The Alpha Begged me not to Choose Someone Else

Lilys POV

Ive run several tests, the doctor said, her voice cautious yet firm. Ill contact you as soon as the results come in. But based on the symptoms youve described, I dont believe theyre related to your pregnancy. Lets hope for the best, but prepare for more than one possibility.

I nodded stiffly, the knot in my throat refusing to loosen. The sterile scent of the infirmary clawed at my senses, as if even the air was warning me something was terribly wrong. My heart thudded louder than it should have. Not from the baby. From everything else.

I stepped out into the hospital hall slowly, the chill from the tiles seeping through my slippers. Nine moons along, and yet the ache in my chest burned fiercer than the weight of my growing pup.

Alpha Hudson shouldve been here.

But once again, my matemy Alphahad made himself unavailable. He said he had duties to attend to. Said the patrols were shifting. Said the outer border reports needed reviewing.

All lies.

Because through the faint opening of a nearby hospital room, I heard his voicewarm, familiar, soft in a way he hadnt spoken to me in moons.

You dont have to blame yourself, Abi, he murmured. What happened with your old mate thats not your fault. Im here now, and Ill make sure you and the pup are safe. Always.

Abigails voice trembled like shed rehearsed it a hundred times. Alpha, I never meant to come between you and Luna Lily. If only my bond hadnt shattered back then I wouldnt be here. I wouldnt be taking up your time.

Dont talk like that, Hudson said gently. Youre not a burden. You need support. I promised Id look after you, didnt I?

I gripped the edge of the hallway wall, claws slowly extending out of instinct. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, sensing the betrayal even before I let myself feel it.

He was supposed to be mine.

Not because I owned him, but because the Moon Goddess said so. We were matesfated, bound, chosen. And yet here he was whispering sweet words to another she-wolf who already had her chance.

But who am I really? They were childhood sweethearts. They were so in love back then before Abigail left with her fated mate and I entered Hudsons life.

Years later, Abigail came back. She was welcomed to the territory of River Valley Pack like she always belonged there. And I just found out she was pregnant too. But so was I. The only difference? He actually cared about her child.

I tried to calm my breathing, tried to will myself awaybut the door creaked open, and a doctor entered the room.

Oh, Alpha! Good to see you again, she greeted brightly. Then she turned to Abigail and smiled. Luna, you and your pup look to be in excellent health.

Abigail giggled, falsely modest. Oh, Im not the Luna.

The doctor blinked, then blushed. I-Im so sorry. I just assumed, since the Alpha always brings you in personallyhe must care a lot.

My stomach twisted. I didnt wait to hear Hudsons response. I walked away, one hand bracing my belly, the other trembling at my side.

The memory hits harder than I expectthe night I vomited blood and begged Hudson to come with me to the infirmary. He told me he couldnt. Abigail has muscle soreness, he said. She cant move well. I need to check on her.

I nearly collapsed on the cold floor, clutching my belly while he held another wolf in his arms.

That was the night I knew something inside me had broken.

I left the hospital without saying a word, forcing myself to keep my head high as I walked through the pack territory. The whispers followed me, of course. They always did.

I reached our shared quarters and stopped in front of the door. Our home. Or what used to be. The scent of Hudson still lingered, wrapped in pinewood and wild musk. But now it was taintedmarked by the scent of another she-wolf I didnt invite in.

I sat on the edge of the bed and took a shaky breath. Then I pulled out my phone and called the only Alpha I trusted anymore.

Dad My voice cracked the moment I heard his.

Lily? My fathers voice was stern but filled with concern. Is there something wrong?

I told him everything. The hospital. The way Alpha Hudson acted. Abigail. And the slow death of a bond that had once felt eternal.

I want to come home, Dad, I finished. To Rosebud Pack. I want to raise my pup somewhere safe. Somewhere away from Hudson and Abigail. Im ending the mateship.

There was a long pause. Then his response came like a steady heartbeat.

Then come home. You and your pup dont need Rain Valley. And you damn sure dont need Alpha Hudson.

Tears slid down my cheeks, quiet and cleansing. I didnt even try to wipe them away.

Ill book a flight. Just give me a week, I said.

You have a pack waiting for you, Lily. Youre not alone.

As the call ended, I pressed a hand over my belly. My pup kicked softly in return. It was as if he knew.

Ill get us out of here, little one, I whispered. I promise you, well be free.

And this time Id keep my word.

