Rejected

“I now proclaim you, Alpha of Cresthowl pack!”

Kiya fiddled with her fingernails as she watched the Elder rub a vermilion on Regan Wolfeclawn's forehead. He had finally been crowned as Alpha of the Cresthowl pack.

But that wasn't what got her so edgy. The young Princess had just been brought…no, stolen from her own father’s pack two days ago.

Regan had attacked her pack and despite all the efforts put by her father, the Alpha to resist Regan's warriors, they failed and fell.

Now, Regan found his mate in Kiya and brought her back home as a form of trophy. But upon their arrival, Regan met his father deceased. After the funeral rites were over, he was immediately crowned Alpha and he had also chosen this day to officially mate her and make her his Luna.

“I can't do it.” Kiya muttered to herself for the umpteenth time. She was greatly filled with fear of getting married to Regan – the Dreaded Warlord. Besides, he had conquered her pack and killed her father just two days ago. It would be sheer betrayal of her people to mate with him.

She glanced at the helpful Duchess who had been her confidant since she arrived in this pack, her words echoing in her head, ‘You can't torture yourself by getting mated to him, you have to reject him. Humiliate him in front of his people as revenge for your father's death.’

“And now! Werewolves of Cresthowl pack, it is time for our new Alpha to reveal and officially mate his Luna!” The Elder cried as everyone in the castle hall cheered loudly. It was obvious they loved Regan, but everyone couldn't deny the fear they have whenever he becomes angry.

Kiya swallowed hard as attention was quickly turned to her. Glancing at the Duchess, she walked forward, standing next to Regan.

“Meet Kiya Ravenclaw of Black Raven pack, the new Luna and mate to Alpha Regan!” The Elder announced excitedly, making Kiya cringe.

“Excuse me, I wish to say something to the beautiful people of Cresthowl pack.” She quickly told the Elder before he proceeded with the mating rituals.

Regan gave a quizzical look but he approved when the Elder agreed.

Facing the crowd, she began, “We all know of our new Alpha's victory over my pack just two days ago.” She said, her voice carrying a hint of pain. “My father was slain trying to protect his people and my brothers were put to sword for refusing to bend the knee to your Alpha!” By now, tears were falling from her eyes. Regan wanted to pull her away but his mother held him back.

“That is why I must refuse to be mated to him.” She turned to Regan, tears rolling down her face.

“I, Kiya Ravenclaw of Black Raven pack, reject you, Regan Wolfeclawn as my mate. May the Moon Goddess bear witness.” She uttered the glass shattering words, eliciting an echoing gasp from the witnessing crowd.

Regan stood there for seconds, unable to utter a word. Suddenly, various items began to fly at Kiya from the crowd. They were yelling at her, reprimanding her for what she did.

“Whore!”

“Ingrate!”

“Bloody fool!”

Words like these echoed in the walls of the castle hall and Kiya was quickly hurled away by some guards. Commotion ensued and the ceremony was quickly brought to an end.

Kiya shut her door and leaned against it, she broke down in tears.

“What have I done?” She muttered between tears. “I shouldn't have done that, they’ll have me killed, no no no…” she ranted fearfully until the guards soon came for her. She had been summoned to the courtroom.

Fear ignited her heart as various booming voices from the courtroom filled her ears. As soon as she walked in, silence reigned.

“You!” Regan growled as he charged towards her. His beta was quick to hold him back, but that didn't stop the new Alpha from glaring daggers at Kiya.

“Kiya Ravenclaw,” Regan's mother, Luna Rosina, called. “You have brought shame to your Alpha by rejecting him as your mate in public…”

“He’s not my Alpha!” Gasps rented the air as Kiya cut the Luna off.

“How dare you!” Regan, once again, charged at her but was yet again held back by his beta. This time, Kiya was glaring back at him.

“You do realise there's a punishment for your actions.” Luna Rosina calmly stated.

“I don't care whatever consequences I get for rejecting the destroyer of my family.” Kiya shot back without remorse.

“Throw her in the dungeons!” Regan's booming voice roared. The guards obliged and grabbed hold of Kiya's arms, ready to whisk her away.

“Wait,” a feminine voice rang out.

Kiya looked ahead to see the Duchess walking forward.

“Luna, a crime such as this requires more than just imprisonment.” She said to the older woman.

“What would you have us do, then?” Regan was the one who asked.

“Let my men take her down to my village, you do know of my famous chain of punishment over there.” The Duchess responded with a smirk.

Regan liked this idea, he would want her treated without remorse and Duchess Jenna was just the person for that.

With a nod, Kiya was whisked away by the guards and Duchess Jenna followed behind.

Tension was released from the atmosphere, Regan sat down and so did everyone else.

There was silence in the courtroom as no one knew another topic to bring up after this awkward scene.

Regan, however, spoke up, as there was something he wanted to let everyone know.

“The fool’s rejection won't stop me from my conquest. I still plan on marching down to the Moonbeam pack in a fortnight.” He declared.

The Elders shifted in their chairs while his mother face-palmed in frustration.

“In that case, Alpha, the after coronation traditions have to be performed in earnest.” One of the Elders spoke.

Arching his brows, he asked, “What after coronation traditions?”

“The previous Alpha's last decree has to be read out and fulfilled by the new Alpha.”

Remembering the usual tradition of their pack so as to show respect for the fallen Alpha, Regan said, “Well have it ready to the court.”

A servant stood before the members of the court with a scroll as he read Alpha Arthur's – Regan's late father– last command.

“The next Alpha of Cresthowl pack, as my last and dying decree, must get a wife for himself from the Moonbeam pack so as to propagate…” before the servant could finish reading the scroll, Regan had bounced to his feet in rage.

“What!”