Looking For The True Alpha Father of My Child

On the night when I should have been celebrating our bond mating ceremony, my bonded mate, Alpha Ronan, publicly marked another female in front of the entire pack. He had not warned me about it. He simply stood on the high stone of the Gathering Circle and let his blood drip onto Mara's bare shoulder.

"Mara carries my heir," he said. "She will be honored among us. Treated as one who bears the future."

The pack cheered. Some looked at me with either pity or surprise before looking away again. But I remained silent and calm. Later, I simply returned to our den, removed the ceremonial braid from my hair, and packed only what I could carry.

He found me just as I was lacing my cloak.

"She is young, strong, and fertile," Ronan said, as if that explained everything. "We had been together for so long, yet we don't have a pup. What else could I do?"

I did not say anything of which he thought was an agreement.

"Also, she will sleep in our house now. It is not safe for her to sleep outside," he said.

"Okay. Maybe let her sleep in our room too. That would be much safer," I muttered.

I could tell he did not like my answer. His frown deepened, but I did not care. He looked like he was about to say something else, but then his eyes landed on my clothes and the packed bag on the bed.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

I ignored him and walked past him. He grabbed my arm and growled.

"I didn't give you permission to leave."

"If I don't, where will she sleep?" I said, mocking him. "Or don't tell me you want me to sleep on the floor while you two are sleeping on the bed?"

Before Ronan could say anything, Mara entered. She was glowing with youth and power. Her eyes glanced at my bag.

"Please don't go," she said with a shaking voice and teary eyes. "I can sleep on the floor. You don't have to accommodate me."

I looked at her fake concern and scoffed, walking out of the house without another word. Mara seemed to want to chase after me, but Ronan blocked her and scoffed.

"Still throwing a tantrum despite being an adult already. Let her go. She will soon realize that she was wrong."

I walked into the trees. I would be lying if I said I was not angry. How could Ronan destroy our bond like that? Using another woman just to get a child? Did he think I was stupid?

I tried to calm myself as the cold wind bit through my cloak. The moon was high when I reached the ridge where the cliffs dropped like fangs into the dark. There, I found a small wolf pup. Not a shifter, but a real one. It was limping and weak, probably left behind by its mother. I knelt and picked it up gently.

"Were you left behind too?" I asked.

The pup whimpered but did not resist. I wrapped it in my cloak and carried it back to the shack I used to live in before I bonded with Ronan.

The next day, someone knocked on the door. When I opened it, I found Ronan's mother, Rachel. Her face was filled with disapproval, like always. She had never liked me, even before Ronan and I were bonded.

"Do you know what time it is?" she asked in a sharp tone.

"Do you have to ask? Can't you read time yourself?" I replied without fear.

Rachel gritted her teeth and scoffed. "I came to remind you that you need to cook breakfast and serve Ronan, you lazy woman!"

I laughed. "Why should I serve him? Didn't he already choose a new mate? Can't she cook?"

"She's pregnant! How could you expect her to work?" Rachel said, glaring. "Not that you would understand. You've never had a child."

I clenched my fists. I did know. I had gotten pregnant once. But an accident had caused me to lose it. The healer said I might never carry a child again. I thought Ronan had accepted that fact and still loved me. But it seemed to be just wishful thinking.

Before I could say anything, Mara appeared beside Rachel, looking pale and weak. She leaned into Rachel like a child needing comfort.

"Please don't be angry at her because of me. I can cook," she said, trying to sound pitiful. "My feet were tired, and I had morning sickness. That's why I couldn't move well and woke up late. I'm sorry. I will cook."

Mara looked at me with a soft smile. "Bella, how about you? Is there anything you want to eat? I'll make it."

Rachel turned to Mara with soft eyes, full of affection. "No, you don't have to. You're pregnant. You need to rest."

"No, I can do it. I've done harder things. Cooking is easy," Mara insisted.

"This child," Rachel said with pride, then glared at me again. "Look what you've done. Making a pregnant woman work. Do you feel no shame?"

