Fleeing From The Heartless Alpha

After a day and night of fighting for my life, the healers finally pulled me back from the edge. As they wheeled me into surgery, I caught fragments of a conversation that still haunts me.

"The birth-block ring tore through her womb," a healer said, voice grim. "It's caused massive infection and scarring. To save her life, we have to remove it-all of it."

Before I could process, Hazel's voice cut in, sharp and decisive. "Damian, don't worry. Any pups I bear, I'll let Amelia raise. Right now, saving her is what matters!"

And Damian-my mate, my everything-agreed. "You're right. Do it."

I woke with a jolt, praying it was a nightmare. But then I saw Damian, his eyes bloodshot, clutching me like I might slip away. "Amelia, if you'd died, I'd have burned this whole healer's den to the ground. I'm sorry, it's my fault. I'm the worst."

He slapped himself, guilt carved into his face. Hazel burst in, grabbing his arm. "Damian, stop! It was just an accident!"

"I failed her," he growled. "I couldn't protect her."

"She's fine now," Hazel soothed, her voice all honey. "Don't take all the blame."

Watching them play out their little love scene made my stomach churn. I leaned over, dry-heaving, my body rejecting the sight of them.

Damian panicked. "Amelia, you okay?"

"Get out," I spat through gritted teeth, my voice raw.

My eyes burned as I shoved him away, too worked up to care that I was still hooked to an IV. I hit the floor hard, the needle ripping free, blood spilling down my hand in a bright, reckless stream. I glared at him, my voice a snarl. "Why'd you let them cut out my womb? Why?"

Damian stared at me, his face twisting with pain. He reached for me, trying to pull me up. "Amelia, calm down. Pups aren't everything. I just need you alive, okay? We can adopt as many as you want later."

I stared into his eyes, searching for the wolf I thought I knew. And then it hit me: I'd never really seen him. The dream of raising our own pups? That was mine alone, a one-sided fantasy.

Hazel stood there, jealousy flashing in her eyes. She let two perfect tears fall, playing the fragile she-wolf. "Amelia, don't blame Damian. He's hurting too." She glanced at him, voice trembling. "Everyone sees how much he loves you. Don't break his heart like this."

Damian's gaze softened, a flicker of tenderness for her. He straightened, voice firm. "I love Amelia. That's my choice."

Their little act was so polished, so blatant, I almost laughed. How blind had I been to miss this? Love really does cloud your vision.

"Get out," I repeated, colder now.

Damian froze, then softened, leaning toward me. "Amelia, rest. I'll stay right here."

But the second they left, I grabbed the water glass by my bed and hurled it at the floor, shattering it like my trust.