Abandoned by My Alpha, Carrying His Heir

Alaric

I never chose Elena Frost as my mate.

Three years ago, when I officially took control of the Ashbourne Pack, my authority was still being tested. Power alone wasn't enough. The elders watched every of my decision, allied packs measured my stability, and my enemies were lurking, waiting for a single misstep.

An Alpha without a Luna was a flaw in the hierarchy-an imbalance that could never be respected.

That was when my grandmother stepped in-ending the discussion before it become a debate.

Patricia Ashbourne, my grandmother, had ruled this pack long before I did. Even after stepping down, her word remained absolute. She told me that the pack demanded stability, not love. Her role was to quiet unrest, secure power, and end all talk.

I objected once.

Yet, she reminded me that Alpha authority was not about personal preference. It was about power and dominance.

Elena Frost was her chosen candidate.

She bore a rare ancestral wolf bloodline-one said to steady an Alpha's power. Yet when I met her, I could barely feel her aura, so faint it was almost absent. And when the elders chose her, I could not fathom why. She was no vision of strength, no beauty to command a room-only a body weighed down by weakness, a Luna unworthy of the title.

For Grandma, she embodied the ideal Luna.

For me, she was a parasite clinging to my name, feeding on what will never hers.

The moment, I agreed, the ceremony took place right away under my grandmother's guidance.

A bond in name only. No blood oath. No instinctual claiming. A marriage acknowledge by the pack but never sealed by the Moon.

~

Elena

The Ashbourne ancestral hall was silent, the atmosphere were heavy. White funeral banners hung from the beams, embroided with ancient runes that glowed faintly under the dim lights-symbols meant to guide a departed wolf's soul back to the Moon.

Incense burned low, its bitter scent clinging to the air, mixing with the restrained pheromones of dozens high-ranking wolves gathered in one place.

Pack elders, Alpha from allied packs, and the Ashbourne-were all present.

And the Luna itself.

Me.

I stood at the very front, dressed in black, my hands folded neatly over my abdomen. Every movement I made was careful, controlled-like how grandmother had taught me how Luna should behave.

Patricia Ashbourne's portrait loomed above the altar. Her sharp eyes, captured in oil and shadow, almost seemed alive, as if she were still watching, still judging.

"You promised me you'd stay," her echoed in my memory. "No matter what happens."

My fingers curled slightly.

I indeed stayed.

For three years.

I had stayed in an unmated marriage. Stayed to an Alpha mate who never came home. Stayed despite the endless whispers about a "useless Luna" whose wolf aura was too weak to be felt. Stayed when they not only humiliate that I was a Luna in name only-but also mock my appearance.

About the body I once carried, heavy and swollen, calling me a pig at the feast, and a glutton who looks like someone hasn't fed her for ages.

I snapped from my thoughts as a ripple moved through the crowd.

The air shifted.

I didn't even need to turn around to know who had arrived.

Alaric Ashbourne.

His presence swept through the hall. Cold. Dominant. Controlled.

The faint whispers when they looked at me, had completely died down as they instinctively lowered their gazes as he walked forward.

My spine stiffened-he stopped beside me.

So close that I could feel the heat of him.

Close enough that my wolf-quiet for so long-stirred faintly at the presence of our desired mate.

But Alaric didn't look at me.

He wore a tailored black suit, his dark hair neatly combed back, and his expresson were cold. There were no traces of grief nor other emotions in those eyes.

But what made my heart ache when my gaze fell onto the woman who stood on his other side.

Her hand rested lightly on his arm like she had the right to do so.

Hydra Vale.

She was dressed in mourning black, but nothing about her looked subdued. Her long hair fell over one shoulder, her face pale and delicate, eyes rimmed red in just the right way-as if she'd cried enough to be convincing, but not enough to ruin her beauty.

She was the widow of his deceased close friend.

The woman the pack whispered about.

The woman they compared to me-the same woman everyone already assumed would become the next Luna.

Her scent brushed against mine-sweet, warm, openly entwined with Alaric's.

So this is how it is.

