CHAPTER 4 The Humiliation

Rhea's POV

I wasn't supposed to feel drawn to another man's scent, nor should I have found it intrusive given that I already had a mate and husband. Despite my attempts to discard the handkerchief, I found myself gazing back at it after giving it a gentle squeeze. With a resigned sigh, I picked it up and headed inside.

As I walked through the hallway, I greeted those who passed me and acknowledged their greetings in return, making my way towards my room. Upon reaching it, I couldn't help but smile at the familiar sight. This was a place where I could unwind and clear my head, the atmosphere always soothing.

Stepping inside, my grin widened as I took in the sight before me. Only moments ago, I had been berating Kian for forgetting my birthday, but now my spirits lifted as I approached the bouquet of flowers on my bed. I sank down onto the bed, feeling it dip beneath my weight, and leaned forward to inhale the sweet fragrance of the blooms - it was tantalizing and wonderful.

Suddenly, something caught my eye - a white piece of paper was tucked amongst the flowers. Curiosity piqued, I picked up the paper and slid it open.

**Dear Luna,

I wanted to take a moment to express how grateful I am to have worked alongside you. Witnessing your first birthday within our pack was truly a memorable experience for me. I hope that today you are able to find your wolf, although I must admit, that might be a tall order lol!

In any case, I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday!

Best wishes,

Lila (Your Beta)**

As I read the letter, a sob escaped my lips and I realized I had been crying without even knowing it. I had thought it was from my husband Kian, but to my horror, it was actually one of his mistresses - who also happened to be my assistant.

How much more could he humiliate and hurt me? Every word felt like a mockery, reminding me of how I had celebrated my birthday after witnessing their affair. I gritted my teeth in anger and threw the letter away before forcing myself to prepare for our upcoming meeting with Thorn's pack and other Alphas.

Despite the pain and tears, I knew we still had work to do. We needed alliances with packs, especially Thorn's, and I hoped they would work out in our favor. As I showered, the water felt like it was washing away my pain, but there was no time to waste. I had to meet with the Alphas, especially Thorn, and convince them to join our side.

I put on my best clothes and searched for my beta, Lila, but she was nowhere to be found. The dress I had picked out for her was still on the bed, and I couldn't afford to miss this opportunity. I couldn't let Kian have another reason to hate me.

Desperate to find Lila, I encountered Mercy, my attendant, and hoped she could help. The situation was critical, and I urged her to go without speaking the words out loud. She cleared her throat to get my attention, and I knew we had to act fast.

"Good day, my Luna, the Alphas have started arriving at the meeting hall," I groaned in annoyance at her words but the next statement that left her lips had me completely dazed.

"King Daemon, the Alpha of the Thorn pack has arrived, he was the first person to arrive and has been sitting there for hours. I knew how important caliber of person he was and that's why I decided to come and inform you," I staggered unknowingly with my mouth making an O shape.

What should I do? What do I do now? King Daemon can't possibly be there waiting for me to arrive, this is not good at all. Why today?

Darting my eyes around not knowing what to do next, my gaze fell on the little Mercy standing in front of me and that's when an idea struck my mind.

Since Lila is nowhere to be seen, I guess that Mercy will go in place of her after all she is smart and observant.

"Mercy," I called.

"Yes, my Luna," she responded quickly.

"Come with me, you will be going to the meeting with me since Lila was nowhere to be seen,"

"Me?" she looked flushed like she just saw a ghost.

"Yes, you, just relax and help me out," seeing my pleading stare, she nodded her head.

Hurrying through the hallway in the direction of the meeting hall, I decided to follow the direction of Kian's room as that is a short way to reach the conference room easily since I am damn late.

Walking through there with Mercy beside me, I suddenly overhear Lila's giggling voice from the other end causing me to stop on my track.

I spared Mercy a quick glance before I started walking toward the direction where her beaming laugh and giggling were echoing from.

My anger fumes at her nonchalant behavior, she knew how important this meeting was to us but here she was laughing and giggling as if nothing else matters.

I planned on giving her a piece of my mind to show that I wasn't a bit happy with the attitude that she just exhibited today but my angry face turned to a worried expression as the other end was leading to my husband's room.

The more I walked closer to the direction, the louder her laugh became audible to my ears and that of Mercy who was standing beside me all this time.

As I rushed down the hallway towards the meeting room, I decided to take a shortcut through Kian's room to save time. With Mercy by my side, I heard laughter coming from the other end of the hallway and immediately recognized Lila's voice. Despite my frustration at her lack of seriousness regarding the upcoming meeting, I decided to confront her about it. However, my irritation quickly turned to concern as I realized that the laughter was coming from my husband's room, and it was getting louder as we approached.

And just in time, I heard her let out a loud moan, almost staggering at what I just heard, I held onto the door handle and slowly pushed it open.

My jaw dropped with my eyes going damn wide on the scene in front of me, Kian, my mate, my husband thrusting deeper into Lila, my Beta, my assistant.

My chest was quickly going up and down like a rock weighing my inside down, I was breathing so heavily that everything was spinning in front of me, and before I knew it I lose my balance and fell to the floor.