My Alpha Caused Our Daughter's Death

Two days had passed since Aella's tragic end, and each second felt like an eternity. The world outside my grief continued as if nothing had changed, but inside me, a storm raged. I had buried my daughter beneath the ancient trees of our territory, whispering promises to the wind that I would protect her memory. My heart felt hollow, consumed by despair, yet Aspen roamed the halls of our home, blissfully unaware of the tragedy that had befallen us.

Then came Aspen, storming through the door like a thunderclap, his expression a mix of fury and confusion. “Where is Aella?” he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut through the fog of my sorrow.

I looked up from where I sat, surrounded by the remnants of Aella’s things. Her favorite scarf lay crumpled in my hands, its warmth a cruel reminder of what I had lost. “She’s not here, Alpha,” I replied, my voice strained and weary.

Aspen’s brows knit together in frustration. “What do you mean? Ember is convinced Aella caused her allergic reaction! I need to know where she is so I can—”

“Punish her?” I interrupted, unable to contain the anger boiling beneath my grief. “You think Aella would do something like that? How can you even consider it?”

He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing, oblivious to the truth that gripped my heart. “I don’t care about your emotions right now, Artemis. I need to keep my pack safe. Ember is not just anyone; she’s my fated mate!”

Fated mate. The words felt like daggers, slicing deeper into my wound. “Your fated mate?” I echoed, bitterness lacing my tone. “What about our daughter? What about the family we were supposed to have?”

Aspen's face hardened. “You know how it is—pack first. Aella’s actions could put us all at risk.”

“Actions?” I nearly spat. “You’re still clinging to Ember’s lies while your daughter is out there, possibly in danger! She would never do this!”

A flicker of confusion crossed his face. “What are you talking about? Where is she?”

“Do you even care?” I shot back, the flood of emotions threatening to drown me. “You’re so wrapped up in Ember’s drama that you’ve forgotten about your own flesh and blood!”

“A flesh and blood that could be a threat!” he countered, the Alpha in him flaring, but I could sense a crack in his confidence.

“I swear, Alpha, if you don’t stop believing Ember’s manipulations, you’ll lose Aella forever!” My voice cracked, the finality of my words hanging in the air.

Aspen stood before me, fists clenched, his eyes blazing with misplaced fury. “You’re defending her! Aella almost put Ember’s life in danger, didn’t she?” His voice echoed off the stone walls, a twisted accusation that made my blood boil.

“Danger, you say?” I shot back, incredulous.