Alpha Dylan Finally Realized He Loved Me after I Disappeared

The triplets I thought were my miracle babies after two years of trying with Alpha Dylan were never mine.

I was shattered when I discovered the IVF procedure I had agreed to had implanted the eggs of his other three mates into my womb.

When fate blessed Alpha Dylan with the rare bond of four mates, I believed I was the lucky one. He chose me to be the Luna of Windbloom Pack.

I thought I was chosen because he loved me.

I was wrong.

I was chosen because my body was expendable.

Shes too boring. Its fine if pregnancy ruins her. The other three make me happyI wont let anything happen to them.

Those words destroyed everything I thought I knew.

If I hadnt uncovered the truth, I would have sacrificed my life giving birth to children who werent even mine.

So I smiled. I played the perfect Luna.

Then, behind Alpha Dylans back, I erased the future he had stolen from me.

I aborted the babies he forced me to carry.

And when I disappeared

Thats when Alpha Dylan finally realized he loved me.

Too bad.

Some love arrives only after its already lost everything.

Miras POV

I used to think this pregnancy was a miracle. The memory hit me so vividly that it almost hurt.

For two years, we had tried. Two years of praying to the Moon Goddess every single night. Because despite being Alpha Dylans chosen Luna, I carried a secret weakness.

I was twenty-five years old. And I still wasnt fully connected to my wolf.

When natural conception failed, Dylan suggested IVF. At first, I was reluctant. The procedures were exhausting. But Dylan had held my hand through every appointment.

I want a family with you, Mira.

That was what he had whispered. Ill wait forever if I have to.

God.

What a liar.

A bitter laugh escaped my throat.

I pressed my hand against my swollen stomach.

Three babies. Triplets.

The moment the doctors discovered it, I had immediately panicked. My body was already struggling with a single pregnancy.

Three babies felt impossible.

I still remembered sitting in the hospital room while the doctor explained the risks.

Your condition makes this extremely dangerous.

The doctor looked concerned. There are options available if you wish to reduce the pregnancy.

I had looked at Alpha Dylan. Wanting him to tell me it was okay. That my life mattered. That one healthy baby was enough.

Instead, his eyes had lit up. Three?

He sounded thrilled. Three pups?

The doctor nodded.

Alpha Dylan immediately turned toward me.

Mira, this is incredible.

Dylan, my body

We can do this.

His hand covered mine. His smile had been so warm. So convincing.

Well get through it together.

I had believed him. Of course I did. So I endured.

The constant nausea. The dizziness. The aching bones. The sleepless nights. The endless fatigue. Every day felt like my body was being torn apart from the inside.

But whenever I wanted to give up, I remembered how happy Dylan looked whenever he talked about our future children. And that gave me strength. Or at least I thought it did.

Now I knew the truth. I wasnt carrying our children. I wasnt carrying my children at all.

My fingers tightened around the documents in my hands. The papers trembled violently.

I had been searching for pack contracts.

That was all.

Alpha Dylan had asked me to retrieve some old agreements from his office. The drawer had been slightly stuck. When I pulled harder, a hidden folder slipped loose.

I hadnt intended to read it. But then I saw my name. And everything changed.

The IVF documents. The embryo transfer records. The donor information. The signatures. The approval forms.

The eggs used for the IVF procedure werent mine. Not a single one.

The biological mother listed on the documents was another woman. The forms had been approved personally by Alpha Dylan of Windbloom Pack.

A sudden noise outside the office snapped me back to reality.

My heart nearly stopped. Without thinking, I shoved the documents back into the folder.

There was a concealed door behind one of the bookshelves. Alpha Dylan had shown it to me years ago.

Holding my breath, I concealed my scent.

The voices grew clearer. Dylan. Ryan. Alex. Three Alphas.

Youre insane, Ryan said with a laugh.

I still cant believe you pulled it off.

Alpha Dylan chuckled.

What?

Making Luna Mira carry another womans babies.

Alex laughed too. I have to admit, that was bold.

Not just another womans babies, Ryan corrected. Your other mates babies.

