Chapter 1

At my five-year mating ceremony anniversary celebration, my childhood friend who had vanished years ago suddenly appeared with my mate's illegitimate son.

My mate Alexander was the Alpha of the Stormfang Pack.

When the celebration was at its peak, Alexander and I were nestled together, graciously accepting congratulations from the other pack members. my best friend Amber who had vanished years ago suddenly appeared with a six-year-old child.

Amber had once been a member of our pack. Seven years ago, she disappeared during a territorial conflict between the northern and southern packs.

As her close friend, I had even sent five elite warrior squads to search for her. But we never found a trace.

Someone gasped and called out Amber's name in surprise. She ignored them, her eyes fixed on Alexander. She nudged the boy beside her forward.

The child's resemblance to Alexander was unmistakable. The same strong jawline, the same dark hair that caught the light, the same piercing blue eyes that had captivated me in my youth. It was like looking at Alexander's childhood photographs come to life.

The little boy puffed out his chest, his voice clear and proud as he announced, "My name is Connor. Mama told me my daddy is the Alpha of Stormfang Pack, the strongest wolf of all. Where's my daddy? I want to see my daddy!"

No. The thought screamed through my mind. This isn't real. This can't be happening.

Alexander had gone completely rigid beside me, his face draining of all color as he stared at the child.

"Alexander?" My voice came out strangled, desperate. "Tell me this is some kind of mistake."

But he said nothing. His silence stretched between us like a chasm

Amber took the boy's hand and began walking directly toward us, her movements deliberate and confident.

"Amber," Alexander finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "What are you... how did you..."

The woman's voice held no hesitation whatsoever.

"Connor, that's your daddy."

The boy immediately launched himself into Alexander's arms.

"Daddy!"

Alexander had always been particular about his image, almost obsessively clean. Even our own daughter had to be thoroughly checked for cleanliness before he'd let her get close. But now he allowed this child to smear tears and snot all over his formal suit without the slightest sign of disgust, let alone pushing him away.

Amber looked directly at the stunned Alexander.

"Alexander, I never wanted to disrupt your life. But Connor is about to begin his hunting training, and you know I'm just an Omega. I can't establish a foothold in the southern territories with a child. He needs his father to have a place in the pack."

"I can endure hardship, but Connor is our child after all. He's innocent."

"I'm asking you to fulfill your responsibility as a father and give him a complete family. He's your blood, Alexander. Your heir. Surely that means something."

Your heir. Under pack law, a male child - especially one acknowledged by the Alpha - held significant inheritance rights. More than a daughter, no matter how beloved.

The air filled with prolonged silence.

Alexander had pursued me for five years and been mated to me for five years. But this child was already over six years old, old enough to begin hunting training.

The fact hit me like physical blows. Around us, the whispers grew louder, more pointed. I could feel my carefully constructed composure beginning to crack under the pressure.

"Alexander, what is the meaning of this? I need an explanation. You and Amber, and this child – everything. You must tell me everything. You know I will not tolerate deception and betrayal."

But looking at this child's face, my heart already knew the answer.

Alexander had been chosen by my father since childhood, receiving Alpha training on my family's territory. We grew up together on the training grounds, sharing all the rigorous courses. We knew each other better than anyone.

He pursued me for five years. I was moved by his persistence and sincerity, and finally agreed to bond with him, becoming his mate and the Luna of Stormfang Pack.

After Alexander marked me, we never had a quarrel. He always protected and tolerated me. But now, in front of Amber and Connor, he didn't say a word.

He just stood there, holding this child who was publicly humiliating me, and said nothing. Did nothing. His silence was an endorsement, a choice, and it spoke louder than any words could have.

Amber suddenly smiled, her eyes full of confidence.

"Raven, the child is already six years old. We were together long before you two mated. If you doubt it, you can have Alexander take a paternity test."

I understood the challenge in Amber's words but didn't respond. Instead, I stared directly at Alexander.

Alexander continued to avoid my questioning gaze, sitting rigidly with his brow deeply furrowed.

After a long moment, his voice came out strained as he closed his eyes.

"Amber, this is Raven and my mating anniversary celebration. You shouldn't have appeared here now."

The crying boy in his arms suddenly straightened up, glaring at me with fierce eyes. Spittle nearly sprayed onto my expensive gown as he snarled, "You evil woman! You stole my daddy and bullied my mama! Daddy belongs to me and mama! You bitch, get lost!" He waved his fists, seeming ready to lunge at me, crude beyond his years.

His screaming was particularly jarring in the solemn celebration venue, shocking everyone present.

In front of all the core members of Stormfang Pack, he relentlessly made a scene, demanding to settle scores with me. Even in Alexander's arms, he used all his strength to shove me, tearing at my gown and trying to scratch my face with his nails.

Throughout it all, Alexander never stopped the boy's behavior. He just silently watched as the child insulted me.

"You're just going to watch him humiliate me like this, Alexander? In front of all our core members and honored guests, on our mating anniversary?" I looked at my mate again, disgusted by his silent, evasive attitude.

Finally - finally - he seemed to register my distress.

"Connor," he said quietly, his hand settling on the boy's shoulder. "That's enough. You shouldn't speak to adults that way."

He didn't deny the child's existence, but he also didn't dare publicly acknowledge him.

Amber's voice trembled with humiliation. "Alexander, if this is too difficult for you,I can leave. I can disappear forever and never trouble you again. But please, I'm begging you - accept Connor. He's your flesh and blood, your firstborn son. Your rightful heir!"

The man seemed to sigh. "This isn't the place to discuss such matters. Amber, come with me. We... need to talk privately."

He finally spoke, but still never faced me directly.

"Raven, give me some time. I'll give you an explanation..."

He stood before me, his figure still tall and straight – the same silhouette I'd known since childhood on my father's training grounds, the Alpha who had grown up with me through mud and combat. But now his gaze wandered, unable to truly meet my eyes.

"You understand... you've always been the strongest, most understanding Luna when it comes to pack responsibilities. Please... trust me this once. You're the only one I truly love."

And then, in front of our guests, Alexander walked toward the exit with Amber and Connor beside him. They looked like a family.

I was alone, abandoned at my own anniversary celebration.