shattered Dreams

Faye’s POV

“We must host the passing ceremony within the week,” Elder Harlan announced, in the packed council room. “Alpha Voss’s condition worsens by the day. The pack cannot remain without a true leader any longer.”

Every seat was filled. The elders sat at the long oak table, the pack officials stood along the walls, and in the center, Thorn sat straight-backed in the chair meant for the next Alpha. I stood quietly behind him, allowed to be here only because the Alpha and Luna had raised me as their own.

Elder Harlan turned to Thorn. “You must prepare, Thorn Millers. In seven days, you will be crowned Alpha of Valkhor. The pack needs stability.”

Thorn nodded once. “I understand. I’m ready.”

Another elder, Mira, leaned forward. “There is one more matter. Tradition demands an Alpha rule beside his Luna. You must present your mate at the coronation, or at least announce her soon after. The pack will expect an heir line to secure the future.”

My heart raced as Ulfa stirred excitedly in my mind.

*Finally. He’ll say it. Everyone will know we belong together.*

I bit my lip to hide a smile. After all the secret nights, all the hidden touches, it would finally be real. I would stand beside him as Luna.

Thorn’s voice stayed calm. “I’ll handle it.”

The meeting ended shortly after. People filed out, offering quiet words of support to Thorn. I waited until the room emptied, then slipped away to my own thoughts, counting the hours until night.

That evening, I knocked softly on his bedroom door and pushed it open. He sat on the edge of his bed, with his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

I closed the door behind me and crossed the room, excitement bubbling out. “Thorn,” I whispered, reaching for his hand. “Tonight felt so real. In one week, you’ll be Alpha. And I… I can’t wait for everyone to know.”

He didn’t take my hand. He didn’t even look up right away. His shoulders stayed tense.

I sat beside him, trying again. “I’ve been thinking about it all day. Being your Luna… standing next to you at the coronation. It’s what I’ve wanted for months.”

His head snapped up. Green eyes flashed with anger. “My father is dying, Faye. He’s barely breathing, and all you can talk about is becoming Luna?”

The words hit hard and my excitement died instantly. “I didn’t mean— I’m sorry. I know it’s serious. I just thought—”

He stood up, putting a distance between us. “Go to bed.”

“I’m sorry,” I repeated, with a small voice.

He didn’t answer.

The next few days were the same. He was cold and distant. He barely looked at me in the hallways. At meals, he sat far away. When I tried to touch his arm in passing, he pulled back. There were no more late-night visits. No secret smiles. Nothing.

I told myself it was grief. His father was fading afterall and he needed space.

Then the sickness started.

Mornings brought nausea that sent me running to the bathroom. Food turned my stomach. My breasts felt sore, and one afternoon, while changing, I realized I had missed my cycle. By a full month.

My hands shook as I stared at the calendar.

I bought a test from the pack healer in secret and locked myself in my bathroom. Two pink lines appeared almost instantly.

Pregnant.

Joy rushed through me first. A baby. Our baby. The heir the elders spoke about. Proof that Ulfa was right—we were mates.

I waited until evening, then went to his room. When I got there I heard voices from inside. I paused at the cracked door.

Elder Harlan spoke. “Choose wisely, Thorn. A strong Luna will steady the pack. And an heir soon after will silence any doubt. Bloodline matters.”

“I know,” Thorn replied quietly. “I’ll announce her at the coronation.”

My heart swelled. He would tell them about me. About us.

The elder left moments later, nodding to me in the hallway without suspicion. I slipped inside and closed the door.

Thorn stood by the window, back to me.

“I have the best news,” I said, voice trembling with happiness. I stepped closer. “Thorn, I’m pregnant.”

He turned slowly. His face was blank and cold.

I smiled, waiting for his reaction. Waiting for him to pull me close.

Instead, he spoke flatly. “Then go find the father.”

My smile fell. “What?”

“I’m not responsible,” he said. “Why would you try to pin this on me?”

Tears stung my eyes. “Thorn, it’s yours. You know it’s yours. We’ve been together for months. Only you.”

He crossed his arms. “If you have proof, show it. I haven’t even marked you. Anyone could claim anything.”

“I haven’t been with anyone else!” I cried. “You know that. I’m your mate. Ulfa knew it the first night. You felt it too.”

He shook his head. “You’re not my mate, Faye.”

“MATE?” a voice said sharply behind me.

I spun around to see my best friend. Rieka stood in the open doorway, with her eyes wide, and her phone in her hand.

Relief flooded me. “Rieka, thank goodness you’re here. I need to tell you—”

“Have you been keeping secrets from me?” she cut in, her voice filled with. “Big ones?”

Thorn stepped forward. “You’re here.”

I looked between them, confused. “You… called her?”

He looked straight at Rieka. “She has every right to be in my room.”

My stomach dropped.

Because then he said the words that ended everything.

“Rieka is going to be my Luna.”