A cold bitter smile left from my mouth as I tried to focus my attention as the ceremony continued. The elders had already spoke about Patricia Ashbourne's legacy-how she had led the pack through bloodshed and expansion, how her word had once been law even among rival Alphas.

I bowed when expected. Knelt when required. Mourned when appropriate.

The perfect Luna that I had always been taught to.

When it was time for the family to step forward, Alaric moved.

Still, he did not look at me.

My gaze fell at Hydra who followed at his side, her fingers tightening slightly on his sleeve as if she belonged there and I was the stranger.

A murmur rippled through the hall. I don't know why but I felt something was going on.

I only confirmed it when after the final rites, when everyone expected the dispersal as Alaric did not step back.

Instead, he turned.

And faced the crowd.

"Before you leave," he said, his voice calm, deep, and amplified by Alpha authority rather than volume, "there is a matter I need to make public."

My heart dropped.

My gut were clamoring that what he was about to say is something I had been long to avoid hearing.

No, maybe I was just overthinking it.

Yet, despite the faint hope in my heart-he still managed to crushed it over again.

"As of today," he said, "the marriage bond between Elena Frost and myself is formally dissolved."

Those words slammed into me like a physical blow-the same as the hall exploded.

I couldn't even move-I thought that maybe I just misheard it.

But then Alaric turned his head-just slightly-and finally looked at me.

His eyes were cold and detached.

That's where I know, he was sure of it.

"This decision," he continued, "was made after careful consideration. The bond was contractual in nature, arranged under my grandmoter's directive. With her passing, it no longer serves a purpose."

Every word he uttered cut straight to my heart.

The invisible threat that had always existed-thin, neglected, but still hanging desperately-had finally snapped as my wolf whimpered.

Several elders exchanged looks, letting out a helpless sigh but none of them voice out to stop the Alpha.

They all tacitly agreed with the Alpha's arrangement.

No, in their eyes, they never see me as their Luna.

I wanted to scream. To shout. To question them why-especially the Alpha.

Instead, I bowed.

"I understand," I found myself answered.

My voice did not shake and the hall went silent again, as if they didn't expect such reaction from me.

Even Alaric's brows furrowed-just for a fraction of a second-before smoothing out.

"Arrangements have already been made," he added. "Elena will be compensated according to the pack law."

Compensated.

As if I were a transaction.

As if those three years could easily be compensated.

He clearly knows I didn't agree to marry him for the compensation offered in our marriage.

Yet.it was also my choice.

Choice to be with him despite that I know he wouldn't choose me.

All because I love him.

All because I wanted to be with him.

I pursed my lips, my gaze fell onto Hydra who shifted beside him and her body leaning subtly toward his.

She didn't say a word, but her eyes do.

'I'm next. You're done.'

Beneath those pity expression she exudes when she looks at me, there was triumph.

I forced myself to lift my head.

"Alaric Ashbourne," my mate. "Thank you.for the clarity."

And just as I thought, he never spared me a glance. Even one farewell glance.

As if I was unworthy.

As if looking at me would only taint his eyes.

I pursed my lips and curled my fingers.

"Wow, she really throught she'd last."

"Of course, she wouldn't! How could she be compared to Hydra? If she wants the Alpha, she have to be Hydra herself!"

"Pity. if I were her, I'd sure hide and never be seen in the public again."

"Are you trying to compare a pig to a goddess? Oh please!"

I let the murmurs, the mockery, the laughter bleed past me, clinging to the hope that if I stood still enough, strong enough, the Alpha would grant me a single glance-just one look to ease the ache clawing at my chest.

But when his eyes finally shifted, they did not find me.

He turned away, as if I had never existed.

Hydra naturally followed, not even bothering to hide the triumph in her smiles as her hand never leaving his.

Watching as they disappeared from my view-I understood.

I was the Luna no one wanted.

Elena

I didn't remember how I left the ancestral hall.

Only that the cold air outside hit my face like a slap, sharp, and merciless, and suddenly I could breathe again-though each breath felt like it was tearing something open inside my chest.

I was expecting for this to happen given that no matter what I would do, he won't look at me-but I wasn't expecting for him to do this at grandma's funeral and much more, in front of the high ranking wolves as if I were nothing but someone worth to be humiliated by.

