The Alpha's Ex-mate: Read Chapters 1-5

*Selena*

A soft light came down from the sky, glowing gently as it touched the earth. I saw a beautiful woman walking into it. Just before she disappeared, she turned around one last time. Her eyes were full of tears, but she gave me a sad little smile.

“Goodbye, my daughter,” she said.

My heart had dropped. I had been scared—terrified, really—of losing her. I had wanted to cry out, to beg her not to leave.

“Please don’t go!”

But nothing had come out. I couldn’t breathe. Everything had gone cold, and then… darkness.

I had woken up suddenly, breathing hard, my sheets tangled around me. That dream again. The same one.

My mother’s dream.

People said she had died when I was really young. I didn’t remember her at all—not even a little—but the woman in my dreams felt so real. She felt like she was my mom. Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me. Or maybe… it was something more.

Life in the Rock Claws Pack hadn’t given me much time to think about dreams, though. I was the Alpha’s daughter, but you’d never have guessed it. I had been treated like I was barely above an omega.

However, it hadn’t always been like that. My father had hope in me and had been training me to become a female Alpha, but his attitude had changed toward me when I couldn’t shift on my 16th birthday, which had been two years ago.

I could vividly remember the look of disappointment on his face as he stared at me with a deep frown.

I had stood there in the middle of the hall, his friends and the elders watching and waiting in anticipation to see what my wolf would look like, but I couldn't do anything. I was clueless, my cheeks red in embarrassment as I felt no trace of a wolf inside me.

A day that should be the best day of my life. A day to prove I was the true daughter of Alpha Albert Ardolf, ruler of the Rock Claws Pack—it all turned out to be a disaster. A day I wished never came.

I cried my eyes out, feeling so ashamed and worthless. Although my father tried to console me that night, saying I might be a late shifter, I could obviously see the frustration in his eyes, and soon enough, he changed and developed hostility towards me.

I had trained harder to impress him, but I guessed he had already lost interest in me and tossed me aside as a useless daughter. He was now happy with his other children—my half-sister Anne and half-brother Oliver. Now Oliver was being trained to become the next Alpha of our pack. As his elder sister, I was happy for him—truly happy.

My stepmother, Amelia, didn’t like me—not even a little. And she made sure I never forgot it. Every single day, she’d throw some jab or look my way like I was dirt under her shoes. I put up with it all for my father. I kept hoping that one day, he’d finally see me as his daughter—someone worthy—and maybe, just maybe, things would get better.

It was just a few minutes until dawn, and I had barely closed my eyes when a loud knock nearly made me jump out of bed. It wasn’t just a knock—it was like someone was trying to break the damn door down.

Fuming, I stormed toward it. “Who the hell is banging on my—”

The door swung open, and before I could finish, a sharp slap cracked across my face.

I froze, stunned. My cheek burned.

“Why the fuck is my green tea not ready?” Amelia snapped, glaring at me like I was some useless pest.

I pressed my hand to my stinging cheek, still throbbing from the first slap. My chest tightened with disbelief as I turned to face her.

“Did you just slap me?” I asked, my voice low and shaky. My eyes burned, but I forced the tears to stay put.

Without warning, another slap cracked across my other cheek. This one hit harder. My head jerked to the side, and for a moment, everything buzzed. My ear rang so bad it felt like I lost hearing in it.

“And I will slap you again if you ever in your life disrespect me! I am the Luna! Get that into your empty skull,” she retorted.

“And I am the Alpha's daughter. There are maids to do whatever you want, so why are you…”

“What is going on here?” My father's voice growled from behind, and just at the same time, Amelia began to cry, clutching her face as if I had hit her there.

My father hurried forward as he saw her crying. He held her gently in his arms. “Who hurt you? Who did it?!” He asked with so much care and compassion in his eyes, embracing her.

