Done With My Cheating Alpha, Married My True Mate

Katie couldn't wait to share the news with her husband and mate, Liam.

She was pregnant!

This was the second opportunity they needed after the loss of their daughter Ruby. A fresh start to fill the gap.

When she reached Liam's private study door, she heard his voice, followed by Andrew, his beta. She slowed down, not wanting to disrupt their chat.

"...the ashes of your daughter Ruby have been brought back," Andrew said.

Katie's eyes almost popped out of her head.

Ruby? Ashes? What were they talking about?

"Where are the ashes?" Liam demanded.

"In the car, Alpha. I had to inform you immediately about the death."

Now Katie's heart was pounding. She was on the verge of passing out.

She thought Ruby was missing, kidnapped by someone.

But dead?

"What am I supposed to do with a jar of ashes?" Liam scoffed. "I'm surprised Ruby made it for one year. I thought she was going to die the very next day after I sold her as a slave to the Ember moon pack."

Her precious Ruby was sold. As a slave.

"Well, what should we do about the ashes now, Alpha?" Andrew asked hesitantly.

"Take it somewhere far, Andrew. Spread it across the sea or something. I don't want to deal with it," Liam said dismissively.

"But what if Luna Katie finds out?" Andrew pressed.

Liam chuckled harshly. "Find out how? She's still going to think Ruby is missing, not suspect that she just died."

For a minute, Katie’s breathing halted. Her heart felt tight in her chest.

For the past year, she had been searching for Ruby, thinking she was kidnapped. Liam had led the search, pretending to be concerned.

But he had been the one to sell off his five year old daughter!

Katie snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Andrew’s voice again.

"Alpha, at least maybe you should have given Luna Katie an opportunity to see her child's ashes one last time. She has been grieving for the past year."

Liam heaved a deep sigh. "Don’t be stupid. It is going to reopen old wounds. Katie shouldn’t know a thing about this, you hear me?"

Liam went on, his words piercing Katie's heart more and more.

"You understand why I did it, all right? Dakota's life was far too precious to give up. I know selling Ruby to the other pack was the only way to get access to the rare potion to cure Dakota's Lunar Fever. And since Ruby was born, she's always been a weak child. I suspected she wasn't going to live for long, and the best way was to put her to good use."

Katie had to forcefully cover her mouth to stop the sound of a sob that escaped her throat.

Her eyes burned with tears.

Dakota was Katie’s cousin and Liam’s first love.

He had traded Ruby's life for her.

In Katie’s heart, the betrayal and sorrow were like a dagger twisting.

Liam's voice rose again in a very serious tone. "You better keep this information between us. Now, go get rid of the ashes."

Katie could no longer stand there listening. Clutching the pregnancy test paper in her hand, she turned on her heel.

She snatched an empty jar, her car keys, and hurried outside.

When she saw Andrew's car, she hurriedly opened the door and looked for the jar that held Ruby's ashes.

A rush of sorrow passed over her as she carefully took it after finding it on the backseat. Then she replaced it with the empty jar.

She got into her own car and drove to a remote lakeside with towering trees and the calming sound of the water gently crashing on the shore.

After exiting the vehicle, Katie made her way to the lake. She inhaled the aroma of water lilies and damp dirt.

Kneeling among the pebbles, she held the jar to her chest.

Her thoughts went to those nights when she would hold a picture of Ruby to her chest and cry herself to sleep.

Liam would hold her in his arms, telling her that his best soldiers were searching for Ruby.

It was all a lie, though.

She finally gave herself permission to cry, and hot tears fell down her face.

She cried for Ruby, for the life she would never have, for the pain and suffering she had endured. She cried for herself, for the betrayal and hurt she felt.

When the tears dried, she glanced down at the jar, and murmured quietly.

"Don't worry, Ruby. I'll definitely avenge your death. Dakota and Liam will surely pay for what they've done."

Liam's car was gone when Katie pulled back into the mansion's driveway.

Great.

It meant she had time to sneak around.

