After My Mate Denied Our Unborn Pup

The silver light of the midwinter moon bathed the ceremonial clearing, casting long shadows across the faces of my packmates. I stood at the edge of the dais, one hand protectively cradling my swollen belly, the other gripping the wooden railing for support. Nine months pregnant, my back ached with a dull, persistent throb, but I ignored it. Tonight was important. Tonight, everything would change.

My wolf, dormant for so long, stirred with unease as Alpha Ethan Grant strode to the center of the platform. His bronze hair gleamed in the moonlight, and his powerful frame commanded attention from every member of the Silver Moon Pack. My heart fluttered as his gaze briefly met mine before sweeping across the gathered crowd.

"Tonight, under the blessed light of the midwinter moon," Ethan's voice rang out, strong and clear, "I have an announcement that will shape the future of both the Silver Moon and Northern Crest packs."

I exhaled softly, one hand gently stroking my belly where our pup kicked insistently. After months of secrecy, of stolen moments and whispered promises, Ethan was finally going to acknowledge us. The timing wasn't ideal—we'd planned to announce our mating after the pup was born—but perhaps he'd decided he couldn't wait any longer.

"It is my honor to announce my engagement to Victoria Reed."

The words hit me like a physical blow. My lungs constricted, refusing to draw breath as whispers erupted around me. Through suddenly blurry vision, I watched Victoria—my half-sister—step forward to join Ethan, her face alight with triumph as she slid her hand possessively into his.

"Our mating ceremony will take place at the next full moon," Ethan continued, but his voice had become distant, muffled by the roaring in my ears. "This union will strengthen both our packs and ensure a prosperous future."

My mother stood nearby, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she watched Victoria bask in the attention. Not once did she glance in my direction, not once did she acknowledge the grandchild I carried—Ethan's child.

"Congratulations to the future Luna," someone called out, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

I stumbled backward, desperate to escape before my legs gave way entirely. No one noticed as I slipped away from the celebration, one hand pressed against my mouth to stifle the sobs threatening to break free. My other hand remained protectively curved around my belly, as if I could somehow shield my unborn pup from the truth—that their father had just publicly denied their existence.

* * *

The forest clearing lay bathed in moonlight, far enough from the pack celebration that only distant echoes of music and laughter reached my ears. I paced the small space, dried tears making my face feel tight and uncomfortable. When I heard footsteps approaching, I turned, already knowing who it would be.

"You shouldn't have left the ceremony," Ethan said, his voice lacking any warmth or concern. "It looks suspicious."

"Suspicious?" My voice cracked. "You just announced your engagement to my sister