The room erupted into amusement.

I pressed a trembling hand over my mouth. My entire body felt numb.

Which one was it again? Alex asked.

Cassandra, Bianca, and Samanthas egg, Dylan replied casually.

Oh! The three of them!

I stopped breathing.

For years, everyone knew Alpha Dylan had four mates. It was an incredibly rare phenomenon. The Moon Goddess occasionally blessed powerful wolves with multiple destined mates.

Dylan had four. Me. Bianca. Samantha. Cassandra.

The reason I became Luna was simple. My background. Moonclove Pack. A mysterious pack from the southern islands.

The title of Luna had never been about love. Only politics. And I had been stupid enough to believe otherwise.

Ryan whistled. Honestly, though, I thought one of the others would carry the first litter.

Nah.

Alpha Dylans answer came immediately. Cassandra hates pregnancy.

Biancas too focused on herself.

Samantha would never agree to ruin her body.

The men laughed. Then Ryan asked the question that shattered whatever remained of my heart.

So why Mira?

Then Alpha Dylan answered. Miras the most boring in bed.

So ruining her body through pregnancy isnt a big loss.

My vision blurred. The office seemed to spin.

Alpha Dylan continued speaking. Completely unaware that I could hear every word.

Besides. His voice lowered. Im still enjoying the others.

Ryan snorted. Alex laughed.

Youre unbelievable.

I know. Alpha Dylan sounded pleased with himself.

Im not wasting Cassandras figure carrying triplets.

More laughter. The men continued talking.

But I couldnt hear them anymore. A loud ringing filled my ears. My heart felt like it had been ripped from my chest.

Every memory suddenly became disgusting.

All lies. Every single one. I wasnt his Luna. I wasnt his beloved wife. I wasnt even the mother of the children inside me.

I was livestock. A breeding vessel. A convenient surrogate. A disposable body. A mother pig.

Tears streamed silently down my face.

Eventually the office door closed. The men left. Their laughter faded down the hallway.

Then slowly, mechanically, I stepped out of the hidden room.

The office looked exactly the same. One picture caught my attention.

Alpha Dylan stood beside me. His arm wrapped around my shoulders. Both of us smiling. Happy. Or at least one of us had been.

My hands moved before my mind caught up.

I pulled out my phone. Scrolled through my contacts. Found the number.

Dr. Althea. One of my closest friends. A healer. And the owner of a private medical clinic.

The phone rang twice, then she answered.

Mira? The concern in her voice almost broke me.

Its late. Is everything alright?

I stared down at my stomach. At the three lives growing inside me. Children that werent mine.

Proof of betrayal buried beneath my skin.

My voice came out frighteningly calm. Althea.

Mira?

I need an appointment.

For what?

I closed my eyes. A tear slipped down my cheek.

Then I whispered the words that would change everything.

I want to terminate this pregnancy.

Mira what happened?

I looked around the office. At the evidence of my ruined marriage. At the place where my husband had laughed about destroying my body. And for the first time since discovering the truth, anger burned hotter than grief.

He lied to me. My voice shook.

He used me. Another tear fell.

I wont let him use me anymore.

The silence on the other end became heavy.

Finally Althea sighed. Come to the clinic.

I nodded even though she couldnt see me. Okay.

Ill be waiting.

The call ended.

Slowly, I lowered the phone. For years, I had been Alpha Dylans obedient Luna.

But that woman died today. And as I walked out of the office, one truth echoed inside my heart.

If Dylan wanted heirs so badlyThen he could find another woman to sacrifice.

Because I was done.

Miras POV

Looking back now, I felt stupid. For years, I had believed Bianca, Samantha, and Cassandra genuinely cared about me.

Whenever they visited Windbloom Pack, they always seemed so friendly.

At first, I had even felt guilty toward them. After all, I was the one chosen to become Luna.

The Moon Goddess had blessed Alpha Dylan with four mates, yet only one could sit beside him as Luna. That woman had been me.

I remembered wondering if they hated me. Instead, they welcomed me with smiles.

