ManyWriters

I gazed in disbelief at the image on my smartphone. My partner, Alpha Zane, was on his knees, tenderly kissing Linda's pregnant belly. The description read: "He'll make an excellent father." I shouldn't have been surprised, given recent events, but I was. I responded to the post with a thumbs-up emoji. The next photo showed Zane standing behind her, his arms wrapped protectively around her swollen abdomen, beaming with joy and contentment. I glanced at the pregnancy test results beside me on the bed. After feeling unusual, I'd visited the pack medical center and confirmed my pregnancy. Following years of

Pregnant with Betrayal, A Luna's Silent Heartbreak

Zane was absent that night, returning the following morning with a trace of remorse on his countenance. I acknowledged him briefly before returning my attention to my reading material.


I could tell he was perplexed by my lack of protest regarding his overnight absence, presumably spent at Linda's residence.


"I apologize for not returning last night," he said uncomfortably.


I responded with indifference, "No worries, you must have had obligations."


Zane's brow creased, evidently puzzled by my atypical reaction.


"Are you upset with me?" he inquired hesitantly.


"Truly?" he questioned, eyeing me skeptically.


"Then explain this," he demanded, retrieving a vial of elixir from the waste receptacle.


"I'm not cross," I reiterated with another shrug, unwilling to elaborate further.


Zane gave me a condescending look. "Certainly, you're not angry. How childish can you be, Selena? Discarding potions and herbs over such an insignificant matter."


I was about to reveal the pregnancy test results when he added dismissively, "Regardless, you're the one who's been anxious about having a child, not me."


I stared at him in shock, struggling to process his callous words.


I suppressed my retort, concealing the pregnancy report. Zane must have noticed my expression because he sighed softly and seated himself beside me on the bed.


"Here," Zane said, presenting me with a slightly tarnished jewelry case, "I picked this up for you. Linda was distraught, convinced she had offended you. She implored me to get you something on my way back," he explained, opening the box.


I gazed blankly at the necklace inside, instantly recognizing it. It was an old gold piece with a teardrop-shaped pendant bearing faint scratches. It wasn't new, nor was it chosen with care or consideration. It clearly belonged to Linda.


Zane hadn't procured this for me. He hadn't made any effort. He had simply taken something Linda no longer wanted.


I scoffed in revulsion and rolled my eyes as I resumed my reading. The previous night, Linda had shared a photo of a new necklace Zane had purchased for her. It featured a gold chain with a brilliant sapphire pendant. The caption read: ~An unparalleled Alpha! Thank you for always prioritizing me.~


Zane glowered at me upon seeing my reaction. "Why are you so petty and unappreciative? What's your issue?"


He leapt to his feet, flinging the jewelry box containing the necklace, and stormed off to the bathroom in a rage. A dull ache settled in my chest as I watched him depart. I bitterly reflected that Zane was treating me like a fool.


A short while later, Zane returned to the bed in an improved mood.


"Hey, I just recalled that today is your ovulation day. We could try and see if it's successful this time," he suggested, raising an eyebrow with a subtle, suggestive smile. I was about to decline when his phone chimed from the nearby table. I recognized the distinctive ringtone he had assigned to Linda's contact. I craned my neck to confirm it was indeed her calling, and sure enough, the caller ID displayed was Cupcake, accompanied by numerous heart emojis.


Chapter 2