MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA

Reana's expression remained impassive, her signature cold look settling into place like a mask. It was a look that had intimidated many, a look that gave nothing away and promised even less.

Mirian, familiar with the Luna's stoic demeanor, waited patiently for a response, but was met with a wall of silence.

She bit the inside of her mouth, itching for some gossip. Even though she knew that Reana was the last person to satiate her thirst for gossip, she couldn't help pushing her luck. "Luna, I think that something is not right between Miss Vivian and Beta Ryan…"

Her voice trailed off as she glanced at the healer, who was quietly packing up her belongings. Mirian's eyes widened slightly as she realized her mistake - she had forgotten that the healer was still in the room, listening to every word.

Reana's voice cut through the air, "Dira."

The healer turned, her back straightening instinctively. "Luna."

Reana's gaze lingered on the healer before she spoke, her tone measured. "Take all the time you need to uncover the cause of those deaths. If you require anything, do not hesitate to inform me."

Reana had thrown caution to the wind and secretly transported two of the dead rogues to a secluded cabin on the outskirts of pack territory. She wanted to uncover the poison or toxin that had claimed their lives, and more importantly, the life of her mate. Without understanding the cause of Hale's death, Reana knew she would never find peace.

"Yes, Luna." With a subtle bow, the healer turned and exited the room, leaving Reana and Mirian alone once more.

Once the healer was gone, Reana's gaze refocused on Mirian, her expression unreadable. "What do you mean?" she asked, watching Mirian from the dressing mirror.

Mirian's eyes sparkled with excitement as she sensed Reana's interest. She had been worried that the Luna would dismiss her concerns, but now that she had Reana's attention, Mirian's enthusiasm bubbled over. She hoped that her observation would lead to a significant discovery, one that would finally throw Beta Ryan from his position and pave the way for her cousin to take over, and also become the Alpha.

The prospect sent a thrill through Mirian, and her eyes shone with anticipation. If her cousin rose to power, Mirian's own status would be elevated, freeing her from her role as a lowly servant.

"Mirian seems very excited," Reana said casually, her eyes boring into the servant, who shifted slightly under the intense scrutiny, from the mirror.

Mirian's heart dropped as she caught Reana's cold stare from the mirror, sending chill down her spine. "I —" she opened her mouth to speak, but only a faint sound escaped.

She had to do this. Her future relied on this. With the new determination, she cleared her throat, attempting to compose herself as she began combing Reana's hair.

However, Reana suddenly rose from her seat. "I don't have time for this," she stated, her tone dismissive.

As she turned to leave, Mirian's eyes widened in panic, and she instinctively reached out to stop Reana. But Reana's parting words froze her in place.

"Before you run your mouth, think well. You know the consequences of lying to me."

With that ominous warning, Reana walked away, leaving Mirian feeling uneasy and intimidated.

Mirian hadn't lied, per se. She had genuinely noticed the peculiar way Vivian looked at Beta Ryan - a subtle, yet unmistakable spark of interest. Furthermore, she had caught Lillian sneaking out of Beta Ryan's chambers one night, which only fueled her suspicions that something was fishy.

Mirian didn't think that Beta Ryan would have anything to do with a servant he publicly rejected, but she believed that since Kael showed interest in her, she might have been running errands for Vivian.

She had attempted to fish information out of Lillian, but the haughty and proud omega's lips were sealed.

Mirian despised that Lillian girl. Her arrogance, the way that she looked down on the rest of them, just because she had Kael and the former Luna backing her up. Mirian couldn't wait for her cousin to become the Alpha, that way, she would let Lillian have a taste of her own medicine.

A sly thought crossed Mirian's mind. What if she subtly hinted her suspicions to the other omegas, allowing the gossip to spread like wildfire? Luna Reana would inevitably hear the rumors, and whether Mirian's hunch proved correct or not, whether the fallout was catastrophic or not, she would emerge unscathed, her hands seemingly clean. The thought brought a cunning smile to Mirian's lips.

Unbeknownst to her, she was playing into Reana's plans.

…

As Reana stepped out of her quarters, she was met with Ryder's warm, smiling face. Her irritation, like snow before a gentle flame, suddenly melted away, replaced by a soothing sense of calm that only Ryder's presence seemed to bring.

"My Luna," Ryder said, his voice low and respectful, as he stepped forward and offered his hand to assist her over the threshold. "Congratulations on your victory," he continued, his eyes shining with sincerity. "Once again, you've protected the pack with your life just to give the pack members a peaceful and happy life. Thank you, Luna Reana."

Reana's heart swelled with emotions, a lump forming in her throat. Nobody had ever thanked her for everything she'd done for the pack. She knew it was her duty, yet, she had always expected, if not gratitude, at least some semblance of acknowledgment. But all she'd received in those years of her rule was repeated nagging for her to take a mate.

Ryder's sincere words touched a deep chord within her, and for a moment, she felt truly seen and appreciated.

"Have you treated your injuries?" His question broke into her thoughts. Reana watched the genuine frown on his face, his eyes scanning her from head to toe, as if searching for any sign of lingering harm.

Reana's gaze sharpened, boring into him with an intensity that could melt steel.