I rolled my eyes. "She said she could do it, then let her."

Rachel pointed a finger at me, full of rage. "You"

Before she could finish, the pup I had rescued walked out from under the table. It wagged its tail and came to my feet. I bent down to pick it up, but Mara reached for it first.

"What a cute pup!"

She grabbed it quite roughly, and the pup whimpered loudly in pain. The pup reacted on instinct and bit Mara's hand. Mara screamed loudly. Just in time, Ronan arrived. Seeing Mara crying, he immediately pushed me away.

"Bella, what are you doing? What did you do to Mara!"

I hadn't done anything at all, but it had become second nature for Ronan to blame me. I hadn't even spoken yet when Mara stepped forward, clutching her bloodied hand.

"It's okay, it's my fault," she said, biting her lip slightly. "I touched the pup without permission, so it bit me"

The blood wasn't much, just a thin trail across her palm, but to Ronan, it was too much. His eyes burned as he searched for the pup, which had been thrown aside and now lay disoriented in the corner. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and kicked it. The pup let out a sharp, painful yelp. I lunged and blocked him just as he raised his foot to strike again.

"What are you doing?!" I cried, standing protectively in front of the small creature.

"I'm doing what I should," Ronan snapped. "This wild thing hurt Mara. What do you think would happen if it scratched her belly? What about the baby?"

"The pup didn't do anything wrong," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Mara was the one mishandling it."

Mara whimpered again, loud enough for everyone to hear. She held her hand dramatically, blood still dripping between her fingers.

"I thought it was cute," she said through a sob. "I just wanted to pet it"

Ronan's face twisted in rage. He shoved me aside hard enough to make his point. I stumbled but didn't back down. I covered the pup with my body as he raised his foot again. He paused, his leg suspended midair, not because of hesitation but because I was on the way.

"Did you forget it's forbidden to bring in beasts from outside? That thing's a wild wolf," he spat, eyeing the pup like it carried plague.

"Ronan, it's just a pup," I said firmly. "It can't even harm anyone"

"Can't do anything harm?" Rachel's voice cut through the room like a blade. "Look at Mara's hand! What if that wild beast carried some disease? Ronan, get rid of that creature and punish this woman! She not only hurt Mara, she's been making her cook!"

"What?" I blinked in disbelief. "I didn't"

"Will you allow her to order Mara like that, Ronan? She's the one carrying your child," Rachel looked at me from head to toe with a sneer. "Instead of staying with this barren woman, you should take good care of someone who could give you a child."

Ronan did not comment on Rachel's words. Instead, he focused on me.

"She's carrying our child, Bella. After birth, you will be its mother," Ronan said, holding Mara close in his embrace. "Can't you accommodate her while she is carrying the baby? It would be for your own good."

"Ronan, what are you saying? Are you still choosing this woman" Rachel protested.

"Shut up!" Ronan commanded, without looking at Rachel, only focusing on me. "Take care of Mara as to bond with the child."

I saw Mara lower her head, her thoughts unreadable. I couldn't help but sneer at Ronan.

"Ronan, let's break the bond."

Ronan froze. He was about to speak when Mara cried out, suddenly clutching her stomach.

"Ronan I think my tummy hurts."

Ronan immediately turned to her, panic flashing in his eyes. He supported her gently and examined her injured hand. Then he turned to me, and the look in his eyes held none of the affection he once had for me.

"Throw that thing away," he growled, "or else"

He didn't finish, but I didn't need him to. The unspoken threat was etched in every line of his face. Rachel didn't even glance at me. She grabbed Ronan's arm, urging him to hurry.

"Don't risk the baby," she said, worriedly. "Even a small wound could cause complications."

I watched as they walked away. The moment they vanished, I heard a weak whimper. My heart dropped. I rushed to the corner. The pup lay still, trembling, its breaths shallow. Its ribs rose and fell in uneven rhythm. One leg was twisted at an odd angle.

"Don't worry," I whispered, gently cradling it in my arms. "I'll take care of you."

