4

After breakfast, we take our usual journey to the pack office, our personal guard driving us.

Aiden has an early Alpha council meeting. Usually, I would wait patiently in his office for his return.

Today my stomach churns so badly, I have to visit the break room for some mint tea.

"Look what my mate gifted me!" Sarah's voice carries from inside.

She's showing off a silver moonstone bracelet to other pack members.

"That's from the Sacred Moon collection! Even Alpha females can't get those easily!"

"Sarah, your mate must really treasure you."

Admiring voices surround her.

Sarah preens under the attention. "Of course! My mate is not only powerful, but he gives me everything I desire."

"Wow, he sounds as generous as our Alpha King!"

"Are you kidding? Alpha King Aiden is the dream mate! Look how he treats his Beta Princess - she doesn't even have to work, just stays by his side all day!"

Another she-wolf sighs dreamily.

Sarah's smile turns mysterious.

Standing in the doorway, I grip my cup tighter.

The whole kingdom knows about Aiden's love for his mate.

Yet this same devoted Alpha sneaks an omega into our den while I'm drugged unconscious.

"Scarlett! My love, what are you doing here? Do you know how terrified I was when I couldn't find you?" Aiden runs toward me frantically.

His Alpha aura radiates anxiety, only calming when he holds my hand.

I'm led back to his office under the envious stares of other pack members.

His possessiveness used to make sense. Seven years ago, when my task of helping him become Alpha King was complete, I had the choice to return to my birth pack with a powerful alliance offer.

But when I was about to leave, he sensed something wrong.

He blocked my way, practically kneeling before me, begging me not to go.

This was the wolf I'd supported since we were pups, who'd grown from a scorned Alpha heir into the mighty Alpha King. He had everything now, yet he was willing to kneel to keep me.

In that moment, my heart softened.

I used the alliance offer to bargain for permission to stay in this territory as his mate.

After all, even in my birth pack, I was alone. Life there held no meaning for me.

From that day on, Aiden immediately held our mating ceremony under the full moon, wanting me by his side every moment.

He feared I would leave.

But this time, my heart won't soften.

He leads me back to his office, holding me for a long time before his wolf settles.

"Scarlett, never leave me." His eyes shine with devotion.

Not wanting to see him spiral, I nod obediently: "As long as you never betray me, I'll never leave."

His body stiffens, forcing out a smile uglier than a snarl: "Why add such a condition?"

"Why do you care about that condition, Aiden Blackwood? Have you done anything to betray your mate?" My voice is cold.

He shakes his head frantically: "Never."

"Then I won't leave you." I answer firmly.

That night, he brings me the usual tea.

This is my last night in this realm.

"Aiden, can I skip the tea tonight?"

"Scarlett, I don't want your wolf to be restless during the full moon. Please, be good?"

He looks so sincere, as if it's truly for my wellbeing.

I let out a bitter laugh - what am I still hoping for?

I take the cup and drink it all.

Waiting for me to fall asleep.

For Sarah to once again enter our den.

She wears provocative clothing with a wolf tail accessory, making her look even more seductive. She immediately curls into Aiden's arms.

"Alpha King, you're so bad, always wanting to play such dangerous games."

One bed.

Three wolves.

Aiden lets out a cold laugh.

"Don't you enjoy it?"

Their passionate encounter lasts until late in the night.

He doesn't notice that everything connected to me in our den is slowly disappearing.

The next morning, no matter how hard Aiden tries to wake me, I won't stir.

He calls Marcus, our pack healer, to examine me.

Marcus swallows hard, his voice trembling: "Alpha... Alpha King, your mate is gone."

Before Aiden's claws can reach him, Marcus blurts out the cause: "Wolfsbane poisoning. What did she consume last night?"