Betrayal

Willow

"It can't be my baby!" Reuben tossed the pregnancy report onto the bed where I sat, my eyes wide with shock.

"What do you mean?" I stammered, my voice hardly escaping my throat. My heart sank as I watched him deny his own flesh and blood.

"I returned from the pack after two months, and now you're telling me you're pregnant? Does that even make sense?" Reuben's growl was filled with frustration. My mind went blank as I stared at my soulmate. I had anticipated his return with excitement, expecting him to embrace me and share in the joy of our first child. I had imagined he would be overjoyed to know that he was going to be a father. However, I never expected Reuben to react with such rage to the news of my pregnancy, indirectly accusing me of infidelity and rejecting his own child.

"It’s our baby, Reuben," my voice shook, "Have you forgotten that you showed up in my room two months ago when you were in a rut? We made love the whole night without protection." I tried my best to remind him of that night, desperately seeking Reuben’s soft, love-filled eyes, but all I got in return was sternness and growing bitterness.

"So you're using my rut as an excuse?" he growled. "I was in rut, but you were in your senses, right? If I hadn't used a condom, you could have used the morning-after pill or birth control to prevent this from happening. Or at the very least, you could have told me about our mistake that night."

"A mistake?" My heart shattered into tiny pieces at Reuben's heartless comment. Every moment I had shared with him that night was precious to me, but he reduced them to a mere mistake. I bit my lip and continued, "When I woke up that morning, you were already gone to the neighboring pack to deal with rogue matters, and our pack was in lockdown. I couldn't leave the territory in these two months. If an unmarried she-wolf had gone to the pack doctor for birth control or the morning-after pill, the news would have spread to every pack member within minutes. Do you think I was ecstatic when I found out I was pregnant?" I choked on my own words due to sadness.

Getting up from the bed, I took slow steps closer to Reuben, who did not tear his eyes away from me. "I was scared, Reuben... I was so scared. If someone asked who the father of the baby was, what was I supposed to answer? But I love our child more than anything else because this baby is a sign of our love." I smiled weakly, placing Reuben's hand on my belly.

However, I didn't realize that my actions had somehow triggered Reuben even more.

"Sign of our love?" He pulled his hand back with an angry growl that startled me. I looked at him with a pale face. He had never acted violently towards me before, but today... he was different. "This child would expose our mate bond to the pack members, Willow! They will find out I'm mated to you, an Omega," he grabbed my arms and pulled me closer to himself, "Was I not clear when I told you that we have to keep our mate bond a secret until I take over my father's Alpha position?"

Reuben Emerald was the son of the Alpha of Emerald Bright pack and I was Omega, lowest in the pack. Moon goddess mated me to an Alpha, my secret crush was already surprising for me. Reuben and I were like sky and ground from the beginning.

My eyes watered up slightly, but I blinked away the tears to control my emotions as I spoke, "I know... but it just happened..."

"Don't give me excuses!" he gritted his teeth, releasing my arms angrily. "I can't believe you're using this baby to manipulate me into marrying you, Willow." Reuben clenched his fist, his eyes now filled with a hatred for me I had never seen before.

"Trick you with the baby for marriage?" I couldn't believe my ears. He accused me of being one of those women who would use their bodies and pregnancy to gain power and status. "I can't believe you think so little of me, Reuben," my emotions finally broke through. "For the sake of our love and mate bond, I patiently waited for a year for you. We mated on the day we recognized each other as mates, but I never asked you to mark me or reveal our mate bond. I did everything as you wanted. Now, as the moon goddess has blessed us with a baby, shouldn't we accept it?"

My voice echoed in the room as he looked at me with tear-filled eyes.

"Blessing? You already decided it's a blessing, but did you ever think about me? Did you consider whether I want a baby or not?" He and his wolf spoke in unison. I froze in my spot in surprise. Somehow, I felt myself growing distant from him. It was as if the Reuben I knew had disappeared, as if he had become someone else. This feeling was frightening for me.

"Reuben, don't talk like that. Of course, I care about you," my voice was like a whisper as I stepped closer to him, but his stern glares took me aback.

"Nonsense," he growled, turning on his heels to leave. His cold demeanor alarmed me. He was walking away. The distance between us seemed to be growing larger, to the point where I could no longer see the love I had once seen in his eyes.