She had always respected his boundaries, but not anymore.

Very cautiously, she made her way to the private study Liam had always kept her out of.

She pushed the creaking door open to find a room crammed with papers and books.

Her eyes found a safe in the corner, partially hidden behind a bookshelf.

When she reached the safe, she tried to think of the password number.

She used Dakota’s birth date and the safe clicked open.

Inside was a written contract between Liam and the Ember Moon Pack. As she read Ruby's sale terms, her eyes grew wide. It was true!

Next to the contract, she found a medical record, detailing the acquisition of a rare potion linked to Dakota's treatment.

She swiftly used her phone to take pictures.

Just as she was ready to go, she heard the front door open and knew Liam was back.

Katie hastily placed the documents back in the safe but bumped into Liam at the door who looked surprised as hell to see her there.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked, eyeing her all over.

She tried to think fast. "I was looking for you. The door was slightly ajar, and I thought you were in here. We planned on going to the park, right? You've been pushing for it for weeks, and it's Ruby's favorite place. It helps me feel closer to her."

"Let me take a shower first," he said in a soft voice as he caressed a flyaway hair from her face. "How come your eyes are bloodshot, though? Have you been crying again?”

Anger swept through Katie, but she controlled herself. "I had a dream that Ruby died."

Liam froze for a moment before he brought his strong arms around her. "The Moon Goddess will take pity on us and Ruby will be found eventually. Don’t worry."

Katie gripped her dress with her fists, refusing to hug him back. The audacity of him, pretending to be concerned about their daughter's disappearance when he was, in fact, her killer.

He guided her out of the study, and they walked to their room together. Katie sat on the bed while he jumped into the shower.

Her eyes fell on his beeping phone on the nightstand.

She had always assumed that the password was her name, just like he had told her. However, when she tried typing it in, the phone remained locked.

‘Deekay’ was the nickname Liam used to call her cousin Dakota. She wondered if he might have used it as a password.

Of course it worked.

The first thing Katie saw was a discussion about the cozy vacation house that her parents had given to her as a wedding gift.

She had spent countless special events and holidays there with her family as a child.

But then Liam had just gifted Dakota for being pregnant with his heir!

Dakota carrying Liam's child? Her stomach churned at the thought.

There were also pictures of the house being refurbished to Dakota's taste.

Liam had deceived Katie by adding his name to the deed of the house.

He said he would be able to protect it better if anything went wrong. And, foolishly, she had trusted him, because she loved him.

There were older messages from Liam, declaring his love for Dakota, and Dakota's responses, saying she couldn't bear the secret relationship anymore.

Liam consoled her by saying, "When the time is right, my love, I'll dump my goodfornothing wife. You know you're my true mate."

Katie felt like she was reading a nightmare. She also saw transaction receipts for expensive things Liam had bought for Dakota.

Things he had rebuked her for asking for.

It got worse. There were nasty messages between them talking about their sex escapades.

Liam also said she couldn’t satisfy him like Dakota did. And it seemed like the moon goddess locked her womb after giving birth to that frail daughter.

She couldn't take it anymore and locked the phone, her eyes stinging with tears.

She remembered how she was never Liam’s fated mate but only chosen by both their families.

Dakota was his first love, and they had been forced to break up when Dakota went overseas for her schooling.

Katie had married Liam at twenty years old, two years after Dakota left, and had given birth to Ruby.

Now, six years had passed, and Katie realized that her entire marriage was a total waste of her time.

Dakota had returned a year ago terribly sick, and Liam found the potion to save her.

Now she knew it was at the expense of her child.

The phone vibrated again, and a message from Dakota popped up in the notification bar.

"Honey, where are you? You have to come with me for a prenatal visit. I miss you, by the way. And please bring my favorite creamy mushroom soup you always bring."

Katie's anger and hurt turned to disgust. Liam had always made her cook the soup regularly even though he didn’t like it.

He claimed that he brought the soup for his beta's elderly mother.

Such a liar.

