After the Beta Killed Our Unborn Pup

When I woke up again, the harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital stung my eyes. The healer looked at me sympathetically and whispered, "The pup... didn’t make it."

I’d always been somewhat estranged from my pack, while for Jay Wilson, Beta of our pack, this pup was supposed to be the next in line for his family’s legacy. We had been looking forward to sharing the news during the full moon celebration. But before we could celebrate, Jay whisked me away with Maeve Richards, the Gamma, tagging along.

Suddenly, my emotions were a wreck. The pack infirmary was deserted on Christmas morning, my sobs echoing through the stillness.

...

I have no idea how much time passed before I finally composed myself.

I picked up the phone beside me and saw countless missed calls. A moment later, it rang again.

"Evelynn, what’s going on with you? We’re mates. Maeve is just an old childhood friend. What are you jealous of?" Jay blared through the phone.

"Oh, let’s sever the bond," I replied calmly.

The line went silent. Jay probably never expected me to broach the topic of severing the bond so suddenly.

"Evelynn, you’re being ridiculous. Just because I spent New Year’s Eve with a friend, you’re asking to sever the bond? Fine, if you want to leave, let’s do it tomorrow. If anyone backs out, they’re a coward!" Jay snapped, hanging up without a care that he’d left me stranded.

I couldn’t help but wonder, when did Jay, who once insisted on protecting me himself, stop caring about me entirely?

That afternoon, I checked out of the infirmary, clinging to the pup’s urn. I had chosen it so carefully, hoping he’d find peace in the afterlife.

Opening the door to our home, I was met with chaos. Balloons and streamers were scattered everywhere, with spiced honey cake smeared messily across surfaces, leaving barely any space to walk.

Jay and his packmates were engrossed in a video game and hardly glanced at me when I entered. Maeve’s eyes gleamed with something sinister as she said mockingly, "Evelynn, back already? Did you have too much fun?"

She then pretended to help with the cleanup.

Seeing this, Jay’s eyes flashed a hint of pity.

"Evelynn, you actually came back? Do you even care about this pack anymore? Hurry up and clean," Jay said, snatching a broom from Maeve and thrusting it into my hands.

I was both furious and amused. The wild swings of my emotions made my weakened body ache. Grinding my teeth, I said, "Jay Wilson, Beta of the Silvermoon Pack, why should I clean up your mess? We’re severing the bond tomorrow. I paid the down payment on this house; you all need to leave!"

Jay froze. Maeve smirked contemptuously and said, "Evelynn, would you really go through with severing the bond? Or are you just dodging housework?"

Realizing something, Jay retorted with disdain, "Evelynn, all I did was lock you in that old chapel. Was it really that awful? And wasn’t the pregnancy a lie?"

My pent-up emotions erupted, and I shouted, "Jay Wilson, Beta of the Silvermoon Pack, you’re a monster. I didn’t lie. I curse you never to have pups!"

With a sudden slap, Jay knocked me to the floor. I clutched my aching stomach, feeling utterly abandoned.

Seeing my pain, a flicker of guilt crossed Jay’s eyes. "Evelynn, you know how much I wanted a pup. You shouldn’t have used that to provoke me."

One of Jay’s packmates chimed in, "Evelynn, you know how much Beta Jay wants a pup. Why say such horrible things?"

I glared at Jay and his packmates, who stood protectively in front of Maeve like a fortress.

"Get out, all of you, get out!" I screamed with every ounce of strength I had.

Suddenly, a commanding voice interrupted, "What exactly is going on here?"

I looked up and saw Jay’s parents, the former Alpha and Luna, entering the room.