Alpha Heiress Returned

To become Marcus's Luna, I hid my identity as Crimson Ridge pack's Alpha heiress and married him.

Since two Alphas have difficulty conceiving offspring, I even begged the pack witch to suppress my bloodline, downgrading my wolf from Alpha to Beta.

After I finally got pregnant, Marcus was out shopping with his omega mistress while I was being attacked by rogue wolves and losing our child.

I forced myself to like the social media post where his lover was showing off their relationship, fighting back nausea. His call came through immediately.

"What are you trying to pull now! The pack successfully signed a cooperation treaty with the neighboring pack today. You didn't even show up to the celebration, so Ivy had to take over all your Luna duties and has been taking care of my daily needs. You should be thanking her for helping you out!"

"You're supposed to be a strong warrior! How can one pregnancy make you this delicate?!"

He finished his rant and hung up in anger.

Right. I'd been away from home too long. I was starting to forget my own last name.

I didn't hesitate anymore. I picked up my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in ages.

"Beta Hayes, book me a flight for tomorrow morning. I'm going back to Crimson Ridge pack."

1

To become Marcus's Luna, I hid my identity as Crimson Ridge pack's Alpha heiress and married him. I even begged the pack witch to suppress my bloodline, downgrading my wolf from Alpha to Beta.

After I finally got pregnant, Marcus was out shopping with his omega mistress while I was being attacked by rogue wolves and losing our child.

Marcus and I both carry Alpha bloodlines. That's why we haven't been able to have children all these years.

I've been hiding my true identity from him, so he doesn't know the real reason. But I do.

He's taken me to healing centers across every pack territory. We've tried everything. Nothing worked.

I finally made the decision to give up my Alpha wolf and become a beta. I secretly returned to Crimson Ridge pack and found the pack's witch. I begged her to weaken my bloodline so I could conceive easier.

"Your bloodline is your birthright. As the Alpha heiress of our pack, is this really worth it?"

"Yes. I've thought it through completely. I just want to have my own child..."

I returned to Silver Moon pack with joy in my heart. The bloodline suppression had caused me tremendous pain, but if it meant Marcus and I could have our own pup, it was all worth it.

The smell of breakfast drifted through the air and woke me up.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I could see Marcus moving around the kitchen, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Good morning, Sage." His voice was deep and gentle, like it could melt away any worry.

He smiled as he set a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of me.

I couldn't help thinking about last night's passion. My cheeks still felt warm.

I could sense something different about my body. I think I might be pregnant.

We've been together for six years. From when he was just the Alpha heir to now, when he's the Alpha of Silver Moon pack. We're finally going to have our own child.

I touched my belly with satisfaction, imagining our happy future together.

A few months into the pregnancy, I was hunched over the toilet, sick with morning sickness.

Marcus was completely different now. These days weren't anything like what I'd imagined.

I looked at my phone and saw a social media post from his personal omega. It was a photo of Marcus cooking.

"Never thought the Alpha would be so down-to-earth! Willing to cook for just an omega like me - he's amazing. I'd be happy to serve him in every way possible..."

I forced myself to like the post despite feeling nauseous. His call came through immediately.

"What are you trying to pull now! The pack successfully signed a cooperation treaty with the neighboring pack today. You didn't even show up to the celebration. Ivy had to take over all your Luna duties and has been taking care of my daily needs. You should be thanking her for helping you out!"

I laughed coldly. "Maybe I couldn't come because I'm sick from being pregnant? And yes, thank you so much for her taking care of you!"

"You're supposed to be a strong warrior! How can one pregnancy make you this delicate?"

He finished his rant and hung up in anger.

I couldn't help but sigh.

He seemed to have forgotten he wasn't always like this.

Right. I'd been away from home too long. I was starting to forget my own last name.

I picked up my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in ages.

"Beta Hayes, book me a flight for tomorrow morning. I'm going back to Crimson Ridge pack."

