Betrayed by the Fated Mate

Not long after my miscarriage, Alonzo, the Alpha of our pack, once again left to help Theodora, a Beta, with a basket of groceries. Calmly, I broached the subject of rejecting our mate bond. For the first time, the Alpha who always exuded confidence was visibly flustered and stammering.

"Luna," he began, using my title, though his voice lacked its usual authority, "there will always be more food. I promise, I'll never do it again..."

I shook my head, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. "It’s not about a basket of food, Alpha. It’s about you ignoring me every single moment, about you choosing her over me, your mate."

When it became known that I was leaving, our two children, Connor and Willow, couldn’t wait to call Theodora "Mom." I chuckled dryly, the sound hollow in the grand hall of our packhouse. I dragged myself resolutely towards Southern Town, leaving behind the life I had built as Luna of the Silverfang Pack.

A mate, children—I was leaving it all behind.

Ten years later, my name was well-known in the werewolf community. I had built a successful business, becoming a prominent figure in the pack’s economy. Our children could only stand next to a half-gray-haired Alonzo, watching me on the television screen, their faces a mix of admiration and resentment.

As the harsh winter set in, Alonzo opened the door to our—now his—packhouse, letting in a blast of cold air that made me shiver involuntarily on the couch. The fire in the hearth flickered, casting long shadows across the room.

"I’d love a warm bowl of soup," I murmured, more to myself than to him.

He hesitated at the door, forcing an awkward smile. "Are you hungry, Luna? I can heat up some oatmeal for you."

I closed my eyes, trying to process the whirl of emotions within me. Alonzo wasn’t stingy; he was generous to everyone, especially his childhood friend, Theodora. But his generosity to her always came at my expense.

Yet here I was, pulling myself away from painful memories, determined to confront the discomfort lurking within what was once our ‘home.’

"I recently miscarried and need nourishment," I pointedly reminded him, my voice sharper than I intended.

Alonzo hesitated for a moment, his Alpha aura flickering as if unsure. "Luna, hang in there. I’ll pick up some food tomorrow to help you recover."

I gave him a thin smile, my face gaunt and pale. "No need. We’ve got groceries at home."

In the silent battle that followed, Alonzo was the first to avert his gaze. "Luna, I gave them away. Adrianna is still young and growing, and Theo is raising her alone..."

I was done arguing. As I looked at Alonzo, he seemed to merge with the image of his fifty-four-year-old self, his once-commanding presence now diminished. I finally accepted that the man I had stubbornly clung to had let go long before I did.

"You’re right, Alpha," I said, my voice firm. "Let’s reject