Once His Mate Now His Rival (by Lord Browny) novel Chapter 2

The weeks flew by like seconds.

Each day, a constant reminder of Damon’s betrayal.

Amber had been stripped of her title as Luna, demoted to the rank of a mere servant, forced to work in the kitchens like she never belonged.

Life in the pack house had only grown worse since Damon turned his back on her.

The divorce papers had been signed. And Damon had threatened to throw her out of the pack house.

The only reason she remained was because of Alpha Kyle—Damon’s father. The man who had treated her like a daughter when everyone else had forsaken her.

Even on his sickbed, he had stood by her, ordering Damon to leave her be. But that did little to silence the rumors now consuming the pack.

Bella had spread lies like poison, labeling her a cheat.

A slut.

A whore who had betrayed her husband.

Damon had heard the rumors too, but chose silence. And that silence had only added weight to the lies.

Amber hadn’t told him about the pregnancy.

She couldn’t.

Not like this.

Not when the man she once loved had turned so cold.

It was hard to believe he was the same man she had fallen for—the one who once treated everyone fairly.

But everything had changed the moment he learned she was his destined mate.

He’d grown cold.

Cruel.

Unrecognizable.

And he’d made an example of the omegas, his anger always simmering, his punishments harsh. Amber had long suspected it was all because of her.

---

“Amber?” Alpha Kyle’s voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

She blinked, then turned to him, a soft smile spreading across her face as she gently took his hand.

“I’ve been calling your name for minutes. Is something troubling you?” he asked, his tone gentle, concern glimmering in his eyes.

“It’s nothing, Father. I’m just a little tired, that’s all,” she replied, deepening her smile to reassure him.

He squeezed her hand.

“I’m sorry about Damon,” he said quietly. “This is all my fault.”

“No, it’s not your fault, Father,” she said firmly. “Damon made his choice.”

She reached for the cup of black tea she always prepared for him each morning.

Alpha Kyle had been bedridden ever since a grave injury from the war five years ago. Damon had assumed the role of Alpha shortly after. But Alpha Kyle had never lost his strength of will and Amber remained one of the few people he trusted.

The herbal black tea had become a daily comfort to him, something that helped soothe his nerves. He had grown fond of it over the years.

He took a sip and smiled softly.

“As always, your tea is the best.”

That made Amber smile.

“It’s just normal tea, Father. Now rest. I’ll be on my way.”

She turned toward the door, her hand reaching for the knob when suddenly, the monitor began to beep erratically.

A violent cough shook the room.

He turned to Damon, visibly shaken.

“Alpha Damon, I... I...” he stammered.

“Speak!” Damon roared.

The healer dropped to his knees.

“I’m sorry, Alpha. I’m afraid...” He took a shaky breath.

“Alpha Kyle was poisoned.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

“What?” Damon screamed. He grabbed the healer by the collar and yanked him to his feet.

“Who did this?! Who would DARE?”

Beta Gwen’s gaze darted nervously to the tea.

“I... I don’t know, my Lord. But the tea... it was laced with poison.”

Amber felt the floor drop beneath her.

The tea?

No. That couldn’t be. She had made it herself—like she always had.

Just then, the doors slammed open.

Bella stormed in, her expression a mix of rage and mock grief. She pointed direc

tly at Amber, her voice sharp with accusation.

“I know who did it,” she announced, a smug grin creeping across her face.

“It was her!”