Exiled By My Mate

Tricked and Betrayed

CHAPTER 2

KADEN'S POV

"Infinity full moons to the Alpha," a warrior greeted me with a deep bow as I strode through the fields.

I nodded in response and went about my business.

More greetings chorused around me as I resumed my stroll. The pack bustled with activity, preparing for the festival. The very reason I had come out, to ensure everything was running smoothly.

I sighed as I reached the vegetable fields. This was the last stop before I could finally return. My relief was short-lived; the brief peace shattered in an instant. My head snapped in the direction of the sound, angry voices coming from the fields.

What could it be now?

"You two stay here." I turned to the guards behind me, and they nodded in response.

I picked up the pace, but then my feet froze when I realized how awfully familiar the voices sounded.

"Bella." I cursed under my breath.

It wasn't long before I reached the source of the commotion. My eyes scanned the scene, taking everything in. I spotted Bella almost instantly, a hand wrapped around her throat and pinning her to the wall. Then my gaze trailed up to the owner of the hand, Glade.

I didn't need a psychic to tell me what had happened; Bella had obviously done something to Glade, probably enough to warrant this reaction.

I was tempted to step in, but to be honest, the sight brought me some joy. Bella was a pest who needed to learn her place. Besides, a little punishment wouldn’t hurt. Glade was more than capable, after all, we were best friends. Bella didn’t stand a chance, yet somehow, she always found ways to provoke her.

The audacity.

Maybe her so-called bravery was just a front. Maybe she enjoyed making everyone’s lives miserable. Or maybe… she liked the pain.

"You seem to have forgotten your place in this pack. Others might tolerate you running your mouth anyhow, but I won't." Glade's icy voice cut through the air.

"I know my place, you just refuse to accept it. If I were truly in my place, even you would be treating me with respect," Bella spat back, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

I wasn't surprised, though; she was known for her untamed mouth.

"You’re still running your mouth, you—" Glade's grip tightened, veins bulging across Bella’s face as she struggled to breathe.

I rolled my eyes and finally stepped forward, if I didn’t stop this now, it could turn ugly fast.

If only she’d get it through her thick skull. I’d told her a thousand times, she wasn’t fit to stand beside me as my mate. Yet she still clung to that delusion.

"The two of you." My voice cut through the tension, making their heads snap in my direction.

"Hey, Kaden," Glade greeted, far too casually for someone caught strangling another wolf.

"Glade, what the hell is this? You know fighting is forbidden during the festival."

"Yes, I know. But I overheard Bella spitting insults about you, so I decided to teach her a lesson." Glade finally released her grip and stepped back.

"Is that so?" I turned to Bella, who was rubbing the skin on her now-red neck.

"Kaden, I...."

"It is Alpha Kaden to you," I interrupted her.

"So what are you going to do about her insolence? I say you punish her, teach her where she belongs." Glade smirked as she closed the distance between us.

"And by punishment, I don’t mean another night in a cell," Glade whispered, her fingers trailing over my chest. "That’s too light, don’t you think?"

I considered Glade’s words. This wasn’t Bella’s first offense. It seemed like every time I locked her up, she only came out with even more guts. Stubborn as hell, I had to give her that. Glade was right; she had grown used to the regular punishment.

As much as I hated to admit it, punishing her had become harder ever since I learned she was my mate.

"Give her a real punishment this time, make her clean the animal pens," Glade suggested.

"Bella, you’re cleaning the animal pens," I declared, turning on my heel. Glade followed without hesitation.

***

BELLA'S POV

FEW HOURS LATER

"You okay?" Seth asked.

I rubbed my aching arms and glanced at Seth. He was my closest friend, the only one willing to help with the punishment Kaden had given me.

"What do you think? This sucks," I grumbled.

"Is that so? Maybe you will learn not to piss off the Alpha next time," Seth teased. He knew it wasn’t really my fault, but he wasn’t wrong. I needed to stay away from the Alpha, every encounter with him only brought me trouble.

"How was I supposed to know that damn witch was lurking nearby? Does she have nothing better to do than eavesdrop?" I defended myself.

Just then, Fiona walked in, carrying a black bag. "How’s the work going?" she asked.

"Oh, just great," I said, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Fiona, my best friend. We grew up in the orphanage with Seth, once sharing a room until she mated a pack warrior and moved in with him two years ago.

"Sorry I couldn't help today, I’m swamped with work. But I brought some snacks to make up for it." She set the black bag down in front of us.

"Nice," Seth said, quickly washing his hands before rummaging through the bag. I also washed my hands and joined him.

Something felt off. I looked up and noticed Fiona just standing there staring at us. Her gaze was unreadable, shadowed with something I couldn’t name, but it twisted my stomach all the same.

It's probably nothing.

I was about to look away when something caught my eye, a tear rolled down her face. She was crying.

"Fiona, what’s wrong?" I asked, alarmed. Instinct kicked in, my protective side flaring up.

"Yeah, I’m fine." She wiped the tear away quickly, like she hoped I hadn’t noticed.

It was obvious she wasn't, but before I could ask again, she spoke.

"I just... I should get back to work." She spun on her heel and left before I could press further. Something about it left me uneasy.

"What’s up with her?" I asked, turning to Seth. He had already stuffed his mouth full of meat and was opening a drink and shrugging his shoulders.

"Hey, leave some for me!" I yelled as I quickly joined him.

A few minutes later, the food was gone, and with it, our short-lived break. Time to get back to work.

I pushed myself up, but the moment I did, my legs buckled. Weak. Almost numb. My vision swam, edges fading into darkness. Panic surged through me as I struggled to make sense of it.

I turned to Seth for help, but one look at him and I could tell he was in the same predicament. I managed to force myself to stand, but just as quickly, my legs gave way, and I felt my body hit the ground.

"What’s..." The words slurred, lost to the weight dragging my eyelids down. Darkness swallowed me whole.

***

A loud crash jolted through the haze. Groaning, I forced my eyes open, trying to locate the source of the noise.

I rolled around, and my hand landed on something sprawled beside me. Forcing my heavy eyes open, I realized that it wasn't actually something. But someone. Seth.

My eyes widened in shock, Seth was completely naked.

A quick glance under the sheets sent panic crashing through me, I was in nothing but my panties.

What the hell is going on?

"What do we have here? Two lovers are lying together after a wild, passionate night." A woman’s voice cut through the room, making me freeze.

I looked up, and my stomach dropped. Kaden, Glade, and Fiona stood by the door, staring at us.

Kaden’s glare burned into me, a mix of anger and disgust simmering behind his eyes. Glade smirked, amusement dancing in her eyes, while Fiona refused to meet my gaze.

My mind raced for answers, ignoring everything around me, and then it clicked.

"No... No way..." I whispered, my gaze snapping to Fiona. Her eyes finally met mine.

I didn’t need to ask. The answer was written all over her face.

Guilt.