Bianca often brought gifts from Heavens Path Pack. Samantha would tell me stories from her travels. And Cassandra

My chest tightened.

Cassandra was the one who spent the most time with me. When the pregnancy became difficult, she practically moved into Windbloom territory.

She brought fresh fruits every morning. She helped arrange my pillows whenever my back hurt. She sat beside me for hours during the days when the nausea became unbearable.

Sometimes she even fed me herself.

You need to eat, Mira. I remembered her gently placing sliced fruit in front of me.

The babies need nutrients.

Back then, I thought she was being caring. Now I knew the truth. The babies were the reason.

I laughed bitterly.

The sound echoed through my empty bedroom.

The realization made every memory feel filthy.

Every act of kindness suddenly had strings attached. Every smile carried hidden intentions.

Every visit had a purpose. I wasnt a friend.

I was an incubator. A convenient womb carrying what belonged to them.

Earlier, after leaving Dylans office, I had passed by one of the guest lounges.

The three women were there. Talking together. That was when an idea had formed in my mind.

So I had quietly left my spare phone underneath one of the couches. Then I called it using my main phone. Muted my side. And walked away.

Now, sitting alone in my room, I stared at my screen.

The call was still connected. Their voices flowed through the speaker.

I listened. And slowly felt my heart die all over again.

Oh, I cant wait. The first voice belonged to Samantha.

Were finally meeting them soon.

I know. That was Bianca.

I wonder which one will look the most like Alpha Dylan. A soft laugh followed.

Then Cassandra spoke. I hope my baby gets my eyes.

The three women giggled. My fingers tightened around the phone.

The conversation continued for several minutes. Then Cassandra suddenly asked a question.

One that made the room turn ice cold.

So.

A pause.

Who do you think will be the next Luna?

Bianca hummed thoughtfully. What do you mean?

Cassandra laughed. Oh, come on.

We all know whats going to happen.

Another pause. Then she continued.

For sure after giving birth shell look fat and haggard.

My breath caught.

Alpha Dylan hates that kind of body the most.

The words stabbed deeper than they should have.

For sure shell be abandoned after giving birth.

Then Bianca laughed. Probably.

My eyes burned.

Personally, I think itll be me. There was confidence in Biancas voice. The kind of confidence that came from knowing she was desired.

Heavens Path Pack is the strongest alliance among us.

She sounded pleased with herself. And Dylan likes my body the most.

The women laughed again.

I felt sick.

Then Samantha immediately protested. No way.

You wish.

What? Bianca challenged.

Samantha scoffed. Whoever gives him the baby boy will become Luna.

Thats how these things usually work.

The conversation became playful. Almost like friends arguing over a prize.

Meanwhile, I sat frozen on my bed. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach.

There will be no heir.

The thought appeared suddenly.

Because these babies would never be born.

Slowly, I stood. The movement immediately made my back ache. Another lovely side effect of carrying triplets.

I walked toward the mirror. And stopped.

For several seconds, I simply stared.

The woman staring back barely looked familiar.

My face had become rounder. My waist had disappeared months ago. My ankles were swollen. My pregnancy dress stretched tightly across my enlarged stomach.

I remembered crying one night after trying on an old dress. It hadnt fit anymore.

I had locked myself in the closet and stared at my reflection for nearly an hour.

Alpha Dylan had eventually found me. What are you doing in here?

I remembered looking away. I look horrible.

Immediately, he had wrapped his arms around me. Pulled me against his chest.

You dont.

Ive gained so much weight.

So?

I dont even recognize myself.

He had kissed my forehead. Then my cheeks. Then my lips. Every touch had felt sincere.

I love every version of you, Mira.

My chest tightened painfully.

I dont care about your weight.

Another kiss. Youre carrying our babies.

One more. Youre beautiful.

At the time, I had believed every word. Now I wanted to scream. Because it had all been fake.

The truth was much uglier. He wasnt admiring his wife. He was protecting his surrogate. Protecting the vessel carrying children that belonged to another woman.