The sound of the shower stopped, so she quickly placed the phone back.

Liam came in with a bathrobe and grabbed his phone, glancing through.

"I'm sorry, but the pack needs me. Can we reschedule our outing?"

With a tightlipped smile, Katie answered, "It's okay."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, saying, "I would make it up to you, okay? Oh, and another thing, can you help me make that creamy mushroom soup you always do?"

Katie answered bluntly. "I'm sorry but I won’t cook today. I'm not feeling too well."

Liam's countenance went from composed to shocked. "You don't feel good? "What's wrong?"

With a shrug, Katie got to her feet. "It's simply a headache, nothing more. Go take care of your pack business."

Before now, she had never turned down any of his requests, even when it was inconvenient.

Liam looked puzzled, his eyes searching hers for any sign of what was really going on. "You usually want to tag along when I go out or want me home with you. Now it seems like you want me to leave."

"The pack needs you and I need my rest."

She excused herself without saying anything more and left the room, leaving Liam looking perplexed and worried.

She took out her phone and called the clinic as soon as she was out of sight. "Hello, I'd like to schedule an appointment for an abortion,"

"We have an opening tomorrow morning, Luna. Can you come in at 10 am?"

"Yes, that works. I'll be there."

There was no way she was having Liam’s baby.

Liam left the house that night but didn’t return home. For the first time, Katie didn’t care.

Her 26th birthday arrived the following morning. She wasn't shocked when Liam didn't call or message her because she hadn't thought he would remember.

He always forgot her birthdays. Their anniversaries. Any important event really.

She freshened up and dressed in a black lace dress, taking a mirror photo. She shared it on Instagram with a caption: "Another new year."

The comments flooded immediately, with friends and acquaintances wishing her a happy birthday.

But Liam didn't even see the post, let alone comment.

Katie sighed and made her way to the hospital.

Before long, her fingers were gripped together as she sat in the waiting chair. Suddenly, a pregnant lady and a woman who appeared to be her mother sat next to her.

The pregnant lady's mother gushed about how she couldn't wait to be a firsttime grandma.

Something changed inside Katie as she listened and her maternal instinct took over.

So when the doctor called her name, she stood up and shook her head. "I'd like to keep the baby,"

She already lost Ruby, but she was going to protect this little one with her life. And Liam had no right to know about it.

As she left the clinic, she came across Dakota’s internet post.

It was a celebration for her new makeup line. In the background, Liam could be seen.

She drove to the venue and found Liam and Dakota in a secluded spot. Liam's hand was on Dakota's stomach. Their cheeks were beaming with joy as they laughed.

Dakota praised Liam for organizing the “awesome party," and Liam said that she should be celebrated more since she was carrying his heir.

Katie’s disgust grew. So he forgot her birthday and threw a party for his mistress?

She cleared her throat to draw their attention. They were startled.

Dakota began, "Katie, please don’t misunderstand. My own fiancé isn't in town yet, so Liam came just to help."

Katie folded her arms across her chest. "So you could invite my husband yet you didn't invite your cousin?”

"I apologize for forgetting. I assumed you were gonna be busy.”

Katie raised her brows. "The Alpha himself isn't busy, so why would the Luna be busy?"

Liam was quick to contribute. "I really didn't want to bother you, you said you were unwell. I only came because Dakota is delicate, being pregnant."

Katie pretended to be surprised. "Oh, really? Congratulations, Dakota."

Dakota gave her best smile. "Thanks cousin."

Then she added, "Oh, isn't it your birthday today?"

"Yes, why?"

Dakota grabbed the cake from the nearby table. "How about you have this? It was supposed to be mine for the celebration, but the flavor isn't good for the baby. Liam has already sent for another of my choice."

With a cheesy smile she handed the cake to Katie.

Katie's eyes shifted from the cake to Liam’s face.

Liam took a step closer. "I was actually going to send you a birthday surprise, but now you've ruined everything."

Katie knew he was lying. He hadn't remembered her birthday.