2

Beta Hayes was practically bouncing with excitement on the other end of the line.

"Miss Sage, did I hear that right? After six years away, you're really coming home? You're not messing with me, are you?"

My hand rested gently on my slightly rounded belly. I smiled bitterly.

"I'm not messing with you. This time I'm really going back."

I hung up and decided to head to the Alpha Council to handle dissolving the mate bond.

But on my way there, a group of rogue wolves surrounded me. I recognized them immediately - they were Marcus's enemies. The new treaty had squeezed their resources and territory, and they wanted to use me to get back at him.

They knew I was finally pregnant. Their attacks aimed straight for my stomach.

But I'd given up my Alpha wolf to conceive. I couldn't fight them off.

I immediately curled into a ball, wrapping my arms around my belly. My back was exposed to their claws and fangs. I could feel their talons tearing through my skin, their teeth sinking into bone.

I felt my child slipping away from me. That helplessness hurt more than any physical pain.

In my agony and desperation, I reached out through the mindlink to Marcus. Once, twice, ten times. Nothing but dead silence. He'd cut our connection.

Even when the patrol finally arrived and subdued the rogues, he never showed up.

I lay on the cold medical bed, clinging to my last shred of hope as I tried reaching him again. The call connected, then immediately hung up.

The healer shook his head and told the nurse to prep for surgery. When it came time to sign the papers, he automatically looked behind me.

"Where's your Alpha? Pack law requires his signature in situations like this."

I smiled bitterly. "Pack business keeps him too busy. I'll take full responsibility myself."

Dr. Thompson looked up at me in shock. His eyes filled with sympathy.

The surgery was over. I lay in the recovery room, but the emptiness in my heart hurt far worse than any physical wound.

That's when my phone buzzed with a message.

From Marcus.

"Council meeting tonight. I'll be home late."

The timestamp showed it was sent two hours ago.

I didn't reply. Just as I was about to close my phone, it buzzed twice more.

Messages from Ivy. The photo showed two hands wearing matching couple rings, but the man's finger still had my familiar mating ring on it. I could even recognize the shirt Marcus had worn this morning. But the background was clearly the pack's shopping district.

I barely glimpsed it before the message was deleted.

Immediately, Ivy called. Her voice was sickeningly sweet with fake tears.

"Luna, I meant to send that photo to my boyfriend but sent it to you by mistake. You don't mind, do you?"

"It's all my fault for working 22 hours straight with the Alpha today. I got so exhausted I sent it to the wrong person..."

I laughed coldly.

Twenty-two hours of work. So while I was being attacked by rogues and losing our child, Marcus was out shopping with his omega.

"It's fine. Just focus on doing your job properly. But don't forget your place as an omega."

I hung up without listening to any more of her act.

Then I deleted her contact.

Before leaving the medical center, I asked Dr. Thompson for the tiny embryo.

It hadn't fully formed yet, but I could barely make out the shape of a small pup.

I clutched the glass vial against my chest, my eyes burning with tears.

I'm sorry, baby.

I'd made such enormous sacrifices to have this pup, only to lose everything.

I understood now. I was completely done loving Marcus.

I took a deep breath. Since I'd decided to leave, I shouldn't have to bear this pain alone.

Before I went, I wanted to give Marcus one final gift.

I returned to the house I'd lived in for six years. It was cold and empty.

No surprise there. Marcus's personal omega was probably giving him her very personal attention right about now.

I had no appetite for dinner. The wounds from the attack and my abdomen were throbbing with pain. I lay down on the edge of the bed.

I stared out at the pitch-black sky. My heart felt like the churning storm clouds outside.

I was starting to regret every sacrifice I'd made for him. I drifted off to sleep without realizing it.

Thunder crashed outside, jolting me awake.

The room was completely dark. I'd always hated being alone during storms like this. Marcus used to stay by my side on nights like these.

I listened to the rain pattering against the windows and fell into deep thought.

These past three years, I'd done everything possible to get pregnant. Marcus started coming home later and later.

