Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate

(Penelope)“Dominic, I beg you,” I gasped sharply as my mate Dominic thrust into me hard. Each movement sent spasms of pleasure through my body, but something was missing. Love. “Please—just one kiss—”He rammed deeper, making me cry out. Sweat dripped from his jaw onto my breasts. It felt so good, but the physical connection felt empty, devoid of any tenderness or passion. Just raw, angry mating we both enjoyed.“A kiss?” he asked contemptuously. “You think you deserve that?”I stared up at the ceiling, tears sliding down my temples. His hands gripped my hips hard enough to bruise as he continued his relentless pace, making me pant.“It was an accident,” I whispered brokenly. “He didn’t mean it. He proved it before he died—”“Your adoptive father,” he spat venomously, “murdered Isabella in cold blood. His death changes nothing.”His fingers dug into my flesh as he increased his pace. The burning between my legs intensified until I thought I would split apart. Stars burst behind my

(Penelope)Dominic stepped closer, his presence suffocating, “Take. It. Back.”Blood roared in my ears, making them ring. I saw black specks at the edges of my vision. Still, I forced the word out: “No.”The wolf blazed in his eyes, turning them molten gold. “You dare defy me? After everything I’ve given you?”Dominic’s chest heaved against mine, rage pouring off him in waves.“Let me go.” I met his furious gaze. “You’ll never see past my father’s sins.”“Your father murdered—”“It was an accident!” I yelled back despite his anger. Despite myself. “He proved it before they drove him to suicide!”His fingers dug deeper. “More lies.”“Like the lies you tell yourself?” I clawed at his grip. “That you’re keeping me out of duty? That this isn’t about punishing me for her death?”“You know nothing about Isabella—”“I know everything!” I could feel my eyes welling with tears now. “I know you loved her. I know losing her destroyed you. And I know you’ll never forgive me for a crime I didn’t c

(Dominic)Pain ripped through my chest, sharp and hollow where the mate bond used to pulse. My wolf howled, clawing at the emptiness Penelope left behind. The severance burned like acid in my veins.“Alpha?” James knocked tentatively. “The council requests—”“Get out!”“But sir, the border patrols reported—”I hurled a glass at the door. It shattered, spraying whiskey and crystal. “I said get out!”Footsteps retreated quickly. Smart man.I paced my office, my steps sounding too loud in the silence. The bond’s absence felt wrong—like missing a limb. The mate bond was sacred, unbreakable. No mate should have the power to sever it.“Sir.” A guard appeared in the doorway, pale-faced. “Penelope said she will leave the pack.”His statement knocked me back.Leaving? My heart stopped beating for a moment.“What exactly did she say?”“That she refuses to stay imprisoned any longer.” He shifted nervously. “That nothing could make her remain here, that she’d find a way.”My claws extended, scori

(Penelope)Dominic’s hand shot out to grab my arm. I twisted away decisively, making him stumble back.“Don’t touch me,” I said coldly.His nostrils flared. “You dare—”“Yes, I dare.” I straightened my spine. “I’m not your submissive little mate anymore.”The crowd around us shifted, wolves moving back to create space for the inevitable confrontation. I saw pack members watching intently, witnessing every moment.“This act won’t work,” Dominic spat. “Nathan Moon’s daughter? Do you really expect anyone to believe that?”“Believe what you want.” I adjusted my midnight blue ceremonial cloak . “The blood tests speak for themselves.”A photographer approached, camera raised. “Princess Moon! Would you join the council members for the binding ritual?”“Of course.” I moved toward the waiting group, leaving Dominic seething behind me.The camera flashed as I posed with various pack members. I made sure to smile extra brightly, knowing it would infuriate him further.“Such a natural,” one of t

（Penelope）I stood frozen on the terrace, my father’s words sinking in like teeth into flesh.“What do you mean Edward will be there tonight?” I asked, gripping the phone tighter.“Exactly what I said,” my father replied bluntly. “Alpha Benjamin’s son will attend the banquet. He’s eager to meet you.”“The arranged marriage partner you never bothered to tell me about?”“It’s been in motion for months, Penelope. Edward is a suitable match. Strong bloodline, excellent pack connections.”“And what about my opinion?” I snapped. “Five years free from Dominic, and you’re already trading me to another Alpha’s son?”“This isn’t a negotiation,” he said firmly. “The alliance with Benjamin’s pack secures our southern borders.”“Maybe focus on your pack conglomerate and your daughter rather than using me as a bargaining chip,” I argued hotly.“Everything has already been arranged properly,” he replied coldly. “Edward expects a dance tonight, at minimum.”“Father—”The call ended abruptly, leaving