She forced a wry smile. "Thanks, Dakota. I'll take it."

She had to hold back from smearing her dolllike face with the white buttery cake.

"I'll be on my way home." she announced.

Liam called after her. "I'll join you soon."

Her eyes rolled in exasperation as she reached the exit. She quickly tossed the cake in the bin then went home.

Afterwards, Liam showed up with a lot of pricey presents. Katie looked around the room, uninterested.

Liam’s smile was as broad as a Cheshire cat's. "Kate, happy birthday. I chose these presents just for you. I hope you love them.”

Katie stared at him dead in the eye and stated calmly, "I don't want them. I don't want anything from you."

Liam's face scrunched in amazement as Katie declined the gifts.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked, irritated. "You're being paranoid because I went to support your own cousin?"

Katie shot him an icy glare. "You're missing the important part – you both had a freaking relationship."

"That was such a long time ago." He growled.

The tense moment was broken when Dakota suddenly arrived.

With a sweet smile, she held a modest wrapped gift. "It wasn’t nice that I found the cake in the trash. Perhaps you didn’t like it? I came with another gift you might want."

"Oh goddess, what do you want?" Katie asked dryly. "I might have to disinfect this house now that a pest got in."

"Hey, be nice." Liam cautioned.

Just then, his phone rang, so he excused himself to the other side of the room.

Dakota’s attitude changed instantly.

"Aren’t you just a worthless bitch? You’re pained Liam didn’t acknowledge your birthday right?"

Scoffing, Katie folded her arms. "Oh, so you couldn't keep up the pretense of a good girl for long, right?"

Dakota shot daggers at her. "Can you stop talking? Liam was mine first, and I'm only taking him back."

Katie took the small box from her and threw it at her face. "Get out with your gift. I don't accept gifts from snakes."

Dakota shot her an evil smirk as she pierced her sharp fingernails into her own wrist. Then she started screaming for help as her blood dropped on the marble floor.

Liam rushed back, his face furious.

"What's going on?"

Dakota’s voice was shaking as she pretended to cry. "Your wife just came at me for nothing. I was only trying to give her a gift."

Liam grabbed Katie by the neck, almost choking her. "You're cruel," he yelled. "How could you hurt a pregnant woman?"

Katie struggled to breathe, her eyes bulging as she tried to pry Liam's hands off her neck. He released her abruptly and pushed her carelessly.

Katie fell, her stomach striking the staircase hard.

As she yelped in pain, Liam put his arm around Dakota. "Let's get that checked."

Katie was horrified as she felt blood trickling down her thighs.

She called out to Liam, but he didn't spare her a glance. His attention focused solely on Dakota.

Her eyes began to blur as she slowly lost strength.

Desperate for help, she mind linked with the gamma of the pack. "Please, come help me," she whispered, before losing consciousness.

When she woke up, the doctor sadly announced that she lost the baby. The impact of the fall was too severe.

Katy sobbed uncontrollably till she went numb.

This was the saddest birthday ever. No kids. No mate. No love.

She walked idly out of the hospital after being discharged.

She didn't realize a car was approaching until she heard the blaring horns. The owner ran out, and his face came into view.

It was Dakota's arranged fiancé, Lucian Knight, Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack!

Previously, she had only seen pictures of him. This was their first meeting in person.

He was so tall, ridiculously handsome and had this powerful aura.

As Lucian grabbed her hand, Katie felt an electric connection. "Are you okay? Were you planning to get yourself killed?" he asked, concerned.

Her wolf stirred in her head, and it hit her that they were mates!

She had given up on her real fated mate, thinking he was dead, and had fallen in love with Liam instead.

Lucian, too, had felt the connection. He had spent years searching for his mate, and now, here she was.

"Get into the car," he said gently. "I'll take you home. You look like a mess."

Katie didn't resist, getting into the limo's seats.

The silence between them was quite heavy until Lucian spoke up. "Isn't it your birthday today? I saw your photo on Instagram."

