Alpha's Rejected Pregnant Mate

The full moon hung heavy in the sky, its silver light bathing our territory in an ethereal glow as we ran. My paws barely touched the forest floor, my pregnant body still agile despite the tiny lives growing within me. Eight weeks along with twins—our future, Michael's legacy. The thought should have filled me with joy, but instead, a familiar unease crept through our mate bond.

I glanced at Michael—my Alpha, my mate, my everything—his massive black wolf form leading our pack with the commanding presence that had first drawn me to him eight years ago. His muscles rippled beneath his midnight coat as he darted between the trees, the epitome of power and grace.

Then I felt it again—that slight tremor in our mind-link, like a pebble disturbing still water.

*"It's okay, Aria. Stay close to the center of the formation. You're safe."*

Michael's voice wasn't directed at me, yet I heard it clearly through our bond. The gentleness in his tone made my heart clench. That softness used to be reserved for me alone.

I pushed harder, my paws digging into the earth as I caught up to him. *"Michael?"* I reached through our bond, trying to recapture his attention.

His golden Alpha eyes flicked toward me briefly before returning to scan the territory. *"Focus on the run, Rebecca."* His tone was clipped, professional. Not the voice of a mate, but of an Alpha to his Luna.

I fell back slightly, my chest tight with a pain that had nothing to do with my pregnancy. Through our bond, I could sense her—Aria—the refugee we'd welcomed into our pack six months ago. I could feel Michael's awareness of her, his wolf's protective instincts flaring whenever she lagged behind.

When we returned to the pack house, I shifted quickly, wrapping myself in the silk robe one of the pack members held out for me. Michael was already in human form, his powerful frame commanding attention as he issued orders to strengthen our western border.

I placed a protective hand over my still-flat stomach. "The healer said I shouldn't shift too frequently during the first trimester," I said quietly when he approached.

Michael's jaw tightened. "The Luna needs to show strength to the pack. You're carrying future Alphas, not fragile humans."

I swallowed the hurt. This wasn't my Michael speaking—this cold, dismissive man was someone I barely recognized.

---

The pack council breakfast was always a formal affair, with Michael at the head of the long oak table and me seated at his right. Today, like every day for the past few months, Aria sat three seats down, her doe-like eyes downcast in a performance of submission that fooled everyone but me.

As Elder Grayson discussed the upcoming full moon ceremony, I felt Michael's attention drift. His fingers tapped restlessly against the polished wood, his mind elsewhere.

Then I heard it through our bond—Aria's whispered plea. *"Alpha, I'm scared about the territory expansion. Could I... could I stay behind during the