Early morning sun rays poured in through the large window of the Alpha mansion into the plush chamber and gently fell upon Lila, who sat on the edge of the bed. A small box lay in her hands as her fingers danced upon the sleek surface, imagining the happiness that this moment would bring. For two years, she had longed for this day—a chance to bring happiness to Clyde, her mate and the Alpha of the Blood Moon pack.
The pressure to conceive an heir had always been a silent storm hovering above their marriage, one that whispered doubts and cast shadows on their bond. Today, though, she finally had the news Clyde had been waiting for. Her heart fluttered as she placed a hand over her stomach, envisioning the life growing inside her.
The sound of heavy footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Lila straightened, her heart racing as the door creaked open. Clyde stepped inside, his expression unreadable, his presence commanding as always. But there was something different in his demeanor today-something colder.
"Clyde," Lila greeted softly, her voice laced with anticipation.
Lila," he replied shortly, no warmth in his voice. He hopped right into things as he set a set of papers in front of her on the table.
She looked down to focus on the bold title: Divorce Agreement.
Her breath suddenly hitched, her chest tight. "What is this?" she asked, her voice just barely above a whisper.
It's over," Clyde said coolly. "I've given you two years to make your role as Luna useful and the pack needs an heir. I can't wait any longer."
She felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. He, the man she loved, her chosen mate according to the Moon Goddess, cast her aside as if she meant nothing. The happiness she had carried in her heart a few moments ago turned into a sore ache.
She clutched the booties in her hand, a silent testament to the life growing inside her, and fought back the sobs threatening to escape. "How can you do this to me? To us?"
"I'm sorry," Clyde said, though his tone lacked sincerity. "But this is what's best for the pack."
As he turned and walked out of the room, the sound of the door closing behind him resounded in her ears like the final nail in the coffin of their bond. Lila collapsed to the floor, tears streaming down her face. She held the tiny booties close to her chest, her heart breaking not just for herself but for the innocent life she now carried.
In that instant, she decided to keep her pregnancy a secret. Clyde was not worth it; he had made his choice, and she would protect her child no matter what.
The mansion felt colder than ever, the walls echoing with an emptiness that mirrored Lila's heart. She sat in the quiet of her room, staring at the unsigned divorce papers lying on the table. Her fingers traced the edge of the documents, her mind replaying Clyde's harsh words over and over again.
Two years she had put up with a loveless marriage, trying to do everything to win Clyde's affections-to be the Luna he needed. She had silenced her dreams, masked her pain, and borne the whispers of the pack that questioned her worth. All for him, all in the hope that someday he might see her for more than a means to an heir.
But now, it was clear. Clyde would never love her.
Tears pricked at her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She had cried enough tears for a man who looked upon her as little more than a failure. She concentrated on the life growing inside her instead. Her child would be her strength, her purpose.
Lila ran her hand over her stomach, a bittersweet smile dancing on her lips. "You'll have me," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Even if no one else wants us, I'll protect you. I promise.
Her mind wandered back to the beginning of their marriage. It hadn't always been this way. When the Moon Goddess had fated her to Clyde, she had thought it was a blessing. He was everything she had ever wanted: strong, noble, destined for greatness. But over time, the man she admired became distant, cold.
She had convinced herself it was the pressure of leading the Blood Moon pack, his duties as Alpha leaving little room for affection. Still, she had known deep inside that was not the case. Clyde didn't care for her, not as a mate, not as a wife.
And now, with the divorce papers sitting before her, that truth was undeniable.
The knock on her door startled her. She quickly wiped her face, steeling herself. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Marla, one of the housemaids, entered cautiously. "Luna, Alpha Clyde has requested your presence in the dining hall."
Lila's stomach twisted. The thought of facing him so soon after his rejection was unbearable, but she nodded. "Tell him I'll be there shortly."
Marla was hesitant, her eyes filled with sympathy, as she left. Lila forced herself to stand and took a deep breath. She glanced once more at the divorce papers and pushed them aside.
She entered the dining hall to find Clyde already seated at the head of the table, his expression unreadable, focusing on the papers spread in front of him. Barely did he acknowledge her approach.
Did you think about what I said?" he asked, not bothering to look up.
"I have," Lila replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
"And?"
She met his gaze, her chin lifted in defiance. "I'll sign the papers. But on one condition."
Clyde raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what's that?"
"You'll grant me a month to prepare," she said, her heart pounding. "A month to settle things before I leave the pack.
He studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. One month. But after that, we're done."
Lila swallowed the lump in her throat, nodding in return. She turned and walked out of the hall, her steps steady despite the storm raging inside her.
She had lain in her room, cradling her stomach, a fierce determination ablaze in her. Clyde might have rejected her, but she was not going to let him map out her future. She would go, but not in disgrace.