“She hates me. Ever since I came into your life, she has been harboring disdain, and just now she slapped me on the face for waking her up. How would I know she was sleeping?” Amelia murmured, leaving me speechless.

My father's eyes flared, and veins popped along his neck. “What did she just say you did?”

“I didn't touch her….” I tried to explain. “She was the one who slapped me instead.”

It was obvious my father wasn't believing a single word from me.

“Whether you like it or not. Whether you accept it or not, she is your stepmother and the new Luna of this pack, and you are bound to respect her!” His voice lashed at me as he closed the gap between us and used his alpha tone at me.

Fear coursed through me mixed with sadness as I watched my father yell at me like I was a maid!

“The next time you disrespect her, not to mention laying your finger on her, you will regret the day you were born!” He warned, ignoring the tears burning down my cheeks.

"How can you do this to me? Your own daughter—treating me like a lowly omega when I was supposed to be your heir," I muttered, my voice cracking.

His face twisted into a sneer.

“Huh? You can expect me to keep a wolfless daughter to be my heir? Do you know how ashamed I am to have you as a daughter? 18 years old, yet you can't shift! Who will want to be your mate? You are a complete disgrace!” He spat, and I felt my heart squeeze tight, his words piercing into my soul.

“I wonder why she is wolfless at this age. I guess she might be a cursed child.” Amelia chipped in.

“You may be right.” My father accepted without any doubt in his voice. “I wished there was something I could do…” He hissed.

“I have a suggestion. How about inviting the sorcerers to perform the ritual of cleansing on her?” She proposed, and my heart skipped a beat, a cold chill running down my spine.

“You can't do that to me! I could possibly die from the pain! It is meant for demonic wolves!” I moaned out in fear, turning my eyes to my father in plea, hoping he would still have a bit of pity for me, his daughter, but what he said tore my heart into pieces.

“And how am I sure you aren't one of the demonic wolves?”

I couldn't believe my ears.

Before I could say anything, the pack messenger came running towards us with a letter in his hand.

He bowed to my father, stretching out the letter to him. “Your Highness, this is a letter from Alpha King Zander Blake.”

My heart paused in my chest, a gasp slipping from my mouth at the mention of that name.

Alpha King Zander Blake was known as the most ruthless werewolf alive—a bloodthirsty Alpha with a reputation that made even the bravest wolves tremble. He was nothing short of a monster, with no mercy in his cold, heartless chest.

I could also see the worry in my father's eyes as he took the letter, opening it with hesitation.

His eyes glanced through the letter, and I saw his mouth falling open in panic.

“The cruel Alpha King is visiting us.” He announced with a shaky breath, looking up, and my heart sank into my stomach.

What have we done wrong? It had never ended well for any pack he visited.

“There is something else in the letter that you must know.” My father muttered, his eyes fixed on me.

“Me? What is it?” I was confused.

He took a deep breath. “Alpha Zander seems to be interested in having another wife…and you have caught his attention.”

I couldn't believe my ears, my eyes glued at my father, hoping it would turn out to be a joke. It should be a prank or so because there is no way I am getting married to that devil.

“This is good news for our pack. We will be a pack to be feared because we now have the Alpha King on our side as family. We will really benefit from this!” Amelia chirped with excitement in her voice as she smirked at me.

I knew she was only happy that I would be gotten rid of. Her hatred for me knew no bounds, and I'd wonder what wrong I had done to her.

“No, Father, I don’t want to die,” I begged, my voice trembling. I’d heard all the stories—every woman he slept with ended up dead—and I didn’t want to be next. I didn’t want to die at the hands of a monster.

“No one challenges Zander,” he said coldly. “He’ll be here tonight to take you.”

His tone was final. No room for argument. Then he turned and walked away.

“There is something you can do!” I cried out, panic rising in my chest. “You can save me from this, Father! You have to”

He paused, then slowly turned to face me.

