Chapter 2: Rejection

Lyra’s POV

I was aware of the impending pressure to marry Maximus, but the speed of this development caught me off guard.

“Mother, what's the meaning behind Maximus's announcement for the next full moon?” I confronted her, interrupting a conversation with a servant.

She signalled the servant to leave, and without directly addressing my question, she took a seat at the dining table.

“We needed to expedite matters, dear,” she replied, evading eye contact.

“And you couldn't have informed me?” I retorted sharply.

“Well…” She began to explain, but I cut her off.

“Whose decision is this?” I demanded, searching her face for the truth. The silence spoke volumes, and I knew the answer. 

“It's Maximus, isn't it?” I pressed, not waiting for confirmation before storming away.

Arriving at my father's office, anger fueled my every step. I couldn't bring myself to knock I barged in.

"Why was I kept in the dark about next week's schedule, Father?" He sat, absorbed in paperwork.

"I've conveyed the crucial details," he replied, not bothering to meet my gaze.

"I'm not a commodity to be sold. The least you could do is keep me informed about these changes. It's my life we're discussing here," I pleaded, restraining my frustration.

"What difference would it make?" he questioned, finally looking at me. I was left speechless.

"We'll have friends come over to celebrate. The sooner you compose yourself, the better!" he added.

Speechless, I exited his office. Whether informed or not, it seemed inconsequential. 

Back in my room, I quietly sobbed, attempting to envision what my life would become with Maximus.

In a matter of days, preparations unfolded, transforming the occasion into a grand event.

My mother, persistent in her efforts, coerced me into shopping for the event, my compliance was reluctant but inevitable.

As the event loomed just two days away, I stood on the balcony, observing the servants work tirelessly below.

"Should I just fall from here?" I pondered silently.

"Maybe I should end it all," a darker thought surfaced.

"You coward," my wolf scolded.

"I'm not a coward!" I defended.

With that, my wolf retreated to the recesses of my head. Despite the problems she was right, why sacrifice myself for someone who wouldn't flinch?

A day before the ceremony, a wave of additional guests flooded in. 

My father's mansion, vast with numerous rooms, accommodated his close friends within its expansive walls.

Standing outside to welcome his friends, Maximus arrived, and the sight of him only intensified my disgust.

"Welcome," my mother greeted warmly, and I reluctantly echoed her sentiments.

"You're to address me properly," he demanded, maintaining a stern expression and locking eyes with me. I nodded, my disappointment palpable as I held his gaze.

"Huh?" he challenged me to repeat myself. I rolled my eyes.

"Welcome, Alpha Maximus," I said mockingly.

"Kids these days," he scoffed, shooting me a disdainful look before stepping inside.

"Kids? This individual is just eight years older than me," I muttered angrily.

"Mind your tongue," my mother warned. Rolling my eyes, I continued to fake a smile, welcoming the remaining guests.

During dinner in our grand banquet hall, I wore a flowery flare gown paired with sandals. My father occupied the largest chair, overseeing the gathering.

Maximus sat to his right, dressed in a white shirt and jeans, accompanied by his Gamma and Beta, followed by the remaining guests. 

On my father's left were my mother, my brother, our Gamma, and the others in succession.

The banquet commenced smoothly, with guests chatting and enjoying their meals. I, however, remained quiet, eating slowly.

My father and Maximus delved into a conversation that grated on my nerves.

"By the end of the year, I should have more slaves than any other Alpha known," Lycaon boasted, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

"Servants, you mean?" My father clarified, raising an eyebrow.

"That wasn't a mistake. I said, slaves. From the weak packs I've raided and will continue to until I have a large empire," he responded, his tone dripping with disrespect that unsettled the atmosphere.

"Eww! As if that's an achievement," I scoffed, my gaze fixed on my food. 

"Say what now?" Lycaon glared at me.

"Huh?" I feigned innocence, pushing back against his arrogance.

"As my Luna, you must not forget your place..."

"I'm not yet your Luna!" I interrupted defiantly. Anger surged, and he slammed the table, getting the attention of everyone in the room.

"You do not speak while I'm speaking! I'm the absolute authority here" he declared, rising and storming away with a prideful arrogance that left me taken aback.

I turned to my father, seeking support, but he avoided my eyes. The others, seemingly unfazed, continued their conversations as if no one noticed his disrespect.

"Hmmph," I stood up, the tension lingering in the air, and walked away from the lavish dinner, retreating to my room.

Disappointment overwhelmed me. This was our territory. My father, an Alpha I'd always perceived as strong, revealed a vulnerability I had never seen before.

Maximus claimed absolute authority, yet no one dared to challenge him. Why were they all so afraid? I pondered these thoughts as I lay in bed.

The following day, I opted to stay in my room to avoid further distressing incidents. My brother, concerned, checked in on me, providing a company amid the brewing storm.

In the evening, servants arrived to dress me for the full moon ceremony. I adorned a black gown with a daring thigh-high slit, my hair meticulously styled.

At the climax of the event, Maximus, adorned in black and gold, seized the opportunity to address the gathering. 

After an unnecessarily prolonged speech, he finally made the awaited announcement.

"I, Maximus Orion, the Alpha of Fable pack, take Lyra Sabastian of Wildfire pack as my mate and Luna," he declared, sparking applause and jubilation from the crowd.

Desperation clung to me, this could not be my destiny as I prayed for the goddess to intervene, but deep down, I knew I was the only one who could save myself.

The crowd hushed, awaiting my response. Reluctantly, I approached him, facing the expectant onlookers. 

His gaze, filled with repulsive arrogance and lust, met mine. Summoning all my courage, I spoke firmly.

"I, Lyra Sabastian of Wildfire pack, reject you, Maximus Orion of Fable pack, as my mate,".

My words echoed through the crowd, sending shockwaves not only through them but through myself as well.