Blythe’s POV
I pulled myself out of Ceres’ rooms, my steps slow and timid. I hadn’t realized how long I’d been looking into his eyes until he coughed—his careful, almost sorry effort to break the link. Xavier. He was lovely, the type of beauty that seemed wrong in the omega class. How could someone so beautiful be an everyday stable hand? For the first time in years, I felt… thrilled. Like an infatuated adolescent. Ceres rejected this? The selfish brat had everything—wealth, rank, a privileged life. Yet, she tossed away a partner promised by the Moon Goddess as if he were nothing. I shook my head at her childishness and headed toward the east wing of the house. Maybe Vito was there, enjoying the fresh wind. The guy had a habit of leaving without notice. It was nothing new. But even as I went, my thoughts wandered back to Xavier. A kid like him didn’t fit in the shades of slavery. He handled himself with a calm grandeur that didn’t match his position. There was an attitude about him—something that made me believe he wasn’t meant to be merely an ostler. And those eyes… I swear, if he hadn’t coughed, I may have thrown caution to the wind and pushed my lips to his. The idea made fire coil in my gut. But it was the way his eyes had glistened, as if holding back unshed tears, that actually broke me. The pain of rejection. I had seen it before—the way it emptied people down like a slow disease. His wolf had been broken by Ceres’ rejection, yet nonetheless, he knelt before her like a dedicated servant. Why was he so obedient? I felt an intense want to soothe him. To hold him. To tell him he was worth more than this abuse. I sighed, shaking my head. I am forty-one years old. Luna of Fresh Meadows. What was I doing, thinking about an omega? I felt my wolf, Aria, giggle within me. “Oh, please,” she mocked. “What’s wrong with a little indulgence? Luna or not—you’re a woman, and you have needs.” “Hush it.” I mumbled beneath my breath. I scarcely noticed when my feet led me into the east wing, where the hallways were quiet, untouched by the rush of the main house. Then—a sound. A whispered groan. I stilled. Breathing. Heavy. Fast. A quiet, muffled whimper. My brows wrinkled. What the hell? The east side was barely utilized. The only ones who came here were omegas—those who cleaned, moved, and left when they were no longer needed. I went carefully, cautious not to make a sound, my ears strained. Then—a deep groan. Familiar. “Oh, fuck me. I love that pussy.” My stomach sank. That voice. No. No, no, no. A fresh wave of dread crept over my skin. My hands shook as I approached the door where the sounds were coming from. Please, no. Heart racing, I glanced through the little crack in the door. And my world broke. Vito. My hubby. My Alpha. Fucking an omega servant. They were naked. Bodies linked in love. Grunting, moaning, moving together in a disgusting beat. I stared—frozen. The omega’s outfit was crushed on the floor. Her gasping gasps filled the room as she clung to him. And then, she laughed. “Oh, my Alpha… you’re fucking the shit out of me.” My stomach twisted violently. I clamped a hand over my mouth, stifling the sob that threatened to escape. Vito had left our daughter’s birthday party for this? For an omega servant? The treason burned through me like a blade, stabbing deep and ruthless. The woman moaned again. “Baby, is my pussy tighter than the Luna’s?” I felt my knees fall. I was going to rush in— Until I heard Vito moan. “So fucking tight. You’re more than any guy could possibly ask for. Why do you think I keep coming back?” I lurched back from the door, everything spinning. Keep coming back? This wasn’t the first time. This was usual. A routine. I turned and went away. Blindly. Stumbling. Tears obscured my eyesight, but I didn’t stop. I didn’t even know I was weeping. I should have known it wouldn’t hurt anymore. We had stopped making love over a year ago. We were no longer Alpha and Luna—just parents, bound by duty. Nothing more. We slept in separate rooms. The love had disappeared long ago. But this? This was humiliating. I lifted the hem of my gown and ran. The moment I left the palace walls, the fresh air hit me like a slap. But it couldn’t wash away the pain. I had never imagined that Vito—my Vito—would cheat on me. The man I had built from nothing. The man I made Alpha. He had been just another pack member when we met. I turned his tale from grass to grace. And this was how he rewarded me? With an omega? The disrespect stung. The arrogance. I clinched my hands, wrath seething under the sadness. I had made him someone. And suddenly, I was nothing to him. Today had been awful for both the omega ostler and myself. Xavier had been rejected. And I had been betrayed. Everyone seemed to be having a good time hurting others. I hated to admit it, but I had been too busy with the responsibilities of being Luna. I inhaled deeply, the air carrying the scent of pine and river water. Then, I heard it. The soft plunk of stones skipping across the water. I wasn’t alone. Curious, I stepped forward, my eyes landing on the figure seated by the river. He was tossing pebbles, watching them dance across the surface before sinking. I squinted at his back. Xavier? As if sensing my presence, he turned. Our eyes met. And for the first time today— My heart felt light again. “Ohhh,” I exhaled softly. Surprised. Relieved. He bowed quickly. “My Lady.” His speech was cool but laced with shock. I smiled. I didn’t even know why. Why was I so happy to see him? “Why are you here?” We asked at the same time. A small chuckle escaped me. He glanced away before answering, “I come here for solitude, My Lady.” I nodded. “Likewise.” He raised an eyebrow, as if amused. That tiny gesture made my heart skip. He was too sexy. Innocently sexy. Too good-looking for an omega. And as I sat beside him, I wasn’t thinking about my husband’s betrayal anymore. I was thinking about him.
