The Luna He Threw Away Came Back For Blood

Just then, Nolan Hayes entered the room, his lips pursed into a tight line that betrayed his concern for me.

"Gamma Heidi, your surgery is scheduled in three hours."

"Our best surgeon, Dr. Thorne, will be performing the procedure."

"Try not to worry. Dr. Thorne will ensure you make a full recovery."

Altair took my hand, his grip tight.

"Heidi, don't be afraid. I'll be waiting for you right outside the operating room."

I slowly pulled my hand away.

Then, I stared directly into his eyes.

"If I can never shift into my wolf again, will you still complete the bonding ceremony with me?"

Altair leaned down and pressed a deep, seemingly affectionate kiss to my forehead.

He promised solemnly, "I will. You are my one and only Luna."

I forced a faint smile. "Alright. I believe you."

I gently caressed his handsome, weary face.

"Altair, you look exhausted."

"My surgery is still a few hours away. Why don't you get some rest first?"

Altair let out a long sigh, a mixture of fatigue and relief.

"You're right. I haven't slept, worrying about you."

"Now that you're safe, I think I need to rest."

"My dear Heidi, can I sleep here, beside you?"

I nodded, a placid smile on my face.

Then, I watched him lie down beside me.

He fell asleep quickly, his breathing deep and even.

I reached over and picked up his communication crystal from the bedside table.

The background was a picture I took of him the first time he showed me his wolf form.

In the photo, he was howling at the sky, brimming with pride.

I opened his contacts and saw two pinned links at the top: one for me, and one for Leia.

I couldn't believe it. An Alpha as busy as him would pin an Omega's link!

It was a special privilege not even his most trusted Beta enjoyed.

How utterly ironic.

I clicked on the link to Leia.

I scrolled through several images of a cute pup, accompanied by a series of his soft, recorded messages.

"Dad, Mom made me cute rabbit-shaped jerky today. It was yummy."

"Dad, the birthday bone you got me was so delicious."

"I wish you could have been with me."

Following that message was a picture of the pup, his face greasy with food, Leia smiling at his side.

"Dad, a mean wolf bullied me. He said I don't have a dad. I told him my dad is a powerful hero, but he didn't believe me."

"Dad, you're so cool! The wolf who bullied me yesterday apologized today. You taught him a lesson, right?"

"Dad, Mom and I miss you so much. When can we all live together?"

Altair never replied in any of these recordings.

But from the pup's reactions, it was clear Altair had been quietly taking care of them.

I opened the private album, filled with images of Leia and her pup.

Some were clearly recorded by him.

Altair once told me he didn't like pups.

Now I saw that for the lie it was.

He liked pups. Just not pups with me.

A self-deprecating smile twisted my lips.

My heart aching with bitterness, I forced myself to stop scrolling.