The next day was a whirlwind of responsibilities. As the Luna, my duties to the pack consumed much of my time and energy. After our morning meeting concluded, I received a mind link from Roan, his voice carrying a hint of irritation.
"Lori, why didn't you wake me up? You left early without telling me, and now I've overslept."
A familiar pang of frustration flared within me. Since our mating, I had devoted myself entirely to him, catering to his every need. Each morning, I carefully laid out his clothes, prepared breakfast with affection, and gently woke him, ensuring his day began smoothly. It had become a routine, one I meticulously maintained. Yet, his tone now betrayed an unsettling truth: he had come to see my acts of love as mere duties, obligations I was expected to fulfill without question.
I took a deep breath, the weight of my realization settling over me. I was not his caretaker—I was his Luna. I had every right to refuse his unreasonable demands.
"Well, since you’re running late, you'd better get up soon," I replied, a subtle edge in my voice.
"What am I going to wear today?" He asked as if choosing his clothes was foreign to him.
"Just pick something from the closet, Alpha. Everything you need is there," I responded, my patience wearing thin.
"But I can't find it..." he began, his voice trailing off into the familiar whine of dependency.
An Omega nearby called for me, and I seized the opportunity to escape the conversation. "I have other matters to attend to. You’ll have to manage on your own," I said, turning away from the ridiculous conversation.
Barely moments later, my mate's voice pierced through the mind link once again. "The shirts are wrinkled! You didn't iron them? How am I supposed to attend a meeting like this?"
And then, predictably, came the complaint about breakfast. "You didn't prepare anything to eat!"
As his words echoed in my mind, the full weight of my choices pressed down on me. I had given up my wolf, my essence, to be with Roan. I had envisioned a future filled with love, pups, and leadership with him. But now, those dreams seemed foolish, naïve. Staying with him had lost its appeal, leaving me feeling empty.