When they both left earlier-the moonlight panted them in silver.

They looked.right.

Like something the pack would approve of.

I hate that my eyes would always follow him.

I hate that I noticed the way he leaned closer when she spoke.

For noticing how his scent wrapped instinctively around hers, protective and familiar.

Indeed. She was like a diamond that brighten their world-while I, just a pebble on the road.

I let out a bitter chuckle, trying to contain all the emotions inside me.

Three years. Everything is just contractual in his eyes, but my feelings weren't.

I was hoping. I was waiting for his eyes to fall in my direction-yet it fall on another woman's instead.

I snapped from my thoughts when a sudden hug nearly broke my ribs when she hugged me.

When I looked down, it was none other than Mara Whitlock.

Despite the murmurs, mockery, and gossips, she stayed with me, protecting me, and even defended me in front of everyone.

She was my best of friend. Someone I completely trust.

"Are you okay? I heard what happened!" her voice raised. "What kind of Alpha does that? At a funeral? Really? He might as well have ripped your throat out in front of everyone!"

I paused, watching as she pace the length of my living room, gritting her teeth as her whole body exudes with killing inten.

"It seems that rumours spread faster," I softly answered as I sat on the couch. "I already expected for this to happen."

"That doesn't make it better!"

Mara spun toward me. "You gave him three years, Lyra. Three. Years. You rebuilt yourself for hm. You endured everything for him. And he didn't even have the decency to do this privately!"

I pursed my lips.

"I was the one who agreed to grandma." I let out a bitter chuckle. "...I shouldn't expect something from him knowing that everything was just contractual and this bound to end like what happen now."

It's my fault.

Fault for falling in love with someone I couldn't have.

"Idiot!"

I paused, raising my head at Mara. "That doesn't give him the right to humiliate you in front of everyone! You are the one who saved their reputation, helped his pack rise, and remained loyal to him in those three years and that's how he would repay you? Humiliation?!"

I didn't comment.

I hung my shoulder lower.

I felt her let out helpless sigh, her anger softening as her hand reached out, gently patting my head.

"Cry," she said gently. "You are safe. No one is watching aside from me. Don't suppress yourself."

That did it.

The tears came without warning even when I didn't want to. I pressed my lips together, but it was useless. They spilled over anyway, blurring my vision.

"I wasn't enough," I whispered.

Mara knelt in front of me instantly. "It's not true."

"I tried so hard," I continued hoarsely. "I learned to cook what he liked. I adjusted my schedule to match his. I exercised everyday, thinking that he might prefer skinny Lunas. I devout myself into training despite it being harsh just to be his perfect Luna. I thought. I thought that maybe one day, he will choose-"

"Stop," Mara said fiercely. "You didn't lose him. He never chose you."

Those words slashed through my heart, cutting me to pieces.

Yet I couldn't retort it.

Because they were true.

I wiped my face, forcing myself to breath. "He looked at her. the way way he never looked at me."

Mara swore under her breath. "He brought that woman too?"

I nodded.

"They.They looked good together," I pressed my lips. "Strong and beautiful."

Mara scoffed. "She's just a two-faced bitch, clinging to the Alpha right after her mate died."

I managed a weak smile, closing my eyes as I leaned on the sofa.

"She's the Alpha's first love."

Right. What right do I have to intervene between the two of them? I'm just nothing but a Luna in name only.

And how could I fight and win the position in his heart when it was already occupied with another woman?

I was too foolish.

"Come with me tomorrow," Mara continued suddenly. "We'll go out. Get you something new and sow to everyone that you weren't affected by today's event."

I hesitate.

"I don't have the spark to go out."

However, she doesn't accept my refusal. "I'll come back tomorrow morning so make sure to have plenty of rest."

The next morning, I found myself standing beside Mara who chatters endlessly along with the crowd while from time to time, she would bared her fangs and glared at those who looked at me and gossips in front of my face.

I let out a helpless chuckle and followed her along.

For some reason, my heart weren't as heavy last night.

