I looked at the ring before turning my attention to him. I explained calmly, "I just felt it getting too small for my finger. It's hurting me."
Alpha Zyro's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. He held my hands and inspected my ring finger.
"Are you okay? Why didn't you tell me earlier? We should have bought another ring," he said, his tone softening.
I sighed, avoiding eye contact. "You've been preoccupied with work; I didn't want to bother you." My voice remained flat to mask the hurt, knowing it was more than just work that kept him busy.
Alpha Zyro's remorse was palpable as he pulled me into a hug. I was shocked by this; it had been so long since we'd had any physical contact. All he seemed to think and do was work.
"Are you really okay? I know I've been busy with work and haven't spent enough time with you, but I promise I'll make it up to you," he promised, his voice tinged with sincerity.
The sweet scent of wood and forest wafted up, and then I also smelled a sweet, unfamiliar cologne. I knew it was Krisha's.
I'd had enough. His apology felt hollow after neglecting me for another woman. Memories of our crumbling relationship flooded my mind.
"No need to apologize," I said firmly, pulling away from his embrace. "If you really want to make up for lost time, then take me on a date. Maybe go for a night run or get out of town. I know the elders would manage the pack for a while." My gaze locked onto his, searching for genuine commitment.
Alpha Zyro sighed, running a hand through his hair in hesitation. "I can't promise an out-of-town trip, but a date by the lake—" but his phone rang, cutting him off.
He retrieved his phone from his back pocket and saw it was Krisha calling. Her picture was even displayed on the screen.
"Work emergency. I need to attend to it immediately. I'll be home late tonight, so sleep early, okay?" he said, retreating.
I watched him go, unconvinced by his excuse. Even if he said he prioritized me, his actions spoke otherwise. He loved his work, and Krisha, more than me.
Resignation washed over me. Our eight-year relationship had disintegrated because of a third party. I went to my bedroom, no longer expecting anything from him.
The next morning, I was surprised when Alpha Zyro took me to the lake. We had a date. But unfortunately, Krisha was there.
"Did you like the decorations?" she asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes.
I looked at the plain white blanket on the meadow, a worn basket with fresh berries, and a small cake with melting icing. It was simple, but boring. And why was she there?
"She helped me set this up. She's a really helpful member of the pack," Alpha Zyro added.
When he excused himself to wash his hands, Krisha looked at me, arms crossed.
"You should be grateful I helped him with your date," she said smugly.
"Really? How can I be grateful when it's as boring as you are?"
Hurt by my words, she grabbed the cake and smashed it on her dress. Then, she screamed, bringing Alpha Zyro running.
"What did you do, Mikah!? She helped with the food and decorations, and now you're acting like a spoiled brat? If you don't like it, maybe we shouldn't have planned a date."
I stormed off, crying. At the hotel, I called my mom. She was worried and angry.
"They'll pay for what they did to you, honey. I'm going to teach them a lesson."
The day I left, I packed my things. I wanted to go back to the Moon Hunters Territory to say goodbye to Aunt Heilen, but stopped myself.
I didn't want to see his face. Remembering how he defended Krisha made me sick. I was definitely dating the wrong Alpha.
At the airport, my phone buzzed with numerous messages. I was stunned to see pictures of Alpha Zyro and Krisha sitting in a clinic bed, their faces bruised.
Then, I received a text from my mom saying she'd already dealt with them.
The scouts then texted, saying they needed my help to aid their Alpha and Beta, as I was their only healer.
I ignored their pleas, closing my phone, just as Alpha Zyro and Krisha had ignored mine at the ambush before.