Katie nodded quietly. "Yes."

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't your husband celebrate with you?"

"That's because my husband was busy with your own fiancée, Dakota."

Lucian pinched his nose bridge and exhaled.

"Dakota isn’t who I thought she was."

Katie gazed at him. "You know about it?"

He drummed his fingers on his lap, looking away. "Even though I've been busy with my pack and other businesses, I made my findings, and I knew for like a few days now."

Katie scrubbed a hand over her face. "Well, I found out yesterday. And my husband is actually a monster."

There was a short pause before Lucian spoke up again.

"Do you feel the mate bond between us?" he asked with an intense stare now.

Katie gave a stiff nod. "Yes. Crazy, right?"

Lucian's face broke into a smile, and he leaned in closer. "How about an even crazier proposal?"

"Since both our partners want each other, why don't we get married instead?"

Katie shot him a look. "Are you insane? I'm still married, if you had forgotten."

Lucian shrugged, his shoulders barely moving. "You can always get divorced."

"It had already crossed my mind to divorce that scum," she replied curtly. "But I have no intention of jumping into another marriage so quickly. Even if we are mates."

"Don’t you want your revenge?"

"Well I do, but what’s in it for you?"

He snorted. "My wedding with Dakota was arranged exactly six months ago. I'm thirty years old now, and the elders and family had been on my neck for a while about just getting a chosen mate. And they felt Dakota was the perfect choice."

Katie's tone was thick with sarcasm. "Guess they chose a serpent."

Lucian stifled a smile, his eyes clouding over. "Dakota saved me when I was a child, and for years I had been looking for her. And when I saw her again, it just felt right. I even wished we were actual mates. So I swore to give her all the love after losing her."

Katie looked at him keenly. "What happened then?"

He sighed. "Things were unstable within the pack, and I had important business dealings that couldn't make me remain in the city. That's why I had been traveling about for the last months. I didn't want to marry her and make her feel alone."

How considerate of him, Katie thought. Her own husband, in the other hand, didn’t give a damn about how alone she felt most times.

Lucian continued, "So now things are okay, but I got news of all the sneaky stuff she’s been doing. I gave Dakota everything she wanted, even invested heavily in her makeup brand from start to finish. She didn't even tell me when it was to be launched. I found it online."

Katie nodded. "Yeah right she didn’t. Did you confront her?"

"Yes, but she just brushed it off, saying she didn't wanna bother me since I was so busy all the time." He hesitated, pain in his voice. "I wouldn't want to get into all the details, but she betrayed me, and I detest betrayal."

Their eyes met as Katie probed. "Why didn't you make a move already?"

"I'm a very cautious man, you know. But the moment I saw you, I knew you were the answer."

A chill went down Katie's spine as she stroked her arms. "I'm about to come out of a sixyear relationship..."

Lucian's voice was gentle. "No pressure. You should sleep on it. But do it fast."

The car pulled up to her house, and Lucian turned to her, his stormy grey eyes piercing.

Katie thanked him quickly and got down. She didn't want to get drowned in those eyes.

Not yet.

As she entered her house, she was met with a scene that set her blood on fire.

Dakota and Liam were on the couch, almost half naked, making love.

On seeing her, they sprang apart, trying to explain. But Katie wasn't interested in hearing it. She already knew about their affair but it hurt worse seeing it physically.

Katie held her hand up, her eyes clear with the anger. "I am not blind you know,"

Liam took one step closer to her, trying to defend himself. "It's really not what you think."

Really? He had no other pathetic cliche line to use?

Katie’s voice rose as she gave a sour laugh. "What do you take me for? A fool? Wow."

"It was just a momentary mess up. Don’t take it personally, cousin." Dakota chipped in.

She ignored the witch completely and turned to Liam instead. "I, Luna Katie Storm of the Haven Pack, reject you, William Storm of the Haven Pack, as my mate. I hereby cut all ties with you and the pack."

Liam couldn’t believe his eyes.

