The Rejection

AZALEA

My heartbeat becomes deafening, and I feel like my entire being is pulsing madly inside my chest.

As he takes a step forward, Landon's stare never leaves mine. My legs wobble beneath me, and I try to stand tall, but I fail miserably.

"Is this some cruel joke by the moon goddess?" His voice reverberates like thunder through the air. "Is this some cosmic retribution for all the shitty things I've done to you?"

He continues to speak as he strides briskly towards me, but I do not respond. I don't say anything since my head is racing with thoughts.

How is this possible? Why would the moon goddess leave me mateless only to bring him now, after all these years? Worst of all, she matches me with Landon, the man who is the bane of my existence.

But for some strange, unexplainable reason, I'm happy. I know I shouldn't be, but I can't stop myself. Riley, for one, is incorrect. My mate is the future Alpha King of Shadow Valley, not some 'lowly' Omega. Two, my mate is also her cherished boyfriend, and three, I can brag about it in front of her.

"Did you fucking hear me!" Landon yells violently, and his booming voice makes me jump slightly. I look him in the eyes and notice that the astonished expression on his face has altered. It is now replaced by wrath, and he has clenched his jaw. His hands are also balled into fists at his sides.

I think he's about to assault me, but suddenly, he lets out a tremendous sigh and steps back. And the expression on his face changes once more. His eyes are steely, and the evil sneer spreading over his face tells me all I need to know.

"No, no!" As realization dawns on me, I murmur and shake my head violently.

Is Landon going to reject me? Is he not going to give our mate bond a chance?

I cast a glance at Riley. She's staring at Landon with a puzzled expression that gradually transforms into understanding. She knows, too, and her gaze is drawn to me now.

"You bitch!" She starts and ends with a question that I dread so much. "Do you think that even in your wildest dreams, Landon would accept you?"

She rushes up to me and wraps her hands around my neck instantly.

"What…what are you doing?" I choke out as I try to breathe, but she doesn't let up.

I cast a glance at Landon, almost expecting him to come to my help. He approaches us and pushes Riley aside but does not assist me. His massive hands quickly replace hers around my neck, and he squeezes even more.

"Landon…Landon. Let me be.” I beg, but he refuses. Instead, he stares me down and grits out his decision. "You'll never be my mate, Azalea Silverman. Get that through your thick skull. I, Landon Montenegro, the future Alpha of Shadow Valley, reject you as my goddamn mate. You are not deserving of the title. So screw you and the moon goddess for placing me in this uncomfortable circumstance." After this, his hands leave my neck, and he steps back, intent on exiting the room. Riley smirks and follows him.

As I take note of his rejection, my entire body is on fire. His words rip into my heart like shards and splinters of glass. They sting even more as I replay every word in my head, and I can't breathe. I'm in pain. My wolf is in pain, and that's all I can think about.

I'm also embarrassed, upset, and disoriented, knowing this is what he wants. He wants me to scream and plead at his feet in misery. He wants to take pleasure in my pain. He wants to see me drown in agony, and as I realize this, I tell myself that I will not give him that satisfaction.

Although my mind is racing, and I want to scream at the pain ripping at my heart, I stand tall.

"Wait.” I say hoarsely.

He comes to a standstill beside my door, peering over his massive shoulders at me. His brow furrowed in perplexity. Riley also turns to face me, curiously looking at me.

There is a slight pause as they both wait, eager to hear what I say. And it is at that point that I make my own decision.

I'm sick of being labeled as frail. I'm weary of being used and bullied. I have a strong will and my dreams. I have a voice, and most importantly, I have emotions. I am still a human being. I am neither a monster nor a freak. I, too, am a wolf, and I do not deserve to be treated like garbage. Enough is enough.

So, as I wipe the tears from my eyes and sniffle, I decide to accept his rejection. That's precisely what I'm going to do. I will sever every connection we ever had.

All these years, while he treated me like garbage, I hung onto the memories we shared as childhood pals, but now I'm throwing everything away.

I take brisk steps towards them and deliver my speech with all the strength and dignity I have left.

