Seven Miscarriages For My Mate

"Mom, Dad, you don't believe me either?" I asked, my voice small.

They didn't answer, just sighed heavily. Dad grabbed his newspaper and sank into the living room couch. Mom shuffled to the kitchen to check the soup. I was left standing there, like I didn't belong in my own den.

It's always been this way. I should've known. No matter what Chloe said or did-slapping me, tricking me into that village where I nearly lost everything, or costing me my dancing career-Mom and Dad brushed it off. All she had to do was cry, whimpering, "I was scared you'd cast me out when Sophia came back," and they'd scold her lightly, then let it go.

When she slapped me, it was like that. When she nearly got me violated, same deal. When the healer said my legs would never dance again, they still let her off. They say no parent stops loving their pup, but the pup they love is Chloe, the one they raised.

Back then, Julian was the only one who had my back. He staked his pack honors, demanding Mom and Dad treat me fairly. He swore he'd protect me, keep me from any more pain.

I believed him. But now, watching him guide Chloe upstairs, his voice scolding yet tender, I saw the truth. His heart leaned toward her too.

My chest ached, a dull, throbbing pain. Mom, Dad, Julian-they all lied to me. Chloe's back, out in the open, with everything she could want. And me? I've got nothing. Not even the pup in my belly is allowed to exist.

A bitter laugh escaped me. My whole life, I've been Chloe's stepping stone. Nothing more.

Tears fell, and a sharp pain ripped through my stomach. Warmth spread between my legs, and dizziness hit me hard. I grabbed the wall but collapsed, my strength gone.

"Help! Save my pup!" I gasped.

Julian heard me, rushing back. His face paled when he saw the blood. He scooped me up and ran to the healer's den. As my vision faded, I prayed this pup wouldn't leave me like the others. Not for love, but because it's what a mother does.

When I woke, the healer's den ceiling glared white above me. Julian's worried face hovered close. "Sophia, you okay?"

His concern didn't stir me like it used to. I saw him in my mind, cradling Chloe at the birthing ward, fussing over her and her pup's room, guiding her up the stairs with care I'd never felt. Tears slipped down my cheeks, and I turned away, unable to look at him.

"Sophia, I messed up," he said softly. "I wasn't thinking, and it upset you, put the pup at risk. The healer says this might be our only shot at a pup, but we saved it. If anything happened to you or the pup, I wouldn't know how to go on."

He gently took my hand, avoiding the IV. "I only see Chloe as a sister. Mom and Dad took her in because she's alone with her pup. Don't overthink it. I've already got folks looking for a place for them. Once it's ready, they're gone. Don't be mad, okay? If not for me, think of the pup."

Mom and Dad chimed in, their voices soft. "He's right, Sophia. That pup in you can't take more stress. We've been neglecting you, and we're sorry."

"The healer says you need to stay put," Mom added. "Rest here, and we'll take turns looking after you-me, Dad, and Julian."

I knew their words were empty, but I was too exhausted to argue. I didn't want to face them. "I'm tired," I mumbled, closing my eyes. "I need to rest."

They fell silent, sensing my withdrawal. Then a knock broke the quiet. Chloe.

"Mom, Dad, Julian." she started.

Julian's brow furrowed. "What're you doing here? The den's crawling with germs, and you've got a pup to think about."

Chloe's face was all concern. "Sophia's here because of me. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't check on her." She turned to Mom and Dad. "You two aren't young anymore. You can't pull all-nighters. Go rest. Julian and I've got this."

They glanced at me, seemingly asleep, then thought of the pup back home with just a nanny. They nodded and left. The room grew still, quieter.

Julian looked at Chloe, his voice low. "She's fine. Get back to your pup."

Chloe's head dipped, her voice soft. "I'm glad she's okay. But I came to tell you something else. Alex and I. we're leaving."