My Alpha Mate Rejected Me for My Sister’s Lies

The pain had become unbearable.

I huddled in the corner of Healer Margaret Stone's office, trying to make myself as small as possible while she examined me. The burning sensation inside my chest had intensified over the past weeks, like something alive was trying to claw its way out.

"Edith, please stop fidgeting," Margaret said, her brow furrowed as she pressed her palm against my sternum. "This will help me determine what's causing the discomfort."

I nodded, biting my lip to keep from crying out as her fingers traced patterns across my skin. The healer's touch was gentle, but even the slightest pressure sent waves of agony through my body.

"I need to run some tests," she muttered, stepping away to prepare her equipment. "This could be related to your... condition."

My condition. The polite way of saying I was wolfless. Cursed.

Margaret's hands trembled slightly as she returned with a syringe filled with clear liquid. "This will help us see what's happening inside you."

I closed my eyes as the needle slid into my arm. The liquid burned worse than anything I'd felt before, and I couldn't suppress a gasp.

"I'm sorry," Margaret whispered, her eyes filled with something that looked suspiciously like pity. "But we need to know what we're dealing with."

Minutes later, she studied the results with growing horror. Her face had gone pale, lips pressed into a thin line.

"Edith," she said finally, not meeting my eyes. "I need to be honest with you."

Something in her tone made my heart stutter. "What is it?"

"You have Mana Corruption. Late stage." She looked up at me, her expression grave. "Your dormant wolf is consuming your human body because it cannot shift."

The words hit me like physical blows. "What does that mean?"

"It means..." Margaret hesitated, then sighed. "I'm so sorry, Edith. You have three months. Maybe less."

Three months. The words echoed in my mind as I stumbled back to the pack house. Three months to live. And no one who cared.

---

The next morning, I gathered my courage and headed to breakfast. My hands shook as I clutched the medical report Margaret had given me. This was my chance to tell them—to make them understand.

My biological parents sat at the head table, Marina perched beside them like a well-manicured accessory. Her golden hair caught the morning light, making her look like the perfect Luna-in-training.

"Alpha Nelson," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "Luna Nelson. I need to speak with you about something important."

My father's eyes flicked up from his plate, irritation evident in his expression. "What is it, Edith? Can't you see we're busy?"

"It's about my health," I said, extending the report. "I saw Healer Stone yesterday, and—"

Before I could finish, Marina snatched the paper from my hands. Her eyes scanned the document, and then she burst into laughter.

"Oh, this is rich," she said, passing the report to my mother. "Look at this, Luna. Edith's forged a medical report claiming she's dying."

I shook my head frantically. "No, I didn't—"

"Always so dramatic," Marina interrupted, her voice dripping with false concern. "Especially right before my engagement party. What a coincidence."

My mother's eyes widened as she read the report, but my father snatched it from her hands.

"Enough of this nonsense," he growled. "Mana Corruption? We all know that's impossible without a wolf."

"But I—" I tried again, desperation clawing at my throat.

"Edith will be serving the guests during the ceremony," my father announced, effectively silencing me. "Not wasting everyone's time with these ridiculous stories."

---

The engagement party preparations were in full swing when I collided with a wall of muscle in the hallway.

Strong hands steadied me, and I looked up into eyes that flashed gold with surprise.

"You're..." he breathed, his nostrils flaring as he caught my scent.

I knew him instantly. Alpha Damien Elliott of the Blood River Pack. My fated mate.

The air between us crackled with electricity. His scent—rain and ozone—filled my senses, making my heart race with recognition.

"Alpha Elliott," I whispered, unable to tear my gaze away from his.

For one breathless moment, something flickered in his eyes—something that made hope bloom painfully in my chest.

Then his gaze dropped to my ragged maid uniform, and his expression changed.

"Disgusting," he murmured, stepping back as though I'd burned him. "Is this some kind of joke?"

"I don't understand," I said, confusion replacing hope.

"A 'broken thing' like you?" His voice was hushed, urgent. "You could never be Luna."

The words cut deeper than any knife. "But the mate bond—"

"There is no bond," he snapped, glancing nervously down the hall. "Do you think I would allow myself to be tied to someone like you? Someone without a wolf?"

His denial felt like a physical blow, leaving me gasping for air.

"Stay out of sight during the ceremony," he ordered, straightening his jacket. "I don't want you embarrassing me or your... family."

As he walked away, I pressed my hand against the wall to keep from falling. Three months to live, and now this.

What more could the Moon Goddess take from me?