"It's funny how I have loved you for the previous nineteen years of my life. And now that I think about it, I am a complete fool. You've embarrassed me enough, and I won't take it any longer. Just because you're ranked higher than me, and I'm obliged to respect you, doesn't give you the right to mistreat me."

I hesitate momentarily, noticing his forehead twitch with increasing rage, but I don't care. I go on. "You say I don't deserve you? But it's the other way around, Landon. You…" I press my index finger against his chest. "... You don't deserve me. As a result, I will reject you as well. I will sever every last link that remains between us.”

His eyes darken at my comments, and I can feel the fury coming off him in waves, but I ignore it. He no longer frightens me.

Although I'm grateful to him for opening my eyes to many things and making the harsh reality sink in, this is a true revelation.

"Am I supposed to be afraid of your little speech?" After a while, Landon speaks out, chuckling grimly. His eyes are ablaze with unfettered contempt. "Do you think I care whether I deserve you or not? Do I appear to care about you or anything somewhat related to you? Read my lips, Azalea. I do not give a fuck what you think, and I never have."

His remarks are like a slap in the face, but I have my pride to preserve, so I don't show it. I exhale sharply once more. "I, Azalea Silverman, a member of the Shadow Valley wolf clan, at this moment accept your rejec—"

"Azalea, please don't do it."

The door opens, and the room's ominous vibe cuts me off. Riley bows promptly, as do I when I observe the tall older man with graying black hair. It is Alpha Hunt Montenegro. His keen vision scans the room.

They land on Riley first, and he dismisses her with a harsh growl. "Don't you have somewhere to be, miss?"

"I…I…was just…" She stammers, but he cuts her off in the middle. "Leave."

Riley nods and scampers out of the room. Her cheek is flushed red with humiliation, and she shoots London a troubled glance and me a filthy one before leaving.

Soon, Alpha Hunt is the only one left in the room with Landon and me. As he looks at his son, his eyes are filled with disappointment.

He shakes his head before turning to face me. His eyes soften. “I was coming to get you when I heard the uproar. The moon goddess rewarded my dumb son by matching him with a beautiful, pure-hearted lady like you. I think you'd make a great Luna."

Huh? Is the Alpha King praising me? Is this some joke? Is this a dream? I give him a blank stare.

He smiles and repeats it. "The moon goddess has noticed your rare touch, and I applaud her decision. After all, you're a wonderful and uncommon asset, and I'm convinced you'll do well with my son as his Luna queen."

His words penetrate deeply into me, melting the hatred surrounding my heart. I can't believe this is happening, but Alpha Hunt has always been an accommodating and fair man. It's a shame his son is the polar opposite.

He walks towards me and comes to a halt before me. His expression is filled with compassion as he strokes my shoulder. "You see, my dear, my son, Landon, is still immature and doesn't always think things through. I apologize for all he said to you." He turns to gaze at Landon, who appears to be shucked. "Would you please allow me to speak with him? I'm confident I can bring him back to his senses, and you may give him another chance."

"What the hell are you talking about, father?" Landon speaks up, but his father strikes out at him. "Shut your mouth. Stupid boy."

Landon sneers and mumbles something unintelligible beneath his breath. Alpha Hunt returns his gaze to me, and I instantly lower my gaze shyly. The turn of events has taken me entirely by surprise, but who am I to challenge the Alpha king?

"Azalea." When he yells my name, I look up at him. "Would you please go to my bedchamber? On my bed, I have a wrapped parcel. It's your birthday present, so take it. I hope you enjoy it."

"A birthday gift?" I inquire, my eyes widening once again. This is the first time he has given me a gift, and how did he even know that today is my birthday?

"Yes. It's a gift for you, so please let me know if you don't like it. I can always get you another."

"Yes. Alpha.”

I'm not entirely comfortable with this gift, and something in my mind tells me it is a risky gambit, but I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt.

I hear Landon's furious voice after I exit the room and close the door behind me. "What was that all about, Dad? You can't possibly expect me to mate with that idiot chick."

"Shut up!" The voice of Alpha Hunt rumbles with finality and disappointment. As he orders, his deep baritone drops an octave. "Follow me to my office now!"