Alpha’s Betrayal
Chapter 7

Luna

Claw Mansion

Woodward County, Oklahoma

"Oh!"

I had come up to the balcony looking for Marnet. Admittedly, I had only taken a quick glance, seeing the general outline and shape of a man I had assumed was my mate. He was the same height, at least six feet. I hadn't investigated it any further. Marnet had made it rather clear he didn't want me bothering his guests or making a scene, so meeting him up away from the party seemed like a perfect spot to have a quick word. I didn't really want Lynn or my step-sisters seeing us together, either. Honestly, if my family didn't see me at all, that would be just fine. Unfortunately, the Moonmate ceremony didn't really work like that.

I sighed and shook my head, flashing the stranger a quick smile. "Sorry, I was looking for M- or our host. I'll leave you to your stargazing." I turned to leave. The man looked like he might want to have a chat, and I really didn't have the time for that, not right now. Even if he was rather handsome. His hazel eyes studied me curiously, something almost gold glittering in them. His dark hair was arranged neatly in a bun, and I might have been mistaken, but I was pretty sure I saw the hint of tattoos peeking out from beneath the sleeves of his well-tailored suit. Outside of sharing the same height, this man looked nothing like Marnet; he was even dressed better, and that was a rare thing to see.

I hesitated a moment longer. Meeting wolves from other packs was usually a nice change of pace. I didn't really get along with any of the other Lupus Claw members. It was nice to chat with other shifters, even if I wouldn't see them for another year - or ever, really. It didn't matter.

But I didn't feel like socializing, not today.

I had been looking forward to the Moonmate ceremony for weeks - well, maybe that wasn't true. If I was being entirely honest with myself, it was more like a few months. I wasn't the sort of girl who dreamed of her perfect wedding since she was old enough to realize she liked boys...but I did sometimes daydream about spending the rest of my life with Marnet. It was a dream that kept me warm when my stepmother was exceptionally unkind. I wouldn't exactly call her 'good mother material' even to her own daughters (it was clear to me, at least, that her sons were certainly her favorite - her 'future little alphas'). Sometimes, she was nicer to her social rivals than she was to me.

On days like that, it was good to disappear somewhere quiet and imagine what my life might be like once my mate finally claimed me in public. He would be my family from that day forward, officially. Sure, I loved my dad, but... I felt like I barely knew him. If there was ever an argument between me and Lynn, he always chose his mate. It certainly wasn't like the relationship I had with my mother before she...before she passed away.

The memory of my mother made my heart skip a beat and I paused my trek across the room, my eyes going a little misty. It should be her who was here at the Moonmate ceremony with me. It should be her standing with proud tears in her eyes as the pack alpha- the pack alpha! claimed me in front of everyone!

I could imagine exactly how she'd look, in some sort of finery, a handsome man on her arm. (She deserved so much more than my father.) I still remembered how she looked, clear as day, even if she had been gone for half of my life. I missed her so much. Even as an adult, I missed having my mother around. I could certainly use some motherly advice. Perhaps Marnet would have allowed his mother-in-law to move in with us if she had opted to remain mateless. It was a beautiful home. It had always been a beautiful home, but Marnet had made several improvements since inheriting it from his late father.

The walls had a nice clean coat of whitewash (or paint, depending on the room, and that was no small feat, given the size of the Claw estate). The floors were shiny and polished, regardless of if they were stone or beautiful hardwoods. The art had changed, too; though the paint was still faded around some frames where Marnet had changed or moved art and hadn't yet repainted. Whatever Noah Claw had preferred, Marnet Claw had replaced, opting for expensive works of art that displayed his power and pack standing. I wondered idly if he'd allow me to add my touch to things, once he claimed me. We'd had that argument earlier, but my wolf must be right. I just couldn't believe that Marnet would toy for me for six whole years, and to what end? It wasn't as if he needed a quick f**k. He was handsome, charismatic, and he was the alpha's only son. If he had harbored some sort of concern about our mating, surely he would have let me go once he'd been promoted to the position of Lupus Claw alpha after his father's death. Any she-wolf would have been happy for her alpha's attention.