"You're rejecting me? How dare you!" he shouted, but Katie kept calm.

The pain of cutting ties with her pack and mate overwhelmed her soon enough. She had to hold her chest from the sharp pain.

As she reached the door, she called back over her shoulder, "You two deserve each other!"

Liam's angry growl followed her, "Katie! Where are you going!"

But she didn't reply. Instead, she walked out the door and slammed it shut behind her.

Lucian was holding up her purse when she brushed into him as she stepped out into the chilly evening air.

"You left this in my car, and I wanted to return it," he said, looking directly into her eyes.

Katie gulped hard and snatched the purse. "Can you take me out of here quickly?"

They got into the car, and she turned to Lucian. "You know what? I'll marry you."

He blinked. "Whoa, you slept on it so fast?"

Katie sighed, her eyes fixed on the trees outside the window. "Can we please drive away right now?"

Lucian ordered the driver to step on it.

She was going to send for her belongings later. But for now, she was so done with Liam.

As the car sped away, Katie pulled out her phone and dialed her trusted lawyer’s number. "Hello, I want a divorce,"

Katie woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand.

She groggily reached for it. Then rubbed the sleep from her eyes. The screen lit up.

A string of missed calls from Liam.

She sighed, feeling a knot form in her stomach. She had been avoiding him all night, but she knew she couldn't ignore him forever.

She picked up the call, her voice husky from sleep. "Hello?"

"Katie, where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all night!" Liam's voice was laced with concern and frustration.

Katie sat up in bed, her back straightening. "I've been busy," she said curtly, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"Busy? You've been avoiding me, haven't you?" Liam's tone turned accusatory.

Katie's grip on the phone tightened. "I've already packed my things and left, Liam. What more do you want?"

"Come back home, Katie. Let's talk this out. It's just a misunderstanding," he pleaded.

His voice softened.

Katie raised an eyebrow. "What is there to talk about,hmm?"

He sounded desperate.

"This year’s pack gala, Katie. You know how much work you've put into it. How can you just leave now, two days before the event? I need your help to host it. You're the one who's been driving this project forward,"

Katie's eyes narrowed.

He needed her help?

That was rich. "What about my birthday celebration?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Well I would make it up to you, I promise. Just come back home and let's work together to make this gala a success. We'll celebrate your birthday when you get back," Liam said, his voice smooth as silk.

Katie's thoughts turned to the mate bond dissolution papers she needed him to sign. That was the real reason she was going back. She didn't care about the gala. Or her birthday celebration.

She just needed him to sign those papers.

"Okay, fine. I'll be home," she said, trying to sound convincing.

Liam's voice perked up. "I'll send a car for you. See you soon."

Katie hung up the phone. Then tossed it aside.

She had played along, but she knew she was in control.

She would get the papers signed. Then freedom.

Just then, Lucian walked into the room with a cup of steaming hot tea. "Hey, you, I brought you some tea. You look like you could use it,"

She took the cup from him gratefully. "Thanks, Lucian. I think I'm going to head back home,"

His eyes widened. "You're going back to him? Are you crazy?"

Katie sighed. "I need him to sign those papers. It's the only way I'll be free."

Lucian's expression softened. "I understand, but are you sure you're ready for this? He's not going to make it easy for you."

Katie's jaw set. “I’m ready. I actually have a plan."

Lucian's expression turned serious, his brow furrowed in concern. "Okay, so what's gonna happen now?"

Katie whispered in his ears.

Lucian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright, I'll send someone to drive you back to the house. You should be safe."

Katie nodded.

The drive back to the house was quiet. Her thoughts raced.

When she arrived, Liam rushed over to her, his arms open wide. "Katie, I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you so much!"

Katie sidestepped him, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Let's focus on the celebration, Liam. We don't have much time."

Liam's face fell, but he quickly recovered, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Of course, my love. Let's focus on the celebration."

As they entered the house, his eyes landed on the small bag Katie was carrying. "Is that all you brought? Where's the rest of your things?"

