Bound By Fate: The Rejected Luna

Cassandra's Point of View The warmth of the sun kisses my skin as I step out of the hospital, the crinkled edges of the ultrasound image in my hand. My fingers smooth over the glossy print, the tiny outline of a heartbeat visible under the stark black and white contrast. A baby. His baby. Our baby. I can already imagine Adrian’s reaction—his eyes widening in surprise, then softening with pride. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, the moment that will solidify our bond. The ache of the past few weeks will melt away, and we can finally step forward together. The phone vibrates in my pocket, interrupting my thoughts. I fumble for it, still clutching the ultrasound tightly in my other hand. Adrian’s name flashes on the screen, and my lips curl into a smile as I swipe to read his message. [We need to talk. Come home when you’re done.] The words are curt, colder than I expect. A small knot twists in my stomach, but I shake it off. He’s probably busy, distracted by the usual pack matters. He’s been under so much pressure lately. I slip the phone back into my pocket and start toward the car. Each step feels lighter than the last. This news will change everything. I imagine the way his arms will wrap around me when I tell him, how his hands might linger protectively over my stomach. We’ve been distant lately, yes, but this… this is what we need. When I reach the house, the door is slightly ajar. My brows furrow as I push it open. “Adrian?” I call out, stepping inside. My voice echoes faintly through the empty hallway. The living room is spotless, as always, but something about the air feels heavy. On the coffee table sits a pristine white envelope, my name scrawled across it in his sharp, familiar handwriting. My pulse quickens as I pick it up. The ultrasound photo is still in my hand, forgotten but trembling slightly. “Adrian?” I call again, louder this time. He emerges from the study, his face cold and unyielding. His usually confident stride is sharper, almost confrontational. “You’re home,” he says flatly. There is no warmth, no trace of affection. Only indifference. “What’s this?” I hold up the envelope. He doesn’t answer immediately, his gaze piercing but devoid of emotion. My heart begins to pound. “Open it,” he says, his tone laced with impatience. I hesitate but slide my finger under the flap, pulling out a stack of papers. The bold title at the top hits me like a slap across the face. [Divorce Agreement.] “What is this?” My voice cracks, barely above a whisper. The ultrasound falls from my hand, landing soundlessly on the carpet. “It’s exactly what it looks like,” Adrian says, his jaw tightening. “Sign it, Cassandra. Let’s not drag this out.” “The best?” I repeat, my fingers clutching the papers so tightly they crumple. “Adrian, what are you talking about?” “You’re not fit to be my Luna,” he says coldly, each word sharp and deliberate. His eyes finally meet mine, and there is no hesitation, no regret. “You’ve always been a burden, Cassandra. This is long overdue.” “Not fit?” I repeat, my voice rising. The words feel foreign, wrong, like they belong to someone else’s nightmare. “After everything we’ve been through?” My hand instinctively moves to my stomach, but I catch myself, lowering it quickly before he notices. “Don’t,” he interrupts harshly. “Don’t make this more pathetic than it already is. Just sign the papers and leave.” I take a step closer, the papers trembling in my hand. “Pathetic?” I echo, my voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and anger. “You think this is pathetic? Adrian, I just came from the hospital. I…” My throat closes up, choking the words before they can escape. “Whatever it is, save it,” he snaps, cutting me off. “I’ve already made up my mind. This conversation is over.” “Adrian, please,” I whisper, desperation creeping into my voice. “We can fix this. We can…” “Fix what?” he says, his voice rising in sharp disdain. “This was a mistake, Cassandra. You and me. Us. I’m done pretending otherwise.” His words strike like a physical blow, leaving me gasping for air. My chest heaves as I struggle to keep the tears at bay. Adrian’s gaze is as cold as ice, his tone cutting when he speaks again. “I only married you because my parents wanted it. But let’s be honest, Cassandra, you’re not my mate. You never were, and you never will be.” The weight of his confession leaves me momentarily speechless. “What are you saying?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “The Moon Goddess has someone else for me,” he says, his words sharp and dismissive. “Someone worthy. Someone who isn’t you.” My hands clench the papers tightly. “Is that why?” I demand, my voice rising. “Is there someone else, Adrian?” His silence is answer enough, but the faintest flicker of guilt in his eyes gives him away. That tiny flicker vanishes just as quickly, replaced with an icy stare. “It doesn’t matter. You’re signing those papers, and this is over.” I swallow hard, my throat tight as I feel the pieces of my heart breaking. Finally, I let out a shaky breath and say, “I see. I get my answer.” With trembling hands, I sign the papers. Each stroke of the pen feels like it is carving the end of a chapter into stone. When I finish, I stand, the papers still in my hand. I turn to face Adrian, my eyes locking onto his with a strength I don’t know I possess. “I, Cassandra Steel,” I begin, my voice steady despite the storm inside me, “sever our mate bond and accept your rejection, Adrian Black.” His expression doesn’t change, but something flickers in his eyes. I don’t wait to see if it is regret or relief. I place the signed papers on the coffee table and turn to leave, my head held high even as my heart shatters with every step I take. Outside, the sunlight seems cruelly bright as I walk away from the only life I have ever known as I clutch my tummy. 'Sorry. baby. Your father doesn't even listen to me... to talk about your existence.'