When My Alpha Chose Her, I Chose Myself

"Alpha Nathan, please," I said sharply, my voice trembling with frustration, though I tried to keep it steady. I knew better than to raise my voice at an Alpha, especially my mate, but the weight of his betrayal was crushing me.

"Maeve, stop acting like a child," Nathan shot back, his Alpha tone slicing through the room like a blade. His broad, muscular frame towered over me, his dark eyes cold and unyielding. "I’ve explained this to you. Siena’s condition is more severe. The medication was hers by necessity, not choice."

"Can’t you see how this feels?" I demanded, my voice breaking. "You’re my mate. My Alpha. You’re supposed to protect me, to put me first!"

The pack’s whispers were relentless, buzzing in my ears like a swarm of bees. "She’s just an Omega," someone muttered. "Why is she even questioning the Alpha’s decision? She should be grateful he’s even bothered with her." Another voice chimed in, "Omegas like her are meant to serve, not complain. She’s lucky he hasn’t cast her out already."

My hands clenched the edge of the bed, my knuckles turning white. Why is my life worth so little? Why does Siena get to live while I’m treated as disposable? Even Nathan, my mate, seems to agree.

Years ago, Siena was the one who infected me with this rare blood disease. When I’d confided in Nathan, he’d brushed it off, his voice calm but dismissive. "I’ll find a cure for you, Maeve. Siena didn’t mean any harm. You’re overreacting."

For the last five years, whenever Nathan developed a new treatment, Siena was always his priority. I used to believe he was just being cautious, testing the drugs on her first to ensure they were safe for me. But now, it’s painfully clear—I was wrong.

His only concern was ensuring Siena’s survival.

I’d loved him for ten years, been his mate for five. Never in my wildest nightmares did I imagine he would treat me like this.

Now, my heart felt hollow, a void where our bond once burned brightly. "Alpha Nathan," I said, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest, "I’ve made my decision. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the pack elders and formally reject our mate bond. We’ll divide our assets equally, and I’ll leave the pack."

Before I could finish, Siena stirred from the bed across the room, her voice weak but filled with false concern. "Sister Maeve, please don’t do this. It’s my fault. I should be the one to leave."

Her pale, delicate face was framed by golden hair, and her wide, innocent eyes glistened with tears. She looked every bit the perfect Delta—beautiful, selfless, and utterly infuriating.

"Siena, don’t say that," Nathan interrupted, his voice softening as he turned to her. He stepped closer, his towering presence protective, his hand brushing her arm gently. "Your illness is more severe. You need the medication. Maeve will understand."

His affection for her was always on display, yet the pack insisted he still cared for me. "He’s just trying to do what’s best for the pack," they’d say. But if he truly loved me, how could he prioritize her so blatantly?

"Alpha Nathan," Siena continued, her voice trembling as she inched toward the window, "if I hadn’t taken the medication, none of this would be happening. I deserve to die."

Nathan rushed to her side, his strong arms wrapping around her protectively. "No," he said firmly, his voice laced with panic. "You have to live. I owe you for what happened five years ago, and I intend to make it right."

Five years ago, when Nathan and I were still unmated, he’d already fathered a child with Siena. And I’d been completely in the dark.

What a cruel joke the Moon Goddess had played on me.

I clutched my chest, the pain of our bond fraying almost unbearable. The pack’s whispers grew louder, their judgment harsh and unrelenting. "She’s just an Omega," someone sneered. "She should know her place. The Alpha’s decision is final." Another voice chimed in, "She’s ungrateful. She doesn’t deserve him."

These wolves, with their perfect lives and their blind loyalty to Nathan, could say whatever they wanted. But I was just an Omega, a pawn in their world. I wanted to live. Was that too much to ask?

If they were in my position, they’d want to live too.

Nathan held Siena tightly, his cold gaze turning back to me. "Maeve Lynch," he said, his voice dripping with disdain, "I’ve never been more disappointed in you."

"I never said I wouldn’t help you," he continued, his tone cutting. "I’ve always been there for you. Are you only satisfied when someone else pays the price?"

I stood my ground, though my legs felt like they might give out. "You’ve always been there for her," I said, my voice quiet but firm. "Not for me."