After My Alpha Rejected Me, My Father Declared War

The full moon hung like a silver medallion in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the gathered Crimson Fang Pack. My heart fluttered with anticipation as I knelt before the sacred altar, my hands resting protectively over my swollen belly. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration—the blessing of my first pregnancy, the pup that would finally solidify my bond with Kyren.

"Are you ready, Luna Jane?" Sarah, our pack healer, whispered as she arranged the ceremonial herbs on the stone altar. Her eyes sparkled with genuine joy for me.

"I've been ready for this moment my entire life," I replied, unable to suppress my smile. Eight years of devotion to Kyren, eight years of enduring whispers about my wolfless state, all culminating in this precious gift growing inside me.

The pack formed a perfect circle around us, their faces illuminated by flickering torchlight. I searched for Kyren among them, finding his tall figure standing proudly at the head of the assembly. Our eyes met briefly, and I allowed myself to hope that this child would finally bridge the distance that had always lingered between us.

"Where's Melody?" I asked Sarah, noticing Kyren's chosen mate was absent from such an important ceremony.

"Probably still in the preparation tent," Sarah replied with a dismissive wave. "She's been fussing over the ritual herbs for hours."

A flicker of unease passed through me, but I pushed it aside. Melody had every reason to be involved—she was Kyren's chosen companion, after all. The thought still stung, but I'd learned to swallow such pains for the sake of pack harmony.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Melody emerged from the shadows, her face a mask of serene innocence. "I wanted everything to be perfect for our Luna and her pup," she said sweetly, approaching the altar with a small wooden bowl. "I've prepared the sacred lunar herbs myself."

Something in her eyes—a fleeting glimmer of triumph—sent a chill down my spine. But before I could react, she was already mixing the herbs into the ceremonial drink, her movements fluid and practiced.

"Thank you, Melody," I said, forcing warmth into my voice. "Your dedication to the pack is commendable."

Kyren stepped forward, his powerful aura washing over the assembly. "Let us begin," he announced, his deep voice carrying across the clearing. "Tonight, we bless the first pup of our Alpha pair."

The ritual proceeded as tradition dictated—prayers to the Moon Goddess, offerings of gratitude, and finally, the consumption of the sacred herbs. I accepted the ceremonial cup with trembling hands, the sweet aroma of the brew filling my nostrils.

"To our future," Kyren said, his eyes not quite meeting mine.

I drank deeply, feeling the warm liquid slide down my throat. For one beautiful moment, there was peace—then agony erupted in my abdomen.

Fire. Molten fire tearing through my insides.

I screamed, the sound ripping from my throat as I doubled over. Something was wrong—terribly wrong. The pain intensified, radiating outward until every nerve