The Alpha's Rejected Heartache

AVA POV.

The doctor glanced at the test results one last time before looking up at me with a warm smile. "You're going to be a mother, Mrs. Meyer," she said gently. Extending her hand, she added, "Congratulations."

"Huh?" I sat frozen, staring at the paper in the doctor's outstretched hand. Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind.

Then, as if waking from a dream, I took the doctor's hand and grasped it with both of my own. "Thank you," I managed to say around the lump in my throat.

Finally, Mark's biggest wish is coming to pass. I released the doctor's hand and slumped back in my chair, releasing a long breath as a smile slowly spread across my face.

My eyes drifted back down to the page, tracing each letter with joy and relief.

After so long, the sight there was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen. Pregnant. Positive.

As I sat thinking about the news, when he found out that we were mates, at first he wasn't happy, but he later approved of me, and we got married since an alpha is incomplete without his Luna.

A child was the only thing that could save our marriage.

Without an heir, Mark had the freedom to choose another Luna capable of providing a child for our pack.

Rising from the chair and leaving the hospital, I folded the papers carefully and tucked them inside my bag.

Even though I still didn't feel entirely okay because I had a slight headache, this great news overshadowed the pain.

At last, the future looked bright once more. My marriage was secured!

I practically bounced to my car, brimming with happiness. I started the ignition, my hands curling tightly around the steering wheel.

The road ahead blurred past as I drove. I recalled the elders' harsh pronouncement that, without a child, I was useless to the pack.

They suggested that he take another wife to provide the heir or even find his true mate, but he refused. Against all tradition, he remained by my side.

I smiled gently as I remembered how loyal Mark was. While others criticized me, he was the only one who believed. It was his trust that made me love him even more every day.

Finally, our love was now bringing something wonderful: I was pregnant with our baby!

Driving up to the mansion, my earlier joy dimmed a bit. Lately, Mark had been avoiding me, though he waved it off with vague excuses.

But I could sense it wasn't because of work.

As Alpha, the burden of leading the pack and overseeing his business dealings was taking a toll on him, but I suspected it was something else.

I parked my car in the empty garage and stayed there for a moment, feeling uncertain as doubts started to return.

When I entered the sitting room, it was quiet, which confirmed my worries.

It was another meeting with the elders, for sure, taking up Mark's time and energy. They always asked so much of him.

I had just reached for the doorknob of my room when a voice boomed out behind me. "Luna Ava"

I spun to find one of the pack's security officers striding towards me, eyes narrowed with suspicion.

As he approached, I quickly looked down to see if I had done something wrong.

My clothes were tidy, and my hands were empty, but the guard stared at me as if I were caught stealing.

"What is it?" I asked evenly, though a hint of fatigue crept into my tone.

The guard lowered his gaze, hesitated, and then said, "Alpha Mark wants to see you."

I let out a sigh because I was feeling a bit tired and in need of rest. "Okay, but let me just..."

"He said now!" he said, my head snapping up.

I was startled, and furrowed lines appeared on my forehead in response to his sharp tone.

Calming myself, I asked, "Is it that serious?"

The guard shifted, avoiding my gaze. "You should come with me because the pack elders also want you there," he muttered gruffly.

My heart felt heavy, like a sinking stone. What could have made both Mark and the elders want to see me?

Trying to gather my courage, I walked behind the guard and left the house. What new problem brought them here this time? I hoped it wasn't the old insult about being barren. That wound had finally healed.

But the elders' constant demands exhausted Mark endlessly.

If only this meeting could give them a break instead of bringing up old conflicts again!

My fingers drifted to massage my temple. Then I felt the crinkling of papers in my bag. I curled my fingers around the test papers tucked inside.

No matter what, this proof of fertility would make me more worthy in the eyes of the elders and put an end to all the troubles we are facing.

My steps became confident as the palace gates rose before us. Smiling to myself, I entered with my head held high, ready to share the news.

At the palace entrance, the guard drew back the thick curtains, revealing the throne room inside.

