my son in his time of need! Can you hear yourself? Zara is always preoccupied, so she doesn’t keep track of his diet. I swear, I’ll make you pay for this!”

“He’s not just hers! He’s my son! Why are you defending her even when she messes up?”

Just as he lunged at me, ready to unleash another wave of violence, the sharp ring of a phone interrupted us.

He hesitated, answering the call, still seething with rage.

“Who the hell is this?” he barked, his gaze still locked on me. Moments later, I watched as the color drained from his face and his hands began to tremble.

“W…what do you mean my company has been shut down by officials for fraud and I’m being summoned to court?”

I caught his words, and in an instant, Zara leaped away from him as if she had been burned.

He didn’t utter another word; instead, he snatched his car keys and sped out of the house.

Despite the fresh bruises marking my skin, I trailed after him, but he didn’t acknowledge my presence.

Just as I was about to retreat indoors, I heard Zara giggling softly to herself. I halted, pressing my ear against the door to listen closely.

“This is merely the start, Jasper Grey. I haven’t even begun to deal with you yet.”

I burst into the living room, my heart pounding with fury. Zara lounged on the couch, a smug grin plastered across her face, and I was still reeling from the terrible words I had overheard her muttering to herself. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the calculating glint in her eye, and I knew I had to confront her.

"Zara, how could you say such terrible things about Jasper?" I demanded, my voice trembling with anger. "You say you care for him, but it sounds more like you're just manipulating him. What’s your game? Are you planning to harm him, or maybe hand his pack over to rogues? What’s your scheme, you deceitful little idiot?”

In a heartbeat, Zara's smugness shifted to a facade of innocence. "I have no idea what you mean, Susan," she replied, fluttering her eyelashes. But I wasn’t fooled. The stench of her lies was palpable, and it churned my stomach.

I stepped closer, my fists tightly balled. “Don't try to deceive me, Zara. I’m not naive! I heard everything. You’re just biding your time, waiting for the right moment to pounce, aren’t you? I sensed something was off about you the instant I laid eyes on you!” My voice escalated, and I could feel my fury reaching a boiling point.

Zara's eyes blazed with indignation as she rose to her feet, hands firmly planted on her hips. "You’re just envious, Susan. Envious that Jasper cares for me and not you. You should really focus on your sick child at the hospital because, at this rate, you might just lose him!" Her words struck a nerve, and a wave of fear washed over me for my child's wellbeing.

I let out a chilling laugh. "So this was your scheme all along, huh? Not only are you barren, but you’re also malicious? You intended to harm my child, didn’t you? I hope nothing happens to him, and just wait until Jasper arrives. I’ll tell him everything I overheard, and I’ll ensure you pay for this!"

My words lingered in the air, and for a brief moment, Zara appeared stunned. But then her expression contorted with fury, and she lunged at me. We tumbled to the ground, exchanging punches and kicks. The room echoed with the sound of crashing furniture and our grunts of pain.

I managed to land a few solid hits, but Zara was unyielding. She scratched and clawed at me, and I could feel the sting of her attacks on my skin. Just when I thought I was gaining the upper hand, Zara snatched a nail file from the table and drove it into my flesh. I cried out in agony as blood seeped from my injury.

The metallic scent of my own blood made me feel lightheaded and unsteady. I turned to Zara, my gaze filled with rage, but before I could lunge at her again, I noticed Jasper in the doorway, his expression seething with anger.

"Susan, how could you dare to fight my Luna? Have you lost your mind?" he snarled, advancing toward me. Despite the throbbing pain from my wound, I attempted to defend myself, but Jasper's strength was overwhelming. He struck me repeatedly, his fists crashing into my face and body.

I felt myself being lifted off the ground, my head spinning wildly. The surroundings began to fade, and I feared I might lose consciousness. Just when I thought it was all over, a deafening crash resonated through the room, followed by the thud of Jasper hitting the floor.

I looked up to see Lord Alpha Christopher, the ruler of the largest and most powerful pack in the country, looming over Jasper's fallen form.

He was a towering figure, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.

His dark hair was messy, and his jaw was set in a firm line, giving him an air of rugged intensity.

As the leader of the Moonlight pack, Christopher was a household name.