I hurried to the healer's hut. Thankfully, the old healer was available and examined the pup without comment. He simply nodded and began gathering herbs to treat the injuries. As I waited, the door creaked open.

"There you are," Ronan said behind me.

I turned slowly, face blank. He didn't say a word. He grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the pup.

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded, struggling.

He dragged me to another room in the healer's hut and shoved me into a chair.

"Draw her blood," he ordered.

"What?" I looked up, stunned. "What did I do?!"

Rachel entered the room and immediately pointed at me like I was some cursed thing.

"Because of you, Mara is bleeding. She went into shock! She needs blood to replenish what was lost," Rachel said, glaring at me before turning to Ronan. "Make sure you take enough. We can't risk the baby's life!"

She left before I could reply, her voice disappearing into the other room. The healer looked at Ronan for confirmation. He nodded, and the healer began his work and prepared the scary-looking blood collector. I didn't struggle, but I stared Ronan down.

"Mara's in shock from the bite," Ronan said, trying to soften his tone. "Since you'll be the child's mother"

I laughed coldly. "Does it have to be my blood? Then why don't you give yours? Isn't it your child?"

Ronan frowned. "Bella, don't be childish and hurry, give your blood. It's not time to quarrel."

"Then," I glared at him. "I'll give my blood, but we'll break our bond. You choose."

Ronan opened his mouth to respond, but the door burst open.

Two healers rushed in, their faces pale with urgency. One of them clutched a bloodied cloth against his chest, eyes locked with Ronan's.

"Alpha Ronan, the bleeding is too much! We need the transfusion immediately!"

Ronan's hesitation vanished. He stiffened, then turned sharply to the healer beside me. "Quickly, take her blood! We don't have time to waste."

The healer glanced at me, clearly unsure. I met his gaze and, with a calm smile, extended my arm.

"No need to hesitate," I murmured, baring my wrist. "Take it. This is what he chose, after all."

Blood began to trickle from the needle. I watched it pool and collect into the bag.

"So that's your decision," my voice rang clear over the growing silence. "Then I hope you all live happily ever after."

Ronan frowned. "What are you saying"

Before he could finish, Rachel barged in again like a storm, her shrill voice cutting through the room. "Why is this taking so long?! Mara already lost consciousness!"

Her words struck like knives, and the healer pressed harder against my arm, rushing the flow. The bag quickly filled, warm and red. The second it was sealed, they snatched it away and ran back toward Mara. I moved to stand, to take the pup and go, but Rachel blocked my way, arms crossed and face twisted in disdain.

"And where do you think you're going?" she snapped.

"Do I still have any use here?" I asked coldly. "The blood's been drawn. Shouldn't I be excused?"

Rachel's lips curled into a smirk that didn't reach her eyes. "Excused? You think one bag of blood is enough? Who said we only needed one?"

She turned to the healer. "Take more. Two, no, three more bags."

The healer hesitated. "But ma'am, that much blood it could kill her."

"Mother, that's enough," Ronan finally said, jaw tight. "We have what we need."

Rachel spun toward him, indignant. "Enough? Have you seen Mara? She's as pale as death! She sacrificed her body for your child, and you're content with a single bag of blood from this barren woman?"

Ronan flinched but said nothing. Rachel turned back to the healer and waved her hand dismissively. "Do it. Now. We need extra in case of emergency."

The healer looked to me, conflicted. I offered a tired smile and nodded.

"Please do as she says."

His brows furrowed. "Are you sure?"

"I am," I said, then looked at Ronan dead in the eyes. "After all, I'm saving the Alpha's child. This is the least I can do."

Something flickered in his gaze. It could be guilt, or maybe regret. But before he could speak, Rachel let out a loud scoff.

"That's good. At least you know your worth," she sneered. "You might be barren, but you're still useful. Like livestock."

