THE ALPHA’S FATED MATE

RUBY’S ’s POV Ruby stood behind the tall oak near the pack borders. Her chest felt heavy, and her eyes burned. She knew the truth—the bond between her and Tyrus was fading. For three years, he loved her deeply. Now, he barely spoke unless needed. He didn’t touch her like before. The passion was gone. She knew why. Because of Sapphire. The sweet omega she called sister. Their glances, soft smiles, closeness—it was clear. Ruby saw it first but ignored it. She trusted Tyrus. That was her biggest mistake. Tears filled her eyes. Tyrus was once gentle. He treated her like treasure. When they learned they were mates, he held her like she was the only one. He kissed her shoulder and waist. He whispered promises. She believed him. She thought she found forever. But now, she felt like a fool. Her hand pressed her chest as the pain grew. She shouldn’t have followed him. She sprayed herself to hide her scent, thinking it was harmless. Now, what she saw would haunt her forever. If she stayed in bed, she could have kept pretending. She still loved him. That was the worst part. Even after seeing him with Sapphire, Ruby wanted to save what they had. Maybe the bond could be fixed. Maybe he just needed time. Sapphire would get her own mate soon. She needed to stay away from Tyrus. Ruby turned and walked away. She went home—back to the house Tyrus built for her. He had been proud when they chose the spot. “This is the place, Ruby,” he said. “We’ll build a nice house. Our kids will love it.” Ruby smiled a lot that day. The pack helped build it. The house used to be full of love. Now it felt cold. She stepped on the porch, opened the door, and went to their room. She lay on the bed. The sheets were cold. His scent—mint and cinnamon—was everywhere. It used to calm her. Now it made her nervous. She held his pillow tight. Tears fell again. She was a beta. She should be strong. But love made her weak. She hoped things would get better. She believed he’d remember their bond. Maybe he’d come back. Hours passed. The door opened. She closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. Tyrus entered. His scent filled the room. He sighed. She didn’t move. Her heart raced when he brushed her hair and kissed her forehead. “I love you, Ruby... but I’m sorry,” he whispered. He pulled the covers and climbed in. His arm wrapped around her. Ruby’s heart beat fast. Tears slipped down her face. If he loved her, why was he sneaking? He sighed and pressed his head to her back. “Ruby, I...” He paused. “I think I...” Then quiet. “No, I’m sure.” Each word stabbed her. She didn’t need more. He was in love—with someone else. Ruby stayed still. She didn’t ask why. The answer would break her more. She missed the old Tyrus. The one who got upset if she forgot “I love you.” The one who chased her for a kiss before patrol. The one who laughed with her. She wanted him back. She didn’t want to lose him. Even if the bond was dying, it was there. She wasn’t ready to let go. A sob tried to escape, but she held it in. She didn’t want him to hear. She was the Luna. She was strong. She gave everything to the pack and him. If she knew this would happen, she’d have held back. Given only part of her heart. It wouldn’t hurt so much now. She wiped tears and listened to his breathing as he slept. He rested peacefully. She couldn’t. It hurt. But she would survive. She turned toward him, tracing his jawline in the dark. He said he loved her… didn’t he? --- The next morning, a hand shook her shoulder. “Wake up, Ruby. It’s today.” She opened her eyes slowly. Tyrus stood there. She sat up, rubbing her face. Her eyes stung. She remembered his words. “Where were you?” she asked softly. “You weren’t here when I woke.” She already knew. She wanted to hear him say it. Maybe then she’d forgive. She still hoped. “I was with the patrol team,” he said. Lies. Her heart cracked again. He didn’t try for better. She looked away. His lies were cruel. Even now, she wanted to kiss him. She hated herself. “Is that true?” He nodded a weak smile. “Yeah. It’s today. You need to get ready.” “For what?” “The alliance with the Regal Crescent Pack. I want peace.” Ruby blinked. “Isn’t that the Alpha King’s pack?” “Yes. You go with pack members. They bring gifts and weapons. It takes four days.” Ruby nodded slowly. “Are we leaving