I quickly looked for Mark, who was sitting on the throne, carrying the regal aura of a king.

On his left side, the elders whispered to each other in low voices. There were six of them, as the tradition required. They carefully observed me as I approached.

However, it was Mark's facial expression that made me feel uneasy. Instead of the usual warm affection, his face appeared distant, as if he were displeased by my presence.

My steps wobbled under his cold stare, confusion and hurt filling my heart. What changed since the last time we spoke to make him look at me with disdain?

"Good day, elders," I greeted and bowed, hoping to reduce the tension in the hall.

Instead, hisses rose from some seated figures.

Before anything else could be said, a voice erupted with accusations. "Not only are you barren, but you are also a cheat."

I was taken aback and turned to my left to find that it was Elder Sinclair, one of the elders, staring at me with anger.

After the death of Mark's father, Elder Sinclair assumed the role of guiding and training Mark as his son, fulfilling the late Alpha's final wish before succumbing to illness.

But why was he so angry? I looked directly into his eyes, even though I felt confused, and asked calmly, "I don't understand, please. Why are you accusing me of being a cheat?"

I looked at Mark, hoping seeing him would make me feel better.

But instead of support, I saw a smirk curl on his lips. Betrayed was an understatement to describe how I felt at that moment.

I felt fear creeping through my body. What lies had they spread to make even my husband turn against me?

I walked closer to him, pleading, "Mark, please, you have to understand that I would never do anything wrong. The things they're saying about me are not true. I would never cheat on you, and you know that! You have to trust me!"

Even after what I said, his stare remained cold, and his shoulders stiffened like stones when I touched him and begged.

Did he believe these allegations without any evidence to support them?

"Our love is real. If nothing else, believe in that!" I said my voice was on the verge of breaking. "I have always trusted you."

Suddenly, something fluttered and fell to the floor in front of me. I bent down and picked up a few scattered photographs with my fingers.

My breath caught in my throat as I looked at the pictures. They showed a woman who looked so similar to me, intimately tangled in silky sheets with another man. What on Earth was this??!!

I gasped and studied each snapshot intently, hoping to find a mistake that would reveal the trick. And then I noticed a sparkle in the fake "me" eyes that gave away the change. No camera had taken this picture; it was all done using clever hands and dark art.

But could Mark see the truth, or did he not trust me anymore? I couldn't even brace myself to do this, even if I wanted to!

I looked at him with pleading eyes, hoping he could see through the elders' deceptive tricks.

"Mark, my love, you know me better than this," I begged softly. "Please look closer at these pictures before letting them tear us apart with more lies. I swore my heart to you, and I would never betray that trust. You have to believe that I would never cheat on you. These photos are false. Someone is trying to come between us!"

"Are you trying to tell me that it wasn't you in the picture!? Do you think I'm stupid!?" Alpha Mark bellowed, his eyes full of madness.

I flinched, scared of his anger, realizing how crazy he could be. My heart raced with fear because I had never felt so frightened before.

How could I convince him? If he didn't believe me about this, would he even believe that I was pregnant with his child?

I anxiously ran my fingers through my hair, feeling tears welling up, but held them back.

I wasn't the person in those pictures. The worst part was that I couldn't prove it because the lady in it had all my features. But who would plan all of this? Why do they want to see me fall?

"All rise!" the herald commanded all of a sudden. The whole assembly stood up in unison, heads bowed respectfully. I was quite lost because such formality was typically reserved for the king and queen.

Wait…. Martha???

Glancing at Mark's side, I froze in horror. Approaching the throne was Martha, my best friend, adorned in my jewelry as if it were her own.

What was she doing there?

She took her place beside Alpha Mark, reaching for his hand with a smile that sliced deeper than any sharp weapon. My world shattered like broken glass.

"Martha?" I exclaimed, tears welling up in my eyes and streaming down my face.

Through a haze of tears, I saw nothing but betrayal in the eyes of my best friend. A small cry escaped my trembling lips as everything I cherished was destroyed.

How could Martha, of all people, do this?

