Chapter 1
My Alpha mate’s one true love–Melody–just posted a pregnancy test on her socials.
Caption: “Forever grateful to my dearest ‘big brother‘ for giving me the gift of life when I needed it most. I’m finally going to have a pup of my own.”
Expressionless, I tapped “Like,” and left a comment below:
“Congratulations.”
One second later, Orion called.
“What the hell, Aurora? I just lent her some sperm! Can you stop being so dramatic?!”
I hung up without a word.
Then I turned around and asked my lawyer to draft a dissolution agreement for our mate bond.
I placed a hand over my lower belly, gently tracing the small curve that had just begun to show. My
chest tightened as I took a deep breath.
I was ready to tell my unborn pup I was sorry—
Because I couldn’t keep it.
Originally, I’d planned to surprise Orion on his birthday.
But clearly, he didn’t need this kind of surprise anymore.
I was two months along. It had taken endless pleading before Orion had begrudgingly agreed to give me this child.
He’d always hated getting too close, always said pups were too wild, too demanding. “Too much trouble to raise,” he’d said.
But then I’d found two parenting books on his desk.
And one night, I caught him up late making spreadsheets-
One was a birth prep checklist. The other was a detailed growth plan.
Like a fool, I’d smiled to myself, thinking maybe, just maybe, he’d come around.
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Maybe he was starting to accept the idea of having a pup.
But now I knew. Those lists were never meant for me.
That night, Orion came home earlier than usual. Eight o’clock.
Most nights, he didn’t show up until after midnight.
He called my name once from the hallway. I was lying in bed. I didn’t respond.
He didn’t ask again.
I heard the shower start, then stop.
He entered the bedroom without turning on the lights, only the silver glow of moonlight guiding
his steps.
And then–I felt it.
His arm slipped around my waist, warm and familiar.
For the first time ever, he held me without being asked
He nuzzled his face into the curve of my neck, voice soft, laced with forced tenderness.
“Baby… Aurora… there’s really nothing going on between me and her.”
“She just always wanted a pup, and I helped her out. That’s all. I swear–once the baby’s born, I’ll cut all ties with Melody.”
Melody. His first love. The daughter of his late stepfather. The girl he could never let go of.
I didn’t say a word.
I simply peeled his hand off my waist and inched toward the edge of the bed.
He stiffened.
His tone turned cold in an instant. “Are you serious right now? After everything I’ve said, you’re still giving me the cold shoulder?”
I didn’t have to tell you, Aurora. I could’ve kept it quiet, spared you the drama. But I didn’t. I was honest–because I respect you.”
“And let’s not forget–you’re the one who said my past didn’t matter. You’re the one who wanted
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this bond, remember?”
“You kept pushing for a pup, and I gave in. I went along with your plan, even when I didn’t want any
of this.”
“I’m sleeping in the study.”
The door slammed shut with a hard bang.
I lay there in the dark and laughed.
Laughed at this pathetic excuse for a relationship.
Laughed at myself, for being blind enough to call it love.
To him, explaining was a rare gift. A favor I should be grateful for.
And if I dared to feel betrayed?
Then I was just another ungrateful, insecure mate in his eyes.
He could only talk to me like this because he knew-
He knew how desperately I loved him.
So really, I had no one else to blame but myself.
I let it get this far.
I handed him the knife.
And then I bled.
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