My Mate’s Regret After Putting Our Child in Jail novel Chapter 1

My mate Ryan wanted our pup to take the blame for his first love's son and go to the Silver Prison for five years.

The Storm Shadow Pack's grand hall buzzed with excitement. Pack Elder Gregory stood on the stage, his silver fur gleaming under the chandeliers.

"Last week, a young wolf's life was saved by Beta Ryan's brave son," he announced proudly. "We're here to honor this heroic pup."

My heart swelled with pride. Marcus, my eight-year-old, squeezed my hand nervously.

"Would the young hero please come to the stage?"

I stood up with Marcus, but froze.

Ryan was already walking onto the stage – with Sarah Blackwood and her son Jamie.

My blood ran cold.

This wasn't right. Jamie wasn't the one who saved that pup. Marcus did.

"That's my achievement!" Marcus whispered, confused and hurt.

Ryan's eyes widened when he saw us. I wasn't supposed to be here – I should've been visiting the Northern Pack today. But I'd rushed back for my son's ceremony.

"This ceremony is over," Ryan announced abruptly, his Beta authority brooking no argument.

The crowd dispersed quickly, leaving only confusion and whispers in their wake.

Ryan rushed to my side, grabbing my hand. "Celeste, Jamie isn't my son. You have to believe me!"

My fingers trembled in his grip. "Then why are you claiming his achievement?"

Before he could answer, Sarah glided over, her face a mask of practiced vulnerability.

"Ryan," she said softly, "you promised to acknowledge Jamie as yours. You gave your word."

Ryan's grip on my hand tightened. "Celeste is my mate. She deserves the truth!"

Sarah's vulnerable mask cracked, revealing a cold smile.

"Then let's tell her everything, shall we?" Her voice dripped with satisfaction. "Tell her Marcus needs to take Jamie's place in Silver Prison for five years and Jamie will replace Marcus as the pack’s hero. "

Marcus looked up at me, fear clouding his young eyes. "Mom, what's she talking about?"

"What is she talking about?" I demanded, my voice shaking. "Why would Marcus need to go to prison?"

Ryan's shoulders slumped. His golden eyes dimmed with guilt.

"Jamie... he accidentally killed a five-month-old wolf pup last week," Ryan said quietly. "He didn't mean to, but pack law is clear. Sarah and Jamie would be exiled."

My blood ran cold. "And?"

"Sarah has no mate to protect them. They wouldn't survive as rogues." Ryan reached for my hand. I yanked it away. "Marcus is strong. He's already saved so many with his wolfsbane cure. The Alpha Council would only give him five years in Silver Prison."

Marcus started sobbing. "Dad, I didn't do anything wrong!"