Chapter 1

My husband's childhood friend, Sarah, killed my parents, and my husband, Nom, covered it up, choosing to shield her instead.

I was left with no choice but to break our Mate Bond and avenge my parents.

"Nom, we found Sarah's fingerprints all over the murder scene. We've got solid proof. If we corner Jem with this, he'd back down from the fight to become the next Alpha, no question. Why are we even looking for another angle?"

The beta's voice carried through the quiet study, his body wedged behind the slim door, effectively hiding the man at his desk.

I was eavesdropping through a sliver of an opening when my movements came to a screeching halt.

My mate I had been with for seven years, the one who I had shared a bed with, said something that stopped my heart.

"No way. I'd never hurt Sarah, not even for the Alpha spot.

"Come on, we've known each other since we were kids. I know her—she's too good, too innocent to ever do something like murder.

"Besides, if she hadn't said 'yes' to my brother's proposal, would I have gone through with the bonding ceremony with Aeliana?"

I stood there, outside the door, listening to the Mate who once swore eternal love to me then singing praises of another she-wolf.

A bitter laugh escaped me as I stepped back, my mind racing through the memories.

The day Nom and I had our bonding ceremony, the warmth and well-wishes from his family made me drop my guard. I welcomed the remnants of my Pack into the Silver Wolf Pack, thinking I had found a new home.

However, the very next day, I was met with distant stares from my in-laws and the silent judgment of the Silver Wolf Pack.

I swallowed all that for the sake of my people and in the hope of finding my parents' killer.

However, what I got in return was Nom's betrayal.

For seven long years, I poured my heart into healing those in need, never once stopping to think if I was pushing myself too hard.

However, all that dedication, all that care, it just led to a knife in the back from everyone I trusted.

I shot an icy look at them in the room and started to back away, a chill creeping into my gaze.

I tuned out the chatter between the two in the room, my hands balling into fists as my mind raced over the word 'evidence'.

Seven years married, and I had hardly ever stepped into Nom's study.

Little did I know, the answers I had been tearing myself apart for were right there, in the one place I had never been.