Rejected by the Alpha’s Choice

"Mrs. Cruz, we've finished your check-up. Your health has been fragile, and it's been quite an effort to keep the pup safe so far. You need to be extremely cautious in these last two months; otherwise, there’s a risk of complications with the pregnancy."

"I understand, thank you, healer."

I looked down at my swollen belly, feeling a deep sense of loneliness. The pup within me stirred faintly, as if sensing my emotions. I placed a hand over my abdomen, trying to soothe it, but the ache in my heart only grew.

"Oh, Mrs. Cruz, can you see now?"

Dr. Jason Bailey, the pack healer, noted my restored vision and seemed genuinely pleased for me. His kind eyes softened as he spoke, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of comfort.

"Yes, during my last check-up, I suddenly started seeing again. The healer said it might be due to the pregnancy hormones."

"That’s wonderful news! Alpha Cruz must be thrilled, right? By the way, why didn’t he come with you today?"

I hadn’t had the chance to tell Hayes about regaining my sight. Would he be happy? Probably not. My wolf stirred in the back of my mind, a low growl of disapproval. *He doesn’t deserve you,* she whispered, her voice tinged with bitterness.

I managed a weak smile. "He’s busy."

Busy accompanying his beloved Miriam, with no time to join me for the prenatal visit. I unfolded my white cane, though I no longer needed it, and left the healer’s den.

As I walked through the Crimson Fang Pack’s territory, I saw Hayes in a pack-wide broadcast. The large screen in the pack square displayed him sitting beside Miriam, her hand resting possessively on his arm.

"Miriam’s pup isn’t born out of wedlock; it’s mine. We’ve been together for a long time now."

The interviewer, a Gamma from the neighboring pack, leaned forward with interest. "But Alpha Cruz, I heard you were already mated."

"Yes, I was, but we are divorced now. I’ll soon mate Miriam and give her the status she deserves as my Luna."

"Well, congratulations to you both! I wish you a happy life together!"

They snuggled up to each other, smiling warmly at the camera. "Thank you."

I looked up and saw Hayes, holding Miriam close. Sadness washed over me, and my wolf growled again, louder this time. *He’s a fool,* she snarled. *He’ll regret this.*

"This Alpha Cruz, he’s truly committed! Imagine divorcing his mate for his first love!"

"Apparently, he never loved his mate. Otherwise, why was Ophelia Perry never in the spotlight? Five years of mating, and the moment his first love returns, he divorces her. Poor Ophelia."

"I heard Miriam ran into some problems abroad, leading to her pregnancy. Could it be false?"

"Real or not, when someone truly loves another, they wouldn’t hold it against them; they’d feel sympathy. Didn’t you see the way Alpha Cruz looked at her? If I were Ophelia, I would have left ages ago."

The broadcast was blinding, and the whispers around me felt like knives piercing my heart. I listened and watched as tears streamed down my face.

Just days ago, Hayes had brought Miriam, also eight months pregnant, back to the pack house. Despite Miriam’s troubles abroad and the uncertainty regarding the pup’s father, Hayes announced to everyone that her child was his. I was pushing my body to its limits to carry our pup, yet he told everyone we were divorced.

Well, Hayes Cruz, I was blind to you all these years. Since you want a divorce, I shall grant it!

I walked back to the pack house, feeling like a hollow shell. As soon as I entered the estate, the Omegas fell silent.

"Stop talking, stop talking, she’s back. Turn off the screen."

"What a tragedy. Fortunately, she can’t see; otherwise, she’d be heartbroken."

"Mrs. Cruz, welcome back."

Kamila, one of the Omegas, approached to assist me, but I didn’t respond. I just stood there, staring blankly at the turned-off screen.

I lost my sight saving Hayes Cruz. Ever since I was ten, I adored him. But all along, he only ever loved Miriam Mendoza.

Five years ago, Miriam and her family left for another pack territory. Devastated, Hayes drowned his sorrows in alcohol. While driving back to the pack house, he nearly got into an accident, and I rushed out to push him to safety.

Hayes was unharmed, but I lost my vision.

Now, as I stood in the pack house, the weight of those years pressed down on me. My wolf whined softly, her presence a small comfort in the midst of my despair. *We’ll get through this,* she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction.

I clenched my fists, determination hardening within me. Hayes Cruz, you may have taken my sight and my heart, but you won’t take my strength. Not anymore.