THE REJECTED MATE RETURNED WITH RIVAL ALPHA'S RING

CHAPTER ONE

***MEI'S POV***

Mondays are my absolute worst.

I let out a breathy sigh as I look at my watch for what feels like the hundredth time. A slight tinge of awareness that I'm back to this city courses through me and settles deep in my lower abdomen.

I'm going to throw up.

"We're almost there ma'am" Curtis, my driver and best friend says, interrupting my thoughts. I shoot him a glare as I meet his eyes in the rear mirror.

As if there's anything to be glad for about being back here.

Curtis purses his lips as he quickly looks away, his fingers tapping the steering wheel in a particular rhythm.

Good. Now's not the time for jokes.

I can't help but smirk slightly at his attempt to calm my nerves though. The omega always looking for ways to please. It must be an omega thing. I love him nonetheless.

I look out through the window as we pass the narrow road, both sides filled with overgrown bushes. Looks like whoever is in charge of the border lands is still yet to do their job.

Tch.

"Might have to weasel my way into this project too I guess" I mutter making a mental note.

My heart drops as we reach the entry way. I stare at the big sign placed up front with the insignia "welcome to Vos city". The air immediately feels different and I start to question my life choices.

Is this really necessary? Do I have to be back here?

Memories from ten years ago flood my mind almost immediately.

Mate. Bond. Reject.

Ten years of convincing myself I'm not a reject,

Ten years of ignoring the pain from the bond,

Ten years of—

"Mei? Are you good?" Curtis asks, concern etched in his face. I can barely exhale as I nod, unable to speak, the taste of anxiety bitter on my tongue.

"You're picking at your fingers....again." he counters. His gaze firm as he stares at me through the rear mirror. I look at my fingers, and let out a scoff. Blood trickling down the side of my nails with a slight sting. I hadn't even realised that I'd been picking at them. Get yourself together girl, the last thing you need is the alpha of shadow crest pack sniffing out your anxiety. Especially not today.

I look up in an attempt to reach for the tissue box at the front passenger seat to meet the box already extended for me. My lips curl slightly upwards.

What would I do without my omega best friend?

"Thank you." I mutter, as I grab one piece and dab lightly on the finger.

It's already healed.

My lips parts as I let out a deep yawn and relax into my seat.

Today's gonna be a long day.

"You know, most billionaire's don't have panic attacks in luxury suvs right?" He says again, a smile curling up his lips, his eyes still focused on the road. I roll my eyes. Totally unsure how to respond. I want to relax but I can't bring myself to. I purse my lips and close my eyes as a slight tinge of guilt pricks at my skin for a split second. I hope Curtis doesn't overthink my inability to match his vibe.... again.

The rest of the drive through the city is quiet and I appreciate Curtis for letting me be. Not that I need any concern directed at me.

I'm chill as can be.

I mean asides from occasionallly catching my thoughts wandering to buried archives and forcing my mind to focus on the damn buildings and roads, I'm totally fine.

Yeah buildings.

I spot one, I'd remember this bakery anywhere. DE'JALUNE'S PASTRIES. My mouth immediately begins to water as memories of my teenhood and love for sugar resurface. It's Especially hard to keep those thoughts in check as my nostrils are filled with the delicious aroma from every angle even though we're good feet away.

Talk about being a werewolf everyday.

It's been a while since I had mama June's pastries and an even longer while since I let myself slip out of my diet.

I swallow and inhale rather loudly as I make a mental note. I will treat myself one of these days while in town.

A few minutes pass as I continue to observe the buildings. Nothing's changed.

Asides from a few renovations, it's still same old Vos.

We pass by a brothel and the whiff of the arousal and pheromones from that place is almost overwhelming.

Iron claw pack.

They might be the pack known for their immense strength and battle spirit, but they're also widely known for their lust and drive to have sex.

I don't blame them though, I'd also need some time to cool down If I fought all day.

After what feels like a thousand years of endless buildings sightseeing, we finally approach a huge black gate. Two statues of what seem to be gargoyles lined on either side. Everything screaming medieval luxury. Borin sure has his tastes.

One would easily mistake the alpha for a seventy year old werewolf.

Curtis blares the car horn to get the attention of the security guard. A while later, a blonde haired man approaches the car. His eyes simmer with a hint of red.

Iron claw. Of course Borin would hire an iron claw as his guard.

Curtis and the man exchange a few words—none that I care enough to listen to— before the gate opens and we make our way In.

"We're here." Curtis says, flashing me a warm smile as the car comes to a halt. Fuck.

I'd run the simulation a thousand times in my head of how it'd feel arriving here.

Nothing fucking compares.

I let out a breathy sigh as I remain fixed on my seat. My heart pounding at what I'd presume is a thousand miles per minute.

The fuck?

I'm fine. I'm totally fine. I remind myself but my fingers betray me as I inadvertently start tapping on the comforter beside me.

I casually glance at the mirror to see Curtis looking at me. His gaze seemingly intense as I try to make of what those Hazel orbs portray.

I hate feeling vulnerable.

"You got this okay?" He says quickly, sensing that I must yet again, think he pities me. Poor omega, he's quite used to it now. He says, turning to look at me. "I mean....you are the mother fucking Mei Chatteris....okay....billionaire empire boss bitch, hello?"

I inhale deeply, his words bringing some sort of calm.

"Multi millionaire." I blurt, half chuckle, half cough.

"Yeah yeah, whatever, you're still a boss bitch and you're gonna get in there and eat them up...leave no crumbs." He nose crinkles and I smirk at his half assed motivation. "Say it with me, I'm gonna eat and leave no crumbs" I glare at him, but I say the words anyways.

"I am smart." He says again urging me.

"I am pretty" I roll my eyes as I repeat after him.

"I am a boss bitch" I'm full on smiles now, Curtis really knows his charm.

"There you go, let's get this." He says before leaving the car to open the door for me.

I follow his movements, my lips still curled up.

There's no going back now, I've come this far. I have to get through this meeting and get this contract over with.

The smile falls off my lips as I actually come to terms with it.

Whatever choice I make will either mar or make my empire. Everything I've done could be ruined with one wrong move. All the people who work for me need this. I can't let them down. I can't let myself down.

And I'll be damned if I let this opportunity slip past me.

I take in one sharp breath and collect myself, my jaw clenching and my gaze sharpening. The purple glint in my eye concealing into brown.

The boss bitch is back.

Hii! Phoenix here,

I'm officially glad to have finally left my comfort zone and put my work out there.

This story means a lot to me and I hope it can resonate with you too.

I'm really excited to see what you make of it. Let me know in the comments. Follow along, let's bring this story to life.

Love,

Phoenix.