The Alpha's call

He's late again, the third night this week. Once again, dinner has gone to shit. The steaks are dry, the salad limp and the cake is burnt. The only thing that's good, is the wine I'm drinking.

I've had three glasses, I'll admit I'm tipsy, but I don't give a rat's ass. I'm furious, the man I love, the one I've devoted years to, is not here. He's never here, in fact.

I get up, wobbling a little and walk to the kitchen. I grab another bottle of plonk and fill my glass up. Taking a sip, I lean on the counter, staring aimlessly at the wall. When did my life become this, waiting for someone, who has no idea or care, how much he's hurting me.

The front door suddenly swings open, revealing the man I adore. He shrugs off his jacket, hanging it up on the hook. When he sees me, he stops dead in his tracks.

I see a flicker of sadness and regret, then he schools his features, walking to where I'm standing. His eyes take in the food still sitting on the table, then they go to the full bottle. Finally resting on my face.

"You're drunk" he states, grabbing my glass. "Hey, I was drinking that" I yell. I go to grab the bottle, but my legs collapse underneath me. I land on the floor, sprawled out at his feet, like an obedient dog.

"I think you've had enough cadence. Get upstairs and shower. I'm going to take the spare room; we'll talk in the morning". Without another word, Lincoln tips the bottle in the sink and leaves me to pick myself up.

I sit up, tears flowing down my cheeks. When did things get so had? He used to worship me; we were perfect together. Lately, things have gone sour, he's hardly home anymore. We barely speak, and our sex life, well let's just say, I'm sure I have dust bunnies down there.

The last time we were intimate, was well over two months ago. Lincoln had just won a challenge from another upstart Alpha; he was giddy with success. We spent the whole night together, fucking and loving each other. I thought it was a new start for us, our way back to each other. The next morning, he was gone when I woke up. It left me feeling alone and empty. It's gotten worse, as the days go by.

Once I'm showered and in bed, alone again might I add. I think back to when we met, the day I fell in love with my wolf.

I was a junior in college, studying to become a journalist. My parents weren't very wealthy, so I was enrolled on a full scholarship. I wanted to work hard, so I could support my mum after my dad died.

For two years, all I did was study. My friends partied, while I had my head in a book. They would constantly ask me to come, but I always said no. Then one night, I said yes. I agreed to go out.

The moment we arrived, I wanted to leave. I knew I'd made a big mistake. People were drinking and practically having sex on the floor, it was disgusting and not for me.

As I turned to walk out, I slammed into a hard body, his drink painting my new red dress. I stepped back, ready to rip him a new one. My eyes connected with the bluest orbs I'd ever seen. They were the colour of the sky, with a dark blue ring.

"Shit, sorry gorgeous" he said, snapping me out of my daze. I just nodded stupidly; this man was fucking stunning. Styled sandy blonde hair, cut short and longer on top. His face was like it was made by the gods. A chiselled jaw, straight nose and the nicest lips I'd ever seen on a man. A short trim beard dusted his perfect face.

His body was muscular, his frame very tall too, at least 6.2 and I could see tattoos peeking out from his T-shirt. All in all, he was every woman's dream. That night, we met, I was hooked, it was the beginning of our life as a couple.

I fell very quickly for Lincoln; it wasn't hard to do either. He was charming and sweet. My mum adored him, as he did her. The day she passed away, he cried for her loss too.

Six months into our relationship, he told me his secret. I took it well, considering the magnitude of it. He then explained about mates, how every wolf has one. He said I was his, it was the happiest day of my life.

That was five years ago, as you can tell, things aren't so rosy anymore. Lincoln has just taken over as Alpha. I'm his rightful Luna, but he wants to wait a bit longer, to make it official, he says it's his mum's idea.

Even though I'm a human, sorrel and I, get along really well. She's been my biggest supporter, showing me the ropes. Teaching me how to be a good pack mother.

Unfortunately, she's the only one who accepts me. Her husband and the pack have hated me, the minute I came here, especially the females.

One in particular, Cassie. She's my mate's ex-girlfriend. She was convinced they would be together, until Lincoln brought me here. She's made it her mission, to make my life miserable.

The first week I was here, she locked me in the freezer. If it hadn't been for the lunch staff, I would have frozen to death. Then, the time her friends lured me to the training grounds, stating Lincoln had been injured. Cassie wanted to challenge me; she said I didn't deserve to be Luna.