“I can’t do anything,” he said, his eyes empty. “But you can save yourself from his wrath—by being obedient. Be a perfect Luna. Give him a child. He might love you then… unimaginably.”

“You know this is impossible, right? He seems impotent! He is cursed! It doesn't matter who is with him. No woman can give him a child, and he would rather die than take the blame. Father, we both know he will kill me at the end like every other woman that has married him.”

My lips trembled as I blinked out tears, hoping he would feel a bit of love for me, but it seemed he had made up his mind.

He exhaled heavily, casting a glance at Amelia.

“This is the first and only time you could be of importance to your pack; why not do it and stop being selfish! You can't be your father's heir!” Amelia snapped in confidently, resting on my father's shoulder.

“You may be different and give him a child. We will keep praying to the moon goddess for that. I am sorry you have to face this.” He shrugged before they walked away.

My legs wobbled, giving up on me as I crashed under my weight, sobbing hard.

I thought of running, but that was totally impossible with the amount of security in the building. Tears poured freely down my cheeks, the thought of being with Zander Blake making my stomach churn.

The stories I had heard about him were scary, and what I read in books was even scarier. His inner wolf Lyon was untamed, uncontrollable, and wild. Zander had grown so powerful, with wealth, authority, and power.

He was feared and infamous among every neighboring pack, but without a child, his legacy would be gone and everything he built would be scavenged and ruined.

He had been going from pack to pack looking for unmated virgin she-wolves to give him a child. I never believed it would be our turn so soon. My 18th birthday was in a few days.

He could have waited till then, when I must have found my mate so I wouldn't be an option.

Crawling back to my room, I slumped on the bed, burying my face in the pillow.

What have I done to deserve this? Mom, please come take me away. Come save me from all this. Moon goddess, please don't allow this to happen to me.

I prayed with a broken heart, sinking into the bed as though it would swallow me and save me from my terrible fate.

I didn't know when I slept off, but the moment I woke, it was evening, and the silence in the building was kind of eerie.

Something seemed off, as though the mouth of everyone had been sealed.

My eyes darted at the clock and it was almost 8pm.

Then it flashed back into my mind, the visit of Alpha king Zander Blake. Was he here already?

I asked myself as I sat up from the bed. Almost immediately, my door was flung open and five maids rushed in.

“We were sent to get you dressed up and perfect for your husband. He is in the pack already.”

“No. I am not getting married to anyone! I…”

“You have no choice, dear. Zander will kill you if you decline. You know he never takes no for an answer,” one of them said in a warning tone, and I became calm, knowing full well that she was right.

*

The maid led me to the grand hall, holding my hands and lifting the end of my long gown off the floor. I was dressed in a red royal robe.

As we got to the door, I could hear the conversation from inside, and every word was like a knife in my heart.

“Where is the so-called daughter of yours?! Is she even worth the alliance?!" I heard the deep, cold voice from the hall and could tell immediately it was that of Zander.

"She will be here in a few minutes. If you meet her, you will like her. She is pretty and has been training to be a good and perfect Luna. She would be a perfect wife and mate. She is a pure virgin, a very calm and obedient girl," my father implored, and I couldn't help but wince at his words.

He sounded like he was advertising a product to be sold, and I was that goods.

"I heard she is wolfless. I hope it doesn't affect her ability to bear me a child. You promise me she is fertile; that's why I am finalizing this alliance. I hope you aren't lying to me!” The same deep, husky voice of Zander responded with arrogance.

How could my father promise such a thing?

"If she gives me a child, I will come back with another bag of gold, and we will be friends. So where is she?” I heard him ask.

“She can even possibly bore you twins. Just give her time.” My father replied out of greed when he knew how almost impossible it was.

I couldn't remain outside anymore as I barged in furiously. "Father, what do you mean?!!" I called out angrily and everyone's gaze shifted toward me.

"Selena!" My father's brows furrowed as he shot me an annoyed glare.