I didn't reply. I simply turned my face away and stared at the ceiling as the healer inserted a second needle. The bags filled quickly, and by the time the third was sealed, the world around me had started to spin. My limbs trembled, my chest tightened, and darkness prickled at the edges of my vision.

But I didn't faint.

I wouldn't give Rachel satisfaction.

She snatched the bags from the healer's hands.

"Let's hope this is enough to keep the child safe," she said, giving me a harsh look before sweeping out of the room.

Ronan followed her but paused at the doorway. He didn't look back at me. "Go home. I'll I'll treat you once I'm done here."

They left. The healer offered me sugar water, something sweet to keep me conscious. I sipped it slowly, thanked him with a nod, and after a few more minutes of silence, I took the injured pup in my arms and left the hut. I didn't return to Ronan's house. I went back to my own shack.

I lay down with the pup beside me and allowed myself to rest. My eyes closed, heavy with exhaustion, my breath syncing with the pup's faint heartbeat.

It wasn't even an hour before the knocking started. I didn't move. Not when the first knock came, not even when it turned into pounding. I was too tired to stand. Too tired to care.

The door burst open.

Rachel stormed in like a storm. Behind her, Ronan followed with less fury, but his silence was louder than any accusation.

"What do you think you're doing?" Rachel snapped, eyes flashing with disgust as she spotted me still on the bed. "Lying here like some pampered mistress while Mara's starving?! She just survived a trauma! Get up and cook her a proper meal!"

I sat up slowly, every limb protesting. The pup stirred beside me, sensing my distress.

"I'm not a servant," I murmured, voice low. "You already got my blood. Isn't that enough?"

"Don't be so dramatic," Rachel said with a sneer. "We need meat. Ox, preferably. Something rich to help Mara recover. And you'll be the one to hunt it."

I blinked. "You want me to go out now? In this condition?"

"Of course," she scoffed. "You're still walking, aren't you? And since you're so desperate to be useful, here's your chance."

I turned to Ronan, waiting. Hoping.

His jaw was tense. "Mara needs strong protein. The healers said it's the best way to support the fetus after blood loss."

"You're the Alpha," I said. "Send your men. Or go yourself."

He looked away. "I can't. Mara needs me near her now. She's shaken and injured while being pregnant. I need to have my men guard around while I'm beside her."

"So, I'm the only one left to do it," I said, voice dry. "I gave more blood to save your heir, and now you're ordering me to be the one to hunt an ox for that woman to eat? Are you crazy?"

Rachel rolled her eyes. "You're acting like we're asking you to climb a mountain. You're not dead, Bella. Be grateful you still have a place here."

"A place?" I laughed bitterly. "Where? At your feet? At his door?"

"Don't test my patience," she warned. "Go. Now. Before I drag you myself."

I stood slowly, the pup whimpering as it tried to follow me. I glanced down at it, heart twisting. Then I looked back up at Ronan.

He didn't speak. Didn't move. Didn't stop her. Just watched me like he always did now, long gone the love those eyes hold. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Fine," I said, voice hoarse. "I'll go."

I passed Rachel, my shoulder brushing hers. She hissed and stepped back like I was something filthy. But I didn't look back. Not even when Ronan called my name.

The cold wind bit into my skin as I trudged deeper into the forest, each step heavier than the last.

My limbs were sore, drained of strength after giving too much blood. I could still feel the dull ache pulsing through my arms. The pup limped beside me, its small frame brushing against my ankle as if sensing my pain.

"It's okay," I told the little pup.

The scent of oxen drifted through the damp air, earthy and familiar. I followed the trail until I found a clearing where a herd grazed lazily beneath the towering trees. I spotted a lone ox straying away from the group, its horn chipped and its left leg limping slightly.

I crouched, biting back the dizziness, and let my wolf senses take control. My bones ached, refusing to shift, so I remained in human form as I lunged from the bushes.

The ox noticed me too late. I slammed into its side, grabbing onto its fur as it bucked and roared. My nails dug into its hide, and I pulled with all the force I had left. It shook its massive head, knocking me back. My body hit the ground hard, the breath rushing from my lungs.

