Rejected Mate’s Final Winter

I bolted into the bathroom, not wanting her to see me like this—weak, vulnerable. The Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack shouldn’t be seen this way, especially not by her. Celia followed, her voice edged with concern, "Let me take you to the healing lodge."

I turned the faucet on hard, splashing cold water on my face, trying to stop the nosebleed. My wolf stirred uneasily in the back of my mind, a low growl of discomfort. I silenced it, focusing on the icy water. Celia paced behind me, her anxiety palpable. "This isn’t normal, Alec. You need to see the pack healer. Now."

I hesitated, my hand gripping the edge of the sink. I didn’t want her to know about the cancer. Didn’t want her pity, or worse, her indifference. But before I could decide, her phone rang.

She answered it quickly, her tone softening as she spoke. Less than three minutes later, she was already heading for the door. "You should go to the healing lodge," she said casually, not even looking at me. "Ivan’s hungry, and he wants me to make him some ravioli."

I watched her leave, her scent—once so comforting to me—fading as she walked away. My wolf snarled, a bitter sound that echoed in my mind. I let out a bitter laugh. How thoughtful of her.

After taking the medication Dr. Esteban Morgan had prescribed, the nosebleed stopped, but the headache remained, a relentless pounding in my skull. My wolf growled again, restless. Maybe I should go to the healing lodge after all, if only for some relief.

Dr. Morgan was waiting for me when I arrived. His eyes narrowed as he took in my condition. "Alpha Williamson," he said, his tone firm but respectful. "You need to admit yourself for treatment. Without it, you don’t have much time left. But if we act now, we might be able to extend it."

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "I’d rather enjoy what’s left of my time than spend it in a healing lodge."

The pack healer sighed, his expression heavy with concern. "Where’s your mate? Why hasn’t she come with you even once?"

I shrugged, my voice flat. "She’s gone."

It wasn’t exactly a lie. The fire that had claimed my parents had taken something from her too—something I couldn’t quite name. And now, with the way she was with Ivan, she might as well be gone.

As I turned to leave with my medication, a familiar voice called out from behind me. "Alpha Williamson?"

I turned to see Celia, her arm linked with Ivan’s. They stood too close, their scents mingling in a way that made my wolf bristle. Celia’s face was flushed with guilt, but she managed a small smile. "How’s your nose?"

"Fine," I said coolly, unwilling to give her more than that. "Just a bit of stress."

Ivan smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Seems like an Alpha needs to let off some steam, or he’ll get sick from holding it in. How about I let Celia spend the night with you? For old times’ sake."

My wolf growled low in my chest, but I kept my expression neutral. "No need," I said, my voice icy. "You two are a better match."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away. Celia caught my arm, her grip surprisingly firm. "Wait for me at the entrance," she said, her voice low. "I’ll go home with you."

I nodded, though I had no intention of waiting. As soon as I stepped outside the healing lodge, the nausea hit me like a wave. I leaned over the flowerbed, vomiting until my vision blurred. My wolf whined softly, a sound of pain and frustration. The signs from my body were becoming impossible to ignore.