My gaze fell on Zander at that moment, seated before my father with two hefty guards, which he may never need because of how powerful he was—his broad, muscular body adorned in a black tailored suit immediately caught my attention.

This was the first time I was seeing him in reality, and I could swear the book description didn't describe him any better. He exuded an aura of dominance and intimidation, and his gaze at me sent shivers down my spine as though I was enchanted.

"Selena, meet His Highness, Alpha King Zander Blake," my father introduced, a flattering grin on his face.

I already know. There was no need for the introduction.

As his sharp blue eyes locked with mine, my world seemed to come to a standstill. I was both scared and mesmerized, causing my heart to skip a beat. I felt breathless, and my lips parted in a gasp as I was caught in the intensity of his gaze.

He was incredibly handsome, but the bloodthirsty beast in him was already reflecting in his eyes as he peered deep as though he was seeing through my soul.

He seemed displeased. He always appears angry, his face maintaining a stern and cold countenance.

“That's my daughter, your highness. I hope she is beautiful enough. You won't regret giving her the chance to bear you an heir. The family bond will be the strongest relationship between our pack.” My father said in elation, grabbing the bags of gold.

“I don't want to marry him! I don't want to be killed. I can't give him a child and you know that! Father, please don't sell me off. I am not even a virgin.” I sobbed out, falling to my knees, hoping lying about not being a virgin would save me from this horrible fate.

Dead silence fell in the hall as my father stared at me in rage. He couldn't believe my last sentence.

"I will marry her," Alpha King Zander declared, regardless, leaving me speechless and shocked. I thought he only accepted virgins.

“What gives you the impression that I would marry you?! I just told you I am not a virgin!" I challenged, meeting Zander's gaze with defiance but my heart fluttered in my chest, and I didn't know what was in those blue eyes but I had to look away to break the spell he was casting on me. The thought made me so scared.

“I am sorry on her behalf.” My father quickly apologized and I looked up at him.

“No. I will never marry him.” I repeated, listening to my heart ramming against my ribcage. The man in front of me is a devil, and my life would be a hell in his castle. This was a nightmare I never imagined.

Zander Blake was silent. His indifferent expression made it hard to read what was going on in his mind. I had heard that his hot temper was as uncontrollable as a raging fire and his beast, when given a chance, had no limit.

My father grabbed my arm, forcefully pulling me a bit far away Alpha King, Zander Blake. I tried to free my hand, but my father's grip only tightened, leading me further away.

His slap left me stunned for a moment before he whispered in a hushed voice, “You have to do this for our pack’s sake. And don’t make me go any rougher on you, you ungrateful daughter.”

“But Father…” I muttered, holding my cheek, my ear still buzzing from the hard impact as my cheek throbbed. “He’ll kill me when I can’t give him an heir. He’s impotent.”

I have heard stories.

“Don't you even care about this pack at all? It will be more disastrous going against his order. He chose you, and you have no other option!” My father hissed.

“Enough, Miss Selena,” Zander’s Beta, Maddox, snapped, looking impatient as he came to find me. “Our Alpha has no patience left. The deal is already done and sealed by your father. Come and sign these papers to officially become Alpha Zander’s wife.”

“Really?” my teary eyes blinked at my father in disbelief.

“Beta Maddox, we’ll be right back,” my father said, his tone softening as he spoke in a pleading voice. “Just give us a few more moments, please.”

Beta Maddox nodded curtly before leaving us alone again. Then, my father turned to me once more.

"Selena, you know this is the only way to save our pack. Otherwise, no one can save us from his wrath," he grumbled, his voice filled with frustration and desperation.

"But, Father, why me?! What have I done to die like this? You know how ruthless and heartless he is. The story of his cruelty and inhumanity is famous worldwide," I protested, trying to make him understand my fears.

"Selena, you are a curse on our family already, as you were born wolfless. I am ashamed to even call you my daughter. But, at least now, you're going to be useful to us. You have to marry him," he scowled, his face contorting with irritation as he looked at me.

