Rejected by the Pack’s False King

After an intimate moment, Alpha Cyrus held me close, his voice low and steady. “You’ve been with me for three years; it’s time to let you go.”

I stiffened, my heart skipping a beat. He continued, “Find someone new to replace you when you have the time.”

The words settled heavily in the air, and I knew immediately who he had in mind—Romina Thompson, the newly promoted Delta in our pack. She fit his ideal mate better than I ever could. I disentangled myself from him, not crying or causing a scene, and simply replied, “Yes, Alpha.”

---

When Alpha Cyrus spoke of setting me free, I felt an odd sense of calm, as if I’d been expecting this moment for a while. Noticing my lack of reaction, his brow furrowed slightly, and his tone turned cooler. “Find someone new to replace you when you have the time.”

My mind instantly went to Romina, the vibrant young Delta who had recently caught his eye. She reminded me of myself when I first joined the pack—full of energy and ambition. With that thought, I started to get up, but his hand shot out, gripping my arm. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice sharp.

“I’m feeling uncomfortable; I’m going to take a shower,” I replied, my tone neutral.

He smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re usually so lazy, aren’t I the one who always carries you there? What’s different today?”

I didn’t respond, and he sighed, standing up himself. “I don’t know whose spoiled pet you’ve become, but let me indulge you one last time.”

I didn’t protest, letting him guide me to the bathroom. His hands were firm, almost possessive, as if he was trying to remind me of his authority. Seeing me so compliant, he relaxed slightly, though his expression remained guarded.

After another playful episode in the shower, I lay on the bed, drained and unwilling to move. As always, he didn’t stay the night. Before leaving, he paused at the door and asked, “Did you really take in what I said today?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“I won’t be coming back anymore.”

“Okay, I understand.”

My straightforwardness seemed to upset him. He left with a sharp slam of the door, the sound echoing in the silence of the room. I didn’t even muster the energy to lift my head and watch him leave.

It was finally over. A strange sense of liberation washed over me, though it was tinged with a bitter ache. My wolf stirred within me, a faint whimper escaping her. *He’s a fool,* she growled, her voice laced with pain. *He’ll regret this.*

I wasn’t so sure. But for now, I closed my eyes and let the exhaustion take me.