Sometimes he wouldn't come home at all.

At first, I thought he was working hard for the pack's development.

Until I started noticing how inappropriately close he and Ivy were becoming.

And some of my jewelry had started disappearing.

I didn't pay much attention at first.

Not until Ivy became more and more brazen.

Every few days she'd post my stolen jewelry on social media, showing off Marcus's "gifts."

"Luna, did you know the Alpha's been taking such good care of me lately?"

And then there were her direct challenges to me.

I was sick of it all now.

Through countless difficult nights, I'd learned how to face loneliness on my own.

I remembered the last time I'd asked Marcus to come with me to the medical center. I'd eaten something that made me violently ill and could barely stand. I called him asking when he'd be home.

He said he had an emergency council meeting and couldn't get away.

I had to drag myself to the medical center and lie on that bed alone until he finally showed up.

Later I found out there was no emergency meeting. He'd been out shopping with Ivy.

These memories flashed through my mind quickly.

I closed my eyes and thought about what to pack tomorrow. The early flight meant I couldn't afford any delays.

The next day, I woke up two hours early.

I looked around the entire bedroom. Almost everything here had been chosen and bought by Marcus and me together, piece by piece.

But aside from a few of my own clothes, nothing else was worth taking.

I randomly threw some changes of clothes into my suitcase when my phone rang. It was the airline.

"Is this Miss Sage Thornfield?"

"Due to today's thunderstorm, your flight has been delayed and rescheduled for three days from now. Do you accept this change?"

I looked out at the torrential rain and sighed.

Just my luck. Even trying to leave, I was blocked by a thunderstorm.

I called Beta Hayes back.

"It’s OK. Be at the airport on time to pick me up. See you in three days."

3

I'd barely hung up when a shadow appeared behind me.

Marcus's brow furrowed tight.

"Where are you going?"

"Sage, who were you talking to? Who's picking you up at the airport?"

Marcus had just come home planning to catch up on sleep, but after overhearing my conversation, he stepped forward with an aggressive interrogation.

He knew I had no family in Silver Moon pack.

Not even a single friend.

For six years in Silver Moon pack, he was all I could depend on.

During our six years together, I'd devoted myself completely to helping him strengthen the pack. I'd helped him develop Silver Moon's livestock industry, not only leaving behind the homeland I'd lived in for over twenty years, but sacrificing my entire personal life.

And after he'd secured his position as Alpha, I willingly stepped into the background, focusing entirely on bearing his heir.

Living for love like this, I truly was pathetic.

I smiled. "Nothing important. I've been feeling restless lately, thought I'd take a trip. The weather delayed the flight, so it's been postponed."

Marcus stared at me intently, as if trying to detect any lies.

But he couldn't find any traces of deception on my face, so he relaxed and slowly walked toward me.

"Sage, after you give birth, let's take our family of three to Crimson Ridge pack for a vacation. That's where I first met you. How does that sound?"

His tone softened, and he even reached out to gently touch my belly.

I stepped away casually, pretending to be tired, and lay down on the sofa.

"We'll see when the time comes."

I glanced at the time. Marcus would usually be at the pack office by now, but today he was unusually slow to leave.

Hearing my cold tone, he immediately frowned.

"Didn't you always want to visit Crimson Ridge pack before?"

I had wanted to go before. I'd wanted to find a chance to introduce him to my family and help boost Silver Moon pack's influence.

But now, there was no need for any of that.

Especially since I was planning to go back myself.

I was about to speak when I heard the sound of keys unlocking the front door.

I looked over in surprise to see Omega Ivy standing there in a revealing short skirt, smiling sweetly at us.

"Luna, sorry about this. I saw the Alpha was about to be late, so I came to pick him up. You don't mind, do you?"

My gaze fell on the keys in her hand.

That was our only spare house key.

"Marcus, you gave Ivy our house key?"