A sudden knock interrupted my thoughts. I quickly wiped my eyes.

The door opened. And the last person I wanted to see stepped inside.

Alpha Dylan.

The sight of him immediately made my stomach churn. He looked exactly the same. The same eyes that had looked me in the face and lied for years.

He carried a tray. A glass of milk. And a plate of my favorite cookies.

His smile softened when he saw me. There you are.

His voice was gentle. Every part of me hated that it still affected me.

I was looking for you. He walked toward me.

Holding out the tray. Here.

His smile widened. I know youve been craving these.

Mira?

I realized I had been staring.

His brows furrowed. Concern immediately appearing on his face.

Whats wrong?

I almost threw the documents in his face. Almost demanded answers. Almost asked him why.

Instead, I simply looked at him. Really looked at him.

And for the first time since becoming his Luna, I saw a stranger standing in front of me.

The mate bond should have comforted me. Instead, it made me want to scrub my skin raw.

Thank you, I whispered.

The smile immediately returned to his face.

Anything for you, sweetheart.

Exactly what a devoted husband would say.

But now I knew the truth. And the truth was far more horrifying than hatred.

Because Dylan didnt hate me. He simply didnt see me as a person at all.

Miras POV

The drive to Altheas clinic felt endless. The clinic itself sat near the edge of Windbloom territory, hidden among thick forests for privacy.

When I entered her office, she immediately stood from her chair.

Mira. Concern flashed across her face.

You look terrible.

Althea guided me toward an examination room and performed several tests.

The entire time, her expression became darker and darker. Finally, she removed her gloves and looked at me.

Neither of us spoke for several moments. The silence itself made my heart sink.

What is it? I asked.

Althea sighed heavily. Mira

Her voice softened.

Youre too far along.

I froze. What?

The pregnancy is almost full term.

She sat across from me. Youre expected to give birth next month.

My fingers clenched. I dont care.

Altheas face tightened. You should care.

Mira, this isnt a simple procedure anymore.

I stared at her.

She continued carefully. Your wolf connection was already unstable before the pregnancy.

Your body has been under enormous strain carrying triplets.

Althea looked genuinely worried. If we terminate the pregnancy now

She paused. Then forced herself to continue.

You could die.

The room became quiet. A normal person would probably feel fear. I felt nothing. Because dying somehow seemed less terrifying than continuing like this. Less terrifying than giving birth to children that werent mine. Less terrifying than spending the rest of my life knowing everyone had used me.

I still want it.

Althea blinked. Mira.

I still want it. My voice was steady.

I would rather die than continue being their breeding animal.

Pain flashed across her face. She reached for my hand.

My throat tightened. They made me carry another womans children.

Finally, she released a long breath. If youre determined

I nodded. I am.

She closed her eyes briefly.

Then opened a scheduling book. I need time to prepare.

The words sounded reluctant. A week.

Ill schedule everything for one week from today.

One week.

Just seven more days. Seven more days until I could finally be free.

The ride back to Windbloom Packhouse felt even longer than before. By the time I arrived at the packhouse, evening had settled over the territory.

The halls were unusually quiet. Most pack members were either training or preparing dinner.

I slowly made my way toward my room. Toward the room I shared with Alpha Dylan.

Then I heard voices. A womans laugh.

My steps stopped. Something felt wrong. The corridor ahead was mostly empty.

One door stood slightly open. Only slightly.

Enough for voices to slip through. My stomach twisted. I recognized the voices immediately. It was Alpha Dylan and Cassandra.

I should have walked away. Instead, I stood frozen.

Their conversation drifted into the hallway.

Cassandra sounded amused.

Alpha. Her voice carried a playful tone. You always call for me.

A laugh followed. Wont you make me your next Luna someday?

Then Alpha Dylans familiar chuckle. The same chuckle that used to make my heart race.

Now it made me sick.

Hush. His voice was affectionate.

Then came the sentence that shattered whatever remained of my heart.

After that fatty gives birth, all of you will be my top priority.

I stopped breathing. The hallway suddenly felt too small.

