Page 31 of Bully Alpha's Pregnant Mate

As the evening unfolds, we settle into easy conversation, drifting between groups of pack members who all seem eager to chat, share stories, and let me in on what East Hills has been up to since I left. There’s a comfort in their company, a history that doesn’t need explaining. I realize I’m laughing more, engaging without thinking too much about how to keep up appearances, just genuinely enjoying their stories and the familiar teasing that comes with old friends.

After a while, we join a crowd near the bonfire, where Kai, who I know mostly from when we were teenagers, is telling some elaborate tale about a mishap on the training grounds. Her animated gestures and dramatic reenactments have everyone doubled over with laughter, and I find myself caught up in the easy atmosphere, surprised at just how…right this feels.

“You didn’t even see the look on Alec’s face,” Kai says between bursts of laughter. “He was trying to be all serious, telling us to ‘assess the situation,’ and then Quincey here, being the genius he is, steps right into a bear trap.”

Quincey grins, unfazed. “Hey, that was only because someone, and I won’t name names—” he glances pointedly at Kai “—distracted me.”

The group laughs harder, and I glance around at the familiar faces, feeling like maybe I’ve finally found my place here. It’s not just about Alec or the title of luna; it’s this—beingpart of the community, sharing in its quirks and humor and support.

“Having fun?” a voice says from beside me, and I turn to see Nate, one of the younger patrol members who’s recently joined the pack. He has a casual, easygoing vibe and an expression that says he’s noticed my gradual transition from outsider to part of the crowd.

I give him a genuine smile. “Yeah, I actually am.”

He raises his drink in a toast. “Here’s to many more.”

I clink my glass against his, feeling lighter than I have in weeks, the tension from the last few months easing in a way I hadn’t expected. It’s a good night. A rare one, even.

But then, just as I’m starting to feel completely relaxed, completely at home, I sense a presence behind me, familiar and unmistakable, cutting through the warmth of the evening like a cold wind.

I turn around, and there she is: Molly, looking like she’s stepped out of some designer catalog, every inch of her radiating that same practiced confidence she’s wielded for as long as I’ve known her.

Her eyes meet mine, and her smile is as polished as ever. Too polite, too deliberate. The kind of smile that says this conversation will be anything but friendly.

Molly’s smile sharpens as she steps closer, and her eyes sweep over me with a look that’s equal parts amusement and disdain. “Well, if it isn’t East Hills’ most surprising luna. I suppose Alec couldn’t resist the novelty,” she purrs, her voice dripping with condescension.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes, keeping my expression as neutral as I can. “Nice to see you, too, Molly. Or it would be ifwe didn’t have to do this little act every time we’re in the same room.”

She lets out a cold laugh, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Oh, I’m not acting, sweetie. Just pointing out the obvious. I mean, really, everyone’s wondering how long this… arrangement will last. Alec gets bored so easily; you must know that by now.”

I take a deep breath, ready to fire back. “Believe it or not, Molly, people change. Just because you’ve stuck to the same tired routine doesn’t mean the rest of us have to.”

Her smile turns saccharine, as fake as the crystals on her dress. “Change? Maybe. But a tiger can’t change its stripes. Eventually, Alec will see what I see—that you’re just a passing phase.” She shrugs before she adds, “Enjoy it while it lasts, dear.”

“Stripes, phases—do you even hear yourself?” I snap back, refusing to let her dig her claws in any deeper this time. “Your insults are as stale as the fake smile you’re trying to wear.”

But she doesn’t back down, leaning in like she’s letting me in on a secret. “Oh, but I know him, Isadora. I know his type. And trust me, once he’s had his fill of… this”—she gestures at me, eyes glinting with superiority—“he’ll move on. Maybe sooner than you think.”

The words sting, I won’t lie. But before I can respond, a warm, solid arm slips around my waist, pulling me close.

Alec.

He gives Molly a polite, humorless smile, one that’s dripping with barely concealed annoyance. “Actually, Molly, I’m exactly where I want to be. I’ve found what I was looking for. And in case it wasn’t clear, I’m not going anywhere.”

Molly’s face falters, and her bravado slips just slightly, but she recovers quickly. “Is that right? Well, let’s see if you’re still so sure in a few months.”

Alec’s grip on me tightens. “I don’t think you heard me, Molly. I’ll never grow tired of Isadora.”

The way he says it, like it’s a fact written in stone, sends a thrill up my spine. I feel a surge of heat at his defense of me. He’s not just standing by my side; he’s staking a claim, making it clear to Molly and anyone within earshot exactly where his loyalty lies.

But Molly, persistent as ever, isn’t done. She lets out a soft, disbelieving chuckle. “Oh, Alec, don’t be ridiculous. You’re always looking for the next thing, the next challenge. This little domestic act won’t keep you happy forever.”

I step forward, finally fed up, shrugging out of Alec’s hold but only to put myself directly between him and Molly. “Listen, Molly. I know you’re desperate to cling to whatever fantasy you’ve built about Alec and your importance in his life, but it’s time to let go. Grow up. Move on.”

She narrows her eyes, and the false sweetness drains from her face. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” I say. “The only person who seems desperate here is you. Alec isn’t some prize to keep fighting over. You had your chance, and you lost it. So stop trying to create issues where there are none. And for once, try not to be the problem in the room.”

For a moment, Molly’s expression goes blank with shock, like she wasn’t expecting me to bite back. To be fair, I never really have before. Then her lips press into a thin line, and her gaze hardens with a simmering resentment.

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