Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder novel Chapter 898

Chapter 104: Rejected Luna

*Eliza*

I opened my eyes and it felt like I couldn't breathe. Sitting up, I pounded on my chest, heaving and hyperventilating. My stomach twisted and tears stung my eyes. In my chest, my heart trembled and I felt like it would shatter into a million pieces.

This was what it felt like to be rejected....

“Eliza...." My mother's voice came from the side of the bed. I looked over to see her offering me a cup of water to drink.

I gulped it down and looked to the window to see that the sun was setting.

“What day is it?" I croaked.

“It's still your birthday… apparently curse day," she said tersely.

My eyes drifted to her, and I could see the flood of a thousand questions wash over her face.

“Why didn't you tell us what was really going on?" she asked.

“There was nothing you could have done," I answered hoarsely.

“Eliza, you never know what your family can do for you until you ask. Has this boy and running around alone in the Dark Realm really made you forget how important family is?"

She reached out to touch my cheek. “Honey, I am your mother. It is my job to help you when you need it."

“I...."

I thought about everything Jared and I had been through together.

“It just felt like we were on our own," I tried to explain.

“No…" My mother countered. “He was on his own and then roped you into this. You are not and never will be alone so long as there is breath in my body. You can always come to me and your father no matter how hopeless a situation may seem."

I thought about how to answer. I rubbed at my chest and the aching pain of the rejection.

“If you hadn't kept things from us, we may have been able to spare you the pain that you're in. On top of everything, he rejected you while he was dying and you are pregnant!"

Hearing the words out loud my head hurt, and I went breathless and my chest began to ache even more.

I rubbed my chest, easing my breathing until my lungs inflated properly. My heart continued to ache, threatening to crack like an egg.

“We stopped the cures," I pointed out weakly. I blinked my tears back and sniffled, willing them not to fall.

The true damage had been done. After everything, Jared and I were no longer mates. I didn't think my heart could ever be put back together again.

My mother put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “What's done is done. It is still your birthday."

I felt my wolf in my head. She was so pleased to feel my presence and to be connected with me, but I could also feel her pain at being rejected. I wondered about Jared. It was his birthday too, and he hadn't expected to see another day after it.

“How is he?" I asked.

I heard my mother let out a long-suffering sigh. “He's resting. Mila suggested a few days of bed rest."

“She left?"

“Yes, she had more work to do elsewhere, but she promised she will see you again soon. We owe her a great debt. But, now back to your birthday." My mother gave me a kind smile. “Go ahead and wash up. We can at least have a little meal and fresh air in the garden together."

I nodded and gave her a smile as she helped me out of the bed and to the bathroom.

I'd finally connected with my wolf, and the experience was soured because now we were in pain. At least I had someone to share it with, someone who understood.

I took a quick shower. When I looked in the mirror, wrapped in a towel, I took a moment to look at my arms.

All the curse marks and tattoo remnants were completely gone. The curse really was broken.

I couldn't feel the sinister shadow stirring in me any longer. I didn't feel the heavy weight of the curse clinging to me.

I also noticed that the locket was around my neck again. Instinctively, I touched it. I was glad that it hadn't been destroyed when the curse was broken.

Sighing, I unclasped the necklace and put it on the vanity in my bathroom. I brushed my fingers over the familiar locket.

Right now, I couldn't stand to wear it. It was too much of a reminder of what I'd lost.

As much as I wanted to check on Jared, I knew I couldn't. I had no idea what he was thinking or feeling, I had no idea why he'd rejected me in the first place. I wasn't sure I wanted to know.

It was my birthday. My parents were here, so I planned to enjoy the rest of it. I could worry about my heartache later.

I threw on some clothes and headed into the gardens, where my parents waited alone for me. A small table with three chairs was already set up, reminding me that Jared would not be joining us.

“Eliza!" my father said excitedly.

He wrapped me in a fierce embrace. I could tell that he had just come from a shower and imagined he'd done so after coming in from looking for me.

He pulled back and looked me over from head to toe with none of the same harsh questions or judgments my mother had.

“I knew you would pull through."

He beamed and gave me a smile, and we all took a seat.

Miriam must have seen me emerge from my room, because she came out soon after me with fresh made sandwiches and a warm cupcake that had only just come out of the oven. The frosting was a little droopy because it was so warm.

“Happy birthday, Eliza," she said as she placed the food in front of us. “I know that things are… difficult right now. But you must know that you always have a place here in the village and in the pack."

My heart swelled a little, and I felt my wolf cooing in my head.

“I appreciate that, a lot. Thank you."

“Enjoy your meal. I wish I had the time to make you a real cake for a big celebration."

“No, this is perfect," my mother chimed in politely. “We don't need more than this."