NO TO THE ALPHA

I sat alone at FingerTips, a dimly lit restaurant that Luca had picked for my birthday dinner. Seven years together, and he still couldn’t remember my birthday without a reminder. The creaky chair beneath me and the stale air swirling around only heightened my frustration.

As I waited, I ordered a glass of water, taking slow sips while my eyes darted to the clock. Each tick felt like a countdown to disappointment. I tried calling Luca over and over, but he didn’t pick up. I began to regret turning down my best friend's invitation to celebrate together, choosing instead to spend the evening with someone who seemed to have forgotten me entirely.

"Ma'am, we're closing for the day," the waitress said, breaking the silence. I muttered a distracted "Oh," suddenly aware that I was the last customer left in restaurant.

As I stepped outside, the cool night air brushed against my skin, and I looked up at the starry sky. A deep sigh escaped me; spending my birthday alone, waiting for someone who never showed, was a bitter disappointment.

As I made my way home, the breeze picked up, and I felt the first droplets of rain hit my skin. Before I knew it, the sky opened up, and rain poured down. I hurriedly sought shelter in a nearby five-star hotel, hoping to escape the downpour.

I dashed into the lounge area, shaking the rain off my clothes. Taking a seat, I gazed out the window, feeling the weight of the evening settle in. I pulled out my phone and tried calling Luca again, but once more, he didn’t answer.

Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I decided to treat myself to a nice meal. I smiled to myself, reminding myself that it was my birthday, and I deserved to make it special.

As I entered the hotel’s restaurant, my eyes landed on a familiar figure—Luca. He was standing with a woman, and they seemed to be leaving. What caught my attention was when Luca removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders, his hands wrapping around her as he pecked her forehead. They shared an intimate smile, and my heart sank.

My feet felt glued to the spot. A low growl rumbled within me, my wolf stirring with unease. I leaned in for a better look at the woman, and my eyes widened in recognition—it was Samantha.

So I had been right all along; I suspected that Luca’s relationship with her went beyond mere friendship. Whenever I voiced my concerns, he brushed them off, claiming their closeness was simply due to the alliance between our packs, the Moonwhisper and Nightshade. But the intimate scene unfolding before me told a different story.

“Luca…” I called out, my voice trembling. He and Samantha turned to face me, and as our gazes met, I saw his expression shift into a deep frown.

"What are you doing here?" he asked gruffly.

I was mad. "So, you're actually with her, and that's why you wouldn't take any of my calls, leaving me waiting... on my birthday."

My voice broke, the hurt getting worse, as if I hadn't suspected it. "You're being dramatic," Samantha said, rolling her eyes in disgust.

My anger boiled over, and I slammed my fist on the table. "Shut the fuck up! Who asked—" But before I could finish, Luca splashed a cold glass of water onto my face.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to watch us. Luca stepped closer, his green wolf eyes flashing with fury. "I won't let you speak to her like that," he said, his voice menacing.

I glared at him, my heart pounding in my chest. How could he do this to me? On my birthday, of all days?

"You're defending her?" I spat, my voice in disdain. "You're supposed to be my mate, Luca. My partner. But instead, you're standing there, insulting me and defending another woman."

Luca's expression darkened. "Noella, calm down."

But I was past the point of calm. I was furious. "You've been lying to me, Luca. You've been cheating on me with Samantha. And now, you're just standing there, defending her?”

The restaurant fell silent, patrons watching our exchange with keen interest. Luca's face twisted in anger, but I stood my ground.

"I deserve better than a cheating mate," I declared, my voice unwavering. "I deserve someone better than you, Luca."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Luca and Samantha staring after me. The rain poured down outside, but I didn't care. I was free, finally free from Luca's deception and lies—or so I thought.