"Reuben, wait! Don't go," I ran after him and held his hand tightly. I couldn't bear to lose him. My voice shook, barely audible. "Let’s take a break and deal with the situation together, okay?" I forced a smile to hide the pain and fear that was rising in my heart. Reuben had never walked out on our conversations before, and it scared me.

"Together?!" Reuben snapped, pulling his hand out of my grasp. "I'm thrilled you even know the meaning of 'together' when you decide to become pregnant without my knowledge," he accused.

"Reuben…" I couldn't hold back the tears and broke into sobs. How could he say such things? Why couldn't he see that I was also in pain? I could no longer see warmth and care in his eyes. The happiness I had stored in my heart and planned to share with him seemed to have vanished. "Please…" I moved closer to him until our bodies touched. "Please, don't do this to me. Let’s talk, okay?" I cupped his face with my cold, trembling hands.

"There's nothing left to talk about, Willow," Reuben pulled his face out of my hands. "I don't want to see you," his face showed no emotion as he mercilessly crushed my heart with his cruel words.

"What?" I bit my lips, tears streaming down my cheeks. He did not want to see me? He hated me that much? As he turned to leave again, I cried, "Reuben, please, no…" I tried to follow him.

"Don't follow me!" he growled in warning and stormed out of the house.

I stood in the middle of the living room, a crying mess. My sobs were covered by the sound of pack members eagerly shifting into their wolves and heading into the woods to play and hunt. It was a full moon night, and the whole pack was waiting for the moon goddess to rise full and bright in the dark sky and bless them.

I gazed at the wide window where the full moon shone brightly. I touched my belly. I couldn't give up. My baby was also a blessing from the moon goddess, and there was no way it could be unwanted. Wiping my tears away, I left the house to catch up with Reuben.

He was my soulmate, my lover, my everything. I knew he was angry, but I believed that once we talked, he would understand me and our situation. No matter how upset he was, he couldn't ignore his child. He couldn't ignore the emotions and feelings of a father. I put on a smile and left my courtyard,

"Willow, where are you going?" My best friend Ella met me on the way. She was heading to join others.

"I'm going to see Alpha Reuben," I began, but she cut me off.

"Wait, are you also going to visit Alpha Reuben's fiancée?" She smiled. “She is really beautiful! No wonder, Alpha fell for her at first sight,” she giggled as she gossiped.

My face turned pale. "Fiancée?"

Ella nodded, "Yes, Alpha Reuben brought her with him. Didn't you know..."

"Ella, come on! The moon is about to rise. Let's go into the woods!" She was about to say more when someone called her name.

"Coming!" she shouted back, shifted into her wolf, and hurried away.

I stood there, frozen in shock. "Reuben... fiancée?" I gasped for air as I found it difficult to breathe. I had never paid much attention to the rumors about Reuben's arranged marriage with the Alpha's daughter that had been circulating in the pack for months. I had dismissed it as just another rumor, but it had turned out to be true. Reuben was... marrying someone else.

I fell to my knees on the ground, tears streaming down my face. From the beginning, I was well aware that an Omega and an Alpha were impossible together, but I had held a glimmer of hope in my heart that one day Reuben and I could be together. I had hoped that all the patience and penance I had shown towards our mate bond would eventually bear fruit. But now, all my hopes and dreams were crushed by Reuben's hatred towards our baby. The child that was supposed to bring a new beginning to our lives had become the end of our mate bond. Reuben had chosen another woman over me. He betrayed me. Betrayed our mate bond.

I stayed in that same position for hours, listening to the howls of the pack members as the moon shone brightly in the sky. I waited, desperately hoping for Reuben's return, but he never came. I was abandoned and indirectly rejected.

I clenched my chest, my wolf cried in pain in my head. Now, in my pregnant state, I had neither a soulmate nor a pack.

Heartbroken, I returned to my house, packed my belongings, and left the pack forever.

Goddess’ Gift

Willow

"Congratulations, you're pregnant with twins," the female doctor smiled at me.

"Twins?" Lying on the hospital bed, I looked at the doctor in shock. Was I hearing things? How could I be pregnant with twins?

