My Alpha Cheated With All My Friends Novel

Chapter 23

When I surfaced from the darkness , I was back in the Pack Healer's chamber . The world around me felt distant , muffled , as if I were trapped beneath layers of fog . I lay still , waiting for sensation to return , but the cruel truth settled in - I still couldn't feel anything from the waist down .

Across the dimly lit room , Darius Stormraven sat in a chair , his body tense , jaw clenched , as if bracing for something .

But the moment my eyes fluttered open , his entire expression shifted . The tension melted away , replaced with something softer , something almost ... caring .

He reached for my hand , pressing it to his cheek , his skin warm beneath my fingertips .

1/9

" Evelyn Darkmoor? You're awake . " His voice was low , gentle . " How do you feel ? If you're in pain , I'll call the Healer right now. "

His touch was careful , his words full of concern - just like always . But his eyes ...

they were empty .

It was almost admirable , the way he could pretend .

I forced a small smile , my fingers grazing the rough stubble on his jaw . " You haven't slept , have you ? " My voice was hoarse , my throat dry . " I'm fine , Darius Stormraven . Get some rest ."

He exhaled slowly , nodded , and within moments , he was asleep .

My gaze drifted toward his phone on the nightstand . The screen was still lit , casting a

2/9

faint glow across the room .

Before I could talk myself out of it , I picked it up and unlocked it .

The lock screen was still the Luna ceremony photo we had taken in advance . Now , it felt like a joke .

His messaging app was open . Selina Raventhorn's chat sat at the top . I tapped it .

The messages were brief , simple - but each one cut like a blade .

[ Liora Ashbourne asked for her father again today . She already knows how strong and handsome you are . She's going to be trouble when she grows up .

]

[ Liora Ashbourne loved the treats you sent- finished every last bite . ]

3/9

Chapter 23

+ 5 Points

Over five thousand pictures .

Three years of captured moments - none of them with me .

Darius Stormraven had been there for every holiday , every milestone . For them .

I swallowed hard , my fingers trembling as I closed the app . There was no point in searching further .

I already knew .

Instead , I sent a single message to my closest friend .

Find me a Pack far away .

Somewhere I can recover in peace .

Then , I filed my request to sever all ties to

5/9

Chapter 23

+ 5 Points

Stormfang Pack .

My friend didn't ask questions . She only sent back a flood of relieved messages , overjoyed that I had finally opened my eyes .

I set my phone down and let exhaustion drag me back into sleep .

When I woke again , Darius Stormraven was crying .

He sat beside my bed , gripping a Pack Healer's report so tightly his knuckles turned white .

" Evelyn Darkmoor .

" His voice broke on my name . " The Healer found something during your exam . You- " He swallowed hard , as if forcing the words out pained him . " You were born without a uterus . You ... you can't have pups ."

6/9

Chapter 23

+ 5 Points

I didn't react .

I simply watched him .

It was strange , how devastated he looked .

He rushed to reassure me , his voice almost frantic . " It's okay . It doesn't matter . You're still my mate , and that won't change .

Once you're discharged , we can take in an orphaned pup from the Pack . It'll help you heal , I promise . Everything will be fine . "

I was the one who had supposedly lost something .

And yet , Darius Stormraven was the one clutching that report like it had shattered his entire world .

His performance was almost convincing .

7/9

Chapter 23

+ 5 Points

I didn't confront him . Didn't question why it mattered so much to him .

I just let the silence stretch , watching him fall apart .

After a long pause , he wiped his tears , nodded to himself , as if making some deep , emotional decision .

Then , without hesitation , he pulled me into his arms .

" I swear , I'll protect you " he murmured into my hair . " No matter what the Pack says , I'll always stand by your side . And once we're officially bonded , I'll transfer everything I own to you . I just want you to be safe .""

His chest was pressed against mine , warm , solid .

8/9

Chapter 23

+ 5 Points

But our heartbeats weren't even close to

matching .