Thankfully, Gareth, Lincoln's beta caught wind of their plans. Otherwise, I'd probably be history. I never told Lincoln; he would probably say I was overwhelmed by everything. That my mind was playing tricks on me.

That was it, until about six months ago. I started noticing, Cassie and her friends spending more time with Lincoln and the beta. It's also the time, my mate started pulling away from me. At first, I tried to ignore it, Sorrel said they were just trying to get to me, so I let it go.

Then one night, while I was walking out of the Luna's office, I heard voices coming from a bedroom. When I opened the door, my mate was kissing Cassie. He stopped, when I made a noise. He apologized, saying it was a mistake, one that would never happen again. So, I forgave him, but since then, we were never the same.

I've tried bringing it up, Lincoln just waves me off. He says I'm just stressed, that once I get comfortable, I'll feel better. I want to scream at him, it's been five fucking years, and I still don't fit in. Is he that blind, he can't see what's going on. No one wants me here, especially not as their Luna.

I close my eyes, finally drifting off. As I do, I swear I hear the front door closing softly. It must be the wind, I think to myself., succumbing to fatigue.

Morning arrives and I feel terrible, like I've been run over. I put it down to the wine, vowing, to never drink again. I giggle at that; I'll probably be alone again tonight. What else is there to do?

I sit up, listening for any sounds in the house. Lincoln is an early riser, he's usually up before the birds. I can't hear anything, maybe he's at training.

That's when an idea comes to mind, something to light our spark. Feeling positive, I leap out of bed, dressing quickly. I put on a pretty yellow sundress, with matching sandals. I brush my long brown hair, tossing it into a ponytail.

Looking at the time, I rush downstairs. Training will be finished soon; Lincoln is always hungry afterwards. I grab the picnic basket, filling it with fruits, cheese and bacon rolls, sweet muffins and juice. Making my way out, I head for my mate, excited to see him.

As I step around a corner, a fist connects with my face. I stumble, dropping the basket. A hand grabs my hair, roughly pulling me up. Cassie has a hold of the me, while her friends destroy my surprise.

"What are you five?" She shrieks, stepping on a muffin. "Lincoln is too busy for your stupid little games, a man like him needs a woman, not a little immature girl. He needs to be pleasured constantly, his wolf is strong and ravenous. You're not right for him, I've tried being patient, but you don't listen. So, I'm going to be very clear, go home and pack. You need to leave today, I'm his true Luna, not you". I shake my head, not believing what I'm hearing. How dare she, who gave her the right to kick me out?

"No, this stops now. I'm tired of you bullying me. Lincoln is my mate, only he can ask me to go". Cassie pouts sarcastically, her face inches from mine.

"Go ask him who he really wants, while you're there, ask where he was last night" she lets me go, but not before her parting gift, she hits me hard, knocking me down. Then she kicks me, twice in the stomach. "There, that should take care of it. I bet that's why Lincoln came to me last night, he could smell the revolting pup inside you" One of her friend's gasps "fuck Cass, you never mentioned she was pregnant. The Alpha will execute us, I'm out of here". She runs off, leaving me with an angry she wolf. "Whatever, you will probably miscarry anyway, if that doesn't do it, the betrayal pains will". She gets up and walks casually away.

I lay still for a bit, trying to gather my senses. Pain is everywhere, throbbing through my body. Her words make me sit up, wincing at my protesting ribs. Pregnant, what the actual fuck. There's no way i could be, surely, I'd know before anyone else.

Then I remember something Lincoln told me once, how a females scent changes when she's with child. If Cassie can tell, then surely Lincoln would too. I need to see the doctor, if I'm truly pregnant, this could change everything.

I stand up carefully, breathing deep when my ribs ache. I bet a few are broken, she's going to regret this. When I tell Lincoln, he's going to be furious. He may even banish her, at least I can only hope.

By the time I arrive at the clinic, I'm sweating like a pig. The nurse sees me and comes running, her kind face is a nice change from the sour looks I get.

She takes me to a room, helping me lay on the bed "you poor thing, I'll get the doctor" her soft tone, breaks me finally. I start crying, like my heart is broken, which in a way it is. If I am pregnant, Lincoln would have to be aware, unless he's so over me, he couldn't give a shit.

The nurse rubs my arm, it helps calm me a little. "I'll be right back; we'll have you good as new". She hands me a tissue, then walks out.

After she leaves, I get up and stand in front of the mirror. My left eye is swollen and there's bruises on my face. I stifle a sob; how did it get to this? Being treated like a piece of trash.

