The Rejected Full Moon

I Have To

We were able to get out of the packhouse unseen.

Hand in hand, we walked to the waiting Rolls Royce. Like a true gentleman, Jasper held the door open for me before getting behind the wheel. Once we were on our way, he took my hand in his again, kissed the backside, still looking straight ahead.

"Did you have a good time today, Rain? I think we're a bit short-handed to get the pack's finances in order. And I know you excel at business administration," he stated. "Can you spare some time to help us out? I know you do a lot of cooking and training with my mother. But I need you closer to me."

His words warmed my heart, and for a moment, I doubted whether my departure was the right decision. Jasper claimed he needed me; maybe I should focus more on my relationship with my mate than listening to small talk.

"Hmmm, let me check with Mom first. She's made a work schedule for things that need to be done in the pack," I informed him. "I'd like to spend more time with you too," I replied softly as I leaned in and kissed his ear. A smile crossed his face.

"Then we have an agreement. Ask my mother if you are free to come to my office at least once a week. I prefer Wednesday, then it is less busy and I can spend more time with you." he suggested dubiously.

"Focus on me? I thought you said I'd be working on the books, Alpha," I interrupted teasingly.

He chuckled.

"When I'm in the office, I have so many fantasies about you and me on my desk, on the couch, against the wall...". Before he could finish his sentence, I tapped him playfully on the shoulder.

"Jasper!" I exclaimed playfully. "Are you a s*x maniac? We have so much s*x, sometimes I don't know where you get the energy from after hours of office work". Jasper smiles and brings my hand to his lips again. "You are so seductive. Every time I see you, you are more beautiful than the last time and I want to own you again. It is something deeper than the mate pull".

Smiling happily, I looked ahead. Jasper was always showering me with compliments, openly expressing his love for me. We were so happy together, but I couldn’t forget that I was not able to give him the most crucial thing in his life: an heir. I took a deep breath and slowly released it. Thinking carefully and making the right decision was now of vital importance. Above all, I could not be selfish and claim his love without fulfilling his need.

I glanced sideways at him, my manly and attractive mate. He could so easily find another woman who would gratefully give him all he needed. Just the thought of another in his bed and arms almost suffocated me. Still, I couldn't be selfish, I reminded myself again.

We arrived at an exquisite riverside restaurant.

As the festival was in progress, only a few unmated wolves and an elderly couple were present. Jasper held my elbow and led me to a table overlooking the water. My mouth fell open when I scanned the setup. It looked like Valentine's Day; everything was set in red, our table was in the middle and beautifully decorated. The lights were dimmed, creating a romantic ambiance. I was sure this was Jasper’s doing; he had this made up so beautifully, especially for me.

"Do you like it, Rain?" Jasper asked softly. I turned to him, my eyes sparkling with joy.

"Thank you, Jasper. You don't know what this means to me on this day. I feel less guilty now that you had to leave the festival to be with me."

Immediately, his face turned serious.

“It’s not a sacrifice at all, Rain. I feel guilty for spending so little time with you," he confessed. "The pack business takes up almost all of my attention. Sometimes I think I'm neglecting you. But today, I'm spending quality time with my mate. I've missed you so much." I leaned against his shoulders as we walked further to the table. Jasper held my chair out for me, and when he sat down opposite me, we looked into each other's eyes.

"What do you want to eat? The chef is ready to prepare anything you want. But I know you love the French steak and the Italian lasagna, so I ordered those in advance," said my mate.

Together, we decided to add some meat dishes and another bottle of the best red wine. The cool breeze blowing in our direction from the river completed the whole atmosphere on the terrace.

Jasper and I reminisced about the start of our mating when we discovered each other as destined mates and the unforgettable Luna ceremony attended by all the leaders of the surrounding packs. How happy we were then and full of plans for the future.

A shadow fell over my face as I recalled our conversations about having pups. Jasper wanted five, at least one boy who could take over the pack when the time came. The other four, for his part, could be girls, copies of their mother, so he would have not only a queen in the house but some princesses as well. He sounded so dreamy when we talked about it back then.

Three years later, we were sitting here on the terrace, and the first pup was still nowhere to be seen.

And I didn't dare to go to the gynecologist for an examination; the confirmation of my infertility could be unpalatable for me. So I put it off as long as I could. I looked up at Jasper and scanned his face for any clue that he remembered our talk about pups. But all I could read in his eyes was the love he had for me. I sighed happily.

‘Moon Goddess, why? Why me? I would do anything to make this man happy. All he needs is a puppy, at least one,’ I prayed to myself.

When we were done, we walked to the railing of the terrace. Jasper took me from behind and held me in his arms as we looked out over the mirror-smooth river. Life without him would be difficult, but my decision was made.

I loved this man too much to be a burden to him; I had to go...