And while I didn't understand what it was that was preventing Marnet from claiming me before now, I had to believe in him. I had to. Because if he was being honest back there in the stable, I didn't know what I'd do. I couldn't keep living in my father's house, not with his wife and his other children. But a wolf couldn't very well leave her pack, and... And a mate just didn't reject his (or her) mate. It didn't happen. I'd never heard of such a thing. So, while I might not understand what Marnet was getting at, or why he was being (far) less than kind, I had to trust my wolf. Marnet was our mate, and he would claim us. That was just the way the world worked, and mateship had to be infinitely better than what I had now.

I was so busy with my thoughts that I hadn't even noticed there was someone stopped in front of me. I took one too many steps; even though I glimpsed the other person at the last possible second, I couldn't stop quickly enough. Our shoulders bumped and she stumbled forward a step, her heels clicking against the marble tile. My wolf whined and I stepped back instinctively, apologies already tumbling out of my lips. As soon as I realized who it was, my stomach plummeted to the floor.

"Lynn, oh, gosh, I am so sorry." I extended a hand as the woman steadied herself. I felt like someone had just dumped a bucket of ice water over my head. My stepmother swatted my arm away with the same sort of irritation with which she might swat a house fly. I recoiled, swallowing down the rising sense of panic. My throat felt too thick and my tongue was stuck. "Are you okay? I didn't mean-"

"Oh, shut up," she snapped, and took a menacing step forward. The click of her heel echoed like a gunshot.

My heart fluttered like an anxious bird. A few other guests seemed to have noticed the commotion, and I saw a few gazes directed back at us. Oh, I wished I could sink into the floor just now. I didn't want to be anywhere near Lynn.

Athena, my step-sister, darted forward and covertly grabbed her mother by her elbow. She leaned closer to whisper, though I wasn't entirely sure why-werewolves had a particularly keen sense of hearing. "Mom, don't," she hissed urgently, her gray-green eyes flickering around the room. She must have seen the same thing I did. "You can't do that here."

Lynn's shoulders stiffened, but she followed Athena's gaze, noting the other wolves in attendance. After a moment, she exhaled deeply, as if dismissing all the irritation she felt for me. Then she strode forward as if none of that had happened. As if I didn't even exist. Artemis, her other daughter, trotted after her quickly, perfectly balanced on her heels.

Athena lingered to shoot me a glare. "Watch where you're going, space cadet," she growled, eyes flashing. I could feel my wolf begin to stir, unimpressed by my younger step-sister's display. Trying to push my wolf's anger down, I shrugged it off. "It was an accident," I muttered. In a perfect world, I could maintain at least ten feet of space between me and Lynn at all times. Unfortunately, this world was anything but.

Athena sneered. "Well, use your f*****g eyes, Luna," she snapped. "Some of us actually have a chance at finding a mate tonight, and Mother won't stand for you ruining it for me or Artemis. I'll make sure of it."

It was hard for me not to roll my eyes, but I didn't dare not with Lynn only a few strides away, and not with several members of the Lupus Claw clan in audience. Besides, causing a scene wouldn't look good right before their alpha claimed me now. Thankfully, my step-sister took my silence as agreement - or at the very least, submission. She sniffed and smoothed out her short dress, then turned around to catch up with her mother and her younger sister. I watched them go, largely indifferent as the trio made their way to a servant holding a tray of hors d'oeuvres. It didn't much matter to me - this behavior was hardly new. They were even worse when they were in a group like this, like the number gave them powers.

Just as well. Let them think they'd gotten the best of me. Let them think they would find their mates here, and not me. Just imagine how surprised they'd be, when I was introduced as one of the mated she-wolves. When they saw I hadn't just 'found a man,' but it was fated, destined, that I was to be at the alpha's side for the rest of our lives.

I remained quiet as a staff member asked us to all begin filing through the house, back out towards the stables for the ceremony. Apparently, Marnet had set up a special location.

