Slapped by Her Fated Mate

The following morning, I took the embroidered dress to the guild. After submitting the finished piece, I mentioned my intention to leave to the guild’s supervisor, Raylan Wagner, who also served as the Beta of the London Pack. His title carried weight, and I addressed him with the respect it demanded.

“Why so sudden, Luna Sabrina?” Raylan asked, his tone laced with genuine regret. “Your embroidery skills are among the best, and the new apprentices could really benefit from your guidance.”

I didn’t elaborate. After completing the handover of my current assignments, I went into town to buy a train ticket to London. I’d heard that the London Pack had healers who specialized in treating conditions like Mallory’s.

Back in the day, Mallory’s condition wasn’t so severe, but when I wanted to seek treatment, Alpha Leo had been against it. This time, I was determined to take Mallory and get her the help she needed.

On the way home, I reflected on many past events. Those were the days when Leo and I were in love—one of the few beautiful memories I have of us. Leo, the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, was often described as the ideal mate by many she-wolves—commanding, with a strong aura, and a natural leader. His presence alone could silence a room, and his alpha tone carried an authority that demanded respect.

I met him when I went to the pack’s healing center for treatment, and afterward, I pursued him ardently. Leo was reserved, his demeanor always composed, so convincing him to join me for a pack run required trading many favors. I regularly visited the healing center, bringing meals and fresh herbs. The healers would subtly encourage us, often telling him how devoted I was.

At that time, Leo said he wasn’t in a hurry to find a mate, that he was waiting for someone. I thought I didn’t stand a chance, but soon enough, he started showing interest in me, even confessing that he had developed feelings and wanted to see if we could work as a pair if I was willing.

I was over the moon with excitement, and before long, we were together and then mated. Even after the marking ceremony, he remained gentle and attentive. He would stay up late with me, keeping the fire burning while I embroidered. In public, he’d proudly introduce me as his Luna, his mate. It was Leo who suggested having Mallory. We were in our second year of blissful union when he gently held my hand and whispered in my ear,

“Let’s have a pup.”

During my pregnancy, he was even more attentive, managing everything in the pack so I wouldn’t have to lift a finger. When Mallory was born, he stood before me, holding our child, tears of joy in his eyes,

“Sabrina, this is our daughter. I’ll do everything I can to give you both a strong pack.”

Yet, behind these moments of affection, there was always the shadow of someone else. For instance, I found letters and gifts from Marina addressed to him. Although he never opened them and tossed the letters aside, I sensed his inner turmoil the moment he received them.

I secretly read one of Marina’s letters. She wrote about their past, announcing her return and asking if Leo still loved her. My hands shook uncontrollably as I read those words.

That night, I asked him if he still had feelings for Marina. He laughed and wrapped his arm around my waist, gently touching my face with a mix of helplessness and indulgence, saying that his loyalty was to our pack and to me.

But sweet words fade, and reality is relentless. When Marina returned, he panicked in a way I had never seen before. It was then I realized that his composed, perfect demeanor was simply because he didn’t love me enough.

With someone you truly love, feelings are impossible to hide completely.

Only after recalling it all did I understand that Leo’s feelings for me were merely a sense of duty. There was never any love.