Lilys POV

The doctors assistant handed me the envelope as soon as I walked into the doctors office the day after. Luna Lily, she said gently, your test results are in. Youll need to speak with Doctor for the treatments and medical procedures.

My hand trembled slightly as I took the envelope. I could barely hear her as she added, She said your symptoms is not pregnancy-related at all. Youll know once you open the results lets hope for the best, alright?

Hope. That fragile word kept coming up lately, as if people could smell how much I needed it. I clutched the envelope tightly against my chest, afraid that opening it would shatter whatever illusions I still clung to.

It had been days since my last meal stayed down. My skin felt like it was stretched too tightly over my bones. I was constantly fatigued, dizzy, and plagued with back pain that no one could quite explain. Even my wolf, usually restless and protective during late pregnancy, was subduedquiet, like she was hiding something from me.

I sank down on the bench outside the clinic, too drained to open the results just yet. My eyes wandered toward the glass doors of the next wingand thats when I saw him.

Alpha Hudson.

He was walking down the hospital hallway beside Abigail again, a hand gently placed on her lower back as if guiding her protectively. His head tilted toward her, voice low, soft. He looked calm. Attentive.

I hadnt seen that look on his face for so long. Certainly not around me.

They stopped by the records desk, and Hudson stepped into another doctors office aloneprobably to pick up her medical report. Abigail lingered by the door, touching her bump dramatically with a self-satisfied air.

I forced myself to look away, tears threatening. The paper in my hand burned like fire. My stomach twisted violently, but I swallowed the nausea and stood. I wouldnt cry. Not here.

But then Abigail noticed me.

She cocked her head with a mocking smile and walked right over, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of a confrontation.

Luna, she said sweetly, you should be careful lurking around like this. Its not a good lookclinging to a dying bond.

I stared at her, unmoving. Its funny hearing that from someone who clung so hard to a failed mateship, she had to sneak into mine.

Her smile faltered. I had Hudson first. Youre just the replacement. A temporary Luna. And now that Im carrying his child, maybe its time you step aside.

The words hit harder than I expected. My wolf growled low inside me. I gripped the envelope tighter.

Youre disgusting, I spat. If your mate rejected you, go back to him. Dont ruin anothers bond just because you cant handle your own failure.

Abigails eyes flashed. You poor thing. Still pretending Hudson wants you? That baby youre carrying I wouldnt be surprised if he forgets all about it once mine is born. I mean, why raise two pups when you can raise one with the woman he actually loves?

A breath hitched in my throat. No. He told me Abigails child wasnt his. He looked me in the eye and swore he was only helping her as an old friend. I begged for the truth, and he promised me

But why did her words feel so real now?

My hand moved instinctively to my bump. My wolf whimpered inside me, but I held my ground.

Back off, I warned. You dont want to start something youll regret.

Abigails eyes dropped to the envelope in my hand. Whats that? she asked, reaching forward before I could stop her.

Give that back!

Too late.

She tore the top open and scanned the first page. Her lips curled into a wicked grin. Oh. Oh my Goddess You have cancer?

I froze.

She laughed. Laughed.

Moon above, this is rich. The Lunadying? Maybe the Goddess is on my side after all. You and your pup you might die together.

Something inside me snapped.

My palm flew before I could stop it, striking her sharply across the face.

Abigail stumbled dramatically, then yelped as she fell backwardright into a small wooden side table. A glass vase shattered beneath her, and her wail echoed through the corridor. She didnt hesitateshe thrust her hand into the broken glass, cutting her palm deliberately.

Blood gushed.

Help! she screamed. The Lunashe attacked me!

The office door flew open.

Hudson charged out, eyes landing on Abigail first. He didnt even look at me before rushing to her side.

What the hell did you do, Lily?! he barked, pushing me roughly. I staggered back, clutching my belly.

I didnt push hershe staged it! I cried. Hudson, listen to me

Alpha, Abigail whimpered, playing weak, please dont fight with her Shes just upset. I understand. Im sorry if I made things worse.

She needs to apologize! Hudson snarled, turning to me.

I held out the blood-smeared paper. Please, just read this. I have cance

He slapped it from my hands.

The paper fell to the tiled floor, sliding into a pool of Abigails blood. The ink blurred. Unreadable.

I dont have time for your drama, he snapped. Im done walking on eggshells around you.

My heart cracked open. Youre really choosing her. Even now.

If you apologize to Abigail, he said coldly, Ill come with you to your next check-up. Apologize. First.