AVA POV.

Elder Sinclair stood and addressed his fellow Elders "Behold, the right Luna of this pack has arrived!" He proclaimed aloud, his face beaming with smiles.

My shocked eyes followed Martha's movement as she stepped forward and bowed her head, the picture of poise and respect.

Wait…she…

My jaw dropped. No, it couldn't be…

When Martha glanced up, our eyes met, and I saw her lip curled in a silent sneer before she rolled her eyes. I felt my cheeks flush hot at the insult.

"Martha, how could you do this to me?" The words came out as a rasp, barely louder than a breath. My legs wobbled, threatening to give way as cold gripped my body.

Martha sauntered closer, her eyes glittering with contempt. "Is it my fault that you cheated on him?" She snarled.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, Ava. Even if you are his true Luna, you can't keep yourself well!"

I shook my head, numb disbelief slowing my thoughts. "I never...we were sisters."

"Sisters?" Martha spat. "You were unworthy of the position from the start. An empty vessel that could provide no heir. I'm his true Luna, dumbass!"

Her words cut deep as I struggled to hold her harsh gaze, my insides screaming.

As Martha held her gaze with mine, I saw a glimmer in her eyes. It was a smug gaze that sent a chill through my spine. Suddenly, the pieces fell into place…

Martha was the one who planned it all!

She wanted to take him away from me, so she fabricated the pictures, and she succeeded. I never knew that she had always been jealous of me.

My breath caught in my throat as Martha reached out and held Mark's hand, positioning herself next to him.

Tears filled my eyes once more, but I could barely utter a word. This was it. My life was done, right in front of me!

Mark stood up and came closer to me, extending his hands. I felt his warm palms gently holding my cheeks.

It felt as though he was trying to apologize. He wanted me to comprehend something, even though the hurt from his betrayal was too deep for words.

I looked into his eyes, searching for the truth that I already knew was gone.

My shoulders slumped in defeat. Martha had taken everything, and this was merely Mark tying up loose ends, not seeking forgiveness.

"I don't want you to blame Martha for anything because she is my true fated mate, and I can't do without her. I stopped loving you when I found out that you are unable to have children, and since then I have been with Martha. I almost regretted it, but you cheated on me?" he said in a calm but angry tone, without even considering how his words would hurt me.

"Let's get a divorce!" he ordered, his voice sharp and precise.

I stumbled back, holding the edge of a pillar to keep myself standing.

This couldn't be real, our love couldn't come to an end, not like this!

I never knew a day like this would come when we would discuss divorce. More tears fell from my eyes as I tried to wipe them away.

But Mark had already turned away from me and started holding Martha's hands.

I lifted my gaze and saw Martha, adorned in my jewelry and Mark caressing her, both looking very happy about my misfortune.

I couldn't believe this was the same Martha I knew. Memories came rushing back.

We've been friends since childhood. She was like the badass young mistress of her wealthy family, while I was the poor orphan from the orphanage home of the pack.

From the moment Martha came to the orphanage and held my hand, I knew we had a special bond that was stronger than family.

As kids, we shared things, gave each other advice, and worked things out together to the point that people saw us as sisters or twins.

Even though Martha came from a wealthy family, she chose to be with me.

We faced every obstacle together: my struggles to afford my tuition, and her parent's disapproval of our friendship.

When I started working in the pack as a servant to pay for high school, I couldn't help but feel my heart race every time I saw Mark.

Later, when we found out we were mates and Martha was studying abroad, he fell in love with me.

Finally, my dreams had come true! We got married, and a year into our marriage, Martha suddenly came back.

I never thought her return would lead to something like this!

Martha's betrayal hurts the most. It was a wound that will never fully heal.

The heat of anger boiled up inside me as I stormed towards her.

Martha stood between us, a hand protectively resting on her belly.

As I lunged forward to grab her, Mark moved with lightning speed and caught my wrists in an iron grip before I could lay a finger on her.

"Let me go!" I screamed, struggling against his hold. But his strength was too much. With a twist and shove, he threw me to the ground.