After leaving the Emerald Bright Pack's territory, I had started feeling sick. I had vomited on the side of the road and felt increasingly dizzy. My emotional turmoil had taken a toll on my health, and my wolf refused to communicate with me. I had come to the doctor for a check-up, but I never expected to receive the biggest surprise of my life.

"Yes, twins," she affirmed, pointing at the monitor to show me the two innocent lives growing healthily in my belly. Tears welled up in my eyes. They were really twins.

The doctor prescribed some medicine, and I left the hospital feeling dazed. Subconsciously, I placed my hands over my belly and whispered, "Don't worry, my babies. Even if daddy doesn't want you, mommy loves you very much. I will raise the two of you with everything I have," I sniffled.

With my luggage in hand, I headed to the bus station, but I didn't know where to go. The Emerald Bright Pack had been my only home, and I had no family or relatives to rely on. I was alone in this vast world. Once again, thoughts of Reuben crossed my mind, causing my heart to ache, and tears gathered in my eyes. Just as I was lost in my thoughts, a car crashed into a nearby tree with a deafening impact on the deserted street.

Startled, I looked at the accident in front of me with wide eyes and raced closer to the car to check. The car's front end was badly crushed, and there was only a middle-aged man in the driver's seat, his head bleeding profusely.

"Oh, my goddess!" I gasped, pulling out my phone to call an ambulance. But before I could do anything, a man crawled out of the car on his own and collapsed at my feet. I quickly tried to grab and support him, asking, "Sir, are you okay?" I helped him lean against the car. His strong aura and scent confirmed that he was a werewolf, an Alpha.

"Wait, I'll call an ambulance," I began dialing the number, but he grabbed my hand.

"You're Willow Rathbone, right?" he asked, his voice heavy with shock.

"How... how do you know?" My eyes widened at him mentioning my last name, a name that had always been hidden from the world.

****

Six years later, Britain.

The coffee on the table remained untouched and eventually turned cold once again. I carefully pinned a lace dress on a mannequin, ensuring it draped perfectly over its form, accentuating the curves and contours of the gown. It was the finishing touch to my creation. I finally removed the curtain parting my room into two.

"Wow..." Lola, who had just entered the room, gasped while standing at the door. She stared at the long red gown with wide eyes and an open mouth. "So this is the masterpiece you created in just two sleepless nights," she marveled, stepping into the room slowly. “You are really blessed!” she exclaimed.

I was the most famous fashion designer in the country. My designs graced the bodies of models, celebrities, and adorned the runways of countless fashion shows. With my extraordinary ability to understand people's desires when it came to clothing, I had become the youngest fashion designer to claim the top spot in the industry, amassing awards and accolades in my name.

"I wish I could wear it. I'm so jealous of your talent!" Lola exclaimed.

I chuckled in response. Lola was a human and my helper.

"Did you come here for something?" I asked as I walked over to the basin to wash my face. After staying up the entire night, my back was sore, and my eyes felt heavy. All I wanted was to shut them for a while.

"Oh yes! I almost forgot about it. The kindergarten teacher just called!" she informed impatiently.

I stopped in my tracks, my fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Don't tell me Wyatt and Lori did something in kindergarten again."

Lola gave me a nervous smile. "You should see for yourself. They've already returned from kindergarten."

I pinched my forehead wearily. They had returned after only one hour? What had my little devils done this time?

Six years ago, the moon goddess blessed me with twins, a son and a daughter, Wyatt and Lori. With them in my life, I had found my whole world. To raise them and provide them with a bright future, I began working and decided to pursue my dream. With a three-month belly, I left America and came to Britain, where I continued my studies and worked towards my dream of fashion designing.

During these years, I had been living among humans, with no contact with the werewolf world. I blended in seamlessly with the human population and focused on raising my children. However, my children were werewolves, and not just any werewolves – they were Alphas, which posed its own unique set of challenges.

Taking a deep breath, I left my room to find my two children sitting at the dining table, enjoying cupcakes. Seeing them like that melted my heart.

"Mommy!" As soon as they spotted me, they both jumped down from their chairs and raced to hug my legs. "Are you done with your work finally?" They chirped in their cute, childish voices.

"Yes, and now I'm free until this weekend," I knelt down in front of them, kissing their cheeks.

"Yay!” Lori hugged me tightly. “Mommy, you had promised that we would be good until you finished your work and then you'd take us for ice cream, right?" She reminded me with excitement.

