005

Alethea 

I clutch my chest tightly, overwhelmed by an unexplainable pain that threatens to consume me. The agony is so severe that I struggle to breathe, and I begin to take slow, deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself. 

This pain is like nothing I've ever experienced before, and I'm at a loss for words to describe it. It feels as if my heart is shattering into a million pieces, leaving me feeling broken.

I lean against the wall for support, trying to catch my breath. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and a lump forms in my throat, making it hard to swallow. My thoughts scream in protest: "No, no, no!"

I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. For a moment, I feel the urge to lash out at Alpha Asher. But I close my eyes, biting back my emotions. I take another deep breath, trying to gather the courage to speak.

"I..." I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. I open my eyes, ready to face Alpha Asher, but he's nowhere to be found. My eyes welled up with bitter tears. Have I just lost him?

I don't wait for the rest of our colleagues as I make my way home, despite the odd look I receive from passersby but I don't care. Northville isn't far away from the redwood pack. 

Tears continue streaming down my face. 

I cry my eyes out even when Selena calls for me. I don't just answer but I'm grateful she doesn't press further but let me be. 

The thought of facing Asher every day at work is unbearable. If he doesn't want me as his mate there is no point staying any close to him. I hate his gut right now. 

The next day I get dressed and head to work, despite my heart aching so tightly. 

I make my way to Alpha Asher's office. I knock on the door lightly, and after a pause, I open it. Asher turns around, his eyes running over me.

He raises his perfectly carved brows. "Yes, can I help you?" he asks with his hands in his pockets. 

His gaze makes me feel uncomfortable, and I can't help but notice how sexy he looks. I blow out a breath, trying to compose myself.

I turn my face away, unable to shake off the memories of our night together. Asher's voice breaks the silence, bringing me back to reality.

"Are you going to just stand there and say nothing?" he asks with an impatient tone.

"Here," I say, handing him a letter.

Asher raises an eyebrow. "What is this?" he asks, looking between me and the paper in his hand.

"My resignation.”

Asher's face contorts in surprise as if he's been knocked off balance. But the expression is quickly replaced with a twisted one.

"Really?" he scoffs. "Weak and pathetic, always taking the easy way out." He barks a laugh, his eyes filled with disdain. "You now have a high opinion of yourself, don't you?" he sneers.

I clench my fists, fighting back tears. I refuse to let Alpha Asher see me as weak.

He takes a step forward, his eyes locked intensely on me.

"You want to leave?" he growls. "Well, suit yourself. I'll be damned before I ask you to stay."

He pauses, his gaze still fixed on me.

"But you won't leave until after the gala at the end of the month," he adds with a firm tone.

"Fine by me,” I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside me. But I manage and turn around and make my way out of Asher's office.

As soon as I step out, I rush to the restroom. I sit down on the toilet seat, and the dam finally breaks. 

I cry my heart out, releasing all the pent-up emotions that have been threatening to consume me. I cry for the mate pull I still have for him and the fact that he rejected me, still treating me like I'm worthless.

My phone rings, breaking the silence and pulling me out of my emotional state. I wipe away my tears and answer, trying to compose myself. 

It's the event planner, calling to confirm the details for the gala night. Talking about the arrangements for a while before hanging up.

Taking a deep breath, I splash some water on my face and try to pull myself together. I have a job to do, and I can't let my personal feelings get in the way.

***

The gala preparations are in full swing, and I make a conscious effort to avoid Alpha Asher. 

As if the universe is on my side, he's been noticeably absent from the office. Rumors circulate that the gala is where he'll announce his chosen mate. 

My heart feels heavy at the thought. He's my mate, but he wants nothing to do with me.

Lately, I've been experiencing strange symptoms - feeling tired despite sleeping for hours, and hungry no matter how much I eat. 

"Are you alright, Ally? You've been off lately, and I worry for you." Selena's voice breaks through my line of thoughts. 

I stifle a yawn, trying to brush off my fatigue. "I'm fine, Selena. Just stressed with the gala preparations, that's all."

"Anything else apart from being tired?" she asks. I know she cares deeply about me, and her concern is genuine.

I hesitate, unsure how much to share. "Yes, I get tired easily, and I've noticed I've been vomiting a lot. It's quite unusual for me."

Selena's eyes widened in surprise. 

"What, Selena?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

Selena stands up and retrieves some medical equipment. She is a highly respected doctor in the werewolf and human world, she's often called upon for medical outreach in other packs and beyond.

Selena begins examining me. I try to protest, but she continues.

"I'm not sick, just tired, that's all," I protest, trying to reassure Selena that I'm fine. But she says nothing, her focus fixed on checking my vitals.

"Everything alright?" I ask, as my heart begins to beat faster, and I feel uneasy

Selena stops what she's doing and looks at me. For a fleeting moment, I think I see a hint of surprise in her eyes. She takes a deep breath before speaking.

"You're feeling exhausted and sleeping too much... it's as a result of..." She trails off, leaving me wondering what she's discovered.

My heart skips a beat as I feel my anxiety building. "What is it, Selena? You're scaring me."

Selena stops pacing and turns to face me, a serious expression etched on her face. "Ally, you're pregnant," she says, the words dropping like a bombshell.