I sit down, pulling my phone out. I press on Lincoln's number, tapping my foot as it rings out. I disconnect and try again. It goes unanswered the second time.

I look down at my stomach, if there's truly a baby in there, I'm going to need to start protecting myself. Today just proves, how weak I am. Maybe I can ask Gareth to train me secretly.

A few minutes later, the doctor walks in. He's an older man, with greying hair and a long white beard. He kind of reminds me, of Santa Claus.

"Well, hello there Luna, Lisa tells me you've gotten yourself into a mishap. I can give you some pills for the pain. I'll do an X-ray on your ribs, any chance you're pregnant?".

I don't answer, just nodding slowly. He smiles, pulling out a test. "Take this, we'll see what it says and go from there". I go into the adjoining bathroom, quickly doing what I need to.

Five minutes later, I'm looking at two pink lines. Oh shit, its positive, I'm actually pregnant. Shit, Cassie kicked me, what if the baby is hurt?

"Ah doctor Mead, I um fell this morning, my stomach hit the ground hard, any chance my baby could be affected?". He gives me a look, that is of total disbelief. He knows I'm lying, but thankfully says nothing.

"Are you experiencing any discomfort, bleeding or discharge?" I shake my head. He pats my hand, "then I'd say your pup is doing well, we can do an ultrasound just to be sure".

Twenty minutes later, I walk out the door, the ultrasound picture firmly in my hand. I feel like I'm floating, a baby. Lincoln is going to be so excited. We talked about it many times; he was firm on having an heir. Now it's happened, maybe we can put the last few months behind us, it's our new beginning.

I make a snap decision, heading for the pack house. I was going to wait until tonight, but I'm too excited. As I enter through the door, I see sorrel, she's arguing with her husband. She lifts her head, when I call her name.

"Cadence, what's happened? Are you alright?" she asks. Crap, I forgot about my bruised face. "I'm fine, just a little accident with a door. Have you seen Lincoln; I need to tell him something".

The former Alpha grunts, then walks away, leaving me alone with my mother-in-law. She looks at what's in my hand, a look of shock on her face.

"Oh goddess, is that, are you pregnant?" she whispers. I nod, smiling. It fades quickly, when I see the frown on her face. She quickly covers it up, hugging me close. "Oh sweetheart, this is wonderful news. Lincoln will be thrilled. He's in his office, go tell him now" she pushes me towards the stairs. "This is just the news; he needs to wake him up" she mumbles.

I want to ask her what she means, but she's already walking away. Oh well, I'll find her later. Now, I have a mate to surprise.

I climb the stairs, walking towards the Alpha office, when a pain in my chest knocks the wind out of me. I rub the spot over my heart, trying to catch my breath. What was that? I take a step, when it happens again. Thankfully I'm in front of the door. I grab the handle, when a sound reaches my ears. It's a woman moaning, then I hear him, his grunting is unmistakable. "Fuck you're so sexy Cass. I should have never accepted her; it was my wolf. He wanted her, I'll reject her, then you'll be my luna".

I stagger back, stifling a scream. He's in there, fucking her. After everything we've been through, years of me supporting him. He just throws me away, like I'm yesterday's news.

The picture in my hand, floats to the floor. I need to leave here. I'm not a wolf, so I have no pack bond. There's something I need to do first. I Cadence Miller, reject you Lincoln storm of the Golden Moon pack, as my mate and partner.

I turn and run, ignoring the ripping pain in my heart. As I reach the stairs, I hear him scream, then a loud bang. Cassie is yelling his name, begging him to wake up. I smile to myself, the fucker passed out, good, gives me a head start.

I reach the house quickly, grabbing whatever I can. Clothes and toiletries are priority, the rest can be bought later. I go to the safe, taking out $20,000 in cash. It's half mine anyway. I grab the keys to my car, looking around my house for the last time.

I remove the diamond ring, placing it on the hall table. He can give it to her, or choke on it. I really don't fucking care anymore. He did this, now he suffers the consequences.

I get in my car, driving towards the gates. It's still early, so there won't be patrol on yet. Reaching the border gates, I punch in the code, breathing in relief when they open.

I drive forward, turning onto the road. As I do, my eye catches a reflection in the mirror. Wolves, about ten of them, are heading straight for me. Fuck, he knows I've left.

I press the accelerator, speeding away. The last thing I give him and his fucked pack, is a middle finger salute. Time to move on, to bigger and better things. My baby and I deserve the best, my former mate, can go fuck himself.

"