Be Alpha's Mate Again?

As I sat across from Desar at the dinner table, Elize and Kyle cast glances my way, their faces barely masking the amusement under false sympathy. Elize's expression was particularly smug, and I knew she was reveling in the distance she’d managed to wedge between Desar and me.

Feigning innocence, Kyle leaned in. "Maisie, you’re not still upset about that big surprise Desar threw for Elize last week, are you?” He smirked, clearly enjoying himself.

Elize chimed in, flashing me an apologetic look that didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m so sorry, Maisie. I was in a tough spot, and Desar just wanted to cheer me up with a little… gesture. Isn’t that right, Desar?" Her voice was soft, the words sugar-coated with false humility.

Desar barely looked at me, and his tone was dismissive as he replied, "It was just a few fireworks, Maisie. No big deal." He sounded almost bored, as though the whole situation was trivial.

I held his gaze, masking the pain that twisted inside me.

"You’re right, Desar. The fireworks were quite the show. Do keep it up." With a calm smile, I picked up my bag, refusing to let them see me falter. “I just remembered I have unfinished work. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

As I turned to leave, I caught the look Elize shot me, a subtle, triumphant smile as though she’d claimed something valuable. A part of me felt crushed, but another part knew it was pointless to keep fighting for someone who couldn’t see how much they were hurting me.

Outside, the cool night air hit my face, clearing away the lingering warmth of the restaurant and the stifling reminder of what once was.

The streets buzzed around me, full of couples strolling hand-in-hand, laughing softly, wrapped in each other’s worlds. Once, Desar and I had been like that, inseparable, both of us sharing dreams, secrets, and promises.

Now, memories of those moments weighed heavily on me, yet I didn’t want to be seen as weak. I slowed my pace, a painful pang in my chest as I thought of all the small gestures Desar used to make, the way he would pull me closer or reach for my hand.

An ice cream truck parked nearby caught my eye, and on impulse, I decided to get one. As I took the first bite, a wave of memories flooded back.

It was when Desar laughed at my weakness for ice cream, teasing me, "You know it’ll just give you a stomachache later." But he would still indulge me, watching with that gentle smile. I shook the thought away, forcing myself to focus on the present.

Then, a strange taste lingered. The ice cream was oddly salty. I frowned, thinking it was off until I realized my tears were falling onto it. The realization struck me hard, and I quickly wiped my face with a tissue the vendor handed me, nodding in quiet thanks.

As I walked home, my phone buzzed with a message from Desar. It was a casual check-in:

‘Have you arrived home?’

The empty words stung, reminding me of the way he’d brushed off my pain tonight. I ignored it.

A few minutes later, another message arrived.

‘Everyone didn’t have a good meal because of you today. Let’s invite them to dinner another day.’

His indifference felt like a slap, his words filled with blame rather than any real concern. It was as though he thought my absence at that dinner was an inconvenience, rather than seeing it as a sign of how deeply he’d hurt me.

His name flashed across the screen once more as he tried calling. I placed my phone aside, turning a deaf ear to his attempts. If he couldn’t understand the weight of what he’d done, then there was nothing left to say.

Later, as I climbed into bed, I scrolled through my messages one last time, more out of habit than anything.

That’s when I saw a new status update from Elize. Posted just minutes ago, it was a picture of Desar sitting beside her in the backseat of a car. He looked relaxed, eyes closed as though content, while Elize gazed into the camera, leaning just close enough to show a level of intimacy I knew all too well. The caption stung worse than anything.

[It turns out I am still your first choice after so many years.]

I stared at it, my heart clenched tight, and a bitter smile curved on my lips. There it was. The truth I’d been unwilling to accept, was captured in a single, cruel message. I couldn’t pretend anymore, couldn’t ignore the reality staring back at me.

My wolf was in pain too. I know because I can communicate with her since I was young. I was the youngest she-wolf that could bond with an inner wolf even before the shifting started.

Old stories said that if that happens, the she-wolf is blessed by the moon goddess and the pack she's part of.

That's also the reason why when Alpha Stanley knew that I'm Desar's mate, he didn't object.

Taking a steady breath, I typed a quick reply: [Congratulations]

With that, I set my phone down, letting go of the last shred of hope I’d held onto.