SILENT REJECTION

Kookie

“There you are,” my mother says just as I catch the glowing jewel on Amber’s finger. My throat goes dry as I turn around, staring at my mother.

What is happening?

Tears blur my vision as I look between my mother and Levi, silently begging for an explanation. The ache in my chest is unbearable, threatening to rip me apart. A sob escapes before I can hold it back, and my mother reaches for my hand.

“Come on, baby,” she whispers gently.

But I yank my hand away.

Lifting the hem of my gown, I turn and run without looking back.

Why, Moon Goddess? Why would you give me a mate only to make him love someone else?

I question the Moon Goddess as if she is standing right in front of me. I don’t get far before a firm hand grips my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. My chest heaves as I turn, finding my father’s eyes tinged with sadness. My mother is right behind him, breathless from chasing after me.

My legs buckle, and I crash against my father’s chest, sobbing.

“What’s happening, Dad?” I manage to ask between sobs.

He kisses the top of my head. “Things happen for a reason, baby. But you shouldn’t have regrets. You are a successful woman, and that is all that matters.”

I know he is trying to comfort me, but it does nothing to ease the pain cutting through my chest. My mate is with someone else, and it feels like my world is ending. She is beautiful, with smooth, perfect skin. And I—I will never be that pretty. I will never be enough for him, and that is why he left me.

“Kookie,” my father calls, drawing my mind back to him, “you need to go back in.”

“I—I can’t,” I choke out, pulling away.

“You can.” My mother cups my cheek, brushing away my tears. “This is your moment. Don’t let anyone take it from you, my brave girl.”

The word brave sounds foreign at this point because I am far from that. I want to disappear so I don’t have to watch my mate walk another inch with another woman.

But I worked too hard for this. I pushed myself through sleepless nights, through endless studying. I earned this moment, and throwing it away for a boy is foolish.

I exhale shakily, straighten my shoulders, and let my parents guide me back inside. Just as we step into the hall, the speakers crackle to life.

“And now, our valedictorian—Doctor Kookie Morningstar!”

The hall erupts into applause, and for a fleeting moment, pride swells inside me. I try to convince myself that I can do this.

“Smile while you claim your victory,” my mother whispers, giving my hand one last squeeze.

I inhale deeply and walk forward with my head held high. But the moment I step onto the stage and see Levi, every barrier I built crumbles. He promised he would be here for my big moment, and here he is—but not as I wish.

He sits in the audience, looking right at me. Beside him, she has her hand anchored to his, whispering something in his ear. He isn’t paying attention to her because his eyes are locked on me, and I find it difficult to look away.

My seventeen-year-old boy is gone, and I can barely recognize the man sitting before me. He is taller, broader, with a sharply defined jawline and a suit that clings to every muscle he has gained through years of training.

The more I stare at him, I feel my blood pressure drop until my hands slip from the podium, and I fall to the ground, falling into utter darkness.

**

My eyes flip open to the sight of a poorly lit room. I gasp, trying to sit up, but my limbs betray me. Memories slam into me all at once, forcing me to relive the moment I embarrassed myself in front of professionals because of a boy.

A knock at the door startles me, and his scent engulfs me. The door opens, and as soon as I see his tall, shadowy figure, my pulse spikes.

“You’re awake.” His voice is raspy.

I ignore him, and he walks into the room, shutting the door behind him. As he inches closer, I back away on the bed until I hit the headboard.

“Where am I?” I choke out in a whisper.

“My parents’ house in the Opal Moon Pack.”

“Oh,” I mutter as he steps closer, now standing beside the bed.

“How do you feel?”

Panic coils inside me as I grip the sheets tighter, trying to keep my emotions in check. He hurt me, and now he dares to act like he cares? Even his attempt to care sound like a threat to my heart.

“Why?” My fingers tremble as they tighten around the fabric. “Why are you doing this to me, Levi?”

He leans in, causing my breath to hitch.

“I never meant to hurt you,” he murmurs.

“Then why did you?” I ask, but only silence follows.

Then he cups my face, and before I can react, he presses his lips against mine, breaking me as memories of good times flood my mind. My wolf takes over, shattering the dam holding back my emotions. I kiss him back, giving in to the storm inside me.

**

The next day, I wake up to the rustling of fabric and I open my eyes to see Levi hurriedly putting on his clothes.

“Le…”

“It was a mistake,” he growls before I can even finish his name.

A mistake?

My chest tightens as I clutch the blanket around me.

“No… Levi,” I whisper, shaking my head. “You took my innocence. You said you’d never hurt me.”

A hollow laugh escapes him.

“You’re my mate, Kookie, so I did exactly what my wolf wanted.” He runs a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “What do you think this is? Some kind of fairy tale? Wake the fuck up, because I will be married to Amber soon.”

I recoil at the coldness in his voice, gripping the blanket as if it can shield me from this nightmare.

He turns to me, saying the unthinkable.

“This stays between us. No one will ever know—not even your mother.”

His words sink into my chest like a dagger. I never thought I’d be reduced to this—nothing more than his dirty little secret.

But I refuse to believe this is who he truly is. My Levi will never hurt me.

Desperation grips me, and before I can stop myself, I rise, wrapping the blanket tightly around me. I grab his hands and drop to my knees.

“I know this isn’t you, Levi. If you don’t love me… then reject me.” I plead, and for a moment, I think he softens, but then his brows crease as he pushes me away roughly, sending me crashing onto the cold floor.

“Reject you?” He lets out a low chuckle before crouching to my level. “Why the hell would I do that? A rejection would hurt me too.”

“You still don’t get it, do you? I’m selfish.” He grips my jaw. “I took advantage of you, and you won’t reject me because I’m your Alpha. I command you, and you will obey me by shutting your goddamn mouth.” His fingers press into my skin.

“This is a silent rejection, because I will never be with you, Kookie.”