My head hung low, the weight of my fate crushing down on me. I realized that my future had been decided, and there was nothing I could do to change it.

With tears brimming in my eyes, I moved to the table in front of Zander, staring at the paper with dread. I was about to seal my terrible fate, and there seemed to be no escape.

As I signed the paper, I caught a glimpse of Zander's eyes as they narrowed slightly but his face remained frigid.

“You are now officially Alpha Zander’s new wife, and our new Luna,” Maddox announced, grinning brightly—but my heart knew I was doomed.

“I’ll make arrangements to take you to our pack. Please pack your things, Luna,” he said, then left the room.

I looked helplessly at my father, then at my new husband, but there was no sign of empathy on either man’s face.

Accepting my fate, I went to pack my things in my room, while my heart bled with betrayal.

The alliance papers were already signed, and my fate was sealed. We were chosen mates, so there was no need for the formalities of a traditional wedding like fated mates usually had. Or maybe he was just too impatient to take my virginity, because I was taken straight to his castle in the Moonglow Pack.

It was massive, towering, with its cold, commanding presence. My assigned room was nearly the size of our entire pack house back home. Five omegas entered shortly after, silent and graceful. They ran a warm, scented bath and prepared me for the night ahead— my wedding night.

They dressed me in a sheer, white gown that clung to my skin like mist, no undergarments beneath. I felt exposed, shy… but I didn’t resist. My hair was curled softly, makeup applied with delicate precision. I looked nothing like the girl from this morning. I looked like someone made solely to please the Alpha King.

Then, they led me to the royal garden.

Under the glow of the full moon, with silver light cascading through the trees, I waited. The marking and mating ritual of the Moonglow Pack required the Alpha and Luna to be marked and mated beneath the open sky—to be blessed by the moon goddess herself.

The air shifted.

I felt him before I saw him. His presence was undeniable—heavy, dark, and magnetic. My heart thudded as he stepped into the moonlight, every inch the ruthless king I had heard stories about.

His eyes locked on mine, a flicker of emotion crossing his otherwise unreadable face. Possession. Hunger. Need.

“I’m not ready for…” I whispered with nervousness.

His thick, dark eyebrows creased with confusion before he spoke to me for the first time.

“You are ready, sweetheart,” he said, his voice cold and his gaze icy. “We need to have a child as soon as possible, and for some reason, I trust you to give me one. Don’t disappoint me.”

I shifted from one foot to the other, fiddling with my fingers before finally summoning the courage to ask the important question that had been troubling me ever since the revelation of this arranged marriage and alliance.

“What if you find your fated mate while married to me?" I breathed out nervously, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I am twenty-five and still haven't found her," he dismissed my concern smugly, his icy gaze boring into me.

"But it doesn't mean you can't find her in the future," I argued, and lowered my gaze when I saw his jaw clenched.

His expression turned hard and cold, his calculating gaze studying me intensely for what felt like an eternity before he finally responded, "You have my word, Selena. You will always be my Luna as long as you give me an heir."

“What will happen to me if I am unable to give you a child?” I repeated out my fear, staring him in the eyes.

“We don't have the whole night.” He avoided answering?!

“Will… will you kill me?! Like others?”

He stiffened, his impassive eyes peering into mine. “You are about to be the Luna of this pack and a wife to a great alpha. Think of how to make me not regret choosing you.” He breathed, and I felt a flutter in my heart. Why does his voice suddenly go gentle?

He stretched out his hand to me, and I took it. And then—it happened.

That spark.

It shot through me like a jolt straight to my core.

His eyes widened for just a second. He felt it too.

But just as quickly, his face turned cold again, as usual.

His grip tightened as he pulled me closer, his arms encircling my waist. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't look away from his hypnotic gaze.