"Yes, but..." I paused and narrowed my eyes at them. "It was only one hour since you two went to the kindergarten and you came back? I couldn't pick up your teacher's call earlier. So you tell me, what trouble have you two caused this time?" I crossed my arm over my chest and looked at Wyatt suspiciously specially.

"I did nothing," Wyatt pouted. "Teacher just gave us this note to give you and told us to go home. We followed her instructions," he explained, and Lori nodded in agreement.

Frowning, I took the letter from Wyatt's hand, stood up, and looked suspiciously between the two of them while opening the letter. Their cuteness and innocent eyes might have fooled others, but I knew their mischievousness could challenge anyone. Shaking my head slightly, I began to read the letter.

'Miss Willow, this is a letter to inform you that you do not need to send Wyatt and Lori to the kindergarten. In the past five days since they started attending, three teachers have resigned from their positions. I'm afraid we are not equipped to handle your children.'

"Teachers left their jobs?" I gasped and looked at Wyatt and Lori. "What exactly happened? Lori you did not pull pranks on teachers right?" I inquired.

"Mommy, my brother and I really didn't do anything this time," Lori blinked her big, innocent blue eyes. "It's just that the teacher was stupid!"

Stupid?

“....” I was speechless.

Lori explained the whole incident to me. "Today, some boys in the class were challenging my brother to a race. Brother didn't want to participate in those childish things and wanted to read a book. But then the gym teacher, who clearly favored some students, provoked brother by saying that he was afraid of the race because he knew he couldn't win. Brother didn't rise to his provocation, remembering your words about not causing trouble, but the gym teacher took brother's silence as a challenge to his ego. He forced brother to participate in the race. The gym teacher had also said some ugly things about mommy indirectly, which provoked my brother. Finally fed up with the bullying, brother challenged the gym teacher to a race, with a condition that if the teacher lost, he would have to apologize to brother and mommy. In the end, not only did the gym teacher lose the race to brother, but he also lost his dignity in front of the entire school and the other teachers. He became a laughingstock and resigned from his job in humiliation."

I listened to Lori's explanation with a mix of pride and concern, my children's boldness and resourcefulness leaving me both impressed and worried.

I sighed deeply. It was the third kindergarten I had to change in the last five months due to similar incidents happening each time.

In reality, Wyatt and Lori had inherited a strong Alpha bloodline from Reuben, which set them apart from normal children their age. Lori's intellect was far sharper than that of typical kids her age, which had created tension and insecurity among their previous kindergarten teachers. Usually, werewolf children begin developing their abilities around the ages of eight to ten, but in the case of my twins, they had started manifesting their gifts much earlier, at around four to five years old. They were stronger and more astute than other children their age, or even some adults. In the race, Wyatt had outpaced the gym teacher, even though he was only five and had yet to get his wolf.

"Mommy, are you angry with us?" Lori asked and bit her lips lightly as she looked like a little snowy bunny.

"No, mommy can never be angry with her babies," I reassured them, offering a loving smile and rubbing both of their heads. It wasn't their fault that they were different from others; in fact, it was a blessing, a gift from the goddess. "We'll find a new kindergarten for both of you. But for now, let's go get some ice cream!" I grinned, trying to brighten their spirits.

"Yay!" Wyatt and Lori jumped up and down in excitement. I couldn't help but chuckle at my babies' smiling faces. Wyatt began telling me what flavor he wanted, and I nodded, listening to his cute, childish voice. He had forest green eyes just like Reuben, inheriting his father's handsomeness and sharp features. He was like a miniature version of Rueben.

"Mommy, I want chocolate and vanilla, both," Lori tugged at my sleeves, drawing my attention. Thankfully, my baby girl hadn't inherited everything from her father. She had sea-blue eyes and radiated cuteness. I couldn't resist pulling both of them into a warm hug.

"Mommy is so happy today, so you two can eat whatever you want," I smiled, and their eyes shone with excitement as they eagerly nodded.

Just as we were talking, Lola came in and said, "Willow, there's someone looking for you."

I turned to her, slightly puzzled. I couldn't recall having any appointments with anyone. “Who is it?”