Once shes done her part, well all be happy under the same roof.

The same roof. Like my only purpose was delivering babies.

If I stayed another second, I might scream. Instead, I turned around and walked away. As if my entire world hadnt just collapsed again.

I ended up downstairs. Sitting alone in one of the common lounges.

Nearly twenty minutes later, footsteps echoed from the staircase. Cassandra and Alpha Dylan appeared together.

The moment they spotted me, both of them froze. Just briefly.

Cassandra recovered first. Mira?

Her eyes widened. When did you get back?

Alpha Dylans expression changed too.

Your appointment ended already?

I simply shrugged. Everything went fine.

That wasnt technically a lie. Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.

I came home early.

Relief visibly crossed both their faces. Alpha Dylan immediately walked over. His hand settled against my stomach.

I cant wait to meet them.

His eyes softened. The picture-perfect future father. The devoted husband. The greatest liar in the world.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead. A gesture so gentle it almost felt cruel.

I promise. His voice was warm.

After you give birth, youll be taken care of the most.

I almost laughed. Instead, I smiled. A small fake smile.

I couldnt even bring myself to enter our bedroom immediately. The thought of Alpha Dylan and Cassandra together lingered in my mind.

Eventually, I opened the door. Suddenly, the room felt contaminated. I turned around immediately.

No. I couldnt stay there. Instead, I walked toward one of the guest rooms and locked the door behind me.

Only then did I pull out my phone. There was one person I needed to call.

My mother. The Luna of Moonclove Pack. The woman I hadnt listened to.

Years ago, my parents hated Dylan. They hated the complications surrounding him. Four mates.

They had warned me repeatedly. I hadnt listened. Because I thought I was special.

Alpha Dylan had chosen me as Luna.

Me. Out of everyone.

I thought that meant something.

My parents had even arranged a potential marriage between me and the future Alpha of Eclipse Pack. A strong neighboring territory beside Moonclove. But I refused. I chose Alpha Dylan. I even ran away with him.

Looking back now, I felt like a fool.

The phone rang several times. Then my mother answered.

Mira? The sound of her voice almost broke me.

I closed my eyes. Suddenly feeling like a little girl again.

Mom.

Silence. Then concern.

Mira, whats wrong?

My throat tightened. Tears finally escaped. You were right.

Silence.

I shouldve listened. My voice cracked.

You were right about him, Mom.

The line became completely quiet. For a moment, I thought the call had disconnected.

Then I heard her breathing.

The voice that finally emerged was soft. Far softer than I expected.

When do you want us to send someone to pick you up?

Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks. Relief washed through me.

Please. My voice trembled. In a week.

A pause. Then I whispered.

After I get an abortion.

SuddenlyThe guest room door opened.

My blood ran cold.

I slowly turned around.

Alpha Dylan stood in the doorway. His expression unreadable. Then his gaze shifted toward the phone in my hand.

Abortion? Did I hear that right?

Miras POV

Abortion? Did I hear that right?

My entire body froze. For one terrifying second, my heart completely stopped.

The phone nearly slipped from my fingers.

I stared at Dylan standing in the doorway.

The call with my mother was still connected. I immediately lowered the phone and ended it before another word could escape.

Then I forced a smile. A weak one.

What?

Dylan stepped further inside. His brows furrowed.

The word abortion. His gaze landed on my phone.

I thought I heard you say abortion.

For a moment, panic clawed at my throat.

Then I remembered something.

Everyone in Windbloom knew Althea. Everyone knew she owned one of the largest private reproductive clinics in the region. Including abortion services.

I swallowed. Then forced myself to sound casual.

I was talking about Althea.

His expression eased slightly.

Althea?

I nodded. She was complaining about how many patients shes been getting lately.

I shrugged. Apparently shes been handling a lot of abortion cases this month.

Dylan stared at me for a few seconds. Then finally he relaxed. A small laugh escaped him.

You scared me.

Scared you? The irony almost made me laugh.

I was the one carrying babies that werent mine. I was the one being used. Yet somehow he was the frightened one.

