Rejected Luna's Last Run

The marking ceremony was halfway through when I left my mate to assist my former mate, Vanessa, with a lactation issue. My inner wolf growled in protest, but I silenced it. Vanessa’s distress call couldn’t be ignored.

Ashlynn, my mate, rushed into the healing center of our pack, her dress swishing as she gripped the hem tightly. I was assisting Vanessa, my Alpha’s coat bearing milk stains, my gloved hand positioned near her chest.

Vanessa’s voice trembled. “The pup just can’t latch on, Alpha. I needed your help.”

I froze, turning to leave, but Vanessa playfully tugged at my tie. “The pup should really call you Father… you remember, that night, it was five times…”

As the door swung open, my eyes took in three things: the disheveled bed, my hand, and the blush on Vanessa’s face. Ashlynn stood there, her expression unreadable.

Both Vanessa and I were caught off guard. Vanessa hurriedly covered herself, her eyes reddening. “Luna Ashlynn… what are you doing here?”

I was startled, but my hand remained where it was. My wolf snarled in the back of my mind, urging me to explain, but the words stuck in my throat.

“Didn’t you say there was an emergency surgery?” Ashlynn’s voice was composed, but I could hear the strain beneath it.

I frowned and stood up, avoiding her gaze. “Vanessa had a blocked milk duct. It was painful, and I just…”

“Just?” Ashlynn laughed bitterly, her voice cracking slightly. “You, the Alpha of the pack, playing lactation consultant?”

“I am a healer, and I have professional ethics,” I replied, my voice steady. “Luna, you’re overreacting.”

Tears welled up in Ashlynn’s eyes. She was my Luna, my mate, and yet here I was, standing beside another she-wolf.

“I’m not overreacting. I’m stunned. My mate, not even through our marking ceremony, and here you are at the healing center with another she-wolf…”

Vanessa interjected softly, “Alpha, am I causing you trouble? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize today was your marking ceremony.”

Then she turned to Ashlynn. “Don’t blame the Alpha, blame me…”

She picked up the basket beside the bed, where a fair-skinned pup was sleeping peacefully.

“Whose pup is that?” Ashlynn asked through gritted teeth, seeking confirmation.

Vanessa hesitated, her eyes brimming with tears. “… No father.”

I reached out, blocking Vanessa. “He’s my son.”

Ashlynn was stunned, her breath hitching.

“We met once before she left the pack. Later, she told me she was pregnant… By then, I was already with you.”

“I know.” Ashlynn rubbed her abdomen, feeling the scar through her dress. “The night of the car accident, you were too drunk to even notice the headlights. I was the one who shielded you.”

“You signed the consent form to remove my uterus, Alpha. You marked me out of guilt.”

“I care for you,” I protested weakly, yet guilt shone in my eyes.

“And her?” Ashlynn stared at me, her voice breaking. “Do you love her?”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t utter a