The Pup He Denied, The Mate He Lost

When I was three months pregnant, my Alpha mate, Simon Latham, announced to the public that his childhood sweetheart, Xandra Gomez, was carrying his pup. He said he did it to protect her reputation.

But in the same breath, he claimed that the pup I was carrying was the product of my affair with another man. Because of that, my name was dragged through the mud.

I went to the hospital alone for a prenatal checkup. To my surprise, I stumbled upon Simon, who had told me he was on a business trip out of town, comforting another woman in a hospital room.

"Simon, come and feel my belly. The little one seems to be kicking."

I saw Simon gently lean over Xandra's belly with a happy and contented smile on his face.

At the sight of that, I could no longer hold back. I kicked the door open and walked in.

Simon looked at me in surprise and was about to explain, but Xandra started crying first.

She wailed, "Kaylee, I'm carrying Simon's pup. If you're mad, be mad at me."

Xandra's words confirmed the suspicion I had. In an instant, I burst into tears uncontrollably.

The moment Simon saw me cry, he quickly yanked his hand away from Xandra and put his arms around me instead.

He comforted me, "Don't cry, Kaylee. The pup in Xandra's belly isn't mine."

I shook off Simon's hand and demanded, "Then tell me why you're here!"

Simon glanced at Xandra and sighed heavily. "Xandra got pregnant before even having a mate. I claimed that the pup was mine to protect her."

Xandra grew smug and said mockingly, "The pup in my belly is Simon's, while your pup is just a bastard conceived from your fooling around."

My heart broke into pieces painfully. The man I had loved for ten years suddenly seemed like a stranger to me.

Xandra sneered and went on, "When your pup is born, we will take him in as an adopted pup. But the bastard in your belly is only worthy of being my pup's servant."

"You bitch—"

I was about to slap the shameless Xandra to teach her a lesson, but Simon stopped me.

He gripped my hand tightly and warned, "Kaylee, Xandra is pregnant. Don't hurt her."

Tearfully, I asked him, "Is Xandra really more important to you than me?"

Simon explained helplessly, "You know Xandra has always been a meek woman who stays in line. She won't be able to take the gossip. Besides, you're the Luna. Isn't it your duty to help your people?"

He hugged me from behind as he spoke and coaxed gently, "Don't worry. You won't have to put up with this for long. After Xandra's issue is resolved, I will announce our pup's identity as soon as possible and clear your name.

"To make it up to you, I will hold a birthday celebration for you at the altar next week on your birthday. You'll only have to endure this for a few more days."

My nose stung, and the last bit of love I had for him disappeared completely.