Alpha's Rejected Pregnant Mate

The full moon hung heavy in the sky, its silver light bathing our territory in an ethereal glow as we ran. My paws barely touched the forest floor, my pregnant body still agile despite the tiny lives growing within me. Eight weeks along with twins—our future, Michael's legacy. The thought should have filled me with joy, but instead, a familiar unease crept through our mate bond.

I glanced at Michael—my Alpha, my mate, my everything—his massive black wolf form leading our pack with the commanding presence that had first drawn me to him eight years ago. His muscles rippled beneath his midnight coat as he darted between the trees, the epitome of power and grace.

Then I felt it again—that slight tremor in our mind-link, like a pebble disturbing still water.

*"It's okay, Aria. Stay close to the center of the formation. You're safe."*

Michael's voice wasn't directed at me, yet I heard it clearly through our bond. The gentleness in his tone made my heart clench. That softness used to be reserved for me alone.

I pushed harder, my paws digging into the earth as I caught up to him. *"Michael?"* I reached through our bond, trying to recapture his attention.

His golden Alpha eyes flicked toward me briefly before returning to scan the territory. *"Focus on the run, Rebecca."* His tone was clipped, professional. Not the voice of a mate, but of an Alpha to his Luna.

I fell back slightly, my chest tight with a pain that had nothing to do with my pregnancy. Through our bond, I could sense her—Aria—the refugee we'd welcomed into our pack six months ago. I could feel Michael's awareness of her, his wolf's protective instincts flaring whenever she lagged behind.

When we returned to the pack house, I shifted quickly, wrapping myself in the silk robe one of the pack members held out for me. Michael was already in human form, his powerful frame commanding attention as he issued orders to strengthen our western border.

I placed a protective hand over my still-flat stomach. "The healer said I shouldn't shift too frequently during the first trimester," I said quietly when he approached.

Michael's jaw tightened. "The Luna needs to show strength to the pack. You're carrying future Alphas, not fragile humans."

I swallowed the hurt. This wasn't my Michael speaking—this cold, dismissive man was someone I barely recognized.

---

The pack council breakfast was always a formal affair, with Michael at the head of the long oak table and me seated at his right. Today, like every day for the past few months, Aria sat three seats down, her doe-like eyes downcast in a performance of submission that fooled everyone but me.

As Elder Grayson discussed the upcoming full moon ceremony, I felt Michael's attention drift. His fingers tapped restlessly against the polished wood, his mind elsewhere.

Then I heard it through our bond—Aria's whispered plea. *"Alpha, I'm scared about the territory expansion. Could I... could I stay behind during the next run?"*

I stiffened, my fork clattering against my plate. Michael shouldn't be able to hear her thoughts directly. Unless...

Michael's response came with a softened Alpha tone that made my wolf whimper in confusion. *"Of course, little one. You can help the pup-sitters instead."*

"Michael," I said aloud, my voice cutting through the council's discussion. "May I remind you that pack matters should be discussed openly at this table?"

The room fell silent. Michael's eyes met mine, cold and hard as granite.

"Council dismissed," he growled, his Alpha tone vibrating through the room. The elders scrambled to their feet, bowing respectfully before filing out. Only Aria lingered, her gaze flicking between us before she too slipped away.

"You embarrass me in front of the council?" Michael's voice was dangerously low.

"You're having private conversations with her through our mate bond," I countered, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Our sacred bond, Michael."

He stood abruptly. "She's vulnerable. She needs guidance."

"And I need my mate," I whispered.

He looked at me as if I were a stranger, then turned and walked away.

---

The dizziness hit me without warning. One moment I was walking past the healer's den, the next the world tilted sharply. I reached for the wall, but my fingers found only air as I collapsed.

"Luna Rebecca!" Elara, our pack healer, rushed to my side. "Someone get the Alpha!"

I clutched at my stomach, terror clawing through me. "The babies," I gasped. "Please, my babies..."

I reached desperately through our mate bond. *"Michael! I need you!"*

I felt his momentary alarm, then—nothing. A cold, empty void where our connection should be. He had severed our mind-link.

Through the window of the healer's den, I saw him across the compound, his arms around a trembling Aria, his face a mask of concern as he led her away.

Elara's gentle hands helped me onto a bed, her voice soothing as she checked my vitals. But I barely heard her. All I could feel was the hollow space where my mate should be.

That night, alone in our bedroom—our bed cold on his side—I opened the jar of paper stars Michael had folded for me during our courtship. One thousand stars, he'd said. One thousand promises of forever.

With trembling fingers, I removed the first star and crushed it in my palm.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine days left until I would be gone.