My Love for a Heartless Alpha Died with the Roses

Chapter 1

Lysa

Today, I turned twenty-seven, and like any other healer, it was nothing special for my pack, the Crescent Pack. However, every year, I convinced myself that Alpha Kade's feelings toward me would change, that he would notice me and claim me as his mate.

I had loved Alpha Kade since I smelled his pine mixed with earth scent five years ago. I knew, without a doubt, he was my mate. However, there was something wrong with the mate bond because he didn't claim or reject me. I simply existed as a healer who would tend to a member's wounds. But that didn't stop me from hoping for Alpha Kade to fall for me.

I decided to wear my blue floral dress and favorite flats, tie my dark and beachy waves hair into a high ponytail, and wear a little makeup. The pack may not care about my birthday, but what if Alpha does? At least I was dressed well before I headed for my duty at the healer's clinic today.

But when I entered, my heart stopped at the sight before me. A bouquet of pink roses, meticulously arranged in a vase, sat on the healer on duty's table. Pink roses were my favorite because they were beautiful and a symbol of deep love and loyalty in our pack. My heart raced when I approached the bouquet.

Could Kade have remembered? Could he...?

Before I could reach out, Kara, a healer, my best friend, and the only person who knew how much I loved Alpha Kade, sidled beside me.

"Is someone trying to court you?" she asked with a grin.

But when she noticed the roses, her facial expression looked confused.

"Wait...Lysa, those aren't..."

I held my breath, touched the flowers, and noticed the small card nestled among the petals. My fingers started trembling as I read the message in bold and cursive ink: To Mia, with love - Kade.

My heart breaks. The roses weren't for me. They were for her - Mia, the former Beta's daughter, and the newly appointed war advisor. She had recently returned after years of studying and training in the UK, and it seemed the woman who caught Alpha Kade's heart.

"Lysa... I'm sorry. I didn't know. I thought, because you are the only one on shift today, that..." Kara whispered while she placed her hand on my shoulder to comfort me.

I forced myself to smile, feeling foolish for harboring such feelings toward an Alpha.

"Don't worry about it, Kara. I think I was just... being ridiculous. Maybe that day, I smelled him; I must have overanalyzed it."

Kara looked at me with brows drawn with worry.

"Ridiculous? Lysa, no. You had every reason to think… the mate bond. That was exactly how it should be. Alpha Kade, for sure, has felt it, too. And if he didn't want it, he should have rejected you; shouldn't have given you those looks every time he came here for treatment."

I shook my head, choking from the lump in my throat.

"Looks aren't enough, Kara. I guess I had read too much into things that were never there. I was the only one holding on to something that never existed. The Moon Goddess would never make the mistake of being the only one to feel the mate bond. I'm sure I had made a mistake."

Kara's face softened, knowing that I had a point. She pitied me but had that fire in her eyes, telling me not to give up.

"Mia had just returned, Lysa. Sure, she was the former Beta's daughter, but that doesn't really mean that Alpha Kade hadn't felt that mate bond."

"Maybe... but that doesn't change anything. If Alpha Kade had wanted me, he would have made it known. And Mia, being the war advisor, would always be by his side. And I'm... Well, just a healer."

Just then, the faint sound of voices approached and passed the hall outside the clinic. When I turned, it was Alpha Kade and Mia holding hands as they walked. Kade looked at Mia as if he were in full admiration. While Mia was laughing at what Alpha Kade whispered to her.

Kara grabbed my hand in a tight grip before whispering, "Lysa, you don’t have to stay here. Let’s go..."

"No. I'm fine, Kara. Really. I'll just go on with my duties," I replied."

But as the day went on, the wound inside deepened. There was never a moment that I didn't see the two sharing glances together and whispering like lovers. They made me jealous when I didn't have the right.

That evening, Alpha Kade called for a special pack dinner, which I knew was not because of my birthday. As we took our seats, Alpha Kade stood at the head of the table, holding the same bouquet of pink roses. My heart pounded when he raised his glass, looking at Mia.

"Tonight, I would like to announce that Mia is not only my war advisor but also my chosen mate. I'm proud to claim her as my partner in all things. Together, we could make this pack strong and improve," Alpha Kade said with a smile.

The room erupted in applause and cheers, but I felt like floating and disconnected. The pain burst raw and uncontainable until I couldn't bear it anymore and ran outside.

I ran as far as I could from the dining hall until I reached the river outside. I cried so loud, knowing that no one was going to hear me. After thirty minutes, I decided to head to my quarters to sleep. When I reached the door, I noticed an envelope tucked under it. Frowning, I picked it up and turned to find it was from the Red Crest Pack.

I opened the letter and was shocked to read: Tomorrow, you are formally invited to attend the Council Assembly in Red Crest to serve as an honorary guest and a healer.

