Rejected by the Alpha’s Choice

Later, my parents insisted that Alpha Hayes Cruz take me as his mate.

"You've loved him for fifteen years, Ophelia, and now you’ve lost your vision saving him. He must fulfill his duty and claim you as his Luna," my father, Gamma Luke Perry of the Silver Moon Pack, declared, his voice firm and unyielding.

The Crimson Fang Pack elders also applied pressure. "If you do not mate Ophelia, Alpha Hayes, you risk the stability of this pack and your position as our leader," one of the senior warriors warned, his tone leaving no room for argument.

In the end, Hayes gave in. We performed the mating ceremony, and he marked me as his Luna. For a while, it seemed he was fulfilling his obligations. At first, his attention felt perfunctory, but eventually, he began to bring me gifts on every full moon and shared late-night conversations with me under the moonlit sky.

Everything seemed to be improving—until Margaret Young, the Luna of the Crimson Fang Pack and Hayes’s mother, decided she wanted grandchildren. She spiked his drink with a potent herb, and that night, we conceived a pup. Hayes, however, saw it as a manipulative ploy and distanced himself from me afterward.

A few days ago, I woke up to a miracle. My vision, lost in the rogue attack, had returned. The pack healer, Dr. Jason Bailey, explained that the hormonal changes of my pregnancy had triggered a rare healing phenomenon among werewolves. Overjoyed, I rushed to the Crimson Fang Pack’s den to share the news with Hayes.

But when I arrived, I found Miriam Mendoza there. She was seated on the alpha’s couch, sipping tea while Hayes hovered over her, his voice soft and tender.

"Careful, it’s hot," he murmured, his tone dripping with concern—a tone he had never used with me.

In just five days, Hayes had nearly forgotten me, his blind mate, and was completely wrapped up in Miriam.

"Take it easy. You’ve been under so much stress," he continued, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Miriam nestled into his arms, acting as if I were invisible. "Don’t worry, Alpha. I’m just a bit tired."

The aroma of spiced honey cake wafted from the kitchen, catching Hayes’s attention. "Kamila," he called to the Omega, "what’s cooking?"

"It’s the honey cake Luna Margaret sent for Ophelia," Kamila replied hesitantly.

"Bring it to Miriam," Hayes ordered without hesitation.

"But Alpha, it was meant for Ophelia. There’s only one serving!"

"Miriam’s health is fragile, and the pup is small. She needs the nourishment," Hayes said firmly, his gaze briefly flickering to me. "As for Ophelia, she barely eats. It’s a waste every time. From now on, all the supplements my mother sends will go to Miriam."

My body trembled violently, my fists clenched at my sides. My reduced appetite was due to the constant nausea of pregnancy. While most expectant mothers gained weight, I had lost nearly ten pounds. Luna Margaret often sent me supplements out of concern, but to Hayes, my eating them was just a waste.

"Is this really okay, Alpha Hayes? After all, they were meant for Ophelia," Miriam said, feigning innocence.

Hayes squeezed her hand, whispering reassurance. "It’s fine. You’re carrying my pup. There’s nothing to worry about. Besides..." He glanced at me once more, his expression cold. "She wouldn’t mind."

"Thank you, Alpha Hayes. You’re so good to me," Miriam purred, lifting her head to kiss him lightly.

They thought I couldn’t see, but I saw it all clearly.

"Sure, I don’t mind. Enjoy, Miriam," I said, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest.

Pulling my gaze away, I headed upstairs. I hadn’t gotten far when I overheard Miriam ask, "When do you plan to discuss the divorce with Ophelia?"

"Soon," Hayes replied. "Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to make her sign the papers. I promise I’ll mate you properly and claim you as my Luna."

I froze on the stairs, my heart shattering into pieces. I had given him my unwavering loyalty and love, and in return, he cast me aside for an outsider.

At that moment, I was utterly disenchanted with Hayes Cruz, the Alpha I had once thought would be my mate for life.