Still, I stood. Blood trickled down my temple from the fall, but I didn't stop. I lunged again, dodging its horns and slashing a long wound along its flank. It roared in pain, rearing back. I used that moment to grab onto its back, stabbing a crude knife between its ribs. The ox let out one final cry, its legs trembling before collapsing with a heavy thud.

I stumbled back, my vision swimming.

Rain began to fall, soft at first, then heavier, turning the soil into mud. The sky darkened, thunder rumbling above the treetops. I felt cold, not from the weather, but from the emptiness inside me. My knees buckled, and before I could brace myself, I crumpled beside the ox, my cheek pressed against the wet earth.

The pup whimpered. Its cries cut through the storm. It barked, then yelped, running in circles around my motionless form. It nosed at my cheek, trying to wake me. Then, with sudden urgency, it turned and ran.

From the darkness of the trees, a figure stepped forward. The pup froze, growled weakly, but then sniffed the air and barked louder, with recognition. The man lowered his hood, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Alpha!" He called over his shoulder. "It's the missing pup! We've found it!"

Two more men joined him, dressed in dark cloaks, their eyes scanning the clearing. They rushed forward when they saw the pup's injured leg.

"It is hurt," one muttered. "Someone should have found the pup. The injury has been bandaged."

The pup bit onto one of their sleeves and tugged hard, whining.

"It seems to want us to follow it. Should we go?"

They all look at the Alpha. The Alpha nodded. The pup barked more and they hurriedly followed.

It led them straight to me, lying unconscious beside the felled ox. The men's expressions changed instantly from surprise to alarm.

"She's freezing," one said, kneeling beside me.

"She killed the ox on her own?" another whispered, astonished.

"No time to talk. We need to bring her back. Now."

They worked quickly. One carried me while another picked up the pup, and the last shouldered the ox. The storm raged on, but they moved fast through the forest, heading toward the pack's camp.

Meanwhile, back in the pack house, Rachel paced across the living room, arms crossed and temper rose. Night had fallen, and still, I hadn't returned. She slammed a dish on the table hard enough to crack it.

"Where is that woman?" she barked. "Mara needs to eat! She was supposed to bring meat before sunset!"

Mara sat quietly on the couch, hands resting on her slightly swollen belly, her face pale. "I can eat something light, Rachel. Really. I don't need ox meat"

"You're pregnant!" Rachel cut in sharply. "You need strength! That girl should've been back hours ago. She's probably lazing around like the ungrateful parasite she is."

Mara bit her lip, her expression unreadable.

Ronan stood by the window, one hand resting on the sill, eyes locked on the trees swaying in the rain. He hadn't spoken for minutes, hadn't moved either. His silence was heavy, oppressive.

Rachel noticed. "Don't tell me you're worried about her," she scoffed.

"She's out there in the rain," Ronan muttered.

"So, what?" Rachel snapped. "She should've been back. If she's dead, that's her own fault."

Mara turned to her, eyes wide. "Don't say that. She helped me. She gave her blood We owe her"

Rachel waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You don't owe her anything. If anything, her death would make it easier. Once she's gone, your bond with Ronan will form naturally."

The air in the room shifted.

Ronan turned around slowly, his eyes flashing with the weight of his Alpha dominance.

"Enough," he said, his voice cold and deadly calm. "Bella is my bonded mate. Whether you approve or not, that is the truth."

Rachel recoiled, but her pride kept her defiant.

"She can't give you children," she hissed. "Would you still choose someone barren over the future of this pack?"

Ronan didn't answer. He turned back to the window, jaw clenched, and said nothing more. The tension remained thick until the door swung open and one of the patrolmen entered, soaking wet and breathless.

"Alpha!" he called out. "There are strangers at the border. They're not hostile, but they're carrying someone. And" he paused, glancing at Ronan. "It's her. It's Bella."

Ronan's heart dropped.

"And she seems" The scout looked away, afraid to deliver the news. "She seems dead."