Chapter 25: Mate’s Betrayal
Chapter 25: Mate’s Betrayal
(James’s POV)
I stared at my phone in disbelief. The image of Samantha Reed shaking hands with Marcus was unmistakable.
“Alpha, this doesn’t make sense,” I said, looking up at Ethan. “Luna Reed consulted with Marcus Bennett just yesterday. Why would she suddenly hire Marcus?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened as he paced the private dining room. His eyes never left the image on my phone.
“And how did she even secure his services?” I continued, trying to piece together the puzzle. “Marcus doesn’t just fly in from Hong Harbor for anyone. His waiting list is months long.”
Ethan stopped pacing. “Unless someone with significant influence intervened.”
I nodded grimly. “Someone like Hector Grayson.”
The Alpha King’s eyes flashed dangerously, a hint of amber bleeding into his irises. His wolf was close to the
surface.
“Our sources confirm Marcus flew directly from Hong Harbor this afternoon,” I’reported. “A private jet was waiting for him at the airport.”
Ethan cursed under his breath. “A private jet that Samantha couldn’t possibly afford on her own.”
I hesitated before delivering the next piece of information. “There’s more, Alpha. They were photographed entering The Silver Fang Restaurant together.”
“The Silver Fang?” Ethan’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “That’s Hector’s territory.”
I watched my Alpha carefully. The Willis meeting was minutes away, and his composure was fracturing.
“What would you like me to do about this, Alpha?” I asked quietly.
Ethan took a deep breath, visibly forcing himself to focus. “Get those photos taken down. Use whatever connections we have. And find out exactly why Marcus is in Ravenwood City.”
“And the Willis meeting?” I reminded him gently.
His expression hardened. “Proceeds as planned. We can’t afford any disruptions with Victor Willis.”
I nodded and stepped away to make the necessary calls. As I did, I couldn’t help but wonder if Ethan fully
grasped what was happening. Samantha wasn’t just threatening divorce – she was aligning herself with one of his most powerful rivals.
This wasn’t just personal anymore. It was political.
(Ethan’s POV)
I adjusted my tie for the fourth time, trying to ignore the churning in my stomach. The image of Samantha with Marcus and Hector haunted me.
The door opened, and Rebecca Taylor entered. She wore an elegant black dress that accentuated her slender
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<Chapter 25: Mate’s Betrayal
figure. Her hair was styled in soft waves–just like Samantha used to wear hers.
“You look appropriate,” I said stiffly.
Rebecca lowered her eyes. “Thank you, Alpha King.”
I could smell her fear. Despite her composed exterior, her hands trembled slightly as she clutched her small purse.
“Remember your role tonight,” I instructed. “You’re a family friend joining us for dinner. Nothing more.”
“Yes, Alpha King.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
I studied her for a moment. Rebecca’s resemblance to Samantha was what had first caught my attention- the same delicate features, the same graceful movements. But where Samantha’s eyes held warmth and strength, Rebecca’s showed only calculation and fear.
“The Willises must never suspect our arrangement,” I continued. “If they discover you’re carrying my child…”
“I understand,” Rebecca said quickly. “I won’t say anything inappropriate.”
My wolf growled inside me, distrusting her. Logan had never approved of our arrangement with Rebecca,
always viewing her as an intruder. A poor substitute for our true mate.
“This isn’t just about tonight,” I said, my voice hardening. “If Samantha discovers the full extent of our
arrangement-”
“She won’t,” Rebecca interrupted, then immediately looked contrite. “I mean, I’ll be careful, Alpha King.”
I stepped closer to her, and she instinctively backed away until she hit the wall. “For your sake, I hope so. Remember, your safety–and your child’s future–depends on your discretion.”
Rebecca swallowed hard and nodded.
A knock at the door announced James’s return. “Alpha, the Willises have arrived.”
I took a steadying breath and offered my arm to Rebecca. “Showtime.”
As we walked toward the main dining area, I felt a growing sense of unease. This deception went against everything I believed in. Yet I had pushed forward with it, convinced it was necessary for my pack’s future.
Now, with Samantha seeking divorce and Hector Grayson supporting her, I wondered if I had made a terrible
mistake.
But it was too late to turn back. Victor and Victoria Willis were waiting, and I had a role to play.
“Ready?” I asked Rebecca as we approached the entrance.
She nodded, plastering a practiced smile on her face.
I straightened my shoulders and led her forward to greet our guests.
(Samantha’s POV)
The sleek car glided through the evening traffic of Ravenwood City. I sat beside Marcus, following Hector’s vehicle ahead of us.
“I don’t know how I’ll afford your services,” I admitted, breaking the silence. “Ethan froze most of our joint accounts.”
Chapter 25 Mate’s Betrayal
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Marcus smiled reassuringly. “Ms. Reed, your finances are the least of your concerns right now. Mr. Grayson has arranged for my retainer.”
I frowned. “That’s very generous of him, but I can’t accept-”
“Consider it an investment in your future,” Marcus interrupted smoothly. “Now, tell me about your situation.”
I took a deep breath and explained everything–my marriage to Ethan, our struggle to conceive, discovering his surrogate arrangement with Rebecca, and finding the contract in his office.
“I want a fair settlement,” I concluded. “I helped build the Blackwood Pack from nothing. I deserve a substantial portion of our assets.”
“And what about Ethan himself?” Marcus asked, studying me carefully. “Do you wish to harm him?”
I hesitated. “No. Despite everything, I don’t want to destroy him or the pack. I just want what’s mine.”
Marcus nodded thoughtfully. “Ms. Reed, divorce is rarely clean or simple, especially between high–ranking
werewolves. You must prepare yourself for conflict.”
“I understand,” I said, though my stomach knotted at the thought.
“Do you?” Marcus’s gaze was penetrating. “Your husband will fight this with everything he has. He will use every resource at his disposal to maintain control. Are you truly ready for that battle?”
I stared out the window at the passing city lights. “I have to be.”
“Let me be clear,” Marcus continued. “If you have any doubts–any lingering affection that might compromise your resolve–Ethan Blackwood will exploit it. He will use your emotions against you.”
His words struck a chord. Did I still love Ethan? After everything he’d done?
“You must view him not as your former mate,” Marcus advised, “but as your opponent in a battle where losses are inevitable.”
I nodded slowly. “I’ll consider your advice carefully.”
The car pulled up to The Moonlit Garden, one of Ravenwood City’s most exclusive restaurants. As we stepped out, I saw Hector waiting for us at the entrance.
“Ready?” he asked, offering me his arm.
I took a deep breath and accepted it. “As I’ll ever be.”
We entered the restaurant, the maître d‘ leading us toward our reserved table. As we passed the private dining section, I glanced through an open doorway–and froze.
There stood Ethan, handsome in his tailored suit, with Rebecca Taylor by his side. He was speaking to an older couple I recognized as Victor and Victoria Willis, the influential European Alphas.
“…and this is my wife,” Ethan was saying, his hand resting possessively on Rebecca’s lower back. ” delighted to host you both in our territory.”
The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. Wife. He had called her his wife.
I stood there, unable to move, as a crushing weight settled on my chest. The betrayal was so complete, so absolute, that I couldn’t even form words.
Dimly, I was aware of Marcus saying something beside me, but I couldn’t hear him through the roaring in my
< Chapter 25. Mate’s Betrayal
ears.
Then Ethan turned, his eyes meeting mine across the room. His composed expression crumbled, shock and panic flashing across his face as he confronted the unexpected sight of me witnessing his ultimate betrayal.
