LOGINShare
80. Potential consequences
Last Updated:
2025-04-06 05:54:49Adrian
I spent the night tossing and turning, my thoughts racing from one extreme to another. Whether or not I should renounce my claim to the throne or not weighed on me and kept me from getting any rest. I felt like my whole identity was wrapped in the succession, and now it was all possibly going to vanish. Was I even the same person if I didn’t have the crown?
It was startling to realize that I didn’t know who I was outside of being Crown Prince. It had shaped my entire life, and I had nbo clue who I was outside of it. How had Chloe loved me when I didn’t even know who I was? What if I gave up the crown, found Chloe, and she didn’t even want me anymore?
I knew the thought was silly – Chloe wasn’t that shallow. If she’d really been after me just because I was the Crown Prince, she wouldn’t have left because she couldn’t handle the position. There were so many factors that could stop her from wanting me, but giving up the throne wasn’t
Related chapters
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 81. Kid brother
AdrianIt was a busy couple of months organizing the transition from me to Alexander. I knew there were moments where my brother felt overwhelmed, but he never guilted me for choosing to abdicate. His life had been upended just as surely as mine had, and he had every right to be upset, but if he was, he kept it to himself.If there was one thing I’d learned from this whole royal thing, it was that being a Crown Prince was a lot like herding cats. Except that the cats were dignitaries and nobles, and instead of herding you’re trying to wrangle them into carriers. They couldn’t seem to agree on anything and were a constant source of headaches for all of us.Ever my faithful advisor and right-hand man, Alexander had the unenviable task dealing with me. I’d carried much of the work for our public projects, and getting Alexander up to date on all of them was a headache for both of us. There were so many details he had to know before I could l
Last Updated : 2025-04-06Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 82. Breakfast
ChloeCaden appeared on my doorstep Sunday morning but to my surprise he didn’t have any breakfast with him. It’d become out routine over the last couple of months for him to bring breakfast by on Sunday mornings and share it with me.I opened the door with a frown. “Where’s the food?”He gave me a small smile. “I thought we’d try something else,” he said carefully.“What?”“Why don’t we go to the diner? You love their breakfast.”I opened my mouth and then shut it without responding. I could think of several reasons why I didn’t want to do that. For starters, I was visibly pregnant, and I didn’t need any rumors going around that the baby was Caden’s. Half the town already assumed it was his, and he was doing little to dispel the rumor. I also didn’t want anyone to stare at me because of what happened with my mom and Leah. I didn’t anyone’s sympathy. Not like that, at least. Not like I was a sideshow attraction.“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” I hedge.“Come on, Chloe. You’
Last Updated : 2025-04-07Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 83. Pregnancy
ChloeLife settled after that breakfast with Caden. I didn’t know if Allison and Kaylee went around telling everyone about our conversation, but I got a lot less stares while I was out, even though I was visibly pregnant at this point.I’d taken a walk in the park early one morning and was taking a break on a bench when Julie, my mother’s ex best friend, sat down next to me uninvited.“Hello, Julie,” I sighed. I’d known this woman for almost a decade, but I couldn’t get over the fact that she had turned her back on my mother.“You must hate me,” Julie sighed deeply.I considered my answer carefully. “No, I don’t hate you, but I can’t reconcile the Julie who was my mom’s best friend with the Julie who turned her back on the same woman. Who does shit like that?”Julie winced at my words. “That’s fair, I suppose,”“What you did was really shitty.”“I know,” she sighed. “I am so sorry, Chloe.”I turned cold eyes to her. “I’m not the person you should be apologizing to.”Julie winced again.