Sorry. The word felt bitter.

Dylan shook his head. Its fine.

He walked toward me holding a small bottle.

Speaking of babies.

My stomach twisted immediately. Did you take your vitamins?

I looked down. A bottle of prenatal supplements rested in his hand. The same ones he constantly reminded me to take.

No.

Then take them. His voice was gentle.

I dont want you getting sick.

I almost asked if he cared about me or the children.

Instead, I remained silent. Dylan opened the bottle and handed me the pills himself.

I know pregnancy has been difficult.

His hand brushed against my hair.

But youre almost there.

I swallowed the vitamins mechanically.

Like a puppet. Like the surrogate he believed me to be.

Our due date is getting closer.

Our. The word felt disgusting.

I cant wait to hold them.

His eyes brightened. I keep imagining it.

I stared at him quietly.

You know that?

His hand moved to my cheek. I think youre the most beautiful pregnant woman Ive ever seen.

My stomach lurched. The compliment sounded perfect.

Suddenly I understood. This was how hed fooled me for years. Because he was good at it.

Thank you, I whispered.

The smile on his face widened.

A few minutes later, he left. The moment the door closed behind him, I rushed to the bathroom.

I barely made it to the sink. The nausea hit instantly. Not because of the pregnancy. Because of him.

---

Later that evening, I couldnt sleep. The packhouse felt suffocating.

So I went for a walk. The cool night air helped ease the pressure in my chest.

Eventually, my wandering brought me near the gardens. Voices drifted through the flowers. I immediately recognized them.

Alpha Dylan. And Bianca.

My footsteps slowed. Instinctively, I moved behind one of the large hedges. Their conversation became clearer.

Bianca laughed softly. Thank you again.

What for?

My birthday.

There was genuine happiness in her voice. The yacht.

I know you didnt have to let me use it.

Alpha Dylan chuckled. Of course I did.

You deserve it.

Bianca laughed again. I do?

You absolutely do.

Dylan continued. Youre hardworking.

Beautiful.

Bianca giggled. Alpha.

Im serious. His voice softened. Youre naturally amazing.

I cant wait to meet our baby.

Silence. Then Dylan smiled.

I could hear it in his voice. The most precious of all.

A sharp pain spread through my chest.

Not because I still loved him. But because I finally understood.

The triplets were heirs. Necessary. Useful.

But Biancas child That was the baby he genuinely desired.

Crunch.

A dry leaf cracked beneath my foot.

Both voices immediately stopped.

Panic surged through me.

Alpha?

Bianca sounded alert.

Did you hear that?

I didnt wait. I turned and walked away as quickly as my pregnant body allowed.

My heart pounded wildly. Fortunately, neither of them followed. By the time I reached the packhouse, my emotions were a tangled mess.

And with every step, another memory surfaced.

Bianca. Alpha Dylans first love.

Everyone knew that story. Even before they discovered the mate bond. They had loved each other.

The problem wasnt love. It was politics. Windbloom needed Moonclove. My pack.

Back then, everyone said Alph Dylan choosing me was romantic. That he had defied expectations. That he had chosen his heart.

I believed it.

Moon Goddess.

I actually believed it.

Now I understood the truth. He hadnt chosen me. He had chosen Moonclove. The alliance.

A notification sound interrupted my thoughts.

I pulled out my phone.

Althea.

My stomach tightened. I opened the message. Attached was a medical certificate. Several test results. A risk assessment.

And one highlighted section. My eyes landed on the words.

Due to the patients condition and the complexity of the procedure, future fertility may be significantly reduced. Probability of successful pregnancy afterward remains low.

Beneath it was a message from Althea.

Mira, are you absolutely sure?

I stared at the screen.

A year ago, this would have terrified me. Maybe even a month ago.

The possibility of never becoming a mother. The possibility of never having children. The possibility of losing that dream forever.

But now? I felt strangely calm. Because the dream had already been destroyed by everyone who had treated me like livestock.

My fingers moved across the screen.

They risked my health and well-being for this pregnancy.

I paused. A tear rolled down my cheek.