I allowed myself to enjoy as Mara dragged me into a high-end boutique.

"Let's buy everything!" she declared.

I chuckled. "That will be too much."

When we stepped inside the store, my gaze wandered around while taking a deep breath, trying to ignore the faint stinging on my chest while raising my dopamine to look excited-like I forgot everything.

However, the smile on my face froze wen I felt such a familiar pressure.

That unmistakable Alpha presence.

My steps slowed.

Mara noticed immediately. "Lyra?"

I lifted my head.

Across the store, near the display of limited edition bags, Alaric stood with Hydra.

Again.

She was clinging to his arms, her fingers curled possessively against his sleeve. She laughed at something he said, her body angled toward him intimately.

The sales associate hovered nearby, nervous and eager, waiting for their decision.

"I want that one,"I heard Hydra said, pointing to a deep red bag. "It suits me, don't you think?"

Alaric barely glanced at it.

"Wrap it," he said.

Just like tha. There was no hesitation.

My chest tightened.

Before I could look away and took Mara to another shop, I saw her clenched her fist.

"Oh, absolutely not," I heard her mutted, already marching forward.

"Mara-"

Too late.

I helplessly watched as she slammed her black card onto the counter beside the red bag. "We'll take that one too."

The sales associate blinked. "Excuse me?"

"The same bag," Mara said sweetly. "Unless there's a rule about mistresses shopping first."

I watched as Hydra's smile faltered, the corner of her eyes reddened as she tightened the hold on Alaric's sleeve.

This action made Alaric's head snapped up, his eyes precisely fell on me.

Cold and disgusted.

So this was all it takes for him to look at me?

Only her could make him look at me.

I let out a laugh in mockery.

What do I expect?

"Elena," his brows furrowed and the way he pronounce my name was filled with warning that made my breath hitch.

I pursed my lips, stepping forward as I paced a hand on Mara's arm. "We're leaving."

Mara looked ready to argue but when I gave her a look, she sighed helplessly and nodded.

However, before we could leave, Hydra stepped forward.

"We meet again," she said lightly. "It seems fate keeps arranging these encounters."

I paused, meeting her gaze before falling onto Alaric's.

"No," I said. "Fate has better taste."

Her smile faltered.

My gaze fell onto Alaric, and despite everything, there was no turmoil in those eyes as if none worth his time.

Especially when he looked at me as if I were just a mere stranger in his eyes.

I pursed my lips, hiding the stinging sensation of my heart, forcing myself to remain polite in front of them.

"I apologize for disrupting your quality time with your woman. It won't happen again."

Without hesitation, I turned around and was about to leave when something inside me rose. A sudden warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading outward, unfamiliar and overwhelming. My heartbeat quickened at the process. My wolf stirred, pressing against the surface of my control that made me pause.

"What-" I heard Alaric's voice that made me turn to look at him.

When I saw him reach to me, I took a step back, startled by my own reaction.

The sensation vanished as quickly as it came, but the damage was done.

He was staring at me now.

The way I had long for him to do so.

"I'm sorry. I won't disrupt you any longer."

This time, I hurriedly took Mara and left the store.

"What was that?" she asked.

I shook my head, pressing my palm against my chest.

I don't know either.

Elena

I stood under the shower far longer than necessary, letting the hot water beat against my back until my skin turned pink, until the steam blurred the mirror and erased my reflection.

Still, my heart wouldn't calm down.

That moment-that surge from earlier.

It hadn't been imagination.

My wolf had moved.

For the first time in years. I picked up its scent, its move.even for a brief second.

Wrapped in a towel, I stepped out and caught my reflection in the fogged glass. My face was pale-still padded with the remnants of fat in my cheeks. Yet compared to three years ago, when my reflection seemed to consume the entire mirror, there were changes.

A bitter laugh replaced my restless heart.

For whom did I work hard trying to get the body that I once thought the Alpha would like? I once believed if I could just fix myself-fix my appearance, fix my body, fix the parts that embarrassed him-then maybe. maybe he would see me.

So, I worked harder than anyone knew.