When we reached the lawn outside the stable, I was shocked to see how much it had transformed over the past few hours. It had been early afternoon when Marnet and his sister departed, and I hadn't realized that anything was going on in the area outside of the carriage rides. This looked like a professional party planner had been at work for days. There were beautiful fairy lights outlining the area, providing an almost magical air for the Moonmate ceremony, twinkling gently as the sun started to disappear behind the horizon. The guests who had already been directed out here were murmuring to one another, interrupted only by the gentle clink of glasses.

The mood was excited. Hopeful. It might even have been happy. Despite myself, I smiled, ducking my head as I wandered around to admire the decorations.

Yes, I thought to myself, trailing my fingers over one of the flower arrangements before I smoothed out my dress, grateful the detour to the barn hadn't done anything but mess up my hair a bit. A finger comb later, and I almost looked as good as new. But it didn't matter. I was here. I had made it to the Moonmate ceremony, and soon... I could get used to this life. I could live here. I could be happy here, with him, and not even Lynn will be able to take that away from me.

As the light slowly faded, more guests continued to filter in. The mood shifted from quiet joy to something more energetic. Electric. I had preferred it as a quiet lawn outing, but it wasn't my party - not yet, anyways. Besides, I knew it was the first time Marnet was hosting everything all on his own, so it didn't surprise me he wanted to make sure surrounding packs knew that he was thriving. That the entire Lupus Claw pack was thriving.

And indeed it was!

Everyone looked like they were having a good time - even Lynn and her daughters. I paid my stepmother and step-sisters no more than a passing glance, wandering over to the pop-up bar. Trailing my fingers over the hedge, I took a moment to marvel over it, wondering how on earth this had been created. Marnet didn't have hedges by the barn...or any type of shrubbery at all, come to think. This must have been brought in for the party. There were even little white flowers woven through, festive, but understated. It was a beautiful statement. "Can I get you anything, miss?"

I looked up, greeted by the smiling bartender. She looked genuinely pleased to be here - either that, or she was a damn good actor. It caught me off guard and I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a bit warmer than I did before. "Cash bar?" I asked. "All compliments of Mr. Claw," she replied before I even had the chance to move my hand.

I blinked, momentarily surprised. Werewolves could really drink, especially depending on the alcohol provided. But given how Marnet had gone all out on everything else so far, I wasn't really that surprised. I folded my hands in front of me. "Well, you're the professional," I said after a moment. I smiled right back at her. "What do you recommend?"

The brunette looked thoughtful for a moment. "Do you like sweeter drinks, or not so much?"

"Hm..." I pressed my lips together and shrugged sheepishly. "I don't drink too much, if I'm honest. So...sweet is fine, I guess, but not too strong?"

I was fully prepared to be embarrassed, for the bartender to give a little laugh and a shake of her head...but she did no such thing. Instead, she tapped her chin. "Do you trust me?" she asked.

Why shouldn't I?Honestly, this woman had been the nicest person to me at the whole party so far - and she was a professional. "Yes." I nodded.

The woman beamed and began pulling bottles and glasses with a manic sort of enthusiasm. It made me wonder if she'd been stuck making the same thing all night - come to think, I had seen quite a few glasses of whiskey or martinis walking around. I shrugged and leaned forward, intrigued. A minute or so later, she presented me with a bright pink drink, garnished with a cute little lime wedge. I grinned, enamored with how cheery it looked, even in the low evening light.

"Go ahead and try it," the bartender urged, wiping her hands off with her towel. "Make sure you like it before you go, yeah?"

"I'm sure I'll like it," I murmured, carefully picking up the cocktail glass. After a moment of admiration, I took a cautious sip. It wasn't too sweet, and it didn't burn on the way down - but it wasn't so smooth that I might wind up downing the whole thing before I realized. In a word, it was perfect. I smiled over the rim. "I love it," I amended. "Thank you."