"It's me," a deep male voice echoed through the dining room, along with the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Grandpa!" Wyatt and Lori exclaimed in unison and rushed over to the man. I turned to see the elderly wolf hugging and kissing my two little ones.

"We missed you so much, grandpa," Lori chimed in.

"I missed you two too," he picked them up in his arms. "Lori, my princess, how did you become even more beautiful and cute? What if some prince appears and steals you away from me?" He looked genuinely concerned.

"Grandpa, don't worry. Lori will always be grandpa's princess," Lori reassured him, hugging him tightly and planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Yes, Lori is only grandpa's princess," he laughed and added, "My little angels have grown taller and stronger!" He exaggerated his words for dramatic effect.

Wyatt nodded seriously and said, "Yes, grandpa. By getting stronger, I can protect mommy from any bad guys who try to become my daddy."

"That's my boy!" he remarked seriously.

"Alpha Benjamin, please don't encourage them in this matter," I scolded with my arms crossed over my chest, displeased. Ever since Wyatt and Lori had started understanding the complexities of adult relationships and had noticed the attention from a few male models on me, they had been quite overzealous in their attempts to protect me from potential suitors.

"We just don't want some evil man to be our daddy, mommy," Wyatt stated, and Lori nodded in agreement. I rolled my eyes and turned to face them, accustomed to their protective nature.

“Me too,” Alpha Benjamin stated.

Alpha Benjamin was the Alpha I had saved in a car accident six years ago. On that fateful day, he recognized me, even though I had no memory of him. It turned out he was my father's best friend. In gratitude for saving his life, he had asked me to join his pack, explaining that my father had once saved his life when Alpha Benjamin was a young Alpha. To repay my father's kindness, he took me in as his daughter. He was so kind that I accepted to be his daughter.

During my time in his pack, he had provided me with a home and fatherly love. With his help, I was able to leave the country and come to Britain to pursue my successful career. Alpha Benjamin was like a father to me, and I held a deep respect for him. He had raised my twins as his own grandkids and loved them over his life.

"Willow, how are you doing, my girl?" Alpha Benjamin walked closer to me and enveloped me in a warm hug.

"I'm fine, Alpha" I replied with a smile, hugging him back. We hadn't seen each other in half a year, "What brings you here today?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Whenever he paid a visit, he always brought some kind of surprise, and I was curious to see what it was this time.

"Willow, it's time for you to return to America, my girl," he said with a smile.

"America? Why?" My smile faded. I hadn't been back there in six years.

Alpha Benjamin took my hand and placed an invitation in it. "You're going to attend an Alpha ball on my behalf."

Goddess’s Game

Six years ago, when I had expressed my desire to go to Britain to Alpha Benjamin, he hadn't been pleased. He wanted me to give birth to my babies in the care of his pack before considering moving on to other opportunities. However, when I insisted on raising my child independently, the Alpha had to agree.

He sent me to Britain for studies and supported me financially until I could do so myself. Originally, the plan had been for me to return to America, to the Wade Moon Pack, as soon as my studies were over. Still, the Alpha allowed me to pursue my career and stay in Britain. However, I never imagined that an Alpha would ask me to return for an "Alpha Ball."

It took a few seconds for me to grasp his words. “I should attend it on your behalf?”

"Yes," he nodded seriously. "You remember our enemy, the Shine Moon Pack, right? The Alpha of the Shine Moon Pack has finally agreed to meet and discuss a peace treaty with us. Since the Alpha is so busy, we can only meet him at the ball. Originally, I was going to attend this Alpha Ball, but my heart surgery is scheduled for that day here in Britain. If I miss this opportunity to meet with the Alpha, we risk our pack's safety. Neither the Alpha Ball nor my surgery can be avoided. So, I thought of you, a person that could secure this peace treaty for our pack without any loss," he explained.

His face was filled with pride and confidence, and rightfully so. When I joined Alpha Benjamin's Wade Moon Pack as his daughter, he had imparted extensive knowledge of pack politics and survival in the werewolf world onto me. I had learned a great deal from him, and I was eager to repay his kindness. I worked behind the scenes, solving old disputes among neighboring packs with Wade Moon, and helped the Alpha establish numerous new treaties. That was all before I had left for my studies.

"Willow, the Shine Moon Pack is a two-headed snake that has lusted for our lands for decades, girl. We need this peace treaty no matter the cost," the Alpha emphasized.

