After My Mate Stole My Rogue Kill, I Defied Him Chapter 04

After My Mate Stole My Rogue Kill, I Defied Him Chapter 04

The lights dimmed as Alpha Marcus Stone took the stage, his commanding presence silencing the crowd instantly. I stood at the back of the ballroom, my fingers idly toying with the clasp of my necklace. The metal felt warm against my skin, a reminder of the power I’d suppressed for three long years.

“Tonight,” Alpha Marcus began, his voice resonating through the packed room, “we gather to celebrate an extraordinary achievement. Colin Phillips has demonstrated remarkable growth in his time with our pack.”

I watched Colin standing tall beside him, his chest puffed out with pride. He wore his new Beta sash across his shoulder—a sash that had been purchased with blood money from kills he’d never made.

“Three years ago,” Alpha Marcus continued, “Colin was a struggling Delta wolf with limited prospects. Today, he stands before us as a warrior who has single-handedly cleared our northern borders of rogue threats.”

My fingers stilled on my necklace. Three years ago, I’d found Colin bleeding in the mud after a rogue attack. He’d been helpless, crying like a pup. I’d saved him, nursed him back to health, and then made the fatal mistake of falling in love with his gratitude.

“In particular,” Alpha Marcus said, his voice dropping to a reverent tone, “Colin has displayed an unexplained tactical genius that has baffled even our most seasoned warriors.”

Unexplained. Yes, it would be unexplained to them. They had no idea that every “brilliant strategy” had come from my mind, every rogue territory cleared by my blade.

“Please join me in welcoming our new Beta to the stage.”

The crowd erupted in applause as Colin stepped forward, his practiced smile gleaming under the spotlight. I felt something shift inside me—Valkyrie stirring restlessly, her rage matching my own.

“Thank you, Alpha Marcus,” Colin began, his voice carrying easily across the room. “This honor belongs not just to me, but to everyone who believed in me when I was nothing.”

His eyes swept the crowd, finding mine at the back. For just a moment, our gazes locked. I kept my expression carefully blank, though inside, Valkyrie was snarling.

“Many of you have heard rumors about how I earned this position,” Colin continued. “Let me show you the truth.”

He gestured to the screen behind him, and an image appeared—a massive rogue with a distinctive scar across his face. Ironclaw. The rogue I’d killed just hours ago in the mud and rain.

“This,” Colin announced proudly, “is Rogue General Ironclaw. The most dangerous rogue to threaten our borders in a generation.”

The crowd gasped collectively. I felt my nails digging into my palms as Colin launched into his fabricated tale.

“I tracked him for weeks,” he said, his voice dropping dramatically. “Alone. No backup. Just me against the monster who had terrorized three packs already.”

I watched the faces around me—pack members hanging on his every word, eyes wide with admiration.

“When I finally cornered him,” Colin continued, “he laughed at me. Said I was too weak to be a threat.”

My jaw clenched as Colin described a battle that never happened—how he’d supposedly torn Ironclaw’s head from his shoulders with his bare hands, how he’d stood victorious over the rogue’s body.

“I did it,” he concluded, “to protect our pack. To prove that any wolf can rise to greatness with enough determination.”

The room exploded in cheers. Wolves howled their approval, stamping their feet and raising their glasses in toast.

I stood frozen, watching as Colin basked in glory that belonged to me. Then I felt it—a presence beside me.

“Amazing story,” a soft voice murmured.

I turned to find Azalea Stone standing there, her eyes shining with admiration as she gazed at Colin on the stage.

“He’s incredible,” she continued, not noticing my expression. “To think he did all that alone…”

“Yes,” I replied carefully. “Incredible.”

Azalea glanced at me, her expression shifting to one of pity. “It must be hard,” she said gently.

“What must be hard?” I asked, though I already knew.

“Being mated to such a hero,” she replied. “Mrs. Phillips told me how… difficult it’s been for you.”

I followed her gaze back to Colin, who was now describing how he’d supposedly fought off three other rogues single-handedly—all kills that had been mine.

“She said you’ve been holding him back,” Azalea continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. “That you’re a burden he carries out of obligation.”

Something cold and final settled in my chest. The last thread of doubt snapped.

“Is that what she told you?” I asked quietly.

Azalea nodded, her eyes filled with genuine sympathy—for the wrong person. “I’m sorry. It must be painful to know your mate deserves someone stronger.”

I looked at her—really looked at her—for the first time. She wasn’t cruel or calculating like Mrs. Phillips. She was just another piece in their game, manipulated into believing their lies.

“Don’t worry about me,” I said softly, my fingers dropping away from my necklace clasp. “I think things are about to change.”