The woman flashed me one last cheery smile before the next guest stepped up and she shifted her attention to something called the Singapore Sling. At least it was interesting. I spared the bartender one last thought before wandering back into the little garden scene that had been created for the ceremony. I'd been here at least an hour - likely closer to two- and Marnet still hadn't made an appearance. I hadn't seen his mother all day, nor had I seen Sophia since our little run-in at the barn.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't eager to see the younger Claw- by all means, the night would be made much better if she decided to skip it - but I was a bit worried none of the hosts were around. Perhaps something had gone wrong?

I sipped my drink, glancing towards the main house. At this point, all the lights were on, making it difficult to see anything. With the murmuring of the guests, there was no way to hear anything at a distance, either. My wolf seemed content, though, if not slightly anxious for someone to just get on with this whole ceremony business, so I tried to quell my nerves. It was a big event. Marnet was probably just trying to make sure everything was perfect.

After exchanging greetings with an old high school acquaintance, I wandered over to an empty table near one of the installed rose bushes, sipping my drink in peace as I tried to watch the entrance to the little ceremony grounds. Every time a large man arrived, my heart skipped a beat...but so far, no Marnet. One of the visiting alphas, some other fellows I didn't recognized... Not interesting. I sighed, fiddling with the stem of my glass. "Care for another drink?" a deep voice rumbled.

It was the dark-haired man I had almost run into on the balcony when I'd been looking for my mate. I offered him half a smile, not wanting to be rude. "I'm fine, but thank you."

One corner of his mouth lifted. "But your glass is empty," he replied, nodded down at the table. I followed his gaze and frowned despite myself - he was right. Before I could say anything else, he took the seat across from me and set a fresh drink in front of me; it was the same cheerful shade of pomegranate pink as my first one. I glanced up, surprised he had appeared with the correct drink, but he was sipping from his own glass of whiskey.

I wouldn't have minded going to get another one, but I was hardly about to leave it. Despite Lynn's best efforts, I was raised with good manners. "Thank you," I said quietly, pulling the glass a little closer before taking a delicate sip. It was just as good as the first. I hoped Marnet was paying that bartender well.

My eyes drifted back to the entrance before the man spoke back up. "Lovely weather for a Moonmate ceremony," he commented, and I had to fight not to roll my eyes. The weather, really?

"Oklahoma is quite pleasant this time of year," I answered mildly. I wasn't interested, but it wouldn't do to be rude to a member of a visiting pack.

"Mm." The man agreed, nodding before he took another sip. "I have to admit, I never thought highly of the area before now. Perhaps I simply visited the wrong areas."

"Maybe." Is this guy looking for a tour guide or something? He was cute and all, especially with that well-groomed beard, but I had never been plagued with wandering eyes. My wolf had hardly even acknowledged the man's presence, and she did recognize the presence of an alpha- he simply wasn't our alpha. It would probably be polite to ask where he was from, how his pack was...but I just wasn't that interested. Marnet still wasn't here, and I wanted to see him the moment he arrived.

The man chuckled. I finally glanced over, barely restraining my impatience. What's so funny?

"You must not be looking for a mate tonight," he said. I was about to snap back when I realized he was smiling, honey-warm eyes amused, but not mocking.

I was caught off guard, but only for a moment. "No." I shook my head. "I'm not, sorry." I already have a mate, somewhere around here...

"Me neither," the man replied, but he was still looking at me. Perhaps it should be flattering, but I wasn't remotely available. I was trying to figure out how to inform the man as much without giving away too much information when a hush fell over the crowd. My heart stuttered and I knew why even before I stood up, drink and stranger forgotten as my eyes scanned the crowed. Marnet had finally arrived. I beamed - and a second later, my heart fell into my feet. The Lupus Claw alpha hadn't arrived alone.

That wasn't his sister standing at his side.

That wasn't his mother standing with him, either.

"My friends," Marnet greeted everyone, raising his hand that didn't have a woman all but hanging off it. My gut clenched so tightly I felt nauseous. "I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. I am pleased to welcome you all to this year's Moonmate ceremony - and even more pleased to announce that I have finally found the woman I will be taking as my mate!"