Lost Our Pup To Save Myself

The month I found out I was pregnant, I excitedly told Rowan.

But his reaction was weird. No wild joy.

Instead, he frowned. His face went dark.

When I brought up the blessing ceremony for our pup, he panicked and changed the subject.

Until today. I went to the pack clinic for a check-up alone.

There, I bumped into Tessa, Rowan's childhood friend.

I finally knew the truth. His so-called "border disputes" were just a cover. He was secretly protecting her.

"Don't be scared. I'll hold off the Elders. Just stay in the territory. With my Alpha heir title, no one can hurt this pup."

Rowan walked out of the ER, fussing over Tessa like she was made of glass.

His face was full of anxious worry.

He reached out and gently held Tessa's shoulders.

"The pup is still fragile. You can't get worked up."

The next second.

The intercom called my name.

I stood up from the shadows of the lobby. Rowan whipped around. Our eyes met.

Pure panic and regret flashed in his golden eyes. His Alpha composure shattered.

He never expected to run into me at the clinic.

Just yesterday, I begged him to come with me.

He said he had to patrol the borders. He had no time.

I believed him.

So I dragged my weak body here all alone.

How ironic.

His "urgent pack business" was keeping his childhood friend's baby safe. He didn't care about me, his only mate, at all.

I walked over slowly. My eyes fell on Tessa's slightly swollen belly. My face was pale.

"How old is the pup?"

Rowan pressed his lips together. He looked away, too scared to speak.

Tessa, however, released a cloying scent. It was a blatant provocation.

"Almost two months. Mine and Rowan's pup."

When I heard the answer, I bit my lower lip hard.

What a coincidence. Exactly the same age as the pup draining my life right now.

My heart felt like it was ripped open by claws. Tears spilled over and burned my cheeks.

I looked up at Rowan. My lips were white from biting. I forced the words out.

"Are you going to explain?"

Seeing me cry, Rowan panicked. He looked at me with pure heartbreak.

He rushed forward and grabbed me in his arms. He released his heavy pine scent and begged in a low voice.

"I lied, and I'm sorry. But Gwen, look at me. I swear, that pup isn't mine! I feel absolutely nothing for her!"

"If they find out she's carrying a rogue's pup, the Elders will execute her. I was afraid she'd break down, so I sneaked her here. You know how it is. If I don't claim this pup, Tessa will be thrown straight into the fire!"

Standing behind him, Tessa smirked slightly before bursting into fake tears.

Her teary eyes looked pitifully at Rowan.

"But Rowan! You promised! You said you'd swear to the Moon Goddess at tomorrow's pack meeting that you're the father!"

"You already made a blood oath to me!"