After My Mate Abandoned Me in Labor

The first pain hit me like a wolf's bite, sharp and vicious, tearing through my abdomen. I gasped, clutching the kitchen counter as my legs threatened to give way beneath me. This wasn't right. It was too early—far too early. My pup wasn't due for another six weeks.

"No, no, no," I whispered, cradling my swollen belly protectively. "Hold on, little one. Please hold on."

My wolf, Nyx, howled in panic within me, her fear mirroring my own as another contraction ripped through my body. I slid to the cold tile floor, my back against the cabinets, breathing in short, desperate gasps. The pack house was quiet at this late hour—everyone either asleep or out on patrol. I was alone.

Except I wasn't supposed to be alone. Not tonight. Not ever.

*Marcus*, I called through our mind-link, my mental voice trembling with urgency. *Marcus, something's wrong with the baby. I think I'm in labor. Please, I need you.*

A moment of silence stretched between us, and for that heartbeat, I prayed to the Moon Goddess that he would answer, that he would rush to my side as any mate should. As he had promised he would, countless times during the months of my pregnancy.

*What do you expect me to do about it?* His voice, when it finally came through our link, was cold and detached, as though I'd asked him to take out the garbage rather than help save our child.

Another contraction seized me, and I couldn't stop the whimper that escaped my lips. *I need help getting to the healer. Please, Marcus, the baby—our baby—*

*She-wolves are supposed to be independent, Isabella,* he cut me off, his tone dismissive. *You're always bragging about being such a strong warrior. Handle it yourself.*

The pain of his words cut deeper than the physical agony wracking my body. I felt Nyx snarl in outrage, clawing at my consciousness, demanding to be released so she could tear him apart for this betrayal.

*Marcus, please,* I begged, abandoning all pride as I felt something warm and wet between my thighs. *I'm bleeding. Something's very wrong.*

The mind-link went silent, but not completely closed. I could feel him still there, his attention divided. Then I heard it—his voice, but not directed at me.

*I'll be right there, Rachel. Just give me a minute.*

The realization hit me harder than any contraction. He was with her. With Rachel. His so-called "chosen mate."

*Marcus!* I screamed through our link, desperation and fury mingling as another spasm of pain doubled me over.

*Look, Isabella, I promised Rachel I'd accompany her to her pack training session. She's nervous about it, and unlike you, she actually needs me.*

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My mate—my fated, Moon-Goddess-given mate—was choosing to escort another she-wolf to a training session instead of helping me as I potentially lost our child.

*Our baby is coming,* I whispered through the link, tears streaming down my face. *Please...*

*The pack healer can