Chapter 2: Heartlessly Rejected

“You must be Evadne, Alpha Marcus’s younger daughter.”

“Alpha Greg,” I curtsied with a graceful bow and a warmer smile as I uttered the nickname that everyone calls him. “I’ve never thought you’d be my mate, although I heard a lot about you.”

“I could say the same to you,” he reached for my hand and kissed it.

Though he lowered both of our hands, Alpha Greg didn’t let go of mine.

I stroked the back of his hand with my thumb. “I’ll be the best mate and best Luna to you, Alpha Gregor.”

“I know you will...” Then swept me in a romantic dance. Alpha Greg was holding my waist tightly and I held my grip on his shoulder and other hand. The music was so mesmerizing like I was dancing to the melody of my dreams. Finally, I can escape and breathe and live with the love of my life.

Mara is rejoicing inside me too. She was howling with joy. I bet my Alpha mate’s wolf is feeling the same.

“You’re so much more beautiful up close, Eva...” my mate placed a couple of strands of hair behind my ear. “I think I can see why your father has kept you hidden for long.”

And beaten. Not only did Alpha Marcus keep me hidden, but he made sure I always tasted the might of his punches or the power of his kicks on my face or stomach every single day.

“Let’s run away tonight.”

He chuckled, “It’s too early for that. Let’s enjoy your birthday party.”

We danced and waltzed and moved to the rhythm of the vivacious music, Alpha Gregor and I throwing each other a knowing glance every few minutes.

After a couple of rounds of dancing, my mate lowered his head. Time froze again. His lips were about to brush my mouth in a kiss when someone called out his name.

I blinked, and the party and music around us came to life again as if our frozen moments had ended. “You know, Alpha Greg. I have always hoped that one day, my mate will be able to save me from this hell. And now that you’re here, I think you already did it—”

“Greg!” Someone called out his name again. “Greg! Greg!” A sharp sweet voice sounded behind me. A woman with wavy blonde hair and bright blue eyes same as mine rushed to my mate.

Alpha Gregor immediately let go of me and cleared his throat, straightening himself.

“Elodie,” he immediately met her lips. They kissed passionately as if I, his mate, wasn’t there.

My sister only recognized that I was there when she noticed my bluish silver dress—a stark contrast to her metallic red dress.

“Evadne!” My sister chirped, linking his arms to Alpha Gregor. My nose flared at her casual touch. “I’m glad you finally met my boyfriend—and fiancé—Alpha Gregor of the Fireheart Pack.”

I said nothing. All I can say is nothing. I’m speechless, utterly fucking speechless and stupid to believe that my dream of escaping will one day come true. That dance minutes ago was nothing for Greg. It was just like being high to him. It felt as if I’m not important to him even when I’m his fucking mate.

Just when I thought I could escape this hellhole, I was pushed by Elodie again—who sent me straight plunging deeper into this shithole.

I swallowed down the embarrassment and disappointment like I always do.

Elodie said more about my birthday, the party, where she got her dress. But it was all inaudible to me. I hear none of it and just let my hatred take over—especially when it seems my mate has no plan to tell my sister about what’s between us.

Elodie flipped her hair, “You know what, Greg? Eva got her dress inspired by that childhood princess she usually reads at bedtime. What an idi—”

“He’s my mate!” I blurted out without a second thought. Both of them froze as if astounded to hear a dead wolf speak all of a sudden. “Alpha Gregor of the Fireheart Pack is my mate, Elodie.”

I swallowed and inhaled deeply, preparing my cheek for a mighty slap.

But there was no slap. Instead, a maniac laughter invaded my ears.

“Oh really? Dream on, Evadne. No one gives a shit in this pack that Alpha Greg is your mate—nor do they care if you have a fucking mate. But you will never be able to take him away from me. As long as I’m alive, as long as Alpha Marcus is alive, you never will.”

Anger is now bright on her face, painting her eyes with pure rage and fury.

“Then perhaps I just have to kill both of you,” I joked and choked on a laugh.

But it only made Elodie angry even more and this time, a slap finally hit me. When I looked her straight in the eye, she finished me off with another slap on the other side of my face.

“Reject her, Greg,” she pleaded to my mate. She used her begging voice, the same voice she uses to our father when she wants something taken away from me—and paired it with her fake crying. “REJECT HER, PLEASE!”

I can’t believe she really did that in front of me. My sister being my ultimate rival with Alpha Gregor...I guess I stand no chance at all.

            Greg’s ethereal face of a mate earlier instantly melted away into an uncaring male who’s secretly a monster.

            “Evadne...” The way his voice instantly shifted from being polite to being stern is insane. “I, Alpha Gregor of the Fireheart Pack, reject you, Evadne, youngest daughter of Alpha Marcus of the Moonflame Pack.”

Mara screamed in pain and I fell to the ground with a haunting thud. By the look on his face, his wolf is hurting too. I have no choice, rejecting him will save me from my father’s whip and sister’s further belittling. “I, Evadne, youngest daughter of Alpha Marcus of the Moonflame Pack, accept your rejection, Alpha Gregor of the Fireheart Pack.”

And when I finished those words, I rolled to the ground, shrieking in pain. Thrashing like someone being burned alive. It hurts so much, not just by the rejection but also by the greatest betrayal of my family.

            I looked into Elodie’s eyes and gave her the most furious glare. “I will kill you,” I mouthed voicelessly.