The Alpha's Christmas Mistake

Victoria's POV

The wine glass shattered against the wall, red liquid dripping down like blood.

"That lying bastard," I growled, looking at the empty doorway where Cade had just walked out.

He thought he was so smart. Thought I couldn't smell her all over him. That cheap omega scent mixed with his expensive cologne made me want to throw up.

My phone rang. A text from my father: Wedding preparations going well?

I wanted to laugh, scream. Maybe both.

Instead, I typed back: Everything is perfect.

The biggest lie I'd ever told.

I walked around my fancy apartment, my heels clicking on the marble floor. Three weeks until the wedding, and my future husband was running around with some pathetic little omega like a dog in heat.

But not just any omega.

I'd done my research. Ember Frost. The orphan girl who worked at that disgusting tree farm. The one everyone pitied because no Alpha wanted her.

Well, apparently one Alpha did want her. My Alpha.

My phone rang again. Mother's ringtone.

"Victoria, darling, how are the final dress fittings going?"

"Fine, Mother." I tried to keep my voice steady.

"And Cade? Is he excited about the honeymoon plans?"

Excited about running off with his little omega girlfriend, probably.

"He's excited," I lied again.

"Wonderful. Your father says this marriage will make our family the most powerful in three states. Aren't you proud?"

Proud? I was scared. But I'd worked too hard to let some nobody ruin everything now.

"Very proud, Mother. I have to go."

I hung up and grabbed my coat. Time to find out exactly what my dear fiancé was up to.

The drive to town took twenty minutes. I parked behind the old gas station where no one would see my car. From here, I could walk to anywhere in the small downtown area without being noticed.

But where would he go?

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. There, his scent, faint but fresh. He'd been here recently.

Following his trail was easy. Too easy. He wasn't even trying to hide where he'd been.

The scent led me toward the edge of town, past the small houses and toward the forest. My heart started beating faster. There was only one thing out there.

Old Pine Christmas Tree Farm.

Of course. Where else would the little omega be?

I stayed in the shadows as I got closer. The farm was mostly dark except for a few lights in the main building. Cade's truck was parked by the back entrance.

How romantic. Meeting his lover at work.

I walked closer, staying behind the big pine trees. The smell of Christmas trees and fresh snow filled the air, but all I could focus on was the anger burning in my chest.

Through the window, I saw them.

Cade was sitting on a stool, watching Ember wrap garland around some kind of display. She was talking and laughing, her face bright with happiness. And he was looking at her like she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

I'd never seen him look at me that way. Not once.

My hands turned into fists. How dare she? How dare this nobody steal what belonged to me?

But then I saw something that made my blood froze.

Cade reached over and touched her face gently. She leaned into his hand. And then he kissed her.

Not a quick kiss. Not a friendly kiss.

A kiss that said he loved her.

The same kiss he'd never given me, even though we'd been together for months.

I had to bite my lip to keep from screaming.

But I kept watching. Because I needed to know everything.

They were talking quietly now. I couldn't hear the words, but I could see their faces. Ember looked worried about something. Cade looked guilty.

Good. He should feel guilty.

Then Ember said something that made Cade's whole body go stiff. His face went white, and he stepped back from her like she'd hit him.

What had she said?

They argued quietly for a few minutes. Then Ember started crying, and Cade pulled her into his arms.

My stomach twisted. He was comforting her. Protecting her. Choosing her.

I'd seen enough.

I backed away from the window and pulled out my phone. My fingers shook as I scrolled through my contacts.

There it was. The number I'd hoped I'd never have to use.

Uncle Richard. My father's brother. The one who "fixed problems" for the family.

The one who made people disappear.

I stared at the number for a long time. Once I made this call, there would be no going back. Ember Frost would be gone, and Cade would marry me like he was supposed to.

But he would hate me forever.

Unless he never found out it was me.

I dialed the number.

"Richard? It's Victoria. I need your help."

"What kind of help?" His voice was rough, dangerous.

"The kind that requires complete silence."

"I'm listening."

I looked back at the tree farm, where the lights were still on. Where Cade was still holding another woman.

"There's a girl. An omega. She's causing problems for the family."

"What kind of problems?"

"The kind that could ruin a very important wedding."

He was quiet for a moment. "Where is she?"

"Old Pine Christmas Tree Farm. But Richard... it needs to look like an accident."

"Accidents cost extra."

"Money isn't a problem."

"When?"

I watched Cade's truck pull away from the farm. He was leaving. Going back to his apartment, probably. Where he would shower and try to wash off her scent before he came home to me.

But he couldn't wash off what I'd seen tonight.

"Soon," I said. "Very soon."

"I'll be in touch."

He hung up.

I stood in the cold darkness, looking at the tree farm where that little omega was probably still working. Still dreaming about a future with my fiancé.

But some dreams weren't meant to come true.

I smiled as I walked back to my car. By Christmas, there would be one less problem in Pine Ridge.

And Cade would be mine, just like he was always supposed to be.

Even if I had to destroy everyone who got in my way.