ALVARO

                 A YEAR LATER

“Alpha— The Luna is in labour!” Dhruv announced and I jumped to my feet, filled with worry as I darted to her room. It was too early!

“No, Alpha you can’t go in—”

“I must go in! I need to see HER!” I barked, filled with concern the moment I heard her loud cries. He’d be crazy to think I wouldn’t go in there.

I was fretting badly and her agonised sounds made my heart ache.

Dhruv held my hand tightly, refusing to let me inside and when I managed to push Dhruv away, the guards at the entrance stopped me from entering.

“Dhruv, I need to be there! She’s in there, suffering.” I muttered, feeling very scared and Dhruv sighed heavily, holding me tightly.

“Get a grip of yourself, Alpha. It’s wrong for you to be in there, I’m sure the Luna would be fine, please get yourself together.” Dhruv pleaded and the midwife dashed out.

“The Luna has refused to push until she sees the Alpha!” The midwife announced, sweating profusely as she glanced around for me, her worry making it difficult for her to concentrate on anything.

I pushed Dhruv out of the way as I dashed inside. My heart dropped as I saw her laying on the bed with her legs apart, she was naked and was covered in sweat.

Watching her there made me feel pity for her, for everything I’ve done, I regretted the kind of husband I had been to her.

My heart never belonged to her and I always treated her unfairly, putting everything before her but now I want to change for good. I don’t know if I’d be able to love her but I’m willing to try.

“I’m here, Luna.” I whispered as I fell to my knees, grabbing her hand immediately. I was sweating profusely too but I was concerned about her.

“Alpha— I don’t think I can do this—“ She whispered with tears and I shook his head. 

“You’re the strongest woman I know, you can do it.”

I encouraged and she smiled faintly, finding comfort in my words.

“Push—“ 

“Argh!” She screamed as she pushed with all her might and I held on tightly, praying under my breath for the goddess to help her. Staring at her now, I realised how fragile she was and I called myself a big fool for not realizing earlier.

She was never happy in the marriage, she fulfilled her duty to her pack and I was very proud of her for that. 

“You can do this Luna.” I whispered pleadingly and she smiled at me, panting heavily as her hand drifted to my face which she touched lightly.

I moved closer, allowing her more access to my face and she just smiled, staring at my dark, hollow eyes. 

“I— I can’t—“ She whispered breathlessly and I kissed her hand, holding her tightly.

“You can— You would give birth to this baby and we would be a big family.” It was more of a plea than fact.

“I— I know you don’t love me because your heart belongs to your mate—“ She whispered and I shook my head, wondering why she was talking about a mate when her health was at stake.

“No— Let’s not talk about this now, you should be concerned about your health—“

“I’ve always loved you— Even before you chose me—“ She whispered and I smiled sadly. I hated myself because I couldn’t bring myself to say the same words to her.

“I’m not asking you to tell me the same— I forgive you, even if I try from now till an eternity, your heart belongs to her—“

“Please stop— I’m willing to be a better husband, I’m sorry for how I treated you—“ I pleaded, moved to tears and she shook her head, smiling through the sweat and pain.

“No— You don’t have to be— You tried your best to treat me well and I’m grateful for that— Our child— I want it to be named Juan or Joana—“

“Shhh— We would name it together, nothing is happening to you—“ I pleaded, swallowing the sadness in my throat.

She looked weary, tired and exhausted. Sweat was trickling down her body and it made me worried. “Please do something—“ I pleaded desperately and the midwife shook her head slightly.

“She’s losing blood, Alpha— She’s weak— This doesn’t look normal, she was poisoned—“ The midwife announced and I gasped, turning to her.

“Can’t we find a solution— Please save her— How did this happen?” I thundered, my fears were at the peak now as my eyes turned red.

“Please don’t—“

“Before I go, I want you to promise me something—“

“Get well and I promise you I’d give you my life” I was damn serious and she smiled softly, it was a beautiful smile and it brought water to my eyes.

“Alvaro, listen to me.” She gritted out and I nodded, the tears following freely now.

“This child must be trained with love— The love you couldn’t give me, please give it to this child, and this child must have a complete family, find your mate, you deserve happiness as much as this child deserves a mother. Only your mate can love this child the I’d love it—“

“No—“ I pleaded, my eyes already swollen as I sat on the floor sadly.

“Please, it’s either your mate or nobody— Please try to be happy—“

“I can’t be happy without you” I pleaded and she smiled, panting heavily with pain as she had a determined look on her face.

“Argh—“ Her scream rang out and was eventually overshadowed by that of a baby. The midwife had a smile on her face but my gaze was focused on My Luna who slowly drifted to death, a satisfied smile on her face even though she never touched her baby.

“Argh.” I cried out while Dhruv patted my back softly. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” He whispered as the midwives took the baby while they began dressing Luna.

“Please be strong.” I heard countless whispers but I felt deserted and disconnected from the world. My hollow heart was bleeding.

“Where is she! I want to see my daughter!” I heard the gamma thunder as he walked inside but I was too engrossed in my pain to listen to him.

“You killed her!” He accused me and I raised my head in disbelief, my eyes bloodshot. My lips were too heavy to move.

“You bastard! You killed her!” He yelled as he grabbed my collar, making me rise to my feet. I pushed his hand away furiously, I was too weak to fight or exchange words, all I wanted was space to mourn my Luna.

“You bastard! You don’t deserve to live! I’ll make sure you never regret this! Her child can never be with you!” He announced making everywhere go silent as I whipped my head up.

“What?” I asked, just to be sure I had heard right.

“The only way this child can be with you is if you marry Emiliano! Only Emiliano can take care of the child! You should never be beside the child!” He snarled.