His hand gently cupped my face, lifting it until my eyes met his—dark, alluring, and full of raw lust that threatened to consume me completely. His full lips parted, releasing a low, possessive growl from deep within him. My breath hitched as his lips met mine in a fervent kiss.

My first kiss!

I gasped and he thrust his tongue in my mouth. My senses drowned in the intensity of the moment as my eyes instinctively closed, surrendering to the powerful connection between us.

His tongue explored my mouth with a possessiveness. I shamelessly moaned, lost in the intoxicating bliss of the moment. His arm tightened around me, drawing me closer as if he wanted to merge our very beings into one.

His lips left my mouth, and a trail of kisses led down to my neck. My head fell back in response, offering myself willingly to him. His wicked tongue licked the spot where his mark would be placed, sending another surge of desire through me. And then, he carried me in his arms and laid me gently on the soft bed under the moonlit sky.

I couldn’t believe this was happening. This was the same man I’d once believed to be heartless, ruthless—even monstrous. And yet here he was, igniting every nerve in my body with a single glance.

I had expected it to be raw, hard, and devoid of emotion—just a duty to him. But the moment he tore the delicate gown from my body, his eyes roamed over me with a hunger that sent a shiver down my spine. Then with one smooth motion, his robe dropped to the floor. He was stark naked—and breathtaking.

I bit my lip as heat pooled between my thighs. Goddess, he was a work of art—sculpted like a warrior god, a beauty so divine it could rival the legends of Olympus.

But it wasn’t just his body that left me breathless. It was the way he looked at me—as if I was the most mesmerizing thing he’d ever seen.

The next thing I knew, he was on top of me. His lips crashed into mine, devouring every breath, while his hands explored my trembling body, sending sparks of fire in their wake. Before I knew it, his mouth found my sensitive nipples, and his fingers slid between my thighs, finding my dripping cunt.

“Oh, goddess…” I gasped, my head spinning from the overwhelming ecstasy.

No man had ever touched me like this. Hell, no man had even seen me without clothes. But he was my husband now.

I lost count of how many times he made me cum with just his mouth and fingers, each wave of pleasure more intense than the last. Zander was really giving me the best night of my life.

Then I felt him, insanely thick and impossibly long, almost a foot long, nudging at my entrance. A sharp gasp escaped my lips as he pushed forward in one powerful thrust, claiming me completely. The sting of pain made tears pool in my eyes—he had torn through the hymen. And yet, in that moment, I felt the bond begin forming. We weren’t fated mates, but our souls had begun to intertwine.

His movements started slow, deliberate. Each thrust was firm, letting me adjust to his size. The pain began to ebb, replaced by a growing heat that spread through my body. My moans echoed softly in the moonlit garden as his pace quickened, each thrust deeper, more intense, until all I could feel was him.

His breath was hot and ragged against my neck. Then came a sharp sting—his canines pierced my skin, branding me with his mate mark. In that instant, the bond locked into place. I could feel his wolf reaching for mine, our souls touching in a way that felt both terrifying and divine.

But then the pain returned—sharp, deep. My body tensed. Oh goddess!

He was knotting.

A cry escaped me as I felt him stretch me further, filling me completely. He held me tight, buried deep, unmoving as the final part of the ritual took hold. Time blurred as we lay tangled together, his lips pressed onto mine. Wave after wave of his release pulsed into me, his intention clear—he wanted an heir.

He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “I trust you won't be like the other women. You will give me a child.”

From that day, I became his wife and was crowned the Luna of his pack, faithful to all my duties and obligations. I followed every rule and went to battles with him.

I was respectful, submissive, and loyal. My heart grew fonder, and I didn't even know when I began to fall for him.

Months passed, turning into a year, and there was no sign. I did a lot of rituals, praying to the moon goddess tirelessly for a child. Even if it was just one, because that was the only thing missing in our blissful family.

