ALL FORMS OF BETRAYAL

KOOKIE:

I wake up with the worst bellyache, and I already know what it means. It has been a month since that night with Levi, and as a doctor, I do not need a test to confirm that I am pregnant, but I find myself in front of the bathroom mirror, clutching the pregnancy test kit in trembling hands, praying I am wrong.

Peeing into a cup, I dip the stick in and wait, my heart hammering against my ribs. The seconds stretch endlessly, and when I finally gather the courage to look, my stomach drops as two bold lines glare back at me.

My legs give out, and I crash onto the floor with my hands still clutching the stick. Tears spill down my cheeks as I beat myself up for not taking a pill. I was too shaken after that night to even think of taking one. But this is worse, and I wish I could go back to prevent it.

Maybe he will change and call off the engagement when he hears this. The thought slithers into my mind, and I try to shake it off, but the reality of raising a child alone as an eighteen-year-old clouds my mind, and it sounds worse.

Levi has to know, I say to myself, summoning the last of my strength to get up.

I throw on casual clothes and head downstairs.

My parents have been giving me space ever since Levi got engaged, thinking I need time to heal. Little do they know, they are about to become grandparents. My mother has barely let me lift a finger—laundry, meals, even errands have been handled for me, but today, I have to face Levi myself.

By the time I reach the Alpha’s mansion, I am almost suffocated by anxiety as I wonder how Levi will react. I imagine him throwing me out, or worse, denying he had anything to do with me. My thoughts are taken aback by the decorations littered everywhere. It is like there has been a celebration as there are golden banners, floral arches, empty champagne glasses lining the tables.

I feel a bit hurt, as the Luna would usually invite me to a feast, but I push it away from my mind and try to focus. Pushing through the front doors, I make my way toward Levi’s chambers, but the moment I turn down the hallway, two guards step into my path.

“Ma’am, we are sorry, but you cannot go any further,” one says, standing firm.

I narrow my eyes. “That’s ridiculous. I need to see Levi.”

Neither of them moves, and I exhale sharply, thinking of the best way to get past them.

“Well, that’s strange, since he sent for me.”

They exchange glances.

“I’m a doctor, and he asked me to check something—discreetly.” I lower my voice just enough to sound convincing. “Unless you want to be the reason the Alpha’s condition gets worse?”

The second guard shifts uncomfortably. “He didn’t say anything about—”

“Oh, of course he didn’t.” I scoff. “It’s private. Do you think he announces every little thing to his guards? He specifically told me to come alone.” I fold my arms, tapping my foot impatiently. “Now, are you going to let me do my job, or do I have to explain to Levi why I was denied entry?”

That is all I need, as they lose focus, letting me slip past them. I sprint toward the door.

“Hey!” they shout, but I am already reaching for the handle.

Before my hand can get to it, a sharp pain tears through my body, knocking me to the floor.

“ARRRRGH!!” I scream, clutching my stomach, my body writhing as the pain digs deep into my bones and into my soul. It is unlike anything I have ever felt. My wolf howls inside me, clawing violently, trying to let me know something is terribly wrong.

The door swings open, and through the haze of my suffering, I see Levi standing before me, and my breath hitches in horror. His scent is polluted. My gaze finds his face, and my skin pales as I see his neck and his fangs dripping with blood.

He marked her, and she marked him back. Then it all hits me like a truck—the decorations were not just for any feast. Levi got married, and he just sealed the bond with another woman.

A wounded growl rips from my throat as the betrayal burns deep. My wolf is furious, trying to break free, probably to rip him to shreds, and I know I cannot stay here. With a strangled sob, I push myself to my feet and run.

Levi calls my name, but I do not stop. I stumble down the hall, my vision blurred with tears as my body barely holds itself together.

As I get to the living area, which was probably the main arena, my breath hitches as I take in the sight before me. It is my parents with the Luna and Alpha. They are laughing, probably congratulating themselves for a job well done.

I watch my father raise a toast, and the pain in my chest intensifies as the memories of the Luna’s promises of Levi and me getting married crush me.

“I hope they are working on getting my grandkids,” Luna Jasmine says, and I let out a growl as my fangs force themselves out, my claws growing with each second.

This gets their attention, causing their smiles to falter as they take in my disheveled form.

“Kookie?” my mother says, stepping forward. “What’s wrong?”

I want nothing more than to rip off her face. If anyone betrays me, not my mother. Why didn’t she tell me he was getting married today? She probably planned this for a month, coming home to me like it was nothing.

“Stay away from me, Liar.” My voice trembles as they all rush toward me, but as my father reaches for me, I slash his hand with my claws.

“Kookie, I know you are angry, but—”

“But what?” I roar, then fall on all fours as I fight with my wolf, clutching my chest.

“She is in so much pain. Something isn’t right,” Luna Jasmine says, and in that moment, Levi gets to the landing of the stairs, and they turn their gaze to him.

They do not need a soothsayer to tell them I am Levi’s fated mate, and he has been lying about Amber.

“What have you done?” Alpha Luke yells at Levi, who stands there without a word.

“Why, Levi?” Luna Jasmine asks, and before anyone can do anything, Alpha Luke lurches forward with a punch to his face. Then he grabs him by his collar, flinging him into a wall.

My mother rushes toward me, reaching out to calm me. “Kookie, please—”

They are all supporting me, but that does not change the fact that they have betrayed me, and my wolf is not buying it. She keeps struggling, and then my control slips. The crackling of my bones echoes through the room as the wolf takes over.

It does not wait for anyone as it pushes past the chaos, running as fast as its limbs can carry it.

“Stop her!” the Alpha commands, and as soon as I am outside, the guards lunge at me, but I knock them aside effortlessly. I tear through the gates, running through the roads until I make my way into the forest.

I have no clue where I am headed, but then and there, I vow never to return to this betrayal..