I stared at himthis male I once called my mate. The same Alpha who promised to protect me with his life. He now stood before me, demanding I bow to the she-wolf who took everything from me.

I looked down at the ruined paper. Then back at him.

No.

Lily

No, I repeated, louder this time. Youve disappointed me in ways I can never put into words.

My baby stirred. A small kick.

I wont apologize for telling the truth. And I wont beg for scraps of your attention anymore.

Then I turned around, refusing to look back.

Lilys POV

The moment I turned my back and walked away from the hospital, the world around me dulled. My wolf whimpered low in my chest, wounded but silent, like she didnt even have the strength to snarl anymore. I shouldve shifted, let her take the reins, maybe run until my paws bledbut I was too tired. Too hollow.

I had cancer.

I hadnt even processed it fully. The words on that damn report blurred in my mind like smoke. And Hudson the father of my unborn pup, my matemy Alphahe had shoved me aside like I was nothing. No, worse than nothing. He picked up the woman who ruined us, carried her in his arms, and called me emotional like I was just being dramatic.

I was carrying his child, for the Moon Goddess sake.

And he still chose Abigail.

Every step back to the River Valley Packhouse felt heavier than the last. The wind was colder, the leaves didnt whisperthey stared. The whole world seemed to watch me break apart in silence.

When I stepped into our home, I paused. The scent of cedarwood and honeyhis scentwas fading, already replaced with something else. Lavender and lilac. Abigail. Her scent was here, clinging to the corners, soaked into the furniture like a stain I couldnt scrub out.

My eyes landed on the large framed photo from our mateship ceremony. Hudson had been smiling that day. Really smiling. Holding my waist, his forehead pressed to mine, like nothing else existed but us. I reached for it slowly and pulled it down from the wall.

The frame cracked as it hit the bottom of the trash bin.

I didnt flinch.

I moved through the room in silence, packing piece by piece. I didnt have much energy left, but I had enough to get out. My body felt like it was shutting down, my joints aching, stomach twisting, head heavy and clouded. I could already feel the cancer dragging at me like a curse woven into my bones.

The pup stirred in my womb as if sensing my pain.

Im sorry, baby, I whispered, resting both palms over my belly. Well leave soon. Well be safe soon.

After a long bath, trying to soothe the fire under my skin, I wrapped myself in a thick robe and called for the packs medical team. I didnt have much time left. If I was going to make it through this pregnancy, I needed the healers guidance. Even if I didnt survive, I had to make sure my pup did.

When I padded down the stairs, the scent of wolfsbane tea and eucalyptus hit me first. The healers were already here, gathered respectfully in the living room, their heads bowed in greeting. Elder Matteo was among them, a wise and steady healer. I trusted him more than most.

Luna Lily, he greeted with soft concern. We came as requested.

Thank you, I murmured, voice thinner than I wanted it to be. Please lets talk.

The front door creaked open.

Hudson stepped inside, carrying Abigail in his arms like some kind of wounded treasure. My eyes narrowed.

I told you not to bring her here, I said, standing between them and the living room.

Hudsons gaze hardened immediately. Shes unwell. Because of what you did.

What I did? I scoffed. She threw herself on a vase and bled on purpose! You think I cant scent her lies?

Abigail whimpered, her eyes glistening. I only came because I didnt know where else to go Im just here for the babys sake, Luna. Please

My jaw clenched so tightly I thought I might crack a fang.

Youre not welcome here.

Abigail lowered her eyes, her lip trembling. Then, she reached for Hudsons hand and placed it on her barely-there belly bump.

I guess me and the baby will leave then, Alpha even though Im feeling so faint. But if Luna Lily wants us gone, Ill respect that.

Manipulative she-wolf.

Hudsons voice turned sharp. What is wrong with you? Where is your compassion? Shes carrying a pup!

So am I! I snapped, feeling my control slipping. Or have you forgotten that Im your Luna and the mother of your firstborn?

Hudson stared at me like I was a stranger. If its such a problem, Lily maybe you should leave.

He didnt.

He didnt just say that in front of the healers, did he?

All heads turned toward me. Some looked away quickly, ashamed. Others, like Elder Matteo, met my gaze with silent furybut said nothing.

My lips parted, but no sound came. Not even a cry.

I took a breath. Then another.

Fine, I whispered, barely audible. Do what you want.

I turned around, ready to walk away, when Abigails voice cooed behind me.

Alpha, did she trash your mateship photo? Thats such a shame I always thought that picture looked so lovely on the wall.

My feet paused for a second.

