My Alpha Risked Our Pup for His Mistress

The candles flickered across the dining table, casting a warm glow over the meal I'd spent all afternoon preparing. Roasted venison with herbs from our garden, Cole's favorite. I smoothed down my dress—a soft blue that matched my eyes—and touched the small bump that wasn't quite visible yet. Tonight would change everything.

I heard the front door open, followed by voices. One was Cole's deep timbre that still made my heart skip after five years together. The other was higher, feminine, unfamiliar.

"Luna Isla?" Elena had appeared in the doorway, her elderly face creased with concern. "Alpha Cole is bringing someone unexpected to dinner."

Before I could respond, Cole strode in, his broad shoulders filling the doorframe. Behind him glided a woman with glossy black hair and curves that seemed designed to draw every eye in the room.

"Isla." Cole's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "This is Sloan Cruz, our new pack consultant. She's here to help strengthen our position."

Sloan's gaze swept over me, lingering on my simple dress before dismissing me entirely. Her smile was sharp as a blade. "So this is your Luna? How... quaint."

Something cold slithered down my spine. I stepped forward, extending my hand. "Welcome to Silver Creek Pack, Ms. Cruz."

She didn't take it. Instead, she trailed her fingers along the table I'd set so carefully. "Such a domestic scene. I suppose that's what Alphas want—a mate who can cook and look pretty."

My wolf stirred within me, a low growl building in my chest. The White Wolf didn't like threats, even veiled ones.

"Isla." Cole's voice carried that edge—the Alpha tone that made pack members cower. "Be respectful."

I blinked, stunned. In five years, he'd never used that tone on me.

"Sloan is here to help us become stronger," he continued, moving to stand beside her rather than me. "Her methods are... unconventional, but effective."

Sloan's smile widened as she leaned slightly toward him. "I've already identified several weaknesses in your pack structure, Alpha. Starting with..." Her eyes flicked to me.

The growl escaped before I could stop it—a soft rumble that filled the suddenly silent room.

Cole's eyes flashed gold with anger. "ENOUGH!" The Alpha command hit me like a physical blow, forcing my wolf back down. "You will show proper respect to our guest."

Tears pricked at my eyes as I lowered my gaze, the dinner I'd prepared forgotten. The news I'd been so excited to share—our pup, growing inside me—suddenly felt like a dangerous secret.

---

The kitchen was silent except for the clink of glass as I cleaned up the untouched plates. Cole and Sloan had left hours ago, heading to his office to discuss "pack business." The words tasted bitter in my mind.

I reached for the wine glass Cole had knocked over in his haste to leave, and my finger caught on a shard of broken crystal.

"Damn." Blood welled up, bright red against my pale skin.

I frowned, watching the drop swell larger. Usually,