Chapter 2

Lysa

I left early to attend the Council Assembly in the Red Crest. The invitation didn't say much except my role as an honorary guest and a healer, but it was a needed escape. I focused on the excitement of being in a new place, meeting other pack leaders, and breaking free from anything related to the Crescent Pack. However, that ache when I thought of Alpha Kade and Mia was still there.

When I arrived at the Red Crest Pack’s territory, it was livelier and less formal than I expected for the most powerful pack. Inside the council hall, various leaders and representatives from the neighboring packs mingled, and their voices filled the vast and beautifully adorned room. I went inside silently, hoping not to draw any attention.

But as soon as I sat down, I felt that pull and smelled that scent that made me look up. I was not mistaken seeing Alpha Kade and Mia just entering. Alpha Kade wore a tuxedo, exuding an aura of an Alpha. Mia was beside him, tall and confident, just like a war advisor should be. But seeing them together gnawed at me.

When the meeting was almost over, I stepped out and went to the garden. It was almost secluded and filled with roses. I sat on a bench close to the council hall and plucked the pink rose, big and fully bloomed.

“Escaping the noise, too?”

I was startled and looked up to see a man looking at me amused. He was tall with ocean-blue eyes; he had the energy that pulled me like gravity and that scent of forest and breeze that felt intoxicating. My wolf screamed, "Mate! Mate!" But I was not ready to get fooled by this mate bond once again. I ignored it.

I had seen him before, and then it hit me—it was Alpha Elias of the Red Crest Pack.

"Ah, yes... council meetings can be overwhelming," I replied.

Alpha Elias sat on the bench across from me and said, "Or, maybe it was something more. You seemed distant."

I was caught off guard, but something made me feel at ease. I felt I could share anything with him without judgment, and I would feel safe.

“Sometimes, we go where we think we can hide.”

He raised a brow.

“And yet, here you are, sitting in plain sight.”

“Lysa?”

I stiffened when I heard that familiar voice. I turned to see Alpha Kade with Mia hovering beside him.

“Alpha Kade, I was just getting to know your best healer,” Alpha Elias greeted politely.

Alpha Kade gazed at the rose I held, and his jaw tightened.

“I wasn’t aware you knew each other.”

“Oh, well, I make it a point to get to know everyone who visits Red Crest. I find it helps build connections. Strengthens alliances.”

Mia smirked and said, "That’s very kind of you, Alpha Elias. But you’ll find that Lysa prefers to stay… low profile.”

There was something about what she said that made me snap. And for the first time, I interrupted, "Low profile doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a bit of peace, Mia. Some of us don’t crave attention.”

It took her by surprise, but she hid it with a smile.

“Of course. I’m sure Red Crest offers all the quiet you need.”

Alpha Kade looked annoyed at me but couldn't scold me.

“Mia, perhaps we should return to the meeting. There’s plenty left to discuss.”

The moment they were gone, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Never let anyone make you feel you are low, regardless of their position," Alpha Elias said, startling me because I had somehow forgotten he was there.

The council hall opened before I could respond, and several Red Crest Pack members came out. One of them a young warrior, said, "Alpha Elias, there’s been a breach on the western border. Scouts reported a group of rival wolves approaching."

Alpha Elias' expression hardened when he asked, "How many?"

“A dozen, maybe more. We’ve called in our warriors, but they’re still regrouping.”

Alpha Elias turned to me; his jaw set with grim determination.

“Lysa, I could use an experienced healer at the infirmary. Could you please help?"

The sense of having a purpose birthed inside me somehow overpowering the pain I felt.

"Of course, Alpha. Lead the way."

We moved quickly and we arrived at the infirmary just in time for the injured to begin arriving. I worked alongside the Red Crest healers, tending to the wounded with much focus.

Hours passed, I bandaged many warriors, but I felt alive in a way I hadn’t in a long time. Amidst the crisis, I found a sense of belonging.

When dawn approached, the last of the injured were stabilized. I sat back, exhausted but deeply fulfilled and feeling proud. Then, my nostrils were hit with that forest and breeze scent once again and it brought a chill down my spine.

"You did well today. Red Crest could use a healer like you," Elias said as he watched with an expression, I couldn't tell whether it was admiration or something more.

“You… want me to stay?”

Elias chuckled and I felt it was more begging for me to do so.

“It’s your choice, Lysa. However, if you stay, no one will make you feel invisible here. You are equally important as anyone else here. I would prefer and be happy if you would. But you must make it clear with your pack."

For a moment, I thought of hearing those words from Alpha Kade. I had been waiting for it, and it never happened. Was it because I meant to hear it from Alpha Elias?

“I’ll think about it,” I replied.

“Take all the time you need. But I really hope that you will."