Then continued typing.

And hed scrap me like garbage after this.

The message blurred briefly through my tears.

I wiped them away. And finished writing.

What more should I fear?

Miras POV

When I opened my eyes, everything felt different. For a moment, I couldnt understand why.

Then reality returned. Altheas clinic. The procedure. The plan.

Slowly, my hand drifted toward my stomach.

I froze. Then tears immediately filled my eyes.

The weight was gone. The constant pressure that had followed me for months had disappeared.

No aching stretch. No uncomfortable heaviness. No painful reminder growing inside me.

Just emptiness. A strange emptiness.

And yet For the first time in weeks, I could breathe. The feeling was impossible to describe. Like chains had finally fallen away. Like I had been drowning and somehow reached the surface.

A movement beside the bed caught my attention.

Mira. Althea was sitting nearby.

The exhaustion on her face told me she hadnt slept. Relief flashed through her eyes when she saw me awake.

Youre awake.

My throat felt dry. How long?

Several hours.

I slowly sat up. My body immediately protested. Weakness spread through every muscle.

Not unbearable. But enough to remind me how dangerous everything had been.

Althea quickly moved closer. Easy.

She helped support my shoulders. You pushed your body too far.

Then Althea reached for my hand.

I transferred some wolf energy to help stabilize you.

I blinked. You did what?

She rolled her eyes. Dont look at me like that.

A faint smile appeared. Weve known each other since childhood.

You wouldve done the same.

That was true. Still, guilt settled inside me.

Wolf energy wasnt something given casually.

Several healers also helped.

Althea continued. We accelerated your recovery as much as possible.

I swallowed. Thank you.

She squeezed my hand. Then her expression turned serious. Tell me youre not going.

I looked away. That was answer enough.

Mira.

Its necessary.

No, its insane.

Her voice rose slightly. You almost died.

Im alive.

Barely.

I smiled sadly. But alive.

Althea looked ready to argue. Then she suddenly sighed. Defeated.

Because she already knew. My decision was made.

Tonight wasnt just Biancas birthday. Tonight was my freedom.

An hour later, I stood in front of a mirror. My legs still felt weak. My wolf connection still felt unstable.

But I was standing. That was enough.

The fake pregnancy belly had been carefully prepared beforehand. When I secured it beneath my dress, my reflection looked exactly like the Luna everyone expected to see.

Still pregnant. Still carrying triplets. Still clueless.

The irony almost made me laugh.

I adjusted the red dress. It hugged my figure elegantly.

My phone rang. Mom.

I immediately answered. Mom.

Everything went smoothly?

I glanced toward Althea. She nodded.

Yes.

A pause followed. Then my mothers voice softened.

Are you certain?

I closed my eyes. Yes.

The answer came easily. Im certain.

Silence.

Then my mother spoke. Then well proceed as planned.

A small smile appeared on my face. Please do.

By the time I arrived at the marina, Biancas celebration was already underway. The yacht sparkled beneath the night sky.

Music drifted across the water. Pack elites filled the decks. Alphas. Lunas. Heirs. Powerful wolves from neighboring territories. Everyone had come to celebrate Bianca.

As expected.

The moment I stepped aboard, conversations quieted briefly. Several guests looked toward my red dress.

Confusion flashed across their faces. I almost laughed.

Bianca spotted me almost immediately. For a split second, something ugly crossed her face.

Displeasure.

Then it vanished beneath a perfect smile.

Mira.

She approached gracefully. You came.

Of course.

I smiled sweetly. I wouldnt miss your birthday.

Her gaze lowered toward my dress. Specifically the color. Red. As if I was the one celebrating today.

Bianca was wearing silver. Normally, our etiquette dictated avoiding colors that might overshadow the birthday celebrant.

I knew that. Bianca knew that. Everyone knew that.

Mira. Her smile tightened.

You look beautiful.

I knew in her head, her question would translate to this: Why are you wearing that?

I touched my stomach lovingly. Oh.

I laughed softly. The babies wanted red today.

