The Rejection

Chapter 3

As I went outside to meet Kira, my brother's mate, I picked up her call.

"Hey, Micha, where are you? I'm already inside the pack hall, but I can't find my way around," she said, sounding a little lost.

"Hey, it's me, Michelle," I replied. "My brother asked me to come get you once you reached the grand hall."

"Oh, hi Michelle! Okay, where are you? I'm really lost."

I chuckled softly. "Alright, tell me where you are. I'll come find you I know my way around here."

"Okay, I'm standing in front of a gate that's grey in colour."

"Oh, that's perfect. That's exactly where we're heading," I said. "Micha told me to take you to him once you arrived. I'll be there in a jiffy."

"Okay," she replied, and I hung up.

A few minutes later, I spotted her. "Hey, Kira!" I called out.

"Hey, Michelle!" she smiled. "It's been a while. You look really beautiful today. Damn, I almost didn't recognize you! If I hadn't heard your voice, I would've thought you were someone else. Wow, I'm really surprised."

"It's all thanks to Kate," I said shyly.

"Oh, you mean your best friend?"

"Yes," I nodded. "She's the one who did my makeup and even chose this dress."

We talked as we walked through the grey gate together.

"Wow, that's great," she said. "You're really lucky to have a friend like her. I'm sure she dolled you up hoping you'd find your mate today. Honestly, I hope you do come to think of it, you're the only one among us who doesn't have a mate yet. I really hope you find him."

Her words made me smile nervously. We soon arrived at Alpha Levi's dressing room, and my heart started to race. Of course it would I was about to see him, my crush. I didn't know if this would be the last time I'd ever see him, and the thought made me both happy and sad at once.

I knocked on the door while Kira waited eagerly to see my brother, her mate.

Zaki opened the door and smiled. I followed Kira inside, pretending I was only there to return my brother's phone. I could have handed it to Kira or Zaki but the truth was, I just wanted to see Alpha Levi.

My brother was already hugging his mate, looking so happy. I hadn't seen Levi yet, but the moment he stepped out from one of the rooms, I froze.

Why?

Because my wolf began whispering, Mate… mate… mate.

And before I knew it, I said it out loud.

The silence that filled the room was deafening.

Then it got even worse Alpha Levi said the same word.

Now the silence felt suffocating. Everyone in the room was shocked including Levi and me. We just stood there, unable to move. I could see the conflict in his eyes, how much he was struggling.

And then… tears began to fall from mine.

Because deep down, I already knew what was coming.

Alpha Levi was going to reject me.

There was no doubt.

My supposed fated mate the one the Moon Goddess chose for me was already in love with another woman.

And that realization broke me.

Why would I be mated to her?

I was deep in thought, trying to make sense of it all. Her scent — that sweet vanilla fragrance was driving me insane. I wanted to run to her, to hold her, and yet… how could she look so beautiful?

My heart broke the moment she started crying. I could guess what she was thinking. Everyone knows I'm in love with Clara, so of course, she'd assume I'd reject her.

And she was right.

Not just because of Clara, but because… she's weak. A weak mate would do the pack no good. She's an omega. Hell no. That can't work.

Still, her scent wouldn't leave me alone. That was the real reason I stepped out earlier I kept hearing that word echo in my head: mate, mate, mate. I thought it would be Clara. Even if it wasn't, I expected someone… better. Someone strong. Someone worthy of being Luna.

The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes… right? So why does this feel like one?

I needed to silence the room before anyone said anything.

"I'm sure you know I can't accept you," I said firmly.

The room went silent. Everyone looked shocked heartbroken, even. I felt nothing… until I saw her face. My mate's expression shattered me inside.

"Magnus, calm down," I said to my wolf, who was furious.

> "No! Why would I calm down? We finally have our mate, and you choose to stay with that idiot? That ordinary girl who only relies on her parents' background and the Alpha's protection?"

"Don't insult Clara," I snapped. "She's done nothing wrong. She's strong, graceful, and would make a great Luna. She doesn't discriminate against omegas or maids she's