Fated Lust: The Billionaire Playboy's Mate

“Luna, don’t you think you should spend a few more days in the clinic? Your condition hasn’t improved, and there’s no need to rush home.” I groaned at the thought of missing another night in my husband’s arms, surrounded by my babies’ warmth. “Nothing’s working, Doc. Maybe being home will help. If I get worse, Alpha Daniel can bring me back.” For weeks, I’d felt my wolf growing weaker, leaving me dizzy and unsteady. Some mornings, the room spun when I stood, and twice, my heart raced so violently that the doctors feared a cardiac episode. Despite everything they tried, they still couldn’t determine what was wrong. The doctor gave me an uncomfortable smile before leaving. I called Daniel several times, but he didn’t answer. I asked the guard waiting downstairs to drive me home. He took my bag while I carried my ten-month-old daughter from her cot to the van. Daniel was probably buried in pack duties, handling mine alongside his own while caring for our six-year-old twin boys. At the Alpha house, the servants bowed respectfully, thanking the Moon Goddess for my recovery. If only that were true. I headed to the third floor, where the family wing was located, and heard my sons playing somewhere down the hallway. As I approached the living room, I heard laughter. I stopped when I saw a strange woman nestled in Daniel’s arms. He pulled her closer and kissed her. She giggled and pushed him away when he tried to kiss her again. Then their eyes met mine. Daniel looked shocked to see me. The woman rose from the couch in one smooth motion. Dark silver hair fell around her shoulders, contrasting sharply with her fair skin. She was tall and striking, with light blue eyes that looked almost transparent. “Luna Laura,” she said, clasping her hands as though in prayer. “You made it.” I fixed my gaze on Daniel. “I wasn’t aware we had company.” I forced a smile that felt nothing like one. “I suppose that explains your silence and all the calls you haven’t returned.” Daniel remained silent until she nudged him. They reached for each other’s hands, and a sharp twist seized my chest. “I think you should tell her,” the woman said. “It wouldn’t be fair to keep her in the dark.” I looked at Daniel. He scratched his neck. “The doctors have done their best,” he said. “They advised me to prepare for the worst.” I blinked, fighting the tears burning behind my eyes. “You thought I would die?” His face crumpled. “Don’t put it like that.” I took a deep breath. “Fine. Suppose the doctors have given up on me. How does that explain you having another woman while I’m still fighting for my life?” The woman stepped forward. “I’m not a stranger, Luna. I’m Erica. Daniel’s fated mate.” For a moment, I could only stare at her. “How long?” I asked Daniel, my teeth chattering. He hesitated. His eyes flicked toward Erica before returning to me. “Seven years.” Seven years. The same year he married me. “I didn’t think you were a coward. If you wanted to leave me, you should have had the courage to do it honorably.” “Luna, please.” Erica’s voice softened. “I come in peace. Daniel told me how bad things had become. He didn’t want the children to be left without a mother if the worst happened.” She looked at Daniel before turning her attention back to me. “We love each other, and I have more than enough love to give the children.” My head spun. I grabbed the nearest pillar. Daniel took my baby and handed her to his lover, who had the nerve to soothe her as she reached for me. I flinched when Daniel reached out. “Don’t touch me.” He raised his hands and stepped back, avoiding my eyes. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said. “I’m doing this for us. The children need someone to care for them. Don’t be bitter. I wouldn’t want you to die resentful.” A chill ran down my spine. “I am not dying,” I said, forcing the words out. Daniel shook his head. “You may not feel it yet, but it will come. The doctors have tried everything. I can’t leave our family and pack unprepared.” “Unprepared?” My voice cracked. “You’re replacing me while I can still walk, while I can still—” “Mama!” The twins came running down the hallway, their faces lighting up at the sight of me. They crashed into my arms, and the sudden movement sent my dizziness surging. I tried to hold on to them, but my strength gave way. Darkness swallowed me. When I regained consciousness, something hard pressed against my back. My arms were pinned at my sides, and the air was stale. I opened my eyes to darkness. I shifted, shaking the box. Dust fell onto my face as my fingers scraped the wood above me. I pushed against it, but it wouldn’t budge. Panic gripped my chest. This wasn’t a room. It was a coffin. I had been buried alive.