His Rejected Mateless Luna

Nathan.

Dawn’s fragile light filtered into my quarters, At odds with the grim mood fogging my mind. I sat slumped at my desk, papers strewn half-finished. Thoughts kept drifting to my father’s declining health, despite my best efforts to bury myself in Alpha duties.

His condition plagued my steps like a shadow as I went through the motions of leadership. Reviewing land disputes and reports from allied packs now seemed meaningless formalities. Father’s time grew short, and I was powerless to stop fate’s cruel hand.

A knock interrupted my brooding. I straightened as Derek entered, his assessing gaze missing nothing.

“You’re looking rough, Alpha. Everything alright?”

I forced a dismissive wave. “Nothing, some fresh air and exercise won’t cure it.

Derek’s raised brow showed he saw through my deflection. But he simply briefed me on the day’s tasks and packed matters requiring attention before departing. I envied his stoic focus. My thoughts roiled like stormy seas.

As we walked to breakfast, I decided voicing my turmoil might grant some clarity. Derek’s counsel had never led me astray.

“I fear time is not on my father’s side, I admitted quietly. “Each day the sickness drains more of his spirit. I know not how to slow the tide.”

Derek nodded gravely. “Dark days indeed. But remember, even the longest night passes. The sun always rises again.”

I clasped his shoulder, bolstered by his unwavering light guiding me through the gathering dark. Hope remained while breathing the flower, however faint. I must cling to that.

Preoccupied as I was, my Alpha duties continued unrelentingly. After breakfast I met with various members seeking guidance on disputes and decisions. Though weariness dragged at me, I focused completely on each petitioner, offering what wisdom I could. Their trust strengthened my resolve.

Later, as I walked the woods alone, my thoughts turned inevitably back to Father. The vibrant hues of the autumn forest seemed cruelly indifferent to our grief. I paused by a burbling stream, wishing desperately for some way to share my vitality, with him. But such power lay beyond me. Helpless rage and anguish tore through me until I fell to my knees, spent.

As the moon rose overhead, painting the woods in silver, numb acceptance settled over me. All the magic or might in the world could not turn back time. I could only make the most of Father’s remaining days, easing his discomfort as the inevitable end drew near.

Back home, I sat for long hours reading Father’s favourite myths and legends to him, describing the brilliant fall colours outside, reminiscing on happy memories from my boyhood. Binersweet joy pierced through the lingering sadness in those quiet moments together.

Until finally fate’s hour could be delayed no more. My last fragile hopes shattered when the elder healer soberly took me aside one morning. “His time has come. Stay close to him now.”

I clasped Father’s limp hand, speaking soft words of love and gratitude as his breathing slowed. Hot tears tracked down my face. But despite the crushing grief, I kept my tone upbeat. He needed not witness my anguish.

As the afternoon sun dipped low, Father met my gaze, sharp and clear once more. “You will be a wise Alpha,” he rasped. Trust your heart.”

I could only nod, words stopped by sorrow. With a peaceful sigh his eyes drifted shut for the last time: Respectful silence filled the room as attendants came to tend the body. My noble father was gone, his long burdens laid down, I could never fill the vast void left behind.

In the days that followed, my duties carried on without pause for grief. I arranged an honourable farewell ceremony. befitting Father’s legacy, nodding gravely through countless condolences. But inside, grief gnawed ceaselessly.

The pack needed their Alpha’s strength now. I buried my pain, donning the impassive mask of leadership. But seeds of doubt took root in my heart. Could I ever become the guardian these people deserved?

One evening while walking the estate perimeter alone, anguished introspection overwhelmed me. I shifted, fleeing into the forest on four legs. My wolf sought solace in primal abandon, racing tirelessly through the moonlit woods.

I do not know how long or how far I ran in my mute fury and grief. But eventually 1 s*d to a h**alt, flanks heaving, utterly spent. Gentle hands stroked my fur as my vision cleared,

Terra’s kind voice soothed my fractured spirit. Her healing care slowly mended the long-ignored wounds of loss I carried. And her wisdom reminded me that life continues in rhythms beyond mortal understanding.

