Page 17 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

“Ruby knows.She thought I was using it as an excuse to forsake my true mate so I could have who I actually wanted as my Luna.”

He blinked, stunned.“She knows and she’s still choosing to go through with it?”

“Yes.”

His palm drug down the stubble on his face.“I don’t even know what to say to that.”

I swallowed hard."I didn’t have a choice."

"There's always a choice, Briggs.”

My head shook."If taking my own life would have fixed it, I would have.Theia had warnings about that, too.It was Ivy or someone else.I chose Ivy’s life over everything."

The admission hung heavy in the air between us.Colten's expression altered, understanding dawning in his eyes.

"Briggs, I’m sor—"

"I don't want your pity.I just needed you to know."

A particularly loud scream exploded from Ruby’s throat.Tess looked up.

"Alpha, we're losing her, I can’t stop the bleeding.And the pup’s heartbeat is weak.He’s in the birth canal and it’s too late to do a c-section.The Luna wouldn’t survive it anyway.”

It was just as Theia foresaw–my mate would perish and I was powerless to stop it.

My eyes bore into Ruby’s round belly.“Tess.”

“Yes, Alpha?”

“Get my son out.”

Ruby's nails dug into my palm.The acrid scent of her fear and pain filled my nostrils.

"Push!"the midwife urged.

“I’m here!”Grace, the primary healer for our pack, came rushing in and kneeled down beside Tess.

I leaned over and caught my mate’s attention, my voice low and steady."Come on, Ruby."

Her pain-filled eyes locked onto mine.She gritted her teeth and bore down again.

"That's it," I encouraged.

I didn’t like my mate, but she was birthing our child.A child conceived in scornful lust and an Alpha’s duty, but our child nonetheless.

He was an innocent who shouldn’t have to carry the sins of his parents.I loved him no matter who was birthing him.

Ruby collapsed back, panting."I can't.I can't do it."

"You have to," I told her firmly."For our son."

She closed her eyes and hummed dourly."Our son?Is that what you thought of every time you fucked me?And only from behind so you wouldn’t have to look at me?Just to get me pregnant and then your mousy bitch could come back?”

"Neverspeak of her like that again,” I commanded, throwing my Alpha power at the female to ensure she obeyed.“Notever.”

Ruby's eyes suddenly widened, her face contorting."I'm dying you despicable bastard!"she accused.

I accepted her rancor.I was absolutely despicable.

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