Chapter 2: I Reject You

Sara.

“Shit!”

The curse flew out of my mouth the second I saw the cracked clock. I was already late for chores, but all I could focus on was the deep, throbbing ache between my legs — raw and sore from how hard Killian had fucked me last night. He had slammed into me, made me moan and beg, then left me cold and empty in that tiny bed like I was nothing.

I threw on one of my faded, ugly hand-me-down dresses, didn’t even touch my messy hair, and rushed out.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, my heart slammed against my ribs.

Rita, Darian, and Cole were walking out of the dining hall, laughing loud like life was perfect. And right in the middle — acting like nothing had happened — was Killian.

He looked up.

Our eyes met.

For one stupid heartbeat, I hoped. I waited for something — anything — that said last night meant more than pity.

He blinked once… then looked away. Turned back to Darian with that casual smirk, talking like I was invisible. Like he hadn’t pinned me down and buried his dick deep inside my pussy until I was crying out his name.

My chest cracked open.

I stood there frozen, breath stuck in my throat. Tears burned hot behind my eyes. What the fuck was I expecting? That he’d pull me aside? Smile at me? Tell me I wasn’t just a quick fuck? Of course not. I was still the pathetic omega orphan. The pack’s favorite punching bag. Last night was nothing to him.

I swallowed the sob clawing up my throat and forced my legs to move. Don’t you dare cry here, Sara. Not where they can laugh at you.

I hurried to the West Wing. The maids were already working. The second I walked in, their whispers slapped me.

“Late again. Worthless as usual.”

“Probably spent the night on her back somewhere.”

I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood and started scrubbing, my hands turning raw and red. Every move made the soreness between my thighs pulse, reminding me how stupid I’d been. When they finally let me go, I ran back to my room, showered fast, and tried to wash him off me. The water didn’t help. I still felt dirty. Used. Discarded.

Tonight was the banquet. The Alpha let me attend as a “guest,” but I knew I’d still end up serving like a maid.

My head was spinning the whole time I got ready. Should I find him? Force him to talk? Tell him last night wasn’t just sex for me?

I wandered the halls, chest tight, until loud angry voices pulled me toward the Alpha’s study.

“That is final!” Alpha Blackwood roared. “Disobey me and you’ll regret being my son. Now get out!”

The door burst open. Killian stormed out, face dark with fury.

I stepped forward before I could stop myself. “Killian… are you okay? What happened?”

“Fuck off, Sara,” he growled, not even slowing down.

“Killian, please—just wait!”

He spun around, eyes flashing red. “How long were you eavesdropping like a desperate little rat?”

“I just got here! I swear! I was looking for you because after last night—”

“Good. Then get lost.”

My voice shook badly. “Can we talk later? When you’re not this angry? Please… I need to—”

“Talk about what?” he snapped, stepping right up to me. “What the fuck do we have to talk about?”

“Last night…” Tears slipped down my cheeks. “When you were inside me… when I came around you… it wasn’t nothing, was it? Tell me it meant something to you too.”

Killian laughed — cold, mean, ugly. “Last night was a mistake. Pity pussy. Don’t ever mention it again.”

He grabbed my shoulder hard, fingers digging in until I gasped in pain. “Stay the hell away from me.”

Then he shoved me against the wall and walked off without a backward glance.

I stayed pressed there, breathing fast, shoulder throbbing. But the worst pain was deep in my chest — like something vital had been ripped out. Was I really just a quick, shameful fuck to him?

Then a soft, warm voice whispered inside my head.

“He felt the bond last night… while you were sleeping. He knows.”

I gasped, hand flying to my chest. “Who are you?”

“I am Greta. Your wolf. Your soul.”

Warmth spread through me, gently soothing the ache in my shoulder.

Today was my eighteenth birthday. I’d forgotten in all the pain. Eighteen changed everything.

“Why is he acting like that?” Greta asked, sounding as broken as I felt. “He felt the mate bond. I know he did.”

“He’s… my mate?” I whispered, staring down the empty hall.

“Yes, Sara. He is ours.”

If we were mates, last night wasn’t pity. It was fate. Maybe he was scared of his father. I couldn’t hide anymore. I had to find him at the banquet.

The Great Hall was blindingly bright when I stepped in. Heads turned. Whispers cut into me like blades.

“Look at the orphan. Still showing her face?”

“Pathetic. She thinks she belongs here.”

I kept my head low but searched until I found him near the Alpha’s dais. He was surrounded by his friends, laughing loud like his life was golden. He looked so handsome in his suit it physically hurt.

The pull in my chest turned sharp and painful. My wolf howled. Mate!

Killian’s head snapped up. He caught my scent. His laughter died. His face twisted into pure disgust.

I walked closer, legs shaking, tears already falling. “Killian… can we talk? Please. Just one minute.”

The whole group went silent. His friends smirked, hungry for the show.

“I told you to get lost,” he said coldly, stepping toward me.

“But the bond… you feel it too, right?” My voice cracked, tears streaming down my face. “After last night… when you fucked me… when I was moaning your name… it wasn’t nothing! Tell me you felt it!”

He glanced at his father, who was watching with hard, expectant eyes. When Killian turned back to me, his gaze was ice-cold and cruel.

He leaned in close, breath hot against my ear. “You really thought someone like you could ever be enough for me?”

Then he pulled back so the entire hall could hear every single word.

“I don’t want a weak, pathetic orphan like you as my mate.”

The words sliced deep.

He stepped even closer, towering over me, voice booming through the silent Great Hall like thunder.

“I, Killian Blackwood, reject you, Sara, as my mate.