My Alpha Chased Me After We Broke Up

When I lost my child, I had been gathering herbs near the border, close to enemy pack lands. Suddenly, rival wolves spotted me and chased me, forcing me to run. I managed to escape but not without injury, bleeding from deep scratches as I stumbled, desperate for help.

Through our telepathic bond, I sensed Alaric nearby. My mate—my supposed protector—was close enough to hear my call. As I reached out to him, pleading for help, he ignored me. His attention was solely on Selene, who stood by his side.

Later, as I lay alone, nursing my wounds and trying to piece myself together, I returned to our den, searching for something to distract myself. That was when I found it—a piece of Selene's clothing, hastily stuffed away in Alaric's private quarters.

After I returned to the den, I made my choice. I picked up the homing pigeon and attached a letter, stating, "Chief Jarek of Cranberry Pack, I have accepted your offer. I will work as a gatherer for your pack."

---

It would take a few weeks for the message to reach its destination.

I watched as the pigeon flew away, just in time for Alaric to step out of the bathroom. He had just finished his shower, his hair still damp and beads of water clinging to his skin.

He used to take no more than five minutes in the shower, but lately, he'd been spending at least half an hour there, as if he were trying to scrub off someone else's scent.

"What are you doing?" he asked, eyeing the pigeon as it disappeared into the distance.

"Sending a letter to my parents," I answered simply.

"Ah," he murmured, barely paying attention. As usual, he wasn't really listening.

For the first time, I didn't get upset or make a fuss. I just went to clean up the bedroom, picking up the clothes he'd tossed into a corner. When he reached for his water cup, likely expecting the calming tea I'd made for him every night, he paused, realizing it wasn't there.

Finally, he glanced at me.

"I met the healer along the way. They said it's just a minor injury, nothing serious. Just keep the wound dry."

"Alright," I replied without looking up, taking his empty cup and setting it in the sink.

That afternoon, I had gotten stitches in my leg and arm from the accident. Worse still, I'd just found out I was four weeks pregnant — and already showing signs of miscarriage.

The healer had apologized, saying the bleeding might have been managed if only I'd come sooner — if someone had cared enough to bring me back. I stared blankly as the healer repeated their apologies, the words about timing echoing louder than any howl.

Alaric's choice to ignore me had cost our child's life.

Seeing the empty expression on my face, Alaric frowned and started walking over to see what I was doing.

Just then, someone called Alaric from the window. It was his friends—with Selene among them. His lips curved into a smile, and without a second thought, he went out to join them, leaving me alone until I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Alaric woke up early and returned with a basket of fruit and freshly hunted lean meat. Just as I reached out to check the meat, he slapped my hand away.

"You like mangoes, right? They're in season. I got one just for you."

I froze for a second, then the realization hit me—this wasn't for me. The meat was for Selene.

I couldn't hold back any longer. "We've been together for seven years, and you still don't know I'm allergic to mangoes?"

His expression darkened, and he stood abruptly. "Stop making a fuss. Eat it or don't. I don't care."

Without a word, I turned and walked to the bedroom, returning with a small bag. I handed it to him.

"When you see Selene later, do me a favor and give this back to her."

He took the bag, his brow furrowing as he peeked inside. When he saw the lace bra, surprise flickered in his eyes. He opened his mouth, maybe to explain, but when he saw my calm, indifferent expression, he only muttered, "I'll tell her to stop being so careless."

"Yeah," I said quietly, looking away.

Noticing my low mood, he offered, "You're still limping. Do you want me to join you when you go foraging?"

Seven years together, and he'd never once come with me to forage, saying it was "a woman's job," no matter how bad the weather was. He always kept work and personal life separate.

But for Selene? He'd go along without a second thought, as if her safety was paramount.

And just then—right on cue—Selene appeared at the doorway, her eyes searching for him.