A flash of discomfort crossed Marcus's face as he casually explained:

"Last time I left some documents at home, it was inconvenient for her to come get them, so I gave her a key."

He shot Ivy a look, and the two of them walked out one after the other.

I laughed bitterly at myself.

They'd spent last night together and still came back to put on this show for me. How thoughtful of them.

That afternoon while I was drinking coffee, my lawyer friend called.

He said he'd finished preparing the mate bond dissolution agreement and sent it to my email, asking me to check if anything needed to be added.

"It's very thorough, thank you."

I quickly scanned through it. "When I get back to Crimson Ridge pack, let's get together."

I heard Adrian's laughter on the other end.

"Well, I should thank our Alpha heiress in advance."

"Sage, congratulations on dissolving the mate bond. Come home soon."

My heart warmed.

Adrian had been my childhood friend. Six years ago when I stayed in Silver Moon pack for love, he was the first to object.

He'd said, "Marcus might be handsome, but Silver Moon pack is too weak. Fine for a fling, but he's not worthy of you!"

He'd said, "Look at that guy's face - he's not the type to stay faithful to one wolf. Don't be stupid!"

But when you're in love, where's the logic in that?

I thought all male wolves in the world might cheat, except my Marcus wouldn't.

Silver Moon pack might be weak, but they had their strengths too.

The livestock industry I'd helped him develop was proof of that.

Besides, the fireworks show he'd carefully prepared when he confessed on the mountaintop was unforgettable.

But thinking about it now, it wasn't any different from what I'd seen elsewhere.

When I thought of Marcus, the first impression that came to mind was his impatience.

Always defending his omega, repeatedly lashing out at me without reason.

Sensing something was wrong, I walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

In the pouring rain, Marcus's car hadn't started yet. It was still parked downstairs.

Even though the view was blurry.

I could still clearly see the man and woman embracing and kissing passionately inside.

Marcus, I was wrong about you after all.

4

Marcus came home that evening.

He was acting completely out of character today, coming home early and replacing his usual coldness with that familiar smile I remembered.

He looked at me painting in the study, a smile playing at his lips as he slowly approached from behind, trying to kiss me.

I dodged him again.

"Sage, why do I feel like you've been avoiding me these past few days?"

Then he looked at my stomach. "Has the pup been behaving better lately? I haven't seen you having much morning sickness."

Of course there was no morning sickness.

Because the pup was long gone. He hadn't even noticed that my belly had flattened.

I laughed coldly, then turned and saw a strand of hair on Marcus's shirt. It immediately made me sick. My hair was blonde, but this strand was brown - the same color as his omega secretary's hair.

Even though he'd taken off his jacket, I could still smell the cheap perfume that Ivy always wore.

"Move away from me. I think I'm going to be sick again."

I faked morning sickness to escape the study, shutting the bathroom door behind me with relief.

To think Marcus and I had come to this point - it was truly pathetic.

"Sage, how about I come with you to your prenatal appointment tomorrow?"

Before bed, Marcus suddenly spoke up.

I glanced at his phone lying on the coffee table and said flatly:

"I'm afraid that won't work. Ivy said she's going to let you experience her new tricks tomorrow."

Marcus's face changed instantly as he snatched up his phone.

His face full of anger, he frantically typed on the screen. Soon a call came through, Ivy's voice full of tears.

"Marcus, I was wrong, please don't block me..."

Marcus was furious. "I told you before - if you can't remember your place and say nonsense in front of Sage to upset her, I'll fire you!"

He hung up and kept trying to comfort me.

"Sage, I never thought about betraying you. Ivy is just trying to drive a wedge between us. I absolutely won't let her succeed."

How could I not understand? This was clearly all an act for my benefit.

I laughed softly. "Marcus, you don't need to do this."

"We should..."

Before I could say "dissolve the mate bond," Ivy sent another video.

In it, she was covered in injuries, looking terrified, her hair disheveled across her face. Several menacing rogue wolves were following behind her.

She cried out, "Alpha, please come save me! They've been following me..."