But I didnt turn around.

Shes just being dramatic, Hudson muttered. Shell crawl back when she cools down.

I walked out without a word. A tear slipped down my cheek.

But it was the last one I would ever shed for Alpha Hudson.

Lilys POV

Id spent the night in a small lodge at the edge of pack landsjust me, my thoughts, and the biting winter air. I wanted distance from himmy mateand the wound in my soul. But distance didnt heal what was broken. It only reminded me how deeply Id shattered.

Returning home that morning, I clasped my belly protectively. My steps faltered at the door, because something in the scent had changed. The air held a soft perfume I recognized all too well: clean lilac mixed with Abigails artificial rosewater. It wound through the hallway, sliding into my lungs like ash.

My wolf growled low.

On trembling paws, I headed upstairs and froze in the hallway. Voices echoed behind my doorthree of the packs healers and two nurses were murmuring to Abigail. What was my room doing filled with her?

My heart pounded in my ears. Every memory tied to that roomevery poem written by firelight, every lazy afternoon in the reading nook, every hopeful vision of the future painted in soft pastelsfelt tainted.

I pressed my palm to my lips to steady my breathing, calmed my wolf, and opened the door.

Inside, it was theirs now.

Abigail lay in my bed, tucked under the very sheets I chose. She smiled up at the healers, her fingers running over the edge of my blanket. My vanity, once covered in my perfume, was replaced with her hairbrushes and lotions. Her framed photos sat where my crystals and Luna journal used to be.

Fury exploded from my gut like fire. I stormed forward and hauled her upright.

What the hell are you doing here?! I snarled.

Before the words left my mouth, two strong arms wrapped around me and yanked me backward.

Ah! Abigail screamed. Alpha, help!

And just like literal magic, the Alpha came running to rescue her. Lily! Enough! Hudsons voice cracked. He pulled me into the hallway, his body firm but cold. Stop acting like a lunatic.

I pulled away, tears blurring my vision. This is my room! Mine! You

Enough, he repeated, harshly. He held up a hand, steeling his voice. Abigail likes it. I offered it to her. Choose another room.

What about the healers? I pointed inside, my voice trembling. These are doctors I requested for me. Im sick, Hudson. Terminally

He cut me off, his tone stinging. You caused all this. You pushed Abigail and she got hurt! She needed helpso I brought in the healers. Damn it! If you keep on questioning my decisions like this, then maybe this mateship was a mistake. So fucking disappointing, you wont even listen to your own mate.

I felt blood drain from my veins.

You cant be serious, I whispered. My wolf trembled in my chest.

His eyes were stone. You wont apologize, wont do what I ask. Then maybe its time you left. Go raise your pup somewhere else.

He was willing to kick mehis Lunaout of our home?

I sank to my knees, clutching my swollen belly, tears hot and raw. I didnt have the words anymore.

I didnt even try to stand.

The room spun as I made my way to the door over unsteady legs.

Later that night, I lay in the guestroom mattress Hudson insisted I use. I wasnt angry anymorenot at him, not at Abigail. Just empty. Weary. My skin itched from rigors of sickness. My joints throbbed. My wolf rested beside me, protective and near-silent, little paw pressed against my hand.

My phone buzzed with messages. I was too exhausted to ignore them.

At first, it was just one from Abigail.

I opened it. Her voice, soft and sweet, [Hudson brought the cutier postcards to show the pup. Isnt he just the best father?]

My heart cracked a little more.

Another message.

[Abi, I hope youre resting well. I know how stressful this must be for you. Im sorry if Lily acted out again. I already scolded her.] It seemed like Hudson wasnt even aware he was being recorded while showering Abigail with those words.

Then a third.

I hesitated before pressing play.

Hudsons voice came through, warm and doting. [Dont worry, love. I brought you chamomile tea. Our baby is doing great. Youre glowing.]

My hands trembled so hard, my nails dug into my palms.

My Luna chamber in the other wing. The shared study. The big bed. Theyd all been whispers of us. But his voicehis soft confessionswere rehearsals. Abigail got the full performance in private.

I pressed the phone against my ear. My body shook until I laughednot from humor, but from the pain so sharp it was absurd. My wolf whimpered inside me, and I hugged my bump tighter.

Its okay, I whispered. Its just you and me now.

A gentle kick answered.

I promise youll be safe.

I didnt cry again. I didnt cry for him. Or for the woman he chose over me.

I exhaled and closed my eyes.

Freedom would come soon.