I followed doctors' instructions like it was laws. I endured hunger, endured exhaustion, endured the harsh training of the matriatch just to become the worthy Luna in his eyes, endured endless ridicule from the others, constantly comparing me with Hydra who was a goddess in their eyes-who was sought by countless of high ranking Alphas, while at the same time, I remained with my duty as his Luna.

For three years, I remained consistent. Because his company headquarters sat across the city, I would wake up early, cook quietly, pack everything neatly, then sit in the passenger seat as Julian-his beta, drove me there.

Every day, I brought him hot meals.

Every day, I watched his assistants accept them with a polite nod.

And every day, I watched those containers returned to me-untouched.

I believed he disliked me before of how I looked.

How my body had once been heavy, my aura suppressed, my presence was dull and forgettable-clearly unsuited to be his Luna.

Someone who doesn't deserve to stand right next to the Alpha.

So, I decided to change everything about myself just for him to notice me.

And now I realize how foolish I was.

He was already emotionally involved with someone else.

I had never been the problem-because in his world, I had never existed at all

I looked away, taking a deep breath as I walked to the living room, watching as Mara arrived, holding the takeout she ordered.

"Okay," she announced, kicking her shoes. "We need to talk."

I sat cross-legged on the couch, pulling a blanket around myself while she took out the food she ordered and sat across from me.

"About what?"

"About earlier," she answered.

Before I could open my mouth, she squinted her eyes on me. "I felt the stir in you."

I pressed my lips. "I don't know why either and why it happened earlier in front of the Alpha."

Mara studied me for a moment, her usual sharpnes dulled by concern before she let out a heavy sigh.

"There's something," she said slowly. "I didn't want to bring these memories of yours. But now that everything's becoming connected.I think I should let you know what I think about this."

My fingers stilled around my cup. "What is it?"

She raised her head, looking at me in the eyes. "Do you remember a month ago when you said you just escaped and said that the Alpha were not in the right mind?"

Huh? Did I say that?

I don't remember.

"What about it?" I asked.

"He was drugged," she suddenly dropped the bomb that made me pause as I looked at her in the eyes.

Drugged?

How did.

A month ago.

I paused, the memory clawing its way back. Chaos had swallowed that night whole-shouts in the halls, the heavy scent of unrest thick in the air. Before I could even grasp what was happening, my grandmother's hands were on my shoulders, shoving me into the Alpha's room.

"It's time," she whispered, her voice trembling with urgency. "Time for you to act as his Luna. Time to fulfill your responsibilities."

I wanted to protest, to ask why the Alpha's eyes looked clouded, why his wolf aura felt unstable, why he seemed. not himself. But my grandmother didn't answer. Instead, she closed the door and locked us up in the room.

"It seems you remembered it," Mara walked towards me, sighing helplessly as her hand reached out, hugging me while patting my back.

"What.What about it?" I found my voice shaking.

"Did you sleep with him that night?" Her hand gently caress my hair. "I saw the heavy marks all over your body that morning."

"You knew."

Silence briefly passed between us before she sat beside me. "You didn't even tell him about it?"

I paused. Alaric's face briefly passed in my mind before I let out a bitter chuckle, shaking my head.

"What's the use? He wouldn't care about it and if he does, he would've just added extra money to the divorce settlement."

I looked at her. "Or worse, he might think it was me who jumped onto his bed."

Marah briefly stilled for a second, before letting out a heavy curse. "Damn it! That scum! Wait."

Her eyes fell on me. "Did you-"

Before she could finish her words, a sharp sound cut through the room like a blade.

I glanced at my phone on the table.

Unknown number?

I frowned and was about to reach for it when it died down and a notification pop up, showing one missed call.

"Who was that?" I muttered under my breath, shrugging my shoulder before turning my gaze back at Mara whose eyes were wide as coins as if she saw ghosts.

"What's with you?" I waved my hands in front of her.

She grabbed my wrist. "Answer me, Elena."

I frowned, unsettled by the sharp edge in her voice. "What's going on?"

Her gaze didn't waver. "Did you take emergency contraception?"

I froze.

I was about to open my mouth to answer when my phone rang again-the same unknown number who called me earlier.