Marcus's face immediately changed.

"Sage, I need to go out for a bit!"

I smiled. "It's fine. She's in an emergency situation - hurry and save her."

He looked at me gratefully, not even bothering to grab his jacket before rushing out.

I just lowered my head and continued painting.

This kind of thing had happened too many times. I'd slowly gotten used to it.

When Marcus returned, it was already past midnight. I'd already framed my finished painting and was sleeping deeply.

In my sleep, Marcus seemed to gently hold me.

"Sage, please believe me. You're the only one I love. I would never betray you."

"Don't worry, I've decided to fire Ivy. After I arrange some pack development matters, I'll stay home with you full-time during your pregnancy, okay?"

If my eyes weren't closed, I probably wouldn't have been able to stop myself from laughing.

Had Marcus been acting so long that he'd started believing his own performance?

Or maybe he knew I was pretending to sleep.

Maybe those words were deliberately meant for me to hear.

Or perhaps he thought I was still the same as before - that he could just sweet-talk me a little and I'd pretend nothing happened, willingly swallow all the pain and forgive everything.

But I could see clearly now.

The next day I didn't wake up until ten. When I turned over, I saw Marcus wearing an apron in the doorway.

"You're awake? Little sleepyhead, come eat breakfast."

I was somewhat stunned.

Marcus hadn't gone to the pack house office to handle business?

Looking at the full table of lavish breakfast foods, I thought I must be dreaming.

"Sage, I've been neglecting you before. We've been trying for a pup for years, and now that we finally have one, it's a gift from the Moon Goddess. I know it's been hard on you."

He pulled a healing stone ring from his pocket, looking at me lovingly as he offered it.

"Please believe me. I'll always be by your side."

I didn't reach out to take it. This scene hadn't happened in so many years that it felt foreign.

Why was he suddenly being good to me again?

Had he... discovered I was planning to leave?

That whole day, he said nothing but accompanied me through breakfast, took me shopping, and even went to an art exhibition.

Looking at Marcus in front of me, I felt transported back to six years ago when we were dating.

He used to spend time with me like this, promising to do so for the rest of our lives.

At this point, it was better to part on good terms.

"Tonight I want to go to that restaurant where you first took me when I came to Silver Moon pack. Will you come with me?"

"Of course."

Marcus agreed without hesitation, smiling.

He'd probably forgotten that today was also our mating anniversary. One last meal together - a proper goodbye.

But when evening came, Marcus still didn't show up for our date.

He was called away by another phone call from Ivy.

Before leaving, he frantically tried to explain to me.

"Sage, don't misunderstand."

"Even though I've already let Ivy go, she's making a scene about compensation, even threatening to expose pack secrets. This has gotten out of hand!"

"I have to go deal with this!"

He didn't know I'd already looked at his phone earlier.

It wasn't about compensation at all.

Ivy had messaged him saying she was pregnant and demanding he give her status, or she'd report him to the Alpha Council and ruin his reputation completely.

I hadn't said anything because I was gambling on what he'd choose.

But Marcus still left.

He didn't come home all night.

I hadn't held any hope anyway. I packed my things and left what needed to be left behind along with a note on the most visible spot - the coffee table in the living room.

I took a flight and left the pack territory.

When Marcus finished dealing with everything and returned, he didn't forget to adjust his expression. But when he pushed open the door, he found an empty room with no trace of me.

"Sage?"

"Sage?!"

He searched several times around the house, but when he couldn't find me, he turned and saw what was on the coffee table.

A transparent glass vial containing a tiny, almost-formed embryo.

Underneath it was a signed mate bond dissolution agreement and a note.

It read:

"Marcus, by the time you read this letter, I've already left Silver Moon pack. Don't look for me."

"Your pup is gone. I've signed the dissolution agreement. Finally, I wish you and Ivy a lifetime of happiness."

"Goodbye forever."

Marcus's entire body went rigid, his face deathly pale.