After Losing His Heir, I Rejected the Alpha’s Mark
Chapter 1
Seven months into my pregnancy, Leonard took me to his childhood friend’s birthday celebration in the Howling Forest Pack. The evening was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it quickly turned into a nightmare.
Leonard lost a game of darts, and as a forfeit, his friend demanded that his childhood companion, Gemma, perform a seductive dance. The room fell silent as Gemma, with tears in her eyes, began to unbutton her blouse. “Being a rogue has its price,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But for you, Leonard, it’s worth it.”
Leonard immediately stepped in, adjusting her clothes with a protective hand. Without hesitation, he turned to me. “Luna, you’ll dance in Gemma’s place. She’s not supposed to perform for others,” he said, his Alpha tone firm. Then, leaning closer to Gemma, he added, “You’re too precious to share. Let her do it—she’s already lost her figure anyway.”
Before I could protest, he ripped off my jacket and pushed me onto the makeshift stage.
---
The crowd erupted in disapproval.
“A pregnant Luna dancing like this? Disgraceful!” someone shouted.
“No wonder Alpha spends so much time with Gemma. Look at her compared to Tiffany—it’s obvious who’s more captivating,” another jeered.
I stood there, trembling under their mocking gazes, my hands instinctively covering my belly. I turned to Leonard, silently pleading for him to intervene, to let me step down. But he was too busy holding Gemma in his arms, whispering sweet nothings to her. He didn’t even glance my way.
It was Alexandria, my loyal Omega, who rushed onto the stage and draped a shawl over my shoulders, helping me step down. Leonard’s Alpha voice cut through the noise like a blade. “Who said you could leave? If you can’t dance, stay there until the performance is over!”
The crowd’s laughter and jeers intensified. I felt like a cheap trinket on display, every gaze stripping away what little dignity I had left. Gemma smirked from Leonard’s embrace, mouthing the words, “You lose again.”
And she was right. In Leonard’s eyes, I always lost.
As the music ended, one of Leonard’s friends joked, “Alpha, if you love Gemma so much, why not make her your Luna? You’re clearly tired of Tiffany. Just reject her and be done with it.”
Leonard chuckled, tightening his grip around Gemma. “Being Luna is too much work. I don’t want Gemma burdened with pack affairs. She’s meant to be free, to live a carefree life with me.”
His words cut deeper than any knife. All those promises he made before our marking ceremony—they were lies. He marked me not out of love, but to have someone to manage the pack while he indulged in his affair with Gemma.
When the music finally stopped, Alexandria helped me off the stage. Leonard looked at me, his expression cold and disdainful. “You’re embarrassing yourself, Tiffany. When will you learn to be as graceful and charming as Gemma?”
Gemma, ever the manipulator, chimed in, “Don’t be too hard on her, Leonard. She’s just not used to these kinds of events. It’s not her fault she’s awkward.”
Leonard’s gaze softened as he turned to her. “You’re always so kind, Gemma. Even now, you’re defending her.” Then, his eyes hardened as he glared at me. “Take notes, Tiffany. Learn how to make me happy. Don’t think carrying my child gives you any special privileges.”
His words shattered what little hope I had left. I clenched my fists, then let go, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “Then let’s reject each other,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.
Leonard’s eyes widened, fury flashing across his face. “Do you even know what you’re saying? A Luna doesn’t have the right to demand rejection! Go home and think about what you’ve done!”
I didn’t argue. I simply turned and walked away, Alexandria by my side, my heart heavier than ever.
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