He Chose Her for the Third Time, and I Walked Away

For six years, I waited to become Alpha Kael’s marked mate and official Luna.

The first time, Lyra—his dead brother’s mate—called crying about a rogue attack. He left me at the altar and ran to save her, but it turned out that she had just gotten lost wandering in the woods.

The second time, he never showed up because Lyra had threatened to commit suicide. Later I found out he had given her the Luna necklace because her wolf needed protection more than mine.

The third time, I went searching for him and found him at her prenatal appointment, his hand on her belly.

He didn’t know I was carrying his pup too.

Heartbroken, I decided to leave. After I disappeared, he went crazy looking for me.

Serena’s POV

Today was the third time Kael and I were supposed to complete our marking ceremony. This time, I only invited a few pack members, because I couldn’t bear another public humiliation.

I had been nauseous and feverish since yesterday, but I refused to let it ruin today. This was the day of my mating ceremony, and afterward, I would finally tell Kael about the pup.

I touched my stomach through the white ceremony dress and smiled despite the nausea.

Elder Miriam was arranging the sacred herbs on the altar. My best friend, Claire, kept glancing around, watching for Kael. The few pack members I had invited sat quietly, waiting.

It was almost thirty minutes to the ceremony, and I hadn’t seen Kael yet.

My phone buzzed. Finally.

But it wasn’t Kael. It was his beta, Derek.

— Derek: Serena, Kael’s at the pack clinic with Lyra. She collapsed with a high fever. He said to start without him, he’ll be there soon.

My hands trembled holding the phone. He wanted me to start without him, at our marking ceremony.

— Derek: He’s really sorry. He just wants to make sure she’s stable first.

I looked up at the waiting faces.

“He’s been delayed. He will be here soon,” I announced, forcing my voice to remain steady even though my heart was breaking.

Quiet murmurs rose across the crowd. They all knew what was coming next.

An hour passed.

I kept checking my phone, but there was no message.

Claire squeezed my hand softly with pity in her eyes. “Serena… maybe we should postpone.”

Her words broke the last bit of hope inside me, but she was right.

I nodded slowly, then looked at Elder Miriam. “I’m sorry. We’ll have to reschedule.”

The pack members filed out quietly. No one met my eyes, but I could see the pity on their faces.

Claire hugged me before leaving. “I’m so sorry, Sera.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, and my throat tightened.

Once everyone left, I stood alone in the empty grove. My hand moved to my stomach again.

Maybe if I told him about the pup, things would change. Maybe he would finally see me and choose me because this wasn’t just