Last Updated : 2025-04-07Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 84. My mate
CadenI’d been surprised when Julie had come to me and told me that Chloe had approved the memorial for her mother. I’d half expected her to say no because she’d been the only one at the original burial. She’d been the only one who’d stood by her mother’s side.I realized after a moment that I shouldn’t have been surprised, though. Chloe was a far better person than I was, but I’d always known that. She really would be a great Luna if I’m able to convince her to be my mate again. I’d mostly given up on that dream, but a small part of me still hoped that she’d come back to me. Her and her baby. I knew I could be an amazing stepfather if she’d just let me. I already loved the kid, even though we were still several months away from meeting.I knocked twice on Chloe’s front door and waited. I heard some rustling from ins
Last Updated : 2025-04-08Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 85. Her old mate
AdrianI knew exactly where the Blackstone Pack was, but getting there was a different story. It was hidden deep in the mountains, spanning hundreds of miles. There was so much space, and I didn’t know exactly where Chloe might be. She could be in the capital city, or she could be off in the mountains in a tiny cabin, away from the world. I hoped she was with people who loved her, but I wasn’t sure.I decided to go to the capital city first. It was the biggest city in the territory and where the Alpha lived. I didn’t want to see Caden, per se, but I had a feeling that wherever Chloe was, so was Caden. The thought sickened me, but there was nothing I could do if she’d decided to reunite with her old mate.I took comfort in the fact that she hadn’t broken her mate bond with me, so she couldn’t have reignited her mate bond with Caden. That was something, right? I alm
Last Updated : 2025-04-09Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 86. Sure sign
CadenPrince Adrian did not look good. He looked tired, to start off with but he was also sweaty as if he’d been running. Had he been running? That didn’t make sense – he was wearing dress pants and a button down. Those weren’t running clothes. There’s no way he’d been running. But if he hadn’t been running why had he been sweaty?Also, and most importantly, why was he at my sister’s wedding looking for Chloe?“Prince Adrian, Chloe isn’t here. She was invited, but she wasn’t feeling well. We all understand, of course.”He blinked at me, clearly not understanding the words I was saying. I sighed and rubbed my eyes. “Why don’t you come in here with me and we can get it all cleared up.”The prince followed me without complaint, a sure sign that he really wasn’t feeling wel
Last Updated : 2025-04-10Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 87. You’re the father
ChloeI stared at Adiran, my heart racing.“What?” he repeated, staring at my stomach with wide eyes.Caden cleared his throat when neither of us appeared to say anything. “Chloe, I think he’s asking you a question.”“What?” I said, tearing my eyes away from Adrian’s shocked face.Caden sighed as if we were causing him pain. “I think Adrian is asking if you, you know,” he gestured towards my stomach.I turned back to Adrian.“Are you pregnant?” Adrian asked, his voice soft.I nodded.To my confusion, Adrian turned and decked Caden right in the nose. His first made a crunching noise as it made contact with Caden’s nose.“Adrian!” I screamed.Caden stagg
Last Updated : 2025-04-11Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 88. Kiss
Adrian“Where are you staying?” Chloe asked, pulling back from our kiss.I frowned at her, my brain muddled from having her too close. “What?”“Where are you staying?” she asked again.I pulled back and frowned. “At the Knight Inn.”Chloe crinkled her nose at this news. “That place is known for its roaches.”I thought back to the roaches that had scurried out of sight when I’d entered my room. “Trust me, I know, but all the rooms were rented out every other place because of the wedding. I’m not exactly thrilled about it, but for the moment it’s my only option.”“That’s not true,” Chloe said, shaking her head.“What’s not true?”“You have another option
Last Updated : 2025-04-12
Latest chapter
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 106. Appointment
Chloe“You’re late,” Father clucked from his chair by the window.I rolled my eyes. “Barely, Father. I have a country to run, after all.”Father turned to me with a big smile. “I know. You and Adrian are doing an amazing job.”I softened at this and plopped down into the seat next to his. He already had my tea poured into my cup.We’d been meeting, just the two of us, at least once a week since I’d moved back to the palace with my husband and children. Slowly we’d built a real father-daughter bond, and I treasured having him in my life. I loved meeting with him and sharing my days.He looked preoccupied today. “What’s wrong?” I asked.He turned to me, his eyes sad. “Do you know what day it is?”I frowned, going through my mental calendar. I hadn’t missed an appointment, had I?“It’s your mother’s birthday,” Father said gently.I reared back in surprise. How could I have possibly forgotten that?“Don’t be too hard on yourself, sweetie,” Father said with a bittersweet smile. “Your mothe
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 105. The Gray Pack
Caden“You really need to get over her,” my Beta, Jared, said, sitting down next to me. “It’s been years, Caden.”I ignored him and downed the rest of my beer. When I was done, I finally spoke. “I fucked up the best part of my life, Jared, allow me to mourn it as I see fit.”“I’m not arguing with you on that point,” Jared said, signaling for a beer from the bartender. “I’m just saying that you have to accept at some point that you were the one who broke the mate bond with Chloe, which means that you are responsible for no longer being with her. I get it; it sucks. But she’s married and has a couple kids. She’s never coming back.”I stared morosely into my empty mug. “I’m scared that I’m never going to find my second chance mate. I want my Luna, Jared.”