"But I’m just an Omega, Alpha," I reminded him. My identity had been a curse for me my whole life. I lost everything in my life in the past due to the very fact that I was an Omega. "How can I go on your behalf? It goes against the rules of the Alpha Ball, and besides, I think Sky should be the one to attend the ball, not me," I pointed out.

Sky was Alpha Benjamin’s only son and the next Alpha in line. When I was pregnant, he and I had become best friends. He was the one who always attended Alpha Balls and mating ceremonies for the Wade Moon Pack.

Alpha Benjamin sighed, “Sky has gone to a friend's pack to help them with rogue issues. I wanted to call him back, but it seems the situation over there has grown worse, and I can’t contact him. Sky wouldn't be able to make it in time for the Alpha Ball, so I looked for the help of my daughter,” the Alpha took my hands and looked into my eyes with hope. “Willow, you will help, won't you?”

I stood there, my mind completely blank after listening to the Alpha. What kind of game was the Goddess playing with me?

***

Due to bad weather, the plane landed two hours late. Stepping into the lobby of the airport, I took a deep breath. Six years later, fate had led me back to the place that held my past and memories in its palm.

It was the place that I never wished to return to, but I could not refuse Alpha Benjamin's request. He was in poor health and this was the first thing he had ever asked of me. I understood the significant problems the pack would face if the peace treaty slipped through our fingers. So, here I was, back in America.

"Mommy," Wyatt and Lori’s voices entered my ears. I tilted my head to find their small hands filled with chocolates and snacks. Behind them Beta Ken walked with a handsome smile on his lips. He had come to pick us up in front of the airport, now I understood where he had disappeared to with the kids. He loved Wyatt and Lori just like Alpha Benjamin.

“Mommy, Uncle Ken bought us these treats. Can we accept them?” Lori chirped.

“Okay, but remember that we are going to behave here. I only brought you two with me because you are not going to kindergarten at the moment and have never been to Grandpa’s pack. Promise me that you two will not run around and that you will obey me, okay?”

“Okay,” they both gave a serious nod. I smiled and looked up at Beta Ken.

“Long time no see, Willow. I am glad you returned,” he smiled, walking closer to give me a hug.

“Thank you, Beta Ken,” I pulled away and said, “I could have returned to the pack on my own, Beta Ken. You should not have come out here to pick us up with your busy schedule,” I stated.

“I am never too busy when it comes to my little Alphas,” he grinned, picking up our luggage in his hands. “Let’s go. I'll explain to you about the Alpha Ball while driving.”

I nodded. Wyatt and Lori walked with Beta Ken, chattering away. They were walking so fast that I was left behind. I couldn't believe my twins were so happy about visiting their grandpa’s pack. I shook my head and checked my phone while I continued walking. The Alpha Ball was being held later this evening at a five star shifter hotel. I decided to go straight to the hotel and prepare for the ball. Just as I was thinking about all of these things the familiar sharp scent entered my nose, awakening my wolf.

I froze in my tracks as my heart started to drum in my chest. My body turned cold when I found this feeling very familiar to me. I slowly lifted my eyes to find a pair of intense green eyes looking right into them. My eyes widened, as I took steps back. How could the first person I meet after six years be… Reuben?

“Willow,” Reuben whispered my name like a prayer under his breath, his eyes dark and intense. I clenched my fists at my side and turned to walk away. The memories from six years ago when he betrayed me flashed in my minds’ eye.

“Willow!” Reuben yelled again, but I did not stop. I heard his wild footsteps behind me, wanting to follow me, but I took advantage of the large cargo that four employees were carrying. It blocked Reuben’s path and gave me enough time to vanish from his sight.

“WILLOW!!” Reuben screamed like crazy again and again, looking here and there for me.

“WILLOW!!!”

“WILLOW!!!”

The police came hearing that commotion, but no one dared to stop the most dangerous and powerful Alpha and the country’s richest man, Reuben.

Hiding my scent, I leaned on the bathroom entrance wall with slightly red eyes. My hands were still clenched at my side.

“WILLOW!!” He growled at the top of his lungs without caring about the humans around him. My wolf stared into my eyes deep as I heard that six-year-old obsession and craziness in Reuben’s voice.

Why… Why was he looking for me?