“What haven’t I done for you? When will you give me a child?” he had once said, his sad eyes locking onto mine with a cold intensity. My heart sank, a crushing heaviness settling deep within me. Every time I got pregnant, I lost the child in the early stages. They wouldn’t survive in my womb. I didn’t know what was wrong with me.

As it clocked months, his patience ran out. He began to blame me for everything and accused me of not having a womb. He would hardly spend time with me and seemed to hate me more as each day passed.

I was hearing rumors that he was having affairs with another woman. I heard he was planning to get rid of me for another woman.

All these left me in terror and anxiety, but there was nothing I could do other than cry and pray for a miracle from the moon goddess.

So, I had to call my father on the phone about the plan we had. The one he promised to do and help me get pregnant. It was something I really didn't want to do, especially as I was in love with Zander. I just had to do it because I didn't want to ruin our marriage.

That was the only option to keep me safe. Since it would be an artificial insemination from someone in Zander's family, I trusted my father to take care of it just as he promised.

But I waited and waited, but no one answered the phone. Worst of all, his phone ceased to go through, and Zander wouldn't allow me to visit him.

Zander had kept me under surveillance 24 hours.

“I regret trusting you. Why did your father promise me? Why did he make me believe in you? Is it because of the money or what?!” Zander had spat at me last night, his eyes blazing as though there was fire in them.

I was frozen, unable to say anything, scared I would say something that would make him murder me.

He stood tall, glaring at me like I was prey he couldn't wait to devour.

Then he received a call, and I saw how all the anger faded as he saw the caller.

He answered the call, his tone softened. “Hello.”

“Alright.”

“I will be there in a jiffy.”

A smile was on his face as he made the call.

“It is late.” I mumbled, glancing at the clock.

1 pm.

“Not you sounding like a wife… You aren't even worth being my maid.” He hissed, and I felt an anguishing pain hearing this from him.

His mark was aching on my neck from his hatred and repulsion. We were meant to be in love and show affection to each other as chosen mates.

I woke up this morning feeling so weak, my head banging like I was struck by a moving train, every one of my joints aching.

I lay on the big king-size bed all alone.

The sickness was abnormal, so I dragged myself up, and the moment I entered the restroom, nausea hit me, and I found myself burying my face in the sink, vomiting.

I quickly cleaned up and dressed up for a checkup in the hospital.

Could it be what I am thinking?

“Congratulations, you are two weeks pregnant.” This word echoed in my head endlessly, tears of joy forming in my eyes and cascading down my cheeks. I held the result in my hand, my heart racing in overwhelming excitement.

Words can't explain my feelings as the gate opened and the driver drove me in. I could picture in my head how Zander would leap in joy, hug me tight, and kiss me.

He would dance and finally apologize for everything he had done. His love would be back, and I would be treated as a Luna once again.

Even the driver couldn't hold back his smile seeing me giddy. I guess he could already figure everything out.

Jumping out of the car, I ran like one being chased, my shoe heels hitting the floor with a loud thump as I made my way into our bedroom.

My alpha husband wasn't there, so I rushed up the stairs, heading to his study, where I was sure he would be.

But as I got close to his study, I heard a female voice, one I couldn't recognize. Last night, I slept alone because he left the house in the middle of the night after that phone call.

Did he bring her back home and spend the night with her in our matrimonial bed? Who is she?

I bombarded myself with questions as I drew closer to the door.

“It is well deserved and would be a lesson to everyone else who tries to lie to you. What did he take you for? A fool?” The female voice rang out.

“Selena would be devastated to hear this; that is why I want it to be kept a secret. She shouldn't know what killed her entire family and rendered her pack in ruins.”

My heart skipped a beat, brows knitting together as I tried to understand what he was saying.

“Why are you hiding it from her? Do you feel guilty? Your wolf did what it felt was right so you don't have to feel any bad. After all, Alpha Albert deserves it for trying to fool you.”

The mention of my father's name made my blood run cold as I stared at the door with wide eyes, tilting my head in disbelief.

