Betrayed by the Fated Mate

In my previous life, I worked myself to the bone, weighed down by relentless worries, and passed away at just 54 years old. That life was filled with hardship and helplessness. I poured my heart and soul into managing our pack, yet the tangled relationship between Alpha Alonzo and me left me feeling constantly agitated, even leading me to lash out emotionally. The more I tried to stand between him and Theodora, the more passionately they seemed to grow closer, their bond deepening in ways I couldn’t ignore.

I remember the day I endured a traumatic childbirth, teetering on the brink of life and death. While I was fighting for my life and that of our newborn twins, Alpha Alonzo was off enjoying a day at the amusement park with Theodora, his Beta and childhood friend. Only after I gave everything to bring Connor and Willow into this world did I learn from the pack’s healer that I’d suffered lasting physical damage and would never be able to have more children.

Looking at the two tiny, wolf-pup-like babies lying beside me, tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. "These two children are all I need..."

When Alpha Alonzo finally arrived, he peeled a pear for me with a guilty look and apologized, "I'm sorry, Luna Riley. I didn’t know you’d go into early labor, and I’d promised Theodora a week earlier to take her to the park… you understand, right?" We locked eyes for a long moment, and he hung his head in shame.

Alpha Alonzo Henry—a mate who couldn’t grasp the importance of prioritizing his family… To put it bluntly, he simply did not love me. Yet, before Theodora’s appearance, he had liked me, even cared for me. In the despair of our mate bond, I consciously shifted all my love and attention to our two children.

I raised them with great difficulty, failing to realize the crucial role an Alpha plays within a family. Alonzo’s neglect and empty promises set a poor example for them. They grew fond of the sweet and gentle Theodora, calling her "Mom" with affection. Meanwhile, my heart felt as if it had a giant hole, leaking important emotions incessantly.

Theodora maintained her gentle demeanor, softly patting the children’s heads as she smiled at me, "Luna Riley, these two pups take after their father; they adore me." It was as though I had lost completely and utterly. Whether as a mate or a mother, I’d failed miserably.

Back in our packhouse, I firmly forbade the children from disrespecting me any further. Willow snapped, "I just love Theodora! She’s beautiful and kind and nothing like you at all!" Of course, Theodora never needed to cook for herself. Alpha Alonzo would eagerly take on the chore, or he’d split the meals I prepared to share with her. Whenever I looked displeased, he’d be quick to apologize, insisting Theodora was like a sister to him and that I shouldn’t be so narrow-minded.

I was so consumed with the never-ending tasks of running our pack that I hadn’t felt beautiful in ages. Meanwhile, Theodora, who never lifted a finger for pack duties, seemed effortlessly graceful and elegant. She had a loving partner, a daughter who sided with her against me—of course, she was gentle. But what did I have?

Connor was hiding behind his father, shouting at me, "Having you as our mom is so embarrassing! You don’t really love us—you just want to keep Dad around!"

I couldn’t hold back anymore, and as tears and snot covered my face, I grabbed a broom. "Ungrateful pups! You think everything Theodora does is perfect? If that’s the case, take back your lives! Let’s pretend I never gave birth to you!"

Alpha Alonzo hurried to stop me; he dared not provoke me further, so he endured a few hits from the broom. "Luna Riley, they’re just pups. They didn’t mean it—don’t take it to heart!"

Connor, caught up in the throes of adolescence, couldn’t stand watching his father take the hits and pushed me hard. I fell to the floor, my head spinning, as his voice cut through my last emotional defenses. "I don’t have a mom like you!"

I watched the young wolf storm out, my ears ringing with Alpha Alonzo’s disapproval. "When are you going to stop all this drama?" He then ran after Connor, leaving me alone with Willow’s icy stare.

"From now on, I won’t call you mom anymore."