The morning light filtered through the curtains of the Alpha suite, casting golden patterns across the empty bed beside me. I reached out instinctively, my fingers finding only cold sheets where Alex should have been.
"Alex?" My voice echoed in the spacious room.
No answer.
I sat up, pushing my tangled hair from my face as I scanned the room. The ceremonial white gown hung on the closet door, pristine and beautiful—my wedding dress. Today was finally the day. After ten years of waiting, I would officially become Luna of the Silver Moon Pack.
My hand drifted to my stomach, a gesture that had become unconscious in recent weeks.
"It's okay, little one," I whispered. "Today our family becomes official."
I spotted a crumpled note on Alex's pillow and reached for it, my heart already sinking before I'd even read the words.
"Bella—Had to check on Skye. She's having another episode. Will be there on time. Don't worry."
Don't worry? How could I not worry when my mate—my Alpha—wasn't beside me on the morning of our Mating Ceremony?
I crumpled the note in my fist, swallowing the bitter taste of disappointment. This wasn't the first time Skye had "episodes" that required Alex's immediate attention. And it probably wouldn't be the last.
The door opened, and Elder Marissa entered with other pack females carrying ceremonial items.
"It's time to begin preparations," she announced, her eyes carefully avoiding mine as she took in Alex's absence.
I nodded, straightening my shoulders. "I'm ready."
The next hour passed in a blur of ritualistic preparations. The elders draped me in the traditional Luna robes, applied sacred oils to my wrists and throat, and wove silver threads through my hair.
"Where is Alpha Alex?" one of the younger females finally dared to ask.
"Alpha duties," I replied smoothly, though my stomach twisted. "He'll be here for the ceremony."
Elder Marissa exchanged a look with another elder that I pretended not to see.
"The Alpha should be here for the preparation rituals," she murmured. "It's not proper..."
I held my head high, though each whisper felt like a knife. "I understand."
---
The grand hall of the Pack House was filled to capacity. Visiting Alphas from neighboring territories stood in formal rows, their Lunas beside them. The air was thick with power and expectation.
I stood at the altar in my white ceremonial gown, the weight of a decade's wait pressing down on me. My wolf paced anxiously within me, sensing something wasn't right.
Then Alex appeared at the entrance, and relief flooded through me. He looked handsome in his formal Alpha attire, his dark hair falling across his forehead in that way that always made my heart skip.
He took his place beside me, his expression unreadable.
"Sorry," he whispered, not sounding sorry at all.
The Elder began the sacred ritual, his voice resonating through the hall.
"Today, under the blessing of the Moon Goddess, we witness the sacred union of Alpha Alex Diaz and his chosen Luna, Bella Hughes."
He raised the ceremonial dagger, preparing for the blood vow that would seal our bond forever.
Alex stiffened suddenly beside me, his eyes glazing over—the unmistakable sign of receiving a mind-link.
"Alex?" I whispered, clutching his arm.
His face contorted, eyes flashing with alarm.
"It's Skye," he said loudly, his voice cutting through the Elder's words. "She's dying. I have to go."
The hall fell silent.
"Alex, please," I begged, my voice breaking as I clutched his arm. "Just five more minutes. We need to finish this. It's important—for our future."
He pulled away from me roughly. "How can you be so selfish right now? Someone needs me!"
"Alex—" I reached for him again, desperation clawing at my throat.
He shook me off, his eyes already shifting to his wolf's amber. "This ceremony can wait. She can't."
Before I could respond, he shifted—right there at the altar—his massive wolf form tearing through the ceremonial decorations as he sprinted toward the exit.
Gasps and shocked murmurs erupted throughout the hall.
---
I stood frozen, my white gown now stained with ceremonial oils from the decorations Alex had destroyed in his hasty exit.
The Elder cleared his throat awkwardly. "It seems we have an... emergency situation."
I forced myself to smile, though my face felt like it might crack from the effort.
"I apologize for the disruption," I said, my voice somehow steady despite the hurricane raging inside me. "Please, everyone enjoy the feast that has been prepared. The ceremony will... be rescheduled when appropriate."
The visiting Alphas exchanged uncomfortable glances. Some of the Lunas looked at me with pity that burned worse than anger ever could.
As the crowd began to disperse in confused murmurs, I maintained my composure, thanking guests with the grace befitting the Luna I was supposed to become today.
But the moment I stepped into the empty hallway, my legs gave way.
I collapsed against the wall, sliding down until I hit the floor, one hand still protectively covering my stomach.
"You okay?" a young Delta asked, peeking around the corner.
I quickly wiped away the tear that had escaped. "Fine," I lied. "Just a bit of a headache."
As his footsteps faded, I leaned my head back against the wall, fighting the nausea rising in my throat.
"He abandoned us," I whispered to my unborn pup. "But I won't let him abandon you."