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 104. Biological father
Adrian“You know I don’t remember being Crown Prince as this exhausting,” I sighed, tearing off my tie.Chloe lounged in bed already, half asleep. She’d been in meetings all day and I knew she was exhausted. “I think being Crown Prince and being King Alpha are two different things, Adrian.”“Well, I’m tired.”Chloe shot me a sleepy smile. “Me too. Are you ready to come to bed yet, oh great one?”I chuckled. She’d started calling me that after I’d been crowned and while I normally would have balked at someone calling me that, with Chloe it was different. I knew she meant it only with love, not mocking at all. “I am ready.”I crawled into bed and collected Chloe in my arms. She felt so right pressed against me. If I wasn’t so tired I’d be all ov
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 103. Adventure
KnoxI came home from my travels just long enough to watch Chloe and Adrian be crowned King and Queen. Over the last couple of years, I’d traveled to 43 countries and met more shifters than I’d ever imagined. Some were werewolves like me, but I also met leopard shifters and dragon shifters, entire cultures with their own legacies and rules. It was incredible, and I felt like I’d grown so much as a person since I’d left.“I guess I have to call you Your Highness now,” I laughed, patting Adrian on the back.He shot me a bright smile. He looks happier than he has in years. Alexander and I made the right choice; Adrian should have always been on the throne. It was never our place. “You can just call me Adrian.”“Not brother?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.He rolled his eyes. “That works too, I suppose.&r
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 102. The new Queen
Chloe"You don't usually ask to see me without the kids," I teased Alexander as I sat down next to him on the bench. We'd agreed to meet at our favorite spot in the gardens, one we’d frequented often in the years since Adrian, and I moved our family back here at Father’s request. He hadn’t really needed to convince us; we loved the idea of our children being raised with their grandfather and uncles."There's something I need to speak to you about," Alexander sighed, unusually serious. He seemed more and more serious as of recently and I worried about him. He seemed to be wearing thin."Is everything alright? Did Father's cancer return?" I knew he'd just had some routine scans done and no one had mentioned the outcome. Maybe they’d been keeping them from us on purpose?"No, nothing like that. No, it's something completely different." He closed his eyes for a moment as if he was gathering himself."I'm all ears," I said, leaning back. I was nervous about what he wanted to speak about.A
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 101. Charlie’s pregnancy
ChloeI debated for hours on whether or not I wanted to take the pregnancy test on my own or tell Adrian what I suspected. I’d been alone the first time with Charlie, and I’d been terrified, but things were different this time. I was married to my mate, and we lived in the Capital City near my father who doted on his grandson. In fact, both Alexander and Knox took their roles as uncles very seriously. I had a whole support system this time instead of just Caden.I almost told him I was going to take it but before I did I called Caden. He’d been around the first pregnancy, and I knew he’d give me good advice.“What’s up, Chloe?” Caden said when he answered the phone.“I think I might be pregnant,” I said in a rush.Caden was silent for several heartbeats. “Am I supposed to be happy or… supportive?”“Happy,” I laughed. “I’m happy about the idea. But I don’t know whether I want to take the test with or without Adrian.”“Oh,” Caden said, understanding. “I see. Well, there isn’t one right a
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 100. Beautiful sight
AdrianI had never been as nervous as I was standing at the altar waiting for Chloe to walk down the aisle.Alexander leaned over. I had chosen him as my best man, although I had been close between him and Knox. “You look like you're about to puke,” Alexander said.“Gee, thanks,” I said. In reality, I thought I was about to pass out.“Nerves?” Caden asked from beside Alexander. I had chosen him as one of my groomsmen as well. To my surprise, we actually got along really well, and I considered him a close friend now, not to mention an uncle to Charlie. He loved my son, and I couldn't stay mad at anyone who loved my son.“Don't worry if you pass out, I'll pour some water on you,” Knox offered.I ignored them and focused on trying to calm my breathing.The music for the bride started and we all turned towards the giant double doors, glancing over our 500 closest friends and family members that had been invited. The door swung open, and Father stepped out with Chloe on his arm. She was abs
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 99. Wedding dresses
ChloeI stared at the dress in the mirror, feeling absolutely helpless. “How many wedding dresses do I really have to try on?” I asked aloud.“Until you feel like a Princess,” the seamstress said. “Really, I don't remember any client being this difficult before.”“I'm sorry,” I sighed. “It's nothing with your design, though. It's absolutely beautiful. But ever since I gave birth to Charlie, I just don't feel comfortable in my skin anymore.”The seamstress gave me a sympathetic smile. “I understand,” she said. “I felt that way after the birth of all of my children. Don't get me wrong, I love them all very much, and I would do it 1000 times over if it meant I got to keep them. But it's hard adjusting to the new body you have as a mother.”“I just want my body to go back to the way it was before I gave birth,” I admitted. In fact, I hadn't admitted this to anyone, and it was a relief to get it off my chest.The seamstress tutted. “The sooner you get rid of that notion, the happier you'll
Rejected, Princess Mate Selection Game 98. Married
AdrianI really really didn't want to go see Elizabeth she had haunted my doorstep for years and the thought that I was about to enter her house was too much for me to bear.Unfortunately my wife had other ideas, and I couldn't tell her no.I didn't bother sending Elizabeth any warning that I was on my way. I didn't want her to get anything ready for me. With her, who knew what she would come up with.I knocked on her front door and when the Butler opened it his eyes widened in shock. “Prince Adrian. It's been a while.”“So it has. Is Elizabeth home?” I askedHe nodded slowly. “Are you sure you would like to see her?”“I would,” I confirmed.He led me into the drawing room and motioned towards the couch to sit down. “I'll go grab the lady.”The couches were made for style more than comfort and I was still shifting around trying to get comfortable when Elizabeth rushed into the room. It was clear that she had sprinted from whatever other part of the house she'd been in in order to get t