now?” “Yes. I’m not coming.” “You’re not? But you’re the Alpha. Shouldn’t you go?” She didn’t finish. Her heart knew. Ruby tightened her bag and bowed to her mother, Kathrine, and father, Dane. “I’ll be gone about four days.” Dane looked at her with concern. “Sapphire told me you’re heading to the Regal Crescent pack. Do you know the way?” “I don’t,” Ruby said. “But the pack members who know will guide us.” Dane nodded. “Good. Come back safe. Then spend some time with us.” “I will.” “Bring Tyrus too,” Dane added with a smile. Ruby forced a small laugh, hiding the sadness in her eyes. “I will, Dad. I promise.” Her gaze fell on her little sister. With trembling fingers, she ruffled Sapphire’s fiery red hair. “Behave while I’m gone.” Her voice cracked, but she held back the hurt inside. Sapphire twisted her fingers and grinned. “I’m always good. Come back soon. Bring me some meat.” “I will if I can… for Mom too.” Kathrine’s eyes flashed cold as she interrupted. “There’s still meat in the fridge from last time. Save your energy.” “Mother—” Dane chuckled and draped an arm around Ruby’s shoulder, steering her away. “Ignore her, sweetie. I’d love some deer meat.” Ruby smiled weakly. “Alright. I’ll go now. Take care of them.” He nodded, and she headed toward the pack borders where the warriors waited. Since Kathrine became Luna, she had grown distant. Ruby thought it was because she never became the beta her mother wanted her to be. Dane was the only one cheering her on. He was a good man. He always said her mother would come around someday. But Ruby doubted it. Her mother’s eyes had grown hard, and her voice was sharp now. Still, Ruby hoped. She gestured at the head warrior, Tyrus’s gamma, Cannon. “Ready?” “Everything’s packed,” Cannon said. “Henry will carry the gear for now. We’ll switch as we go.” Ruby nodded at Henry, who had already shifted into a sleek grey wolf with a box strapped to his back. “Let’s move, Cannon.” She glanced back at the pack lands, then crouched and shifted into her silver wolf form. Her wolf whimpered inside her, afraid to leave. She felt the same. She worried about Tyrus and Sapphire while she was away. But as Luna, she had to do her duty. The first day weighed heavily on her. Anxiety burned under her skin. By nightfall, her eyes were red with tears, but she didn’t know why she cried. Her wolf clawed at her mind’s walls. Tyrus’s mark on her neck burned fiercely. She felt like she was dying—and it had to do with him. She rubbed her eyes, staring toward the pack lands. The fire in front of her burned through the woods, just like the pain inside her. “Cannon…” she whispered, turning to the gamma sitting beside her. “I—I don’t feel right.” “Ruby, are you okay?” “I feel sick. I need to go back. I have to.” She tried to stand, but Cannon grabbed her wrist. “I’m sorry, Ruby. The alpha said you must stay until the mission ends.” “Let go. I’m the Luna. Let me go. Finish this without me.” Cannon hesitated, then released her. “You’re strong, but anyone can falter. I’m sure you will.” Ruby hissed and ran off, shifting back to wolf mid-run. The pain eased slightly but stayed with her, tearing at her chest. She pushed on until she reached the pack borders. It was a deep night. The pain flared worse, nearly paralyzing her. Her wolf whimpered, collapsing on the ground. It felt like invisible blades cut through her as if she was bleeding inside. Her wolf howled in agony, clawing the dirt. The pain forced her back into human form. What was happening? The bond with Tyrus was already weakening. Now it felt like it was breaking apart violently. Naked and weak, Ruby crawled forward, barely able to stand. She stumbled into the pack lands, drawn by loud voices. At the meeting grounds, every pack member stood watching a scene unfold on the podium. She stepped closer and saw Tyrus, Sapphire, and an elder at the centre. Was this a mating ceremony? Tears fell as she edged nearer, clutching her chest when the pain struck again. How could they do this? Her mother. Her sister. Her mate. Where was her father? Was he part of this too? Why would they do this to her? A sob broke free as she pushed through the crowd. Her legs trembled as she climbed the podium, ignoring the rising noise. Tyrus turned away from Sapphire. His eyes locked on hers, wide with shock. “Ruby?! What are you doing here?”