Unwanted Mate's Redemption

Raelyn had always been courteous to me, never wielding her status as the Luna to make my life difficult. In fact, she went out of her way to ensure I was treated well. But when I sensed her intentions to take my sons away from me, a flicker of resentment ignited within me.

I confronted Marcellus, demanding my sons back, but he dismissed me as unreasonable.

"Karina, think about it—what can you truly offer our sons?

"Dorian is excelling in the pack’s trials, and his future as a Delta requires the influence and connections only the Luna can provide.

"Quentin and the others will need her guidance to secure strong positions within the pack. You’re being selfish."

I couldn’t help but feel that Marcellus had changed. Once, he prided himself on his integrity, prioritizing the pack’s welfare above all else. Now, it seemed he was consumed by ambition.

When I pointed this out, he grew impatient.

"This isn’t the Silver Moon Pack, Karina. Here, wealth alone isn’t enough to open doors.

"You’re just a merchant’s daughter. Don’t let your limited perspective ruin our sons’ futures."

His words, though softly spoken, hit me like a slap to the face. This was the first time he’d revealed his true feelings about my status. I’d always assumed it was Raelyn who’d planted the seeds of disdain in my sons’ hearts. Now, I realized it was Marcellus himself who’d looked down on me all along.

Marcellus’s position as a Beta had stagnated. No matter how much of my inheritance I poured into supporting his ambitions, it paled in comparison to the influence Raelyn’s family could wield.

That day, I left the Blue Pack’s territory for the first time. My sneakers scraped against the rough pavement as I walked aimlessly through the city streets, the ache in my feet mirroring the ache in my heart. I sat at the edge of an alley, staring at the distant city limits, wondering where my courage had gone—the same courage that had once led me to defy my mother and move here to be with Marcellus.

A street vendor approached, holding out a stick of candy-coated fruit.

"Ma’am, buy a treat for your little ones! These are the best in the city—sweet and fresh!"

I managed a weak smile.

"Do you have more? I have four sons. One stick won’t be enough."

I bought the last four sticks from him, and he thanked me profusely, praising my good fortune. As he walked away, I suddenly realized how much my sons had grown. They no longer needed me for the simple joys of childhood. They were focused on their futures—on securing their ranks, their positions, their mates.

I bit into the candy, the brittle coating cracking under my teeth. The fruit was sour, far too sour, and the taste brought tears to my eyes. The vendor had lied. This was the worst candy I’d ever tasted. And I’d bought far too much.

When Raelyn arrived with Marcellus and our sons to bring me back, the sight of them together, laughing and united, only deepened my sorrow. They were a perfect family, thriving and flourishing.

And I was the leftover candy—too bitter to enjoy, too much to stomach.

Not long after, I discovered I was pregnant again. Marcellus was attentive, massaging my swollen feet every night before bed.

"If it’s a boy, we’ll name him Ryder. He’ll be just as strong and capable as his brothers.

"And if it’s a girl?"

I asked the question casually, my hand resting on my belly.

Marcellus’s eyes lit up.

"Jaylani. What do you think?"

I smiled but didn’t answer. I’d already made up my mind. This child would carry my family name, Watson, and would have no ties to the Blue Pack or the Cruz family.