Rejected Mate's Vengeance

Two years ago, my mentor, a respected healer in the Silver Fang Pack, suggested I pursue advanced studies at a renowned research lab in the Lycan Kingdom. Initially, I resisted, but Alonzo Garcia, the Alpha of our pack, convinced me: "A Luna needs her own purpose. Go, and I’ll be here waiting for your return."

My best friend, Shiloh Hansen, a Delta in the pack, reassured me, "I know you worry about the Alpha. I’ve got your back and will make sure he stays loyal." Her words were comforting, a promise of solidarity.

Little did I know, Alonzo’s gaze wouldn’t be wandering; it would be fixed on her.

When I returned, the Alpha’s quarters reeked of cigarette smoke, and Alonzo was already there, his broad frame towering in the dimly lit room. I slipped into my house shoes, leaving my suitcase by the entrance. Alonzo looked at me solemnly, his alpha aura heavy in the air, and said, "About Shiloh and me—don’t hold it against her. It’s all on me."

"I know she’s your closest friend, and falling for her was wrong. But sometimes emotions are irrational. I can’t ignore my feelings—I have to follow my heart."

"Alanna, we’ve grown too comfortable, to the point of feeling indifferent. But Shiloh brings something new and lively into my life. I know I’m hurting you, but even if you despise me, I can’t let her go."

"She’s willing to forego titles, desiring only to have my child. Her selflessness amazes me—how can I let her down?"

"You were away for two years, focused on your studies, and I dealt with loneliness alone—until Shiloh was there for me. I admit my feelings grew, and that’s how we came together."

His romantic narrative felt straight out of a pack legend, leaving me feeling utterly crushed.

What about me? If Shiloh makes him feel alive and indispensable, then what does our mate bond of five years signify?

In the early days of his leadership, when the pack was struggling, I endured living with him in the cramped quarters of the packhouse. We survived on minimal resources, and I stood by him through every challenge. Whenever he was overwhelmed, I was there, offering support and strength. During the toughest times, I even used my own inheritance to help stabilize the pack’s finances.

For three years, we faced such challenges, the pack barely scraping by, and I supported it with my earnings as a healer. I even avoided seeking medical attention when I was unwell, always battling through on my own.

Working tirelessly, juggling my duties as Luna and healer, I pushed myself to the limit. My health suffered, yet I never burdened Alonzo with my struggles.

Now, the pack is thriving, and thanks to me, Shiloh found her place as one of his most trusted warriors. After I left to study, she stayed by his side, supporting him through thick and thin.

My sacrifices seem to have vanished like smoke, forgotten by him.

His hardships boiled down to loneliness, and Shiloh’s presence gave him all he needed.

I felt a chill deep within, gritting my teeth as I confronted him: "Alpha, after four years together and five as mates, nine years in total—does none of that weigh against Shiloh’s two with you? One profession of love, and it erases everything we’ve built?"

Studying abroad took two years, and I pushed myself hard—pulling all-nighters, conducting research, all to return quicker.

Yet it all feels futile now—a cruel joke. I toiled alone while he and Shiloh observed it all.

Alonzo stubbed out his cigarette, opened the window for air. The cold draft made me shiver as he explained, "Shiloh is pregnant now and can’t stand the smoke. I’m clearing the air for her."

Turning back to me, he said decisively, "I only feel familial love for you, not the mate bond anymore. Alanna, let’s end this. Two years have changed a lot, and I can’t pretend. Let’s go our separate ways."

"Let’s go our separate ways." His words were detached, casually ending all those years together.

His phone rang, and he answered it. The voice from the other side was audible enough to catch, "Sweetheart, when will you be back? The baby wants some spiced honey cake. Can you pick one up on your way?"

"Am I interrupting? If the Luna’s upset, stay and talk it out with her. I can handle things here," the voice was careful, probing the situation.

Alonzo replied gently, "I’m heading back soon, and I’ll get you and our baby that cake, don’t worry."

The tenderness on his face was something I hadn’t seen for ages—once reserved for me, now for her.

Holding my aching stomach, remembering the joy I felt coming back home, I hadn’t eaten on the journey. Now the stomach pain was setting in. Looking pale, I sank onto the couch, unable to speak through the piercing pain.

Alonzo looked at me, frowning, "Alanna, don’t play the victim. Shiloh’s pregnant, she needs support. Acting weak won’t keep me here."

"Even if I stayed the night, nothing would change. I won’t be intimate with you, nor will I hurt Shiloh."

"Let’s just say it’s my fault. You can set the terms for our rejection. Take your time, but keep Shiloh out of it; she’s vulnerable."

"I hope we can part on good terms."

I rolled my eyes, speechless with unsaid words—unfaithful alphas are downright despicable.

Alonzo left quickly, decisively, as if escaping was his only goal.

Before the door even closed, I heard him on a call as he waited for the elevator: "I’m heading down now, don’t be jealous. I promised I’d be back with you tonight, not with her. I keep my promises, silly."

Saying I wasn’t hurt would be a lie, faced with the emptiness of the quarters and the remnants of our past.

Holding back tears through the night, they finally fell, burning with pain.

Had Alonzo cheated with anyone else, perhaps I wouldn’t be as shattered. But Shiloh? My best friend? It’s like being stabbed and then betrayed by someone I trusted.

My stomach twisted painfully, cold sweat rolling down. Trembling, I reached out to Conor Ryan, the pack’s Gamma who had returned with me: "Conor, help me." And then everything faded to black as I slipped into unconsciousness.