With

my dear friend’s help, acceptance finally brought comfort. By honouring Father’s life daily through how I lived mine with compassion and courage- his light would never fade from this world.

The future remained shrouded, but Terra’s stalwart support filled me with hope I could yet become the Alpha my pack deserved.

Her grace shone as a beacon through pain’s darkest nights. Healing was possible, if we walked forward together

But then a faithful evening Derek brought me the s***t news.

“Alpha, you must hurry, it’s your father. His body has worsened. He banged the door to my office,

“Did you call Terra?” I asked.

“Yes she says I should inform you.”

I jolted like a light bolt following Derek.

I hope it’s not the end.

Terra

The air hung heavy, smelling of damp earth and wolf musk as I walked the estate’s shadowy halls. Night whispered secrets: only it knew. The pack’s rhythm pulsed, an ancient heartbeat in the torch flames that flickered.

In the huge master suite where the former Alpha lay weak, the stillness felt heavy to bear.

Moonlight filtered through the curtains, making the once-proud man now fading look ghostly pale. Nathan stood over the bed, just a silhouette against his father’s sickness.

“D**n it, Terra. How’d he get so bad so quickly?” Nathan muttered, fingers tugging his messy hair

I met his eyes, sharing the pain we both felt. “Sometimes life just throws you s**t. We handle it My voice was rough with years of learning to be tough and keep going. It echoed around the dim room.

His amber eyes usually vibrant with alpha power now mirrored vulnerability. “We’ve got to do something. Fast.”

I sighed heavily, moving closer to the bedside. The old Alpha’s ragged breaths were a haunting dirge, mourning the end of an era slipping away. “I can’t work miracles here, Nathan. But I can try casing his pain some.”

The flicker of gratitude in Nathan’s eyes was a silent plea for reassurance. I squeezed his shoulder, our bond transcending all the rough history between us. “I’ll do what I can.”

275

Chapter 21

The walk through the estate’s shadowy halls passed in a blur, my mind focused on the job ahead. Elder Vera waited in the solarium, a beacon of wisdom in the creeping dark..

“Terra,” she greeted, her ancient eyes full of knowledge. “The former Alpha worsens.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of it all press down. I’ve got to get Him to the city, Vera. The facilities there are his best shot

now.”

Her gaze held mine, a conversation beyond words echoing between us. “I will arrange it all. Time is everything.”

Outside, the world unfolded in moonlit trees and rustling leaves as Nathan and I crossed the courtyard. The night air nipped a subtle chill, an eerie contrast to the urgency firing through our blood.

“He doesn’t deserve this c**p,” Nathan muttered, his voice thick with generations of burdens. “None of us do.”

I glanced his way, the moonlight painting his worried face in silver. “Life’s not about deserving. It’s about dealing.”

His lips quirked a wry almost-smile, an echo of the boy I once knew. Your bedside manner needs work, Doc.”

I chuckled low, a rare bit of lightness despite the heavy shadows looming. “Maybe so. But it’s gotten me this far.”

The courtyard echoed distant howls as we reached the waiting SUV. Its sleek shape looked out of place against the rustic backdrop. The promise of modern salvation. Nathan’s gaze lingered, acknowledging the stark contrast in worlds we lived

between

The former Alpha lay weak in the backseat, each shallow breath a chilling reminder of mortality. As I settled beside him, the smells of ancient woods and sharp fear intertwined. Nathan took the wheel, the engine’s hum starting our journey that could change the pack’s history.

The city unfurled ahead, steel and glass against the black night sky. The hospital’s neon-bright facade glowed like a beacon of hope. But hope, like life, came with no guarantees.

The ER’s sterile embrace replaced the primal forest musk with antiseptic t**g. Nurses moved smoothly and efficiently, performing a graceful life-saving dance like a pack in perfect sync.

I quickly explained the dire situation to the staff, urgency charging the air. They wheeled the former Alpha away into the maze of halls. Nathan paced restless, silently begging for some control

“He’ll be in good hands,” I said, professional cool just barely covering my inner chaos.

