Kaia’s POV
The doctor’s assistant approached the moment I stepped into the clinic the next morning, holding a sealed envelope gingerly between her fingers.
“Luna Kaia,” she spoke softly, offering it to me, “these are your test results. The doctor will need to discuss treatment plans and medical steps with you.”
The envelope felt as if it weighed a hundred pounds when I accepted it. My fingers trembled while she continued, almost whispering, “She mentioned your symptoms don’t correlate with pregnancy. You’ll understand once you read it. Let’s hope things aren’t as bad as they seem, alright?”
Hope. Everyone kept repeating that word, gently, like I might shatter if it wasn’t there to cling to. Maybe they were right. I pressed the envelope to my chest, terrified of the truth hidden inside the thin paper.
Nothing stayed down when I ate anymore. My body ached constantly, as though every muscle had been wrung dry. My spine screamed with pain most days, and the dizziness made even breathing feel heavy. My wolf—usually fierce and alert so late in pregnancy—had gone eerily quiet, as though she knew something and didn’t want me to panic.
I sat outside on the bench, exhausted just from walking. I stared at the envelope, too afraid to break the seal. My gaze drifted toward the adjoining wing of the hospital.
And that’s when he appeared.
Alden.
My husband. My mate. The Alpha the Goddess chose for me.
He walked slowly down the corridor beside Marinal again, one hand resting protectively at the small of her back, guiding her like she was something precious and fragile. His head inclined toward her, voice low, gentle.
Tender.
Loving.
A tone I hadn’t heard directed at me in months.
They paused at a desk. Alden disappeared into a physician’s office to retrieve her medical chart. Marinal remained outside, dramatically stroking her bump like she was posing for a portrait.
My throat burned. I looked away before tears could spill. The envelope in my grip felt like it might burst into flames. Swallowing my nausea, I forced myself to stand. I refused to fall apart where anyone could see.
But fate had other plans.
Marinal’s eyes found me. Her lips curled, pleased to have an audience. She sauntered over, every step fueled by arrogance.
“Luna,” she greeted syrup-sweet, “wandering around staring like this won’t bring your bond back. It’s pathetic, really—holding onto something already dead.”
I didn’t flinch. “Interesting words coming from someone who crawled back after a failed mateship just to sink her claws into mine.”
Her composure cracked. Briefly. Then she lifted her chin smugly.
“I was his first. You? Just a filler. A temporary Luna. And now that I’m carrying his pup—maybe it’s time you step aside.”
The sting was sharp and instant. My wolf snarled, low and dangerous. I clutched the envelope.
“You’re vile,” I hissed. “If your fated mate rejected you, go back to him. Don’t tear apart someone else’s bond because you couldn’t keep your own.”
Her eyes glittered with venom.
“Oh, Kaia. Still pretending? That little baby inside you? He’ll forget soon enough. Why would he bother raising two pups when he could raise one with the woman he truly loves?”
A tremor ran through me. No. Alden promised me. He said her pup wasn’t his. He swore he was only helping her. He looked me in the eye and—
Then why did her words strike so deeply?
My hand protectively touched my belly. My wolf whimpered, but I straightened.
“Step away,” I warned. “You don’t want this getting ugly.”
But Marinal’s gaze flicked to the envelope.
“What’s that?” Her hand shot forward faster than I expected.
“Stop—give it back!”
Too late.
She ripped it open. Her eyes danced over the first page. Slowly, her mouth curled into triumph.
“Oh. Goddess above.” She laughed—actually laughed. “You’re sick. You have cancer?”
I froze.
And she laughed harder—cruel and delighted.
“How poetic. The Luna dying. Maybe the Moon Goddess favors me after all. You and your precious pup… might just fade away together.”
Something inside me shattered, sharp and violent.
My hand flew before I thought. Crack. My palm met her cheek.
Marinal stumbled, gasping theatrically. She crashed into a small table behind her; glass exploded as a vase broke. Then—deliberately—she slammed her palm into the shards, slicing herself.
Blood splashed.
“Help!” she screeched. “The Luna attacked me!”
A door burst open instantly.
Alden stormed out, eyes locking on Marinal first. He rushed to her side without sparing me a glance.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Kaia?!” He shoved me back, my balance wavering as I shielded my belly.
“I didn’t touch her—she staged it!” I protested desperately. “Alden, listen—”
“Alpha,” Marinal whimpered, leaning into him, “don’t blame her… she’s just emotional. I’m sorry. I don’t want to cause trouble.”
“She owes you an apology,” Alden snapped at me.
I lifted the test paper, stained with her blood. “Please. Read this. I’m— I’m sick. I have cancer—”
He slapped the paper out of my grasp. It slid across the tiles, sinking into the spreading blood. The letters blurred, drowning in red.
“I don’t have time for your theatrics,” he growled. “I am done tiptoeing around you.”
My lungs burned. “You’re choosing her. Even after this.”
“If you apologize to Marinal,” he replied coldly, “I will accompany you to your check-up. Say sorry first.”
I stared at him—this stranger who once promised to love me. Worship me. Protect me. My mate now demanded I bow to the woman who destroyed my life.
I looked at the ruined diagnosis on the floor. Then at him.
“No.”
“Kaia—”
“No.” My voice rose, strong and trembling. “You have broken me in ways even the Goddess would weep over.”
My pup kicked softly—as if reminding me why I had to stand tall.
“I won’t beg for crumbs of your affection anymore. And I will never apologize for defending my dignity.”
I turned away, spine straight, refusing to look back as I walked. This time, I would not crumble for him.
