The wife he gave away

“Luna said it’s the best option. Let’s just go with her recommendation.”
 I nearly dropped the spatula. The words hung in the air like smoke from burnt toast, thick and impossible to ignore. I flipped the last slice anyway, buying myself a second before turning to face my husband. Dominic sat at the dining table, already dressed for work, scrolling through his phone with that calm, unbothered expression he wore so well. The morning light filtered through the kitchen window, catching the silver strands just beginning to show at his temples. He looked every bit the steady beta he’d always been, until recently. I set the plate down a little harder than necessary. “About that elite werewolf school you mentioned yesterday… I think our son’s current school is good enough. I don’t see the need to transfer him to a place like that.” He smiled. It was the indulgent kind, the one that said I was being cute but unreasonable. “Luna knows what she’s doing, Seraphina. She’s only been in position a month and she’s already transforming the pack’s education system. This isn’t personal.” I hesitated, my wolf stirring uneasily beneath my skin. Luna Valeria… had swept into our pack like a golden breeze the moment she married Alpha Alaric. Now she was suddenly everywhere, especially in my family’s decisions. First it was the class placement. I’d let that slide because Dominic had insisted it was harmless. But now this? An elite school packed with Alpha heirs and future leaders? We were betas. Solid, dependable betas who worked hard and kept our heads down. That world wasn’t ours. I crossed my arms, maternal instinct flaring hot in my chest. “She’s meddling in our private affairs, Dominic. She’s known our son for what, a few weeks? I’ve raised him. I know what’s best for him.” He shrugged, taking a sip of coffee. “She made it clear when she took the role as chair of the Education Committee, she’s overhauling everything. Education, healthcare, support systems for every pup in the pack. She’s not targeting us. She genuinely wants every child to have the best future possible. Don’t overthink it, love….” Don’t overthink it. The phrase grated against my nerves. No one knew my son better than I did. Why should this outsider, no matter how high her title, decide what was best for him? I leaned against the counter, trying to keep my voice steady. “That school is designed to raise future pack leaders. It’s full of Alpha children. We’re just two beta parents. Is it fair to put that kind of pressure on him? What if his grades slip? What if the others exclude him or make him feel small?” Dominic’s smile faltered, a flicker of impatience crossing his face. “Luna’s recommendations are limited, Seraphina. The fact that she offered one to our son proves how exceptional he is. The decision’s already made.” My stomach dropped. “You mean you already agreed to it?” He nodded once, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “I just don’t want him to end up like us, ordinary betas with no real future.” The words hit like a slap. I froze, spatula still in hand, staring at the man I’d built a life with. Ordinary? No real future? I had never once thought of our life that way. We had a home. We had each other. We had a son who laughed easily and slept without nightmares. Was that suddenly not enough? Before I could find my voice, soft footsteps padded into the kitchen.
 “Morning, Mom. Dad.” Our son yawned, rubbing sleep from his eyes, his messy hair sticking up in every direction. Dominic stood quickly, kissed my cheek… too brief, too automatic, and grabbed his briefcase. “Have a good day, Seraphina. I’ll pick him up this afternoon.” The door clicked shut behind him. I forced a smile for my son and slid the plate of toast and eggs in front of him. We ate in relative silence, my mind still reeling. When we finally headed out, I dropped him off at school on my way to work like always. My job at the pack’s supply warehouse was closer, so mornings were mine. Dominic’s administrative role let him handle afternoons…. Halfway there, something glinted at my son’s throat.
 “What’s that necklace?” I asked, keeping my tone light. He touched it proudly. “Luna gave it to me yesterday. It’s cool, right? She said it matches hers.” My grip tightened on the steering wheel. The same necklace? At the school gate, my heart stuttered when I saw her. Luna Valeria… stood near the entrance in a soft cream blouse and tailored trousers, her long dark hair cascading perfectly over one shoulder. She looked radiant, every inch the Alpha’s mate. And around her neck hung the exact same delicate silver chain with its small moonstone pendant that my son now wore. My son’s face lit up the moment he saw her. “Luna!” He ran straight to her. She opened her arms with a warm laugh and hugged him like they’d known each other for years. The sight sent an uncomfortable twist through my chest. “Seraphina,” she greeted me sweetly when I approached, her smile bright and polished. “It’s so nice to finally meet you properly. I’m Valeria, the new chair of the Education Committee. I’ll be spending a lot more time around the school from now on.” We exchanged pleasantries, but the air felt charged. Then she tilted her head, voice dripping with concern. “You know, if work is keeping you too busy, you might consider stepping back a little. A child’s future is so much more important than a minor job, don’t you think?” My eyebrows shot up. Minor job? I worked hard to provide for my family. My wolf bristled. “I appreciate the advice,” I said calmly but firmly, meeting her gaze without flinching. “But I’m perfectly capable of balancing both. My son’s future has always been my priority.” Valeria’s perfect smile stiffened for the briefest second. Before she could reply, my son tugged eagerly on her hand. “Come on, Luna. Walk me to class?” She looked down at him with genuine affection, then back at me with that same sweet smile. “Then go take care of your important work, Seraphina. Don’t worry about his education, he’s in good hands with me.” As they walked away together, my son chatting animatedly, a small group of parents quickly gathered around Valeria, showering her with compliments and eager questions. I stood frozen at the gate, watching them disappear into the crowd. The realization settled over me like a cold mist. I had just been neatly edged out of my own son’s morning. And something told me this was only the beginning.