The next morning sun cast a mild glint over the packhouse, a stark contrast to the storm that had unfolded the night before.
I awoke with a heavy heart, the events of the engagement ceremony replaying in my mind like a relentless nightmare.
The weight of Alpha Marcus's rejection pressed down on me, and I struggled to find the strength to face the day.
News of the disrupted engagement because of my unwanted pregnancy had spread through the pack like wildfire, leaving an air of tension in its wake. I dressed in silence, my movements mechanical as I tried to gather my thoughts.
I gazed into the ornate mirror, its golden frame reflecting the morning sunlight that bathed the room. My reflection stared back at me in the mirror, a vision of a heartbroken and betrayed young girl.
I reached for a pair of blue jeans, the denim cool against my fingertips. As I slipped into them, the fabric embraced my form with a subtle embrace, accentuating the curves that spoke of grace and femininity.
A white blouse followed, its fabric soft and adorned with a floral pattern that mirrored the blooming gardens of spring.
A sudden knock on the door signaled the arrival of a messenger, bearing news that a meeting had been called between the two families – the Marcuses and my own.
"Okay... Thank you." I said, and the messenger left.
In the final moments before stepping out into the world, I caught a glimpse of my reflection once more. A reflection of a soul ready to embrace the day and whatever consequences that might be ahead.
★★★
In the pack's communal meeting room, the atmosphere was charged with a noticeable sense of conflict. The elders from both families sat on opposite sides of a large table, their expressions stern and unforgiving.
Alpha Marcus, flanked by his Beta and other high-ranking pack members, sat at the head of the table. My family, though smaller in number, faced them with a stoic determination.
As I entered the room, every eye turned toward me. The atmosphere grew thick with tension as I took my seat, meeting the accusing glares of Alpha Marcus's family and the disappointed gazes of my own.
Alpha Marcus, his face a mask of controlled anger, spoke first. "Tanya, explain yourself. Isabella claims you deceived me, that the child you carry is not mine."
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before meeting his gaze. "Alpha Marcus, I swear on the moon goddess that you are the father of my child. Isabella's accusations are false."
Isabella, seated next to her mother, scoffed. "How convenient, Tanya. You lie to everyone, including yourself. You told me Alpha Marcus isn't the father of the child you are carrying."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the tension escalated. The elders exchanged disapproving glances, and I felt the weight of judgment pressing down on me. My mother, sitting beside me, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"We must find a resolution to this matter," Marcus's uncle, a stern-looking elder, declared. "The stability of our pack is at stake."
Alpha Marcus leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "I propose we wait until Tanya gives birth. We can conduct a DNA test to determine the true parentage of the child. Until then, I'd cut all ties with her"
The words hit me like a physical blow. The room fell silent as the weight of his decision settled over me. The elders nodded in agreement, and I felt the sting of betrayal from all sides. My mother spoke up, her voice laced with determination.
"Alpha Marcus, you cannot deny Tanya the support of the pack during her pregnancy. It is our way, our tradition."
Alpha Marcus's gaze remained cold and unyielding. "She will have the support of her own family. The Andersons will not be involved until the child's true parentage is determined."
I pleaded, "Please, Alpha Marcus, I—"
He cut me off with a stern look. "There is nothing more to discuss. The meeting is adjourned."
That is the kind of person Alpha Marcus is. He never goes back on his words, and no one would want to challenge him being the Alpha.
How he chose me three months ago in the first place was quite sneaky. But now I understand that this is all Isabella's doing truly.
As the elders filed out of the room, my family exchanged somber glances. The door closed behind them, leaving me alone with Alpha Marcus and Isabella. The tension in the room was suffocating as I struggled to hold back tears.
"Alpha Marcus, you have to believe me. I would never lie about something like this," I pleaded. "This child is yours."
Isabella scoffed again, her eyes filled with disdain. "Save your lies for someone who cares, Tanya."
"Let's go!" Alpha Marcus grabbed Isabella's wrist and led the way out of the room without answering me.
As they left the room, I felt a profound sense of isolation. The door closed, leaving me in an empty room with the weight of my shattered dreams.
The reality of the path ahead loomed large – a pregnancy without the support of the pack, an uncertain future, and the relentless ache of a love lost.
Shortly after Alpha Marcus and Isabella left, my dad walked back into the room, glaring fiercely at me across the table.
"Tanya, you are such a disgrace to this family!" He yelled in anguish. "How could you think of deceiving your betrothed with someone's else child!"
Seeing how my father didn't believe me either, I could only remain silent and just stare at him in disbelief. I'm amazed how he didn't even mention Isabella's betrayal.
"Answer me, Tanya!" He howled angrily. "Who is responsible for that bastard child of yours?"
"It's Alpha Marcus, Dad!" I yelled back.
"But your sister said he's not the one."
"And you believe her words to mine?" I softly said in a low voice.
I was exhausted and didn't want to get into an argument with anyone else. Despite my words, my dad doesn't seem shaken. He looks so determined with his accusations toward me.
"Knowing how close you and your sister are, Isabella can never tell a lie about something this serious." He added.
"Which Isabella doesn't tell a lie?" My mom, who just walks into the room cuts in with rage in her eyes. "Or is it because you've always cherished her and her mother so dearly than us?"
My dad clears his throat as he looks guilty of what my mom just accused him of. Despite my mom being the first wife, he has always chosen Isabella and her mom over us.
"Just make sure you get rid of that thing to avoid bringing complications to the family! We can't have issues with the Andersons because of you!" He uttered and walked away in outrage.
As he left, my mom moved closer to where I sat and drew me into her warm embrace. Then I gently whisper.
"Trust me, Mom, Alpha Marcus is responsible for this pregnancy."
"Shhh..." She placed a finger on my lips. "I believe you my dear. I know we will get through this soon."
I hugged her tight and felt relieved that, at least one person wasn't judging me. As long as she believes me, then I would be fine.
"Let's go see the pack doctor to check if you are in good condition." She suddenly said, pulling me up gently.
Immediately I got up, my mom's face contorted and she let out a loud scream. "You are bleeding, Tanya!"