But for now I had my pup and my illness. And a heart that still caught its breath despite getting broken.

Lilys POV

Since Abigail moved into our shared quarters, the air around Hudson and me had shiftedlike the very winds changed course without warning. He ghosted through my days, swallowed by guilt and divided loyalties. Even at the hospital, during my cancer treatments, he showed up for Abigail. Cradled her hair. Coaxed her into shifts of comfort. Words meant for a Lunasweet whispers, promises, devotionbleeded from him when he touched her.

He didnt even know I had cancer until now. He refused to listen to anything I say.

I no longer expected anything from him. My heart had locked down, barricaded behind grief and broken vows.

That night, after another grueling session, I stumbled out of the hospital wing. My bones ached as if rebelling against my weak body. The initial treatment was moving too quicklymy strength draining like grains of sand through desperate claws.

I shouldnt have come home, but what else was left for me?

My steps were leaden as I climbed the corridor to the Alpha quartershalf of me hoping he wouldnt be there, half fearing the worst. Then, a soft flicker of light under his door and Abigails voice, as clear as moonlight.

Alpha may I borrow the River Valley Packs Moonstone necklace? Her tone was as gentle as a begging doe. You gave it to Lily on your mateship day. I only wish

I pressed myself against the wall, breath catching.

The Moonstonethe heirloom of the River Valley Pack, passed from Luna to Luna for centuries. Hudson pinned it around my neck under the full moon. He called it a promise. A bond. A declaration of forever.

And now he was about to hand it to Abigail.

Of course, darling, it suits you. Until the pup is born, he said, voice soft. He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

A sharp pain lanced through meboth physical and emotionallike a stake driven into my chest.

Then I heard him whisper, Ill ask Lily. Ill tell her its just temporary.

The moment he said thatI knew it was over. But amidst that, out eyes met, and yet, I didnt care anymore.

I stumbled backward and turned away, tears stinging. The hallway spun, my legs threatening to give out. My wolf whimpered beneath my ribs, enraged and abandoned.

Then I felt strong arms loop around me, pulling me into his quarters.

Lips hovering close. His eyes flickered between concern and guilt.

Lilydid you hear he started, voice sheepish.

Just give it to her, I said, cutting him off. Give her the necklace. She can wear it as long as you want.

His eyes widened. You youre okay with this?

I nodded slowly. Yes.

He exhaled, relief flooding his features. Thank you. I knew youd understand.

He took my hand in hissoftlylike he wanted to promise me something. But I knew better.

My gaze wandered to the small table. The sealed papers of mateship and Luna termination were already openedwaiting for his signature.

I wasnt fool enough to believe hed notice.

He squeezed my hand and murmured, I promise. Once the pup is born

I raised a hand. I dont care if she never gives it back. Just sign this.

He paused. The otherside of him flickered.

Alright. He hesitated. You you dont want anything else?

I pressed the papers into his hand. No, so just sign this.

He took them, scrolling his eyes down, but never read a word. He signed it without even knowing the context of the paper. How foolish, but it was for the best.

He sighed. Youre doing this for leverage I understand. He searched my face. But your place in the pack, in my heart? Its still safe.

I smiled coldly. I knew those were empty promises again.

Took a deep breath. Then gently undid the clasp of the Moonstone necklace around my throat.

He blinked.

I handed it to him without a tremor.

He caught it and brushed a finger along the stone. Youre sure?

Yeah, I said. If she wants, she can keep that forever.

He paused, longing gleaming in his eyes.

Thenhe wrapped me in an embrace.

My body locked up, but my wolf stayed silent. I didnt struggle.

I pulled away gently and stepped back.

Dont worry, I whispered. Just be with her.

He stepped into her room, without a backward glance.

I lingered in the doorway for a heartbeat. Heard Abigails giddy laughter as the necklace was clasped around her.

Then I shut the door behind me. Later, in the cold early hours, I sat by the window in the old guestroom. My body trembled not from fear, but from the ache of my own survival.

My wolf whimpered, softafraid and betrayedbut I held her, cradling her inside me, soothing her pain.

Its okay, I breathed. Were leaving. Well be safe.

A gentle kick, like a rebuke or a comfort.

I wrapped both arms around my bellymy pup was the only one I needed now.

Ill protect you, I whispered. No more pain.

I stayed like that until the moon slipped behind the clouds and my breath finally calmed.

Tomorrow, I would leave. And this time, I wouldnt hesitate.

I encircled the last day in my calendar. Goodbye, Alpha.