“I, Alpha Kael Winters of the Shadow Ridge Pack, reject you, Talia Hale, as my mate and Luna.”
The words slice through me. My wolf howls in agony, a raw cry echoing within me as the mate bond snaps, leaving me gasping for air. Every wolf in the pack hall feels the impact of its break; some look away, unable to watch the pain flickering across my face.
I gaze into Kael’s steel grey eyes, those same powerful Alpha eyes I fell madly in love with at the age of 18, but all I see there now is ice. Pain pierces my heart, and I stumble backward. Instinctively, I place a protective hand on my belly, but Kael doesn’t seem to notice, or maybe he doesn’t care. If only he knew.
As I struggle to steady myself, my gaze falls on Ronan — my brother, and Kael’s Primary Beta. He stands there next to Kael, watching it all unfold with a cold detachment that chills me to my core. He knew, and he didn’t warn me. The realization hits like a fresh wound, twisting the knife of betrayal deeper.
Kael’s Alpha aura presses down on me, cold and unforgiving, forcing me into submission even now. “Do you accept?” His voice is hard, an edge of authority only an Alpha can wield.
I force myself to look into his steely eyes, my vision blurred, my heart splintering. The pain radiates through my bond with my wolf, Eira, who whimpers in sorrow. “I, Talia Hale, accept your rejection, Alpha Kael,” I say, my voice barely a whisper, but it echoes through the hall like a final toll.
The bond’s severing is brutal, like claws ripping through my chest. I stagger, clutching at my heart as my wolf cries, the shared agony a cruel reminder of what we’ve lost. But I refuse to let Kael see me fall.
I steady myself, and for a fleeting moment, I catch a shift in Kael’s expression — a flicker of something, regret maybe, or hesitation. But it vanishes as quickly as it came, and beside him, a beautiful she-wolf steps forward, her hand possessively on his arm. Sabrina, my former friend, and the one who will now take my place as Luna.
“You can have your chosen Luna now, Alpha Kael,” I whisper, bitterly, unable to mask the betrayal in my voice. “You’re free.”
Kael’s gaze darkens, but he stays silent as I turn and walk away, each step heavier than the last, the weight of every pack member’s stare pressing down on me.
My eyes catch Ronan’s. He holds my gaze as I walk away, his expression unreadable, cold-hearted even. The betrayal settles over me, thick and suffocating. My brother, the one person I thought would have my back in this pack, says nothing as I leave the hall.
I am alone, truly alone, unwanted even by my own blood. A hollow ache blooms within me, making the decision to leave feel inevitable. I’m not welcome here anymore.
Outside, the night is quiet, the full moon casting an eerie glow over the pack grounds. I place a trembling hand over my stomach, feeling the faint, pulsing presence of the life growing within me — Kael’s child. The child he’ll never know. The child of The Prophecy.
Rhea, my cousin and closest confidante, emerges from the shadows, her face tight with worry. “Talia, are you alright?”
I nod, though my voice breaks as I answer. “I can’t stay, Rhea. Not after this. He can’t ever know…about the baby.”
Rhea’s eyes widen, her wolf bristling in shock. “You’re leaving the pack? Alone? But what about…your wolf, Eira? She’ll be devastated.”
“Eira will heal,” I murmur, though I feel her heartache pressing against mine. “Kael made his choice. He’s chosen his Luna.” I cradle my belly in both hands, and for a moment, I close my eyes, feeling the faint life stirring within. “But this child…he’s no ordinary wolf, Rhea.”
Rhea’s brows knit, her worry deepening as she watches me, sensing there’s more. “What are you talking about, Talia?” she asks with concern.
I take a breath, the weight of it pressing into my chest. “The Prophecy…the one Grandma told us to keep secret. It’s true, Rhea.”
Rhea gasps, “You mean the poem Grandma gave you, before she died? The one about the heir?”
I nod, massaging my belly. “It’s him, Rhea. He’s the one.”
Rhea shakes her head, not wanting to believe the implications of my words. “If that’s true, Talia, it means…”
I nod, certain of about what I’m about to say. “My child…is the Moonborn Heir.” My voice drops, barely a whisper, as the enormity of the revelation settles between us. “If Kael ever found out…he’d stop at nothing to control him.”
Rhea’s expression hardens, understanding flickering in her eyes. “Then no one can know. Talia, you can’t let anyone find out this child is his.”
I nod, my resolve strengthening. “I won’t. I’ll protect him.”
Rhea glances back toward the pack hall, where Kael’s scent — commanding and cold — lingers. “Where will you go, Talia? Without a pack, you’ll be vulnerable.”
“Anywhere that keeps us safe,” I reply, my voice steadier now. “Far from him…” My heart breaks as I think about leaving everyone I’ve known and loved my entire life. Kael…my brother, Ronan, “….and far from the pack.” I press my hand against my belly, a fierce determination filling me. “I’ll find a way to keep us hidden.”
Rhea takes my hand, her grip firm and comforting. “Then I’ll come with you.” I give her a hug and squeeze her tight, unable to express my gratefulness in words. Her loyalty means everything.
As we turn away and face the dark forest, a distant howl rises from the pack hall, a howl of celebration — with Kael’s decision to mate with Sabrina, the pack’s future is cemented. But mingled with the howls of celebration, I hear Kael’s unmistakable moan, and it rings with the sound of loss. My heart clenches — Kael may be their Alpha, but he will never know that he’s lost more than just a mate. He’s lost his heir. The Moonborn Heir.