Her gaze was cool. Detached. "I'll bring the rest of my things back only if there's a reason to. Right now, I just want to focus on getting everything done for the pack celebration."

Liam's smile hitched a little. "Don't worry, my love. I'll make sure you don't have any reason to go back. We'll make this celebration one to remember."

As if.

If only he knew she was cutting him off completely. What an idiot.

As Liam reached out to take her hand, Katie pulled back, her movements swift and decisive. "Let's get to work, Liam. We have a lot to do before the celebration."

Liam's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "Of course, my love. Let's get to work."

Katie heard some noise in the kitchen just then.

She turned to see Dakota emerging with a tray.

Freshly baked pastries.

Dakota's smile was bright, but Katie's instincts told her otherwise.

"Oh, so you slept here," Katie said, her voice neutral.

Liam intervened, "Please, I don't want you misunderstanding. It was already too late last night. Dakota could not go back home."

Of course.

When they were both having a good time, how could she go back home?

Katie's gaze lingered on Dakota, who was busy arranging the pastries on a platter.

"I'm not misunderstanding anything," she said flatly.

Dakota turned around, a sweet smile on her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to make Liam breakfast. Please don't take it to heart. You're not mad, are you?"

Katie raised an eyebrow. "Of course not. You can do whatever you want."

Dakota's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Great! I'm glad we're clear."

Katie stood up, stretching slightly. "I'm really thirsty. I could really go for a cup of creamy coffee."

Liam immediately volunteered, "I'll go make it for you. I'll be right back."

How quick he was willing to help.

Just because his cheating ass was caught.

Pathetic.

As Liam left, Dakota's smile changed. Her eyes glinted with malice. "Why are you back here, Katie?”

“Isn’t this my home?”

“ You're just wasting your time, foolish girl. Once our baby is born, you'll be nothing. You'll be dumped, and I'll be the Luna of this pack."

Katie's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with anger. "No problem. I won't stand in the way of that. You should enjoy it while it lasts."

Dakota's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with triumph. "Oh, I will. I'll make sure to enjoy every moment of it."

As Liam returned with the coffee, Katie took a sip.

Her eyes didn’t leave Dakota's face.

The game was on. Katie was ready to play.

Over the next two days, Liam was doting over Katie. Getting her everything she needed.

He was by her side. Attending to every whim. Even massaging her feet.

Katie took a picture of him in that compromising position and sent it to Dakota with a taunting message:

"Seems that I've taken my husband back. Seems that he doesn't want you anymore. He's been on my side and refused to leave for the past two days. Isn't that crazy?"

Dakota's response was immediate. She sent back intimate pictures of her and Liam together.

Just great. Exactly what she needed.

Seeing it on the phone didn’t make it hurt. She already saw them in person.

"You think you've won? I'll prove it right now that he loves only me." Dakota typed back furiously.

Katie's smile remained as she looked at the pictures.

She said nothing.

Dakota's next move was swift. She called Liam's phone.

He excused himself and answered, his voice low and urgent.

Katie watched as he spoke to Dakota, his expression growing more agitated by the minute.

He looked panicked.

When he hung up, Liam turned to Katie and said, "I really need to go."

Katie quickly handed him some papers and said, "Alright, please just sign this before you go."

Liam barely glanced at the papers, too distracted by his conversation with Dakota. "Can't I sign it when I come back? I'm really in a hurry," he said, his eyes darting towards the door.

Katie's voice was sweet, but firm. "Just quickly sign it, and then go attend to what you need to do."

Liam scribbled his signature without even reading the papers properly and rushed out the door.

As he left, he called out, "I'll see you by seven PM."

Katie smiled to herself, her eyes glinting with triumph.

Her flight was booked for seven PM.

—

Liam rushed over to Dakota, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong? You said your tummy hurts?"

Dakota's eyes sparkled with mischief as she gazed up at him. "It was hurting before, but now I feel better... seeing you."

Liam's brow furrowed. "Should I take you to the pack healer right now?"