Several nearby guests chuckled. Bianca didnt. Neither did Alpha Dylan.

The Alpha appeared moments later. His gaze immediately landed on my dress.

I saw the irritation flash through his eyes. There it was. Annoyance. Because Bianca was unhappy.

Suddenly, I remembered my birthday last year.

The memory surfaced vividly. The empty chair beside me. Bianca had suddenly become sick.

Alpha Dylan had rushed to her side immediately.

Leaving me alone. Leaving his Luna alone.

When I confronted him later, he had simply said, Bianca needed me.

As if that explained everything.

Back in the present, Alpha Dylan approached. Mira.

I tilted my head. Yes?

The dress.

What about it?

His jaw tightened slightly. You know its Biancas birthday celebration.

I smiled. The babies wanted it.

His eyes narrowed.

I continued sweetly. Would you rather disappoint our babies?

A dangerous look entered his gaze. Dont joke around.

His voice lowered. I know you wanted my attention.

The words hit harder than they should have.

I assure you, I said softly. I dont.

He ignored that. Its all yours.

His voice remained quiet. But dont ruin Biancas night.

A warning. Disguised as concern.

I stared at him. Really stared. And for the first time, I felt nothing. No heartbreak. Just clarity.

I could finally see who mattered. And it wasnt me.

Hours passed. Drinks flowed. Music played. Guests laughed.

Eventually came the gift-giving portion of the celebration. Exactly as planned.

I rose from my seat. Then took the microphone. The music gradually quieted.

Everyone looked toward me. Including Alpha Dylan.

Bianca

I smiled warmly. I have a special gift.

Her eyes brightened slightly. Probably expecting jewelry.

Actually.

I glanced toward the other women. Cassandra and Samantha as well.

Confusion appeared immediately.

Id like all three of you to join me on the upper deck.

Then I looked directly at Alpha Dylan. And my Alpha husband.

The confusion deepened. The babies wanted some air.

I touched my stomach. And Id prefer giving my gift there.

Murmurs spread among the guests.

Still, nobody refused. A few minutes later, we stood together near the upper deck.

The ocean stretched endlessly around us. Dark. Silent.

Bianca crossed her arms. What exactly is this?

I handed each woman a decorated box.

Then one to Dylan.

Open them.

Bianca exchanged looks with the others.

Then lifted the lid.

Silence.

Immediately followed by outrage.

What the hell?

Cassandra nearly dropped hers.

Samantha recoiled.

Bianca looked horrified.

Inside each box sat a glass jar.

And inside each jar The remains of what should have been their future. Their stolen future. Their planned heirs. The children they had used me to create.

What is this? Cassandra demanded.

Bianca looked furious.

Are you trying to upset us?

Samantha stared at me. What the hell is wrong with you, Mira?

What is this disgusting thing?

I smiled. The sweetest smile Id ever given.

Then answered. Your babies.

The silence that followed was absolute.

Shock. Confusion. Horror.

Nobody moved. Nobody breathed. Nobody understood.

Until it was too late.

I stepped backward. Toward the railing.

Alpha Dylans eyes widened.

Mira

I smiled one last time.

Then jumped. The ocean swallowed me whole.

Darkness surrounded me instantly. Cold water rushed past my body.

Above me, screams erupted. People shouting.

Alpha Dylan roaring my name.

Chaos.

Exactly as planned. For one terrifying moment, panic surged.

The ocean was darker than I expected.

Colder. More dangerous.

Then suddenlyAn arm wrapped around my waist.

I was pulled toward a small rescue boat hidden in the shadows near the yacht.

The moment I was dragged aboard, I collapsed, coughing.

A deep male voice spoke beside me.

Your dangerous plan succeeded, Mira.

I looked up.

The man shook his head.

You could have lost your life in this pitch-black water.

I laughed. I know.

Above us, the yacht remained in chaos. Searchlights swept across the ocean.

People screamed. Alpha Dylans voice echoed through the night.

Desperate. Panicked. Searching.

Too late.

Far too late.

Because Luna Mira Windbloom had already disappeared.