Werewolf

Thirty Days Until I Leave My Alpha

by Candice Rowan

One month remains until the bonding ceremony, which will take place under the full moon. It will also be the day I finally leave the Blackthorn pack.Seven years ago, I barely survived an attack by a pack of rogue wolves from the Frostlands. Ryan saved my life by tearing a fragment from his own wolf soul and giving it to me. Ever since, I've been branded a liar and a thief who stole an Alpha's wolf soul.For seven years, everyone has believed I'm shamelessly throwing myself at Ryan Blackwood, the Alpha of the Blackthorn pack, refusing to accept that he doesn't want me. Only a handful of people know the truth. My friends have tried to defend me because they can't stand by and watch me take the blame forever. One day, while Ryan is on the phone with William Graybone, I overhear their conversation. "Are you really going to let Ella take the blame for the rest of her life without ever giving her a place by your side?" William asks.Ryan is silent for a long moment before he finally answers, "Vera's mate died saving my life. I owe it to him to take care of her. Besides, I'm the Alpha of this pack. Taking care of every member is my responsibility."William doesn't respond right away. Ryan continues, "Ella loves me for who I am. As for the Luna title, I'll give that to Vera. Ella won't mind." "How could she not mind?" William asks, speaking at last. "You know Ella has waited seven years for you."Ryan falls silent again. Then William's voice turns sharper. "I heard you and Vera are holding the bonding ceremony soon. Ella is already three months pregnant with your pup. What happens when she finds out? What if she can't handle it?"Ryan doesn't hesitate. "Ella will understand." I stand behind the fitting-room curtain, staring at my reflection as I wear the pristine white Moon Goddess Gown beneath the soft glow of the lights. For a moment, everything feels unreal. Ryan once promised that I would wear this very gown and become the Luna of the Blackthorn pack. I believed him. For seven years, I've held on to that promise, even while everyone else calls me shameless for refusing to give up on him. And now, Ryan is here in this very boutique, accompanying another she-wolf as she tries on her bonding ceremony gown. Whereas I'm left hiding behind a curtain, secretly trying on the gown that was once meant for me. I look at my reflection in the mirror and almost laugh. For seven years, I've waited for a man who believes I'll always understand, always forgive, and always stay. Maybe Ryan is wrong about one thing. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life being the she-wolf who understands him at the expense of herself.

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