His pack's dominance and his own fearless leadership had made him a legend in his own right.

He was always featured on TV, his chiseled face and imposing presence commanding attention and inspiring awe.

"Back off, Jasper," Christopher growled, his voice low and authoritative, sending chills down my spine. Jasper pushed himself up, fury etched across his features.

"What are you doing here, Christopher? This is my territory, and you're merely a guest. I have every right to deal with anyone I choose!" He snapped, showing his teeth in a fierce display.

Christopher's wolf let out a deep, threatening growl. "Mate," he hissed, his gaze fixed intently on mine.

Jasper pushed himself up, astonished, as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "What do you mean?" he shot back at Christopher, his voice tinged with fury and a trace of desperation. "What do you mean she's your mate? You think you can just stroll into my pack and spew nonsense, just because you're Lord Alpha?"

Christopher's gaze was fixed on me, sending a chill down my spine. His commanding presence enveloped the room, and his voice was deep and authoritative. "I mean that I can sense the bond we share," he declared, his eyes locked onto mine. "I can smell your wolf, Susan. You are my mate."

My wolf stirred within me, celebrating our connection. A wave of wonder and awe washed over me, filling my heart with hope. Could it really be? Was Alpha Christopher truly my fated mate?

Zara rose to her feet, her movements playful as she extended her hand to Alpha Christopher. "Hello, Alpha Christopher! It's such a pleasure to meet you. You're even more striking in person! I'm a big admirer of your artwork!" She fluttered her eyelashes, but Christopher's face remained unyielding.

"Cut the act, Zara," he growled, his tone laced with contempt. "I'm not here for socializing," he said, pushing her aside. He shifted his focus to Jasper, his gaze sharp. "What were you doing to this girl?" he demanded, his voice authoritative and unwavering.

Jasper's expression contorted with rage, yet he took a step back, his eyes flickering nervously to Christopher's. "This doesn't concern you, Alpha Christopher," he retorted, attempting to hold onto his bravado. "You're intruding on my affairs, this is my domain! My pack!"

Christopher's eyes blazed with fury as he advanced toward Jasper. "One more word from you, Alpha Jasper, and I’ll demonstrate exactly why I hold the title of Lord Alpha," he growled, his tone low and threatening. "If you want to avoid having your name submitted to the wolf council for a demotion, you better answer the damn question! Why are you punishing her?"

Jasper's complexion drained, and he gulped nervously. He understood the consequences of defying the Lord Alpha. "She's— my mate," he stuttered, struggling to uphold his falsehood. "I was merely disciplining her for her disobedience."

I clenched my jaw, fighting through the pain, and interjected. "I'm not his mate," I declared, my voice steady and unwavering. "I’m his surrogate. I bore his children for him and his barren fiancée. They’ve turned my life into a nightmare for years."

Zara gasped in disbelief, then chimed in. "That's a lie!" she screeched, her voice highpitched. "Susan's wolf is possessed. You can't trust her, Alpha Christopher."

Yet Christopher's face remained inscrutable. "I will only heed the words of my mate," he stated, his gaze fixed on mine. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a letter. "The Alpha General is on the hunt for his missing niece, abducted by rogues years ago. We believe she’s still alive, and whoever finds her will receive a reward of five million dollars."

Zara's eyes sparkled with avarice as she quickly grabbed the envelope from Jasper's grasp. "Wow, Alpha Christopher, that’s an incredible amount!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with enthusiasm. "We promise to help you find her! Let’s go over the details!”

Christopher's gaze sharpened as he faced Jasper. "You really think you can make promises, Zara? Jasper, it's time to train your mate; she needs to grasp what it means to be a true Luna," he said, his tone laced with contempt.

Jasper's face reddened with anger. "How dare you!" he snarled. "You have no right to interfere in my pack's affairs!"

Christopher's smile was cold and calculated. "I have every right," he said, his voice dripping with authority. "As the Lord Alpha, it's my duty to protect the innocent and punish those who abuse their power."

Without waiting for a response, Christopher lifted me effortlessly into his arms, cradling me like a bride, and carried me out of the house.

Christopher's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine, not out of fear but pure attraction that even made my wolf growl in pleasure.

"You're safe now, Susan," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "You'll never have to go back to that place again."