“Keep your voice down, Avery,” he snapped in his annoyed tone.

“Reject her, Zander, and marry me. Make me your mate and Luna, and I will give you the heir— as many as you want,” Avery’s sweet voice tore my heart apart.

My hands instinctively hugged around my stomach, tears dropping down my eyes as I thought of the child in there.

It was obvious he hated me, and his new girlfriend seemed to be pregnant already, so of what use am I?

Without any more hesitation, I barged into the room, and they both flinched in shock, turning to me bewilderedly.

“No need to wait. Do it here and now. Reject me, you murderer!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, feeling the aching pain in my chest.

It felt like I would collapse. All this while I had been trying to reach my father without being able to because he had been killed. The man I called my husband killed him and every one of my family members.

What did I do to deserve this? I knew he was cruel, but my family didn't do anything so bad to get wiped away.

“Were you eavesdropping?” He asked with a frown on his face.

“Obviously. So I think she knows it all. No need to hide!” Avery said and turned to me. “Selena, your father brought it on himself when he lied to the king that you are fertile enough to give him twins.”

I squeezed tight the envelope in my hand, which had the hospital pregnancy results.

“Zander, why?” My lips trembled, and words were hard to speak. It hurts so bad that he could do this to me. He was really a monster, someone I should run away from.

And his child in my womb?

He will never get to know. My child can't have such a devil as their father.

Zander drew closer, maintaining a stern look. “You and your family deceived me. You are no different from them—a gold digger. Money is all you want, huh?!” He tried to touch my chin, but I backed away.

He smirked darkly. “Do you really want me to reject you? I can still keep you as a concubine so you'd have a place to stay. Your father paid for his crime.”

I saw the mocking smile on the so-called Avery's face, and I felt like I was being slapped.

My blood was burning, and I wished at that moment that I could kill Zander. The pain was unbearable, and my alpha instinct was making me restless.

“May the moon goddess strike me dead if I spend another night in this pack. You will pay dearly for what you did to me, and I will never forgive you!”

Zander chuckled darkly. “I am the god here, and I decide fates—just like I did for you and your family.”

Hearing him confess his sin made my blood boil, my body trembling with uncontrollable anger—and before I even realized it, the words came spilling out of me:

“I, Selena Ardolf, reject you, Alpha Zander Blake, as my mate and sever all bonds between us forever.”

Shock and disbelief were written all over Zander's face as the sharp pain of detachment hit the both of us. I gritted my teeth, tears blinding my eyes and my chest heavy.

“Why did you do it?” He murmured, but I wasn't listening. I placed the blood on my wrist on his mark on my neck, a ritual that would clear away his mark.

His eyes widened seeing me do this, as it was something he never believed I would do. Never in his life would he ever have thought a girl would reject him.

“How dare you, you weak, wolfless girl, reject me—the great Alpha!” he roared, his voice thunderous with fury and laced with humiliation.

His eyes blazed with rage, and his voice dripped with venom as he continued,

“I accept your rejection, Selena Ardolf. I, Alpha King Zander Blake, reject you as my mate and my queen.”

The bond shattered in an instant.

The air was knocked from my lungs, and I gasped as an unbearable ache tore through my chest. My knees gave out, and I collapsed to the cold marble floor, my hands instinctively flying to cradle my swollen belly. Panic rose in me—not for myself, but for the fragile life growing inside me.

The world spun. My vision blurred. I squeezed my eyes shut, silently praying for the pain to pass—for the sharp grief and soul-rending loss to quiet.

With every ounce of strength left in my battered body, I pushed myself up and staggered toward the exit—step by agonizing step.

I didn’t look back. I didn’t pack a single thing. I needed nothing from him.

I walked out of the castle, out of that cursed life, and toward the borders of the pack where my uncle waited in the shadows.

I had to leave.

Before he found out the secret I still carried within me.