After I Let Go My Alpha He Knelt in Regret

Chapter 5 "Rayne!"

The familiar scent of pack hit me before I saw her - Storm, my childhood friend and beta wolf, burst into the hospital room. Her eyes instantly assessed my condition, nostrils flaring at the lingering *scent of silver and loss.

"Where is that moon-cursed Alpha of yours?" Her voice trembled with barely contained fury.

"Storm!" My voice cracked, fresh tears threatening to fall at the sight of my oldest pack sister. Just her presence made my wolf feel less alone.

Storm set down the healing broth she'd brought - an ancient pack recipe passed down through generations - and rushed to wipe my tears away with gentle claws. "You shouldn't be alone right now. The loss of a pup... your wolf needs pack more than ever." "He's with her," I whispered, the words tasting like ash. "With Silvana."

Storm's rage exploded. Her claws extended involuntarily, shattering the crystal water pitcher beside

my bed. "That Arctic wolf? He left his Luna, his true mate, after forcing you to..." Her voice choked

with emotion. "By the Moon Goddess, has he lost his wolf mind completely? Can't tell his true mate from a passing beta anymore?"

"She's dying," I defended weakly, old habits die hard. "Her pup needs-"

"Her pup?" Storm snarled, her eyes flashing amber. "What about YOUR pup, Rayne? The one he sacrificed for an outsider's bloodline? Where was his concern for pack when he was forcing his own mate to-" She cut herself off, seeing me flinch.

Her anger stemmed from a deeper understanding of our history. "I remember when we found him

a lone wolf, broken by hunters and abandonment. You were the one who saw past his solitary nature, sharing your kills, offering your den's warmth. While others doubted a lone wolf could lead, you believed in him."

"After your mate-bond formed," Storm continued, her voice softening, "you supported him through

the Alpha trials. I watched you brew strength potions until your paws bled, hunt extra prey to keep his power growing. Your wolf might not have been as naturally powerful as his, but by the moon, Rayne, you compensated with unwavering loyalty and care." She took my hand, her grip fierce with pack loyalty. "You gave him everything - your heart, your Strength, your pup. And this is how he honors the mate-bond? By choosing a dying beta's request

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After I Let Go My Alpha, He Knelt in Regret

over his Lama's heart?"

We were supposed to run together until our pelts turned silver," I whispered, feeling another piece of my heart crack.

Storm's eyes gleamed with protective determination. "Then he's a fool who doesn't deserve his Luna. A true Alpha protects their mate above all else that's pack law. Not even a pure-blooded Arctic wolf should come before that."

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