Rejected While Carrying His Heir

The morning light filtered through the heavy curtains of the Alpha's chambers, casting long shadows across the bed. I pressed my palm against my mouth, swallowing back another wave of nausea. Five years. Five years today since I'd become Luna of the Silverclaw Pack, since I'd sacrificed everything to save these wolves from certain destruction.

My wolf, usually so quiet and subdued, suddenly howled within me—a sound of pure joy that startled me.

"What is it?" I whispered internally, my hand instinctively moving to my abdomen.

*Pup. Our pup. The Alpha's heir.*

The realization hit me like a physical blow. Pregnant. After five years of trying, of hoping, of enduring the pack's whispers about my barrenness... I was carrying Alec's child.

"No," I murmured, quickly calculating. "It can't be."

But my wolf knew better. She'd sensed it before I could process the symptoms—the fatigue, the sensitivity to scents, the nausea that had plagued me for weeks.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Alec's side—though he hadn't slept here in months. The sheets were cold, unused. My fingers trembled as I pressed them against my still-flat stomach.

"A baby," I whispered, tears welling in my eyes. "Our baby."

This changed everything. Today wasn't just our fifth anniversary—it was the day I would give Alec the news that would bind us together forever. No matter how cold he'd been, no matter how openly he'd pined for Melina, this would change things. It had to.

I dressed carefully in a silver gown that matched the pack's colors, applied light makeup to hide the shadows under my eyes, and prepared for the day ahead. The anniversary dinner would be held in the main hall tonight. That's when I would tell him.

---

Across the pack house, in the Alpha's office, Alec stood by the window, his broad shoulders tense as he reviewed the documents on his desk.

"Are you certain about this, Alpha?" Beta Marcus asked, his weathered face creased with concern. "The Rejection papers..."

"They're necessary," Alec replied, his voice hard. "Five years is long enough. I've fulfilled my obligation."

Marcus's eyes darted to the calendar on the wall, where today's date was circled in red. "Today? On your anniversary?"

"It seems fitting," Alec said, signing his name with a flourish. "End this farce of a mating on the day it began."

I didn't mean to overhear. I hadn't meant to bring Alec his coffee only to freeze outside his door at the sound of his voice. But there I stood, the mug warm between my palms, as my world collapsed around me.

"The pack has stabilized," Alec continued. "We've recovered financially. There's no reason to continue this charade."

"And what of Luna Daphne?" Marcus asked quietly. "She's been nothing but loyal. The pack respects her."

Alec's laugh was bitter. "The pack respects strength, Marcus. Not sacrifice."

I backed away silently, my heart shattering with each step. The coffee mug trembled in my hands as I retreated down the hallway, my mind racing. Rejection papers. After everything I'd given up—my family's territory, my father's ancient treasury, my chance at finding a true mate—he was throwing it all away.

For her. For Melina.

---

In her private quarters, Melina Jordan paced nervously, her perfect features twisted with worry. Five years of waiting, of watching Daphne wear the title that should have been hers. Five years of Alec's divided attention.

"He promised," she muttered to herself. "Once the five years were up..."

But what if Alec had changed his mind? What if seeing Daphne every day had somehow awakened feelings he didn't know he had? The thought sent ice through her veins.

She reached for her phone, dialing a number she'd memorized long ago.

"I need that delivery made today," she said when the call connected. "No, earlier than planned. Make sure the roses are perfect."

She paused, listening to the response.

"More wolfsbane," she instructed. "Double the concentration. And make sure it's untraceable."

Her red lips curved into a smile as she ended the call. By tonight, there would be no Luna Daphne. No mate bond to break. Just a tragic accident that would free Alec forever.

The rogue on the other end of the line had been well-paid—first for the information about Daphne's pregnancy, now for this special delivery. Melina had always been thorough.

She checked her reflection in the mirror, adjusting her hair. Soon, very soon, she would be Luna of the Silverclaw Pack. And nothing would stand in her way.

Not even an unborn pup.