No Bride for My Alpha Mate

“You’re imagining things,” he said smoothly, leaning in so his breath brushed against my ear. “Maybe you should spend less time obsessing over what Araceli posts and more time focusing on keeping me happy.”

I staggered back, every ounce of strength I had crumbling under the weight of his words. My heart felt like it was being torn in two, the bond between us fraying more with every second that passed.

“Luciano—”

He cut me off with a mocking laugh, stepping away as though the conversation was beneath him. “You’re imagining things, Luna,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension. “Maybe you’re the problem in this relationship.”

I could barely hold myself together as the hours dragged on after my confrontation with Luciano. His words still rang in my head, sharp and condescending, as if my hurt was a joke to him. You’re the problem in this relationship. The smirk on his face when he said it was burned into my memory, an endless loop of pain and humiliation.

The bond that tethered us as mates had grown weaker by the day, fraying under the weight of his betrayal. I’d always clung to the hope that it could be mended, that maybe I just needed to try harder. But now I saw the truth. Luciano didn’t care. He never had.

Araceli’s presence became unbearable in the hours that followed. She lingered around the pack house like a dark cloud, her smug smirks and exaggerated gestures making her intentions crystal clear. She wanted me to know that she had won.

By the time night fell, my resolve was crumbling. I sat by the window in my room, staring blankly into the darkness outside. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, swirling with anger, grief, and something I hadn’t felt in years—hope.

I needed to leave.

It wasn’t an impulsive decision. The idea had been lurking in the back of my mind ever since Luciano’s behavior had shifted, but I’d ignored it, convincing myself that leaving was impossible. But now, as I stared into the night, I realized that staying was the real impossibility.

A sound outside broke my trance. I stood, moving silently to the window. My heart sank as I caught sight of Luciano slipping out of the pack house, his movements quick and deliberate.

I didn’t need to guess where he was going.

I watched as he crossed the courtyard and disappeared into the forest. A moment later, Araceli emerged from the shadows, her laughter echoing faintly in the stillness. She followed him without hesitation, her hips swaying with confidence.

The sight was like a dagger to my chest. My mate, my supposed other half, was sneaking off with the Delta without a care in the world. I couldn’t watch any longer.

I stepped away from the window, my decision solidifying in my mind. This was it. I couldn’t endure another day of this humiliation, of this betrayal. I would leave, and I would do it soon.

My reputation as a healer would ensure my safety. Packs all over the region valued my skills, and I knew that any one of them would welcome me with open arms. I didn’t need Luciano. I didn’t need this pack.

I pulled out a small bag from under my bed and began to gather my belongings. Clothes, a few personal items, and most importantly, my healing tools. My hands shook as I worked, but I pushed through the fear. I couldn’t let doubt creep in now.

When I was done packing, I sat at my desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. The words came slowly at first, but soon they flowed from me like a river.

Luciano,

By the time you read this, I will be gone. I’ve given this pack everything I had, and all I’ve received in return is pain. You’ve broken our bond, and you’ve broken me. I hope you find what you’re looking for, but I refuse to let you destroy me any further.

Don’t look for me. I won’t be coming back.

—Isadora

I folded the letter and placed it in the drawer of my desk. He wouldn’t find it until it was too late.

As I turned back to my bag to double-check its contents, the door creaked open behind me. My heart leaped into my throat, and I spun around, clutching the bag tightly.

Araceli stood in the doorway, her expression smug as ever.

“Planning a little trip, Luna?” she asked, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.

I straightened, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “What are you doing in my room, Araceli?”

“Oh, don’t get so defensive,” she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “I just thought I’d check on you. You’ve been so… quiet since Luciano put you in your place earlier.”

Her words were like venom, seeping into my skin and fueling the anger bubbling inside me.

“What do you want?” I asked coldly.

She sauntered closer, her hands resting on her hips. “I thought you should know that Luciano is with me because I give him what he needs. Something you’ve clearly failed to do.”

My fists clenched at my sides, but I didn’t respond. She wanted a reaction, and I refused to give her the satisfaction.

“I mean, really,” she continued, her tone light and teasing. “Did you honestly think you were enough for him? You’re so… plain. So predictable.”

“Get out,” I said, my voice steady despite the fire raging inside me.

“Oh, I’m not done yet,” she said, stepping even closer. “You should know, Isadora, that he doesn’t even talk about you when we’re together. It’s as if you don’t even exist.”

“Get. Out.”

Araceli’s smirk widened, but before she could say another word, the door opened again.

“Araceli.”

Luciano’s voice filled the room, sharp and commanding. My heart stopped as he stepped inside, his gaze shifting between the two of us.