He's Not My True Mate

Sam looked at Lily with unwavering certainty.

"Don't worry. I won't let anyone take our daughter away."

They stood close—too close. Their intimacy was unguarded, natural… the kind that only real mates shared. And in that moment, I became nothing more than a trespasser in someone else's life.

I didn't move until they disappeared inside. Then, slowly, I stepped out of the car and followed them up to the second floor.

At the end of the corridor, just outside an office, a small crowd of staff had gathered. Their whispers, though hushed, sliced through the quiet like silver knives.

"Is that the pup Alpha Sam wants to adopt? She looks just like him."

"Of course she does—she's his biological daughter. I heard this was all part of the plan. Pretending she's an orphan so she can return to his side as the rightful heir."

"God. Who's the mother? It can't be Echo, right?"

"No way. Echo can't have children. I heard she was injured as a pup—something about permanent infertility."

"That's not it. I heard it was because of… messy affairs when she was younger. Multiple abortions. Wrecked her chances. Why else would the Alpha go to all this trouble, pretending to adopt his own kid?"

"Exactly. Lily is Sam's true love. I knew it since we were kids. Look at them—they're perfect together."

Each word, each careless phrase, plunged deep into my chest, bleeding me dry.

For five years, I had failed to bear Sam a pup. He always comforted me, told me it didn't matter. That having me was enough.

Now I understood—he'd already made other plans. Plans that never included me.

My legs gave out, and I leaned against the wall just to stay upright.

Suddenly, the office door swung open.

Sam stepped out, one arm wrapped around Kitty, the other holding Lily's hand.

Our eyes met. Something flared in his gaze—panic.

"Hi, Echo," Lily said brightly, lifting her free hand in greeting. "Long time no see."

Sam dropped Lily's hand as though it burned him and rushed over to me.

"Echo? What are you doing here?"

His voice was quick, defensive. "Don't overthink this. Lily works here as a guard—she watches over all the pups. I just happened to be here to discuss Kitty's adoption…"

He shifted Kitty in his arms, holding her out toward me as if she could somehow change the conversation.

"This is Kitty. Look—adorable, isn't she? She's the most well-behaved pup in the whole orphanage."

I nodded, brushing a hand along her cheek.

"She looks so much like you. If you hadn't said otherwise, I would've thought she was your own blood."

But I could smell it. The scent of both Sam and Lily clung to her—deep in her skin, wrapped in her breath. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't ignore it.

Sam opened his mouth, about to speak again, but Kitty suddenly burst into tears in his arms.

"I'll take her," Lily said, suddenly by his side. She reached out and scooped Kitty up effortlessly, holding her like she'd done it a hundred times before.

Kitty nestled into her chest, nuzzling for comfort, and murmured softly—

"Mommy…"

Sam went pale. His breath hitched, and I could smell the fear radiating off him.

"Don't misunderstand," he stammered. "Lily works here—she's close to all the pups. They all call her 'Mommy.' Once the adoption's finalized, I'll… I'll teach Kitty to call you something else."

But the desperation in his voice only made the ache in my chest deepen.

Was he afraid I'd be hurt? Then why lie to me? Why trap me in this false bond, pretending we were mates while he cast me aside for another woman and her pup?

Why adopt a pup that isn't mine and leave me to face the judgment of every whispering voice and sideways glance?