Dakota's laughter was musical. "No need. I'm fine now."

She dragged him to her closet, her hands wrapped around his arm. "Choose a dress for the gala. The red one or the blue one? Which one do I look hot in?"

Liam's eyes scanned the dresses, his mind still preoccupied with Katie. "Dakota, was anything really wrong with you?"

Her smile broadened. "Doesn't matter. Just choose a dress for me."

His gaze lingered on her, suspicion growing in his chest. "I'll take the blue one," he said finally, his voice detached.

Her eyes sparkled with triumph. "Now, take me to the gala instead of Katie."

His expression turned stern. "That would arouse suspicion. Right now, I'm trying to keep Katie from leaving the house. I can't take chances. Let me lay low for a while, and afterwards, when Katie stops throwing her tantrum, everything can be fine between us again."

Dakota's face fell, but she quickly recovered.

She put her hands on his shoulders, pouting. "Okay, no problem... but at least take me to the gala?"

Liam's voice was resigned. "Okay, I'll drive you to the gala... but I have to go back and pick up Katie."

Dakota's smile returned, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "That's fine. I'll wait."

After dropping Dakota off at the venue afterwards, Liam headed home to pick up Katie.

But as he entered the house, he was surprised to find that she was nowhere to be found.

His butler approached him, a look of concern on his face.

"Luna Katie is not in the house, sir," he said, his voice low.

Liam's eyes narrowed. "How is that possible?" he demanded, his voice rising.

The butler hesitated. "I'm not sure, sir. Maybe she has already gone to the gala?"

Liam's face darkened. He quickly dialed Katie's number, but she didn't pick up.

He ordered his driver to drive to the venue, his anxiety growing with every passing minute.

As he arrived at the gala, he saw Dakota already there, smiling and chatting with the other pack members.

She came over to stand close to him, her hand brushing against his arm.

Liam's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Katie.

But she was nowhere to be found.

He wondered where she could be, a growing sense of unease settling in his stomach.

Just as he was starting to get really worried, his grandfather approached him.

"Where is Luna Katie?" he asked, his voice stern.

The whole pack started wondering, whispering to each other about Katie's absence.

Liam's face grew hot with anger and worry.

Where was Katie?

Why wasn't she answering her phone?

The gala started, but Liam's mind was elsewhere.

He couldn't focus on the festivities, his thoughts consumed by Katie's disappearance.

He knew he had to find her, to make sure she was safe.

As the night wore on, Liam's anxiety grew. He excused himself, stepping away from the crowd to call Katie again.

But still, she didn't pick up.

He was starting to get desperate, his mind racing with worstcase scenarios.

Where was Katie? And what was she planning?

The pack members began to stir, whispering to each other about Katie's absence.

She was supposed to make a presentation, one she had been working on for months. But where was she?

Just as the murmurs grew louder, a gamma approached, holding a hard drive.

Liam's eyes narrowed as he rushed over to him. "Where is Katie?" he demanded.

The gamma hesitated. "She's running late, alpha. But she sent this hard drive with me."

He frowned. "Okay, no problem. Connect it to the large screen."

The gamma nodded and quickly set up the connection.

Liam tried to call Katie again, but she didn't respond.

As the screen flickered to life, the pack members leaned forward, expecting Katie's presentation.

But what they saw made their jaws drop in shock.

Pictures and videos of Dakota and Liam together flashed on the screen.

Intimate moments that left no doubt about their affair.

The pack members gasped, their whispers turning to stunned silence.

And then, Dakota's voice recording filled the room. The conversation she had with Katie about her pregnancy and becoming LunaZ

There was chaos.

Dakota's face turned bright red. Her eyes flashed with anger. Humiliation.

Liam's face, too, was a picture of shock.

Just as the commotion was dying down, Liam's beta approached him.

He had been ordered to search the house by Liam.

"Alpha, Luna Katie also left this at home. That was the only thing I could find."

Liam grabbed the papers from him.

His eyes scanned the contents. His face fell!