Rejected at My Own Birthday Celebration

During my birthday gathering, Erik Hawkins, the Lycan Prince and my mate, wrapped his arm around Gracie Shaw, his childhood crush and unattainable dream. He gently patted her belly and turned to me, his voice dripping with false concern. “She’s pregnant. What should we do, darling?” The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to choke on. No one at the table dared to stand up for me, nor did they worry I might make a scene. I stood calmly, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. “Congratulations.” Congratulations to him for achieving what he’d always wanted, and congratulations to me for finally letting go. Loving him had long since become a draining effort.

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An hour had passed since the party was supposed to begin. The dishes were cold, and even the server, a young Delta from our pack, had asked multiple times if it was time to bring out the cake. Seated at the head of the table, I stared at the chat history between me and Erik, lingering on the last message I had sent him that morning: [Will you make it to my birthday?]

To my right, Alpha Ambrose Bell, my father, sat with his jaw clenched, his aura simmering with barely contained anger. To my left, Luna Layla Hawkins, Erik’s mother, maintained an amicable smile, though her eyes betrayed her unease. “He’ll be here soon. I called him, and he’s on his way,” she assured me, her voice soothing but strained. Erik hadn’t shown up for nearly two weeks now. Two months ago, he informed me that Gracie Shaw, a werewolf from our pack, had returned to the territory. He handed me a picture of her leaving Heathrow, his eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t—or didn’t want to—place. “She’s as captivating as ever. Time has been good to her,” he had said, his words heavy with unspoken meaning. Marrying me seemed a decision he regretted every day.

Suddenly, the door swung open forcefully, and Erik walked in with Gracie Shaw. My father, Alpha Ambrose, stood abruptly, his eyes wide with shock. My mother, Luna Sariyah Bell, clung tightly to his arm, though it wasn’t necessary. My father stammered, “Erik, this is...”

Erik, smiling lazily, pulled out a chair near the door and helped Gracie sit. Then he took his place beside her, resting his arm on the back of her chair in a casual, possessive gesture. “Alpha Ambrose,” he began, his tone light but laced with defiance, “hasn’t Elena mentioned it to you? I had a crush back in the day.”

It felt like my heart had been punched, leaving me struggling for air. Luna Layla’s expression turned stern as she fixed Erik with a piercing gaze. “There’s a time and place for this. Today’s Elena’s birthday.”

Erik’s smile widened as he placed his hand on Gracie’s belly, his eyes locking onto mine with a challenge. “It’s just that today everyone is here, perfect for clearing things up.” His voice was smooth, almost