Nathan’s gaze bore into mine, the weight of unspoken words hanging thick between us. “You better be right, Terra.”

The steady beeps and hums of hospital machines filled the air as 1 stood at the former Alpha’s bedside. His breaths, once ragged gasps, now came calm and even signs of stability, of recovery, Modern medicine had worked its magic, with my two hands carefully guiding the dance between life and death.

Relief shone clear in Nathan’s eyes too as we watched over his father. The strained connection between us held a shared. hope now for the future. We had set aside the ghosts, tethered by this old wolf’s fragile life thread.

Days and nights blurred within the hospital’s stark walls. My routine became a tiring dance of treatments and tests. Nathan stayed close, a silent sentinel, his eyes full of pain witnessing his father’s vulnerability.

When moonlight cast shadows on the linoleum floor during the lonely hours, Dr. Collins appeared at my side. His presence anchored me amidst the nonstop chaos. This man whose rock-steady support had carried me through my worst times now fought by me to heal.

“Hey you,” he greeted with a tired smile, his fingers brushing mine. “How’s our patient holding up?”

Chapter 21

1 sighed, exhaustion sunk deep in my bones. “Stable, for now. But it’s touch-and-go still We’ve got to watch him closely.”

Collins nodded, a look that said he understood this intricate dance with death. “You’re doing incredible work, Terra. He’s lucky to have you.”

His praise sparked a little flicker of grateful warmth in my weary soul. “We’re all in this fight together.”

The hours ran on, blurring into a marathon of treatments and talks with colleagues. Collins stayed at my side, offering a steady hand when I faltered and laughing when I needed them most. His humour sliced through the hospital’s serious dreariness.

“Woulda thought we’d be doing this back when we first met?” he mused, a hint of amusement glinting in tired eyes.

I huffed a chuckle, appreciating the absurdity. “Not in a million years. But here we are.”

Collins’ gaze softened, acknowledging the long winding road that brought us to this moment together. “You’ve come such a long way, Terra. And you’re not alone in it anymore.”

His words soothed old hurts, a gentle caress. The bond we now shared transcended doctor and patient labels. It held a depth of years in the making.

As night wore on, the former Alpha gradually stabilised. The monitors’ relentless beeping quieted, signalling we had won this round against his mystery sickness. Nathan’s stoic mask cracked, rawness spilling out.

“He’s going to pull through,” I assured, squeezing Nathan’s shoulder. “Your father is a born fighter,”

Nathan just nodded, face etched with b**e-**p gratitude. “Thank you, Terra. I couldn’t stand to lose him too.”

Past and present collided at that moment. Our ghosts fell silent, if only for a heartbeat, replaced by life’s power. The former Alpha embodied resilience, our shared triumph over time’s relentless march.

Minutes passed, then hours, bringing hope that recovery would win out. The former Alpha’s room lost its shadows of uncertainty, filled now with promise. Nathan kept diligent watch at his father’s side, guarding this newfound peace.

One fateful dawn, as gold light washed the hospital windows, the former Alpha woke. His knowing gaze met mine with a depth that said no words could fully capture his thanks.

“Thank you, Terra,” he rasped, the simple words weighted heavily,

I smiled, relief and joy lighting me up. “You’re so welcome.”

In the aftermath as the hospital faded to memory, Collins and I stole a rare moment together in the cafeteria’s hush. The clinks of trays and distant chatter backdropped our shared silence.

“How’re you holding up?” Collins asked, searching my face with knowing eyes.

I shrugged, subtly admitting my b**-d**p fatigue. “It’s been a rollercoaster. But he’ll recover fully.”

Collins reached across the table to trace soft patterns on my hand. “And you? How are you doing through all this?”

His care resonated deeply, a lifeline amidst the chaos. “I’ll be alright. It’s just…a lot.”

He nodded, understanding beyond words. “You don’t have to carry it alone, you know.”

His gentle reassurance settled feather-light on my shoulders. “I know. And I’m so grateful for that.”

The former Alpha recovered slowly but surely, becoming a beacon of hope for Nathan, his stern mask now melted away, taking comfort in this victory that was shared.