My knees slammed into the hard floor as Martha dashed to Mark's side.

"Darling, she tried to hurt me and your child," Martha whimpered, caressing her stomach.

My eyes went wide. Child? Was Martha...pregnant?

"Oh my…"

"This woman needs to be banished from the pack!" Elder Sinclair’s voice boomed, shaking me from my daze.

"How could she try to harm our Luna and the heir to the pack? She knew she was pregnant, so she wanted to kill the child!" He yelled in anger, slamming his hands on the table, causing me to flinch.

In their chairs, the other elders muttered in agreement, shooting daggers at me with their eyes while pointing accusing fingers at me.

No…That wasn't…" I shrank under their harsh glares, overcome with shame.

When I looked at Martha again, crocodile tears streamed down her cheeks as she nuzzled into Mark's chest. It was obvious who they all believed.

My hands trembled with rage when I stared at Mark.

My so-called husband who had been sleeping with my 'best friend' behind my back, offered lame excuses, and to make matters worse, he got her pregnant.

What hurt me even more was the fact that all the elders were on their side. I couldn't blame them anyway, Mark was their Alpha, and they were concerned about him.

It's just that no one seemed to give a damn about me. I took a breath to steady myself, standing to my feet.

"Bring the divorce papers. I will sign them and leave this place right this minute," I said, wiping away my tears.

Mark's eyes widened in shock. He never expected me to have the courage and say what I just said.

Did he think I would stand and watch all this nonsense? No way.

"Hand over the papers to me," he ordered. An elder stood up with the papers in front of him, walked over to him, and handed them to him.

He looked at me, shook his head, and then returned to his seat.

He thrust the papers at me. With shaky hands, I collected them and searched for the areas that requested my signature and signed on them.

I refused to let them see me break. As I handed the papers back, I lifted my chin high and held Mark's stare until he looked away in shame.

"I, Ava Collins reject you, Alpha Mark as my mate and cut ties with Moonfall Pack" I recited the rejection rites as he scoffed.

"I gladly accept your rejection, you can leave now. Consider yourself exiled from this pack. Never show your face here again!" Mark roared, his eyes flashing with cold fury.

Without another word, I turned on my heel and strode from the gathering, shoulders squared.

I swallowed back my tears and held my head high as I walked away.

Each step was painful, but I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart.

When I got to the palace entrance, tears started flowing down my face, expressing how heartbroken I was.

A guard was standing there with two big bags, which were my luggage. I knew they were mine, so without saying anything, I grabbed the handle of the biggest bag and pulled it along with me out of the palace.

I couldn't even think of going back to the mansion because the maids would only throw me disdainful stares, and gossip amongst themselves.

The only things I had in the mansion were the ones he bought for me, like the car and the jewelry, which Martha now claims.

All that was left of my old life there were empty rooms and memories. I had nothing except these bags and the clothes I was wearing.

As night came, I kept walking until the lights of the palace and pack lands disappeared into the shadows. It was only then that I fell to the wet ground, holding my knees tightly as I finally let out uncontrollable sobs. I was all by myself.

When it got dark, I couldn't walk anymore. I tripped off the dirt path and collapsed against the thick roots of an old oak tree. My feet hurt, and my body felt tired, but it was my broken heart that hurt the most.

As I caught my breath in the cool night air, I gently rested a hand on my still-flat stomach.

"Just you and me now, little one," I whispered. I looked at my tummy, rubbed it gently, and blew it a kiss, smiling.

I leaned my head back against the rough bark and gazed up at the flickering stars through tear-blurred eyes.

“I promise you, child, your father will never know you. He will be dead to you, as you will be dead to him. He will never know of your existence, and you will never know of his," I spoke with a cracking voice due to my tears.

Through my tears, a mix of happiness and sadness appeared on my face as I thought about the new life growing inside me. It was a bittersweet feeling.

This baby was a symbol of love and hope that Mark could never take away or spoil. No matter what happens, I will do everything in my power to protect this child!