Chapter 1

My five-year-old pup staggered into the house, her small body quivering as she fell to her knees in front of me. Her arms wrapped around my leg, desperate, as she whispered with trembling lips, "I never want to go back. Please, don't make me go."

I knelt to her level, gently cupping her tear-streaked face. "What’s wrong, sweetheart? What happened at daycare?"

Her golden eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she didn’t speak, shaking her head in fear.

Instincts flaring, I carefully lifted the hem of her shirt—and my heart clenched at what I saw. Her soft skin was marred with deep gouges from claws, bruises blooming around the wounds. My wolf snarled within me, a growl rising in my throat.

I snapped a quick photo, sending it through the pack’s communication link with a fury that could not be contained: [Who did this?!]

The response came within seconds. [I told my son to do it!] The name that followed was Virelle.

I growled louder, two more images appearing in quick succession.

The first showed Virelle standing proudly next to my mate, Alpha Bastian, during their mating ceremony.

The second was an old photo of me, my pup, and Alpha Bastian, taken years ago.

[You disgraceful Omega! You had the audacity to steal my mate and bear a bastard child? It’s a miracle I didn’t let my son finish the job!]

The pack chat exploded. Insults poured in from wolves who had once been allies or even friends, calling my pup and me names, mocking our very existence.

Even the Beta teacher from the daycare joined in, tagging Virelle with a message: [Caius performed well today. He’s definitely getting a gold star tomorrow.]

Virelle responded with a smug emoji. [If you’re upset, come find me. My son and I are still here at the daycare.]

My claws twitched, and without a word, I scooped up my pup and marched toward the daycare, every step filled with the need for retribution. As I walked, I quickly typed a message to my pack’s enforcers: [Get the challenge papers ready. According to the Serrowind Pack, Bastian gets nothing.]

[Also, my daughter was attacked. I want the culprits punished severely.]

[How dare that weakling Bastian betray me, claiming another as his Luna?]

When I arrived at the daycare, Virelle was standing outside, clearly relishing the attention, surrounded by several high-ranking she-wolves who practically bowed at her feet. Their eyes were full of admiration and awe.

"Virelle, you’re so humble!" one of them gushed. "If we hadn’t known better, we wouldn’t have guessed your mate is the Alpha of Serrowind Pack."

"Exactly!" another added. "No wonder you exude such power—being the true Luna has its perks, doesn’t it?"

"We’re all here to support you," another chimed in. "We won’t let some lowborn Omega take your rightful place."

"And look at Caius," said another. "He’s already showing dominance, even at such a young age! He’s the true heir to Serrowind Pack."

The Beta teacher, her posture stiff, even bowed slightly. "Luna Virelle, let me know what Caius likes to eat. We’ll make sure the daycare caters to his tastes from now on."

Virelle soaked in the praise, her chin high, savoring every word of their adoration.

Ever since Bastian joined our pack, my father stepped down and made him the Alpha.

For years, Bastian had lived off my pack's wealth, contributing nothing of value. I had allowed him to oversee a minor part of Serrowind Pack's trade business just to keep him occupied. Now, Virelle used that very position to elevate herself, basking in the limelight.

As I approached, the whispers from the crowd turned into sneers, their eyes filled with disdain. They looked at me like I was nothing but a rogue contaminating their sacred grounds.

The Beta teacher stepped forward with icy resolve. "Sorrel, I have orders from the Alpha. Your daughter is expelled. Effective immediately."

My wolf seethed within me. "She was attacked. And instead of seeking justice, you expel her?"

The Beta’s lips curled into a sneer. "This is an elite daycare, reserved for pups born of noble lineage. An Omega’s child has no place here."

I stepped forward, my voice dangerously low. "Perhaps you should investigate who the real homewrecker is before you speak so freely."

Before I could say another word, Virelle stormed toward me.

A sharp slap cracked against my face, echoing in the still air.

My wolf howled in fury, but I restrained her, for now.

Virelle’s smirk was laced with venom as she spoke. "How dare a rogue like you show your face here?"

She bared her teeth, her eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. "Did you honestly think birthing a bastard would make you the Luna of Serrowind Pack?"