Rejected Mate's Wrath

The great hall of the Silvermoon Pack House had been transformed for the monthly gathering. Silver banners hung from the rafters, and the scent of roasted venison filled the air. Once, I would have stood proudly beside Marcus, overseeing the celebration as his Luna. Now, I struggled under the weight of a heavy platter, my eight-month pregnant belly making each step a challenge.

Sophia's voice cut through the murmur of conversation. "Former Luna, the warriors haven't been served yet." Her emphasis on 'former' sent a ripple of whispers through the crowd. She lounged in my ceremonial chair, wearing my silver cloak like it had always been hers.

I steadied my trembling hands and moved toward the warriors' table. My wolf, Luna, whimpered inside me. *Stay strong. For our pup.*

The warriors watched my approach with a mixture of pity and derision. These wolves had once bowed their heads in respect when I passed. Now, they smirked openly as I struggled to balance the platter.

"Careful not to drop it, Omega," one sneered, loud enough for everyone to hear. "That's the only useful thing you can do now—serve your betters."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. My cheeks burned with humiliation as I set down the first portion. Seven more to go. Each step felt like walking through deep sand, my swollen ankles protesting.

"Look how useless she is," Sophia called out, her voice dripping with mock concern. "Can't even serve a simple meal with that belly weighing her down."

As I reached the fourth warrior, a sharp pain lanced through my abdomen. My pup kicked violently, sensing my distress. The platter wobbled dangerously in my hands.

"She's going to drop it," someone whispered.

"Pathetic," another voice added.

My knees buckled. The platter tilted, sending a piece of venison sliding toward the edge. Gasps and derisive snickers filled the hall as I struggled to regain my balance.

"Enough!" Liam Blackwood's voice cut through the cruel amusement. Marcus's Beta stepped forward, his face tight with barely controlled anger. "This is beneath us. She carries the pack heir—"

The Alpha's roar shook the foundations of the hall. Marcus rose from his throne, eyes flashing gold with fury. "You question my judgment, Beta?"

The force of his Alpha tone sent Liam skidding backward several steps. The room fell into shocked silence.

"The former Luna serves at the pleasure of her Alpha and the pack's new Luna-to-be," Marcus declared, his voice cold and unfamiliar. "Any who interfere will face consequences."

Liam's throat worked as he swallowed his protest. His eyes met mine briefly—a flash of helpless apology before he lowered his gaze in submission.

"Continue," Sophia purred, sliding her hand possessively over Marcus's arm.

I forced myself to move again, each step more difficult than the last. The remaining warriors accepted their portions with smirks and whispered insults. By the time I finished, black spots danced at the edges of my vision.

"You may return to your quarters now," Sophia dismissed me with a flick of her wrist. "We'll call if we need anything else."

I backed away, protocol demanding I not turn my back on the Alpha. The room spun around me as I reached the doorway. My wolf howled in despair as we caught one last glimpse of Marcus—his silver eyes vacant as they passed over me without recognition.

The corridor tilted dangerously. I stumbled, one hand braced against the cold stone wall, the other cradling my belly protectively.

"Luna!" A voice called from far away. Aris Thorne, our pack Healer. "Someone help her!"

I felt my legs give way as darkness claimed me.

When I opened my eyes again, the sterile scent of the pack hospital filled my nostrils. Aris hovered over me, his kind face creased with worry.

"The pup?" I whispered.

"Safe," he assured me, checking my pulse. "But you're severely dehydrated and your blood pressure is dangerously low."

The door burst open. Sophia swept in, her face a mask of concern that didn't reach her cold eyes.

"How unfortunate," she said loudly. "I've been feeling quite weak myself. Doctor, I believe I need a blood transfusion immediately."

Aris stiffened. "That's not possible right now. The Luna—Victoria needs rest and—"

"Get the Alpha," Sophia snapped at a nearby Delta.

Minutes later, Marcus strode into the room, his powerful presence filling the small space. His eyes swept over me without emotion before turning to Sophia.

"What's happening?" he demanded.

"I need a transfusion," Sophia said, her voice suddenly weak and breathy. "But they're refusing to help me."

"We don't have enough staff to perform two procedures," Aris protested. "And Victoria is in a delicate condition—"

"Take her blood," Marcus ordered, cutting him off. "Now."

Aris's face paled. "Alpha, she's carrying your heir. Taking blood in her condition could—"

"That was an order, Healer." Marcus's voice dropped to a dangerous growl.

As the nurses prepared the equipment, Aris leaned close to me, slipping something into my hand beneath the blanket. "Strengthening herbs," he whispered. "Hide them until they leave."

I closed my fingers around the small vial, tears burning behind my eyes as the needle slid into my arm. My blood—the blood that nourished my unborn pup—flowed through the tube toward the she-wolf who had stolen everything from me.

Sophia's triumphant smile was the last thing I saw before exhaustion pulled me under once more.