I rolled my eyes as I shook my head, already feeling like he was making me his backup plan. Did he think I would just wait for his plans to unfurl? I have a life too and I need to live it. He continued.

"It's not fair for me to even ask you to wait for me, and I'm not, but I'm telling you that I won't mark her. She won't be my mate. I don't know what could ever happen between you and me, but at least you have that."

I sniffed as the tears formed in my eyes. We wouldn't know what would happen If she would miscarry or not If the pup would survive or not. Her pack was trying to force the bond but Zaryn wouldn't give in to that. He was leaving that open just in case. He cares about me, I know he does. He wants me as his mate just as much as I want him, but he wouldn't let himself do that to me and I wouldn't let him either. He was showing me respect and I was grateful for it.

A hand covered mine, warmth spreading through my body from the place he touched.

I wish he were mine.

His movement ceased by the scent of gardenias impregnating the air around us. A muffled sob followed.

His eyes widened on mine before we both turned, seeing Grace towering over us as tears streamed down her face, one hand over her mouth, the other on her flat belly.

She looked helplessly at him, eyeing me up as if I took something from her.

"Grace... I'm.." He didn't know what to say.

I watched the tall lanky female standing twenty feet away, her long blonde hair perfectly curled and makeup harsh among her pretty face. Black streaks of mascara stained her cheeks.

Her brown eyes glanced between Zaryn and I but my eyes held no remorse for her. Who doesn't know their heat is coming?

I felt cold toward her.

She begged my mate to mark her, knowing I'm his. She encroached on my territory first.

Grace's shaky Hand moved from her mouth as she squared her shoulders. Hands wiping fiercely at her eyes to rid herself of the tears.

"Zaryn. Do you refuse to mark me? I'm carrying your pup! ...She" she gestured toward me wildly, "Is a mere juvenile!!" Her voice was a sad display of how her heart was broken.

He had given her his food out of kindness I now realize.

He wanted me. He needed me.

Zaryn dropped his head. "She's my mate Grace. My true mate. You are only carrying my pup. Over a one night mistake that should have been prevented." The last word was bit out, accusing eyes narrowing into slits on her. His words hurt. I know they must have stabbed through her heart with the intent on hurting. His jaw had clenched when she spoke of me and now he was repaying her.

Walking forward a few steps, she glared at me. I watched with intrigued ears. This was my spot. I didn't feel out of place here. But I doubt her heart was really broken... It was just her pride. No one can fall in love with someone from a one night stand - not a wolf anyway. That wolf pines for the mate they have out there in the world.

"You'd choose her? Leaving the option open for her to mark you over the mother of your pup!?" A low growl rumbled through her chest, vibrating the air.

Zayn's burning gaze became unbearable, a growl emitting from his own chest, effectively silencing her. Her jealousy was apparent.

"Stand down Grace. This is not your pack. You have no rank here. Do not think of challenging anyone, especially in your condition! You would be killed on the spot if you do. Nova's wolf won't tolerate you," He growled out. Even his growl had my head bowing. An alpha growl has that effect, even a future one.

He kept going as he rose from the ground, his harsh glare making her tale a few tentative steps away.

"You know as well as I do that you have a 50% chance of miscarrying or having a stillborn! With my having a mate here, it's even less than that! You have a mate too, you just haven't found him. The moon isn't so kind to parents like us." His hurtful words stabbed right through her, but for me...

For me, they brought hope, as malicious as that sounds. If the pregnancy failed, she would go on her way, leaving our lives for good and we could be together. But I'd have to learn to trust him. He's been so honest with me thus far. Would I be with him if she was out of the picture? I wasn't sure.

Her glare turned icy. "We will see what my father thinks about that." She rose a brow, a smirk on her lips as she turned on her heel earning a threatening growl from Zaryn, causing her to pick up the pace as she ran.

Zaryn's anger left my body in a whirlwind of excitement, feeling how powerful he was. My wolf purred in my mind, loving the strength of her mate. She wanted to go after that she-wolf and teach her a lesson.

He glanced down at me briefly. "I'm sorry Nova. So sorry. But now you know. Please.. Please think about what I've said." I didn't respond. I barely talked this entire time. I just listened and took in his words.

He leaned down to kiss the top of my head before running away, leaping into the air as he shifted, shredding clothes in his wake. His large wolf howled, chasing after Grace with a point to prove. I felt excitement shifting within me as I watched how quick he was on his feet.

Pregnant or not, he would teach her her place. A little scruff biting for submission wouldn't hurt the pup that may or may not make it out of this alive...

I may be a sadistic biittch to some who knew my thoughts, but I couldn't help but want things to work out in our favor.

Even when it came to the life of a young pup.

I was being selfish.

I'm heartbroken and I'm selfish.

She wouldn't replace me.

Couldn't replace me.

But I couldn't be with him if he had that pup... I couldn't. I would have to move on...

And it would destroy me.

Who am I?

Am I Zaryn's mate? The future Luna? Am I a scorned she-wolf?Or am I something else entirely that I haven't even realised yet?

The pain was real, but something inside me was telling me to find out who I am, don't wait on him.

The wolf though, she will always choose her mate.

She wanted me to end Grace, take her out.

What would I do?