Moonlight betrayal: Fated to my enemy.

The dim glow of the office lights cast long shadows across the wooden walls, the faint scent of old books and burning wood filling the air. Alpha Liam Blackwood of the Diamond Pack sat in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin. His piercing blue eyes were fixed on the map of his territory, but his mind was far from battle strategies or border patrols.

His 26th birthday was only a week away. And yet, despite his strength, power, and status, something crucial was missing-his mate.

Almost every high-ranking wolf in his pack had already found theirs. His Beta, Ashton, and his Gamma, Murphy, had both bonded with their mates years ago. Even his warriors spoke of their mates with pride. But for him? The Moon Goddess remained silent.

Maybe I don't have one.

The thought came unbidden, settling like a weight in his chest. Was he destined to be alone? It was rare, but not impossible. Some wolves never found their fated mate.

A flicker of frustration burned through him. He wasn't weak. He wasn't lacking. He was an Alpha-strong, powerful, feared. And yet, the emptiness remained, gnawing at him like a wound that refused to heal.

His thoughts drifted to his father, Alpha Derek, who had been murdered ten years ago. The day Liam had been forced to step up as Alpha at just sixteen years old.

"I wish you were here, Father."

Birthdays had meant something when his father was alive-celebrations filled with laughter, honor, and unity. If he were still here, he'd be the first to tease Liam about still being mateless. But now, birthdays were just another reminder of how much had been stolen from him.

A sudden knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he called, straightening his posture.

The door swung open, and Ashton, his Beta, stepped in, his usual smirk in place. "You look like a man drowning in his own thoughts," he said. "Let me guess-mate troubles?"

Liam sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Of course, you don't." Ashton chuckled, plopping down in one of the leather chairs. "Good thing I came for another reason. Your birthday party. We need to finalize the arrangements."

Liam exhaled slowly. He had almost forgotten about that.

"Tell me."

"Well," Ashton said, leaning forward, "we're expecting a huge turnout. High-rank wolves from nearby packs, plus our own pack members. It's going to be grand-food, drinks, a bonfire, and a hunt at midnight. The warriors will be stationed around the borders to ensure safety."

Liam nodded. "Fine. Just make sure security is tight. We don't want any surprises."

"Don't worry, Alpha. We've got it covered," Murphy, his Gamma, added as he entered, holding a list of guest names. "The patrol teams will be doubled, and all warriors will be on high alert."

"Good," Liam said firmly. "We can't afford any weaknesses."

Just then, Luna Jasmine, his mother, entered the room, a small, knowing smile on her lips. "You boys are always so serious," she teased, walking over to Liam.

He softened slightly. Despite everything, his mother still carried herself with grace and strength, even after losing her mate.

"You're going to be twenty-six, Liam," she reminded him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know you miss your father, but he would want you to enjoy this day."

Liam sighed but gave her a small nod. "I know, Mother."

She smiled and turned to Ashton and Murphy. "Make sure he enjoys his night. He deserves it."

Ashton grinned. "That's the plan, Luna."

With that, she left, and Liam exhaled deeply.

"I hope this party goes smoothly," he muttered.

"It will," Murphy reassured him. "Besides, what could go wrong?"

_____________

The Diamond Pack's territory pulsed with energy. Music, laughter, and the crackling of the giant bonfire filled the air. The scent of grilled meat and fresh pastries drifted through the crowd. Pack members danced, drank, and celebrated.

Liam stood near the Alpha's table, watching the crowd. The night was vibrant, the atmosphere alive with excitement. And yet, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in his gut.

"Try to look like you're having fun," Ashton teased, handing him a goblet of juice.

Liam huffed but took the drink. "I am having fun," he deadpanned.

Murphy chuckled. "Liar."

From across the party, Dustin, the son of Liam's father's Beta, lingered in the shadows. His fists clenched as he watched the Alpha celebrate.

Liam Blackwood had everything. Power. Strength. Respect. And he... he had nothing.

His fingers brushed against the small vial hidden in his pocket. Wolfsbane extract. A single dose, strong enough to weaken even the most powerful Alpha.

Dustin's breath came fast, his pulse pounding in his ears. He had waited for this moment. Planned for it.

The voices around him faded as he moved through the crowd, his movements swift but controlled. He reached the drink table, pretending to grab a fresh goblet. With a quick motion, he poured the poison into the drink Ashton had handed Liam moments ago.

It's time.

His heart pounded as he turned away, blending back into the shadows.

Liam lifted the goblet to his lips, taking a sip.

The effect was immediate.

A sharp burn seared down his throat, his chest tightening like an iron vice. His vision blurred, and the once-lively sounds of the party turned into distant echoes.

The goblet slipped from his fingers, shattering on the ground.

Ashton's eyes widened. "Liam?"

Liam staggered, gripping his chest. A sharp pain shot through his veins, his breath coming in short, labored gasps.

The crowd stilled. Whispers of alarm. Fear.

Then chaos erupted.

"Someone get the pack doctor!" Murphy shouted, pushing through the crowd.

Ashton dropped to his knees beside Liam, his face twisted in panic. "Liam! Stay with me!"

Liam's body convulsed, his breathing shallow. The poison was working fast-too fast.

From the shadows, Dustin clenched his fists. I did it.

But there was no time for triumph.

A warrior caught his movement, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Hey! What are you doing over there?"

Panic shot through Dustin's body.

I need to get out of here.

He turned and bolted into the woods.

"Stop him!" someone roared.

Several warriors shifted into their wolves, their howls piercing the night as they launched into pursuit.

Dustin ran faster, his lungs burning, branches slashing against his skin. He had one chance to escape.

Back at the party, the pack doctor had arrived, working frantically to stabilize Liam.

But his condition was worsening.

Ashton clenched his fists, his gaze flickering toward the forest. "Why would he do this?"

Murphy's expression was grim. "I don't know. But we're going to find out."

Liam lay motionless, his body trembling, his breath shallow.

Would he survive?

And why had Dustin betrayed him?

No one knew.

But one thing was certain-nothing would ever be the same again.