第1章

My Alpha mate Grayson had secretly marked me three years ago，but never make it public.

For twelve years, I'd managed the entire Blackwater Pack under the guise of being his Beta. Under my leadership, we'd become one of the three most powerful packs in the southern territories.

Because of this success, Grayson now had a real shot at becoming Alpha King.

But at his public campaign announcement, he didn't mention a single one of my contributions. Instead, he spent his time thanking his delicate little Omega secretary.

Grayson smiled warmly as he took the microphone from the host, building on her introduction.

"Thanks to my incredible secretary, these past twelve years have seen Blackwater Pack through every territorial expansion, every crucial hunt, every major decision. Her loyalty and dedication haven't gone unnoticed."

"All these years, her hard work has been invaluable to me."

"Taking this opportunity, with all our important pack members present, I'm announcing that 15% of our territory will be placed under Stella's management. From today forward, Stella's position in the pack will be second only to mine. I hope she continues to excel, and I expect every pack member to show her the same respect they show me."

The moment he finished speaking, the crowd erupted.

Thunderous applause followed.

The congratulations brought tears to Stella's eyes. Grayson smiled as he handed her a tissue.

One look at his expression told me everything I needed to know. This wolf's heart no longer belonged to me.

With two simple sentences, he'd erased twelve years of my efforts.

He'd handed my achievements to another woman. The status and recognition that should have been mine as his Luna—he'd given it all to her.

Since he'd broken faith first, I had no burden of loyalty holding me back.

The irony was laughable. He always claimed that as the pack's Alpha, he needed to keep a low profile and be modest. In our twelve years as mates, he'd never publicly acknowledged my identity, never praised me in front of others.

When I became pregnant, he insisted I keep it secret from everyone—no official announcement, no recognition of our bond or the child I carried.

Yet here he was, willing to publicly celebrate Stella at such a grand occasion, giving her everything he'd denied me.

I contacted my private healer to schedule a procedure. There was no point in bringing a child into a world where their father was too ashamed to claim either of us.

Then I dialed a number I knew by heart.

"Is that alliance offer you mentioned still on the table? I want in."

"One condition though. After I join, 50% of any new territories we acquire will be under my complete control. You can't interfere."

He agreed immediately, his tone amused.

"Ms. White finally came around? The management rights are no problem. As long as you join my pack and support me, I'd walk through fire for you!"

"I'm genuinely curious though. You turned me down flat for twelve years. What made you suddenly change your mind today?"

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't. You talk too much."

I rolled my eyes, grabbed my keys, and drove straight to my healer's clinic.

After the procedure, I took a cab home.

Grayson and I walked through the front door one after the other.

He immediately noticed yesterday's shirt still piled on the couch and frowned.

"Why didn't you do the laundry?"

He turned toward the dining table, his expression darkening further.

"No dinner either. Are you feeling sick today?"

The trauma of losing the pup had affected my wolf. Without her healing abilities, I could only endure the pain in silence. It hurt too much to speak, so I just kept scrolling through my phone.

I shook my head briefly in response.

Grayson casually handed me a takeout bag, his tone commanding:

"Cook now then. Make enough for two people. I'm taking it to the Pack House office. We have more campaign speeches to prepare for tonight."

"Stella's working late with me. Can't let my star secretary go hungry while she's helping me."

In the past, I would have handled all the household duties without him even asking.

As his mate, I wore many faces.

In public, I was the pack's strategist and warrior commander. I planned our expansion and led Blackwater Pack's fighters into battle after battle.

At home, I was his maid. I took care of all his daily needs—cooking, cleaning, even preparing his slippers and drawing his baths. Every tiny detail, I handled personally.

I'd lived like this for twelve years.

But now? I couldn't be bothered anymore.

After he finished talking, I just let out a cold laugh without moving.

"Sorry. Can't do it."

"Besides, didn't you already eat out?"

"And I'm not just talking about food."

Grayson's calm expression immediately turned stormy.

"What the hell are you implying?"

"I worked all day, and now I have to come home to your attitude? What do I owe you?"

"You know today's our mate ceremony anniversary. I brought you a gift, didn't I? Can you stop being so passive-aggressive? When are you going to try understanding my situation for once?"