Zariyah’s POV
"IMPORTANT MEETING TONIGHT. I'LL BE LATE."
The ache in my chest had become a constant companion, but today, it felt unbearable. Trevor's distance had grown into a chasm, and every attempt I made to reach him was met with cold indifference. I have tried to mindlink him to contact him. But he's not letting me communicate with him. Last night, he sent me a short message:
"Don't wait for me. You can sleep now."
I should have gotten familiar to it by now—his excuses and absence—but I hadn't. Something about this one seemed off, empty. My intuition told me that there was more to the tale.
Desperate for an explanation, I contacted Karl, Trevor's beta and secretary. His voice was reluctant when he spoke, but I prodded him for the truth.
"Luna," he said, his tone careful and considerate, "Alpha left the office at six. He said he was meeting Marina."
The words were a dagger to my heart. Marina again. The name felt like poison on my tongue. I cleared my throat and responded to him, "O-Okay... T-Thank you, Karl..."
I thanked Karl, despite my trembling voice, and hung up. The previously fractured bits of my heart had now fully shattered. How could he accomplish this? How could he continue to choose her?
I wrapped my arms around my belly, seeking solace in the life growing inside me. "It’s okay," I whispered, though the words were more for me than my pup. "I’ll take care of us."
I thought that that was all, but it became worse. I sent a text message to Trevor, encouraging him to join me in the clinic for the check-up of our baby. I have waited for hours for his reply. But when I got it, I instantly regretted sending him a message. He just sent me a call text that broke my heart.
"I have an important matter to attend to. You can ask your mom to come with you for now."
That was his only reply. Does he even care about me and his child?
The pain was too much to bear alone. I needed someone to lean on, someone who cared. My fingers hovered over my phone before I dialed my mother’s number.
"Zariyah?" she answered, her voice immediately laced with concern.
"Mom," I said, my voice breaking, "Can you come with me to my appointment tomorrow? Trevor… He won’t be there."
"Of course, sweetheart," she replied without hesitation. "I’ll be there for you. Always."
Her warmth and support were the balm I needed, even if it couldn’t heal the wound.
"Thank you, mom."
•••
The next morning, my mother held my hand as we entered the Redstone Pack’s clinic. The doctor greeted us warmly, but the absence of my mate hung heavy in the room. He had sent a curt message: “Can’t make it. Busy.”
Busy. That word felt like a slap. Was he too busy to care about our pup? Too busy to show even the slightest bit of interest in the life we had created together?
The physician's tone was compassionate as she reviewed the data, reassuring me that the infant was well. Despite my desire to experience pleasure, I was overwhelmed by the burden of Trevor's absence.
When the appointment was over, my mom hugged me tightly. "You’re strong, Zariyah," she said. "You’ll get through this."
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure I believed her.
As we went out of the clinic, I was taken aback by what I saw. Trevor and Marina stood across the street together. She was sprawled over him, arms over his neck, and he did not push her away. Instead, he embraced her as if she were the center of his universe.
Time seemed to stand still as I observed them. My heart twisted horribly, and my wolf howled mournfully inside me.
“Enough,” she growled, her voice trembling with both sorrow and anger. “W-We deserve better than this.”
I turned away, my vision blurred by tears. My mother followed silently, her hand on my shoulder as if sensing the storm inside me.
That night, I sat alone in our chamber, staring at the empty side of the bed that Trevor should have occupied. My mind raced, replaying every moment, every betrayal, until one thought solidified in my mind: I couldn’t do this anymore.
Reaching for my phone, I dialed Elder Tommy’s number. He was one of the oldest and most respected members of the Redstone Pack, known for his wisdom and fairness.
"Luna Zariyah," he greeted after a few rings, his voice calm and steady.
"Elder," I began, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I need your help."
"Of course," he said. "How can I help you?"
I hesitated for a moment, then said words that would change everything. "I want the bond between Trevor and me broken."
There was silence on the other end, then a deep sigh. "W-What? Do you even know what you are saying, Luna?"
"I am," I replied, my voice firmer than I expected. "I want this misery to end. Being with him is a mistake..."
Elder Tommy’s tone was somber. "Very well. I will arrange a time for the ritual. But Zariyah, breaking a mate bond is not only painful but it is also permanent."
"I understand," I said softly. "And I’m ready."
As our conversation almost concluded, I felt a peculiar sensation of serenity sweeping over me. The anguish was still there, intense and raw, but below it was something new: a final decision.
I refused to let Trevor's treachery define me. I refused to let his negligence break me. For my puppy and for myself, I would fight for a fresh start.
Before I ended the call, I said important words to him with finality in my tone.
“Please arrange the breaking of my bond with Alpha Trever. Make it as soon as possible.”