Then, Alpha Elias smiled and turned to leave. My heart suddenly shifted, now longing for him instead of Alpha Kade.

Chapter 3

Lysa

I went down to the infirmary, expecting the usual hustle and bustle of healers attending to the wounded. After spending hours helping yesterday, I had grown comfortable here, finding solace in bandaging wounds and mixing herbs. But what surprised me was the kindness of the Red Crest Pack members. They were genuinely grateful, the complete opposite of the cold indifference that I was used to.

I spent the next hours helping the healers, tending to the injured, and offering comfort where possible. I was so focused on wrapping a bandage around a young warrior’s sprained wrist that I almost didn’t notice Alpha Elias enter the infirmary. His scent was overpowered, and I missed that, too.

The pack members greeted him with a smile, unlike the fearful submission I was used to seeing with Alpha Kade. Here they loved and respected their leader. At the Crescent Pack, they fear, so they submitted it to Alpha Kade.

I looked up and met his eyes, and that pull of the mate bond felt like it electrified me. My wolf stirred and kept whispering, "Mate! Mate!"

Alpha Elias nodded at the healers, giving a few instructions before making his way over to me. I quickly finished tying off the bandage and wiped my hands on a towel, trying to compose myself. He walked towards me all smiling.

"You’ve been busy," he said, his eyes serious as they studied me.

"I like helping out. It feels good to be needed again," I admitted, but feeling a strange flutter in my stomach.

Alpha Elias smiled and moved closer that we were almost inches apart.

"You know, I’m beginning to think you’re staying because you like it here," he said jokingly.

I raised an eyebrow at him, trying to hide the smile. He might be joking, but why did it feel like he was flirting with me?

"Maybe I do."

Alpha Elias laughed, it was unexpected and warm that it made my wolf perk up. She was practically waging her tail in my mind.

"Well, if that’s the case, how about taking a break? I was planning to head down to the river. Thought you might want to join me."

I hesitated, glancing around the infirmary. The other healers were busy, but they didn’t need me. I turned back to Alpha Elias, who was watching me expectantly. I found myself nodding before I even made up my mind. "Sure, why not?"

The walk to the river was filled with light conversation. It was easy and comfortable, and I realized how different this felt compared to the guarded silences I’d shared with Alpha Kade, who was usually a snob. With Alpha Elias, I didn't have to hide my thoughts and emotions. He made it easy to talk and express what I felt.

We settled on a blanket, facing the river. Alpha Elias handed me an apple, his fingers brushing mine. It sent an unexpected spark up my arm. My wolf was practically jumping out of her skin, begging to be noticed. I could feel her yearning for him to claim us.

"So, are you still pretending you are only here to help?"

I choked on the piece of apple I was chewing, coughing, and spluttering as I looked at him in shock.

"What do you mean?"

He shrugged, but his eyes twinkled like he was teasing me, but there was something more. And for a moment, I thought I saw the intense attraction.

"You could leave anytime, Lysa. But you’re still here. It makes me wonder why."

I tried to argue but stopped. He was right. I could have left yesterday or even this morning. But I was still here, helping in the infirmary and sitting beside him.

"I like it here. It’s different. The people, the pack... You," I shyly admitted, feeling my cheeks heat.

"And I like having you here."

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch was gentle, but my heart ached with longing. I longed for this moment with Alpha Kade, and I couldn't believe it was happening now. We sat there in silence and listened to the river until the sun started descending.

"Come on. Let me walk you back to your quarters to rest."

When we reached my quarters, he stopped by my door.

"Lysa, I would like you to stay a little longer. Not just as a healer but... as someone I want to get to know better."

My heart clenched, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say. I remembered how I was a mate to Alpha Kade, and he just replaced me. I didn't know if I could believe that this was something different.

"I'm... I'm not sure what you mean by that?" I asked, trying to sound confused although I understood what he meant.

Alpha Elias only smiled. I thought he was somehow shy or afraid to say what he really wanted to mean.

"I think you know what I mean, Lysa. I am really interested in getting to know you better."

"I don’t know if I’m ready," I whispered.

"I'm sure you could feel our connection was something we can't do away, but that's okay. I understand. Just think about it."

"I will," I said nodding.

I stepped into my room, closing the door behind me. I saw a pink rose on my bed; I touched it gently. Maybe, this was something that I had hoped for.

But before I could let that thought settle, a sharp knock sounded on the door. I opened and standing in the hallway was Alpha Kade. His eyes were dark, his face a mix of anger and desperation that scared me.

"Lysa, we need to talk now," Alpha Kade ordered.

Alpha Kade had destroyed the comfort and warmth I had felt a moment ago. And I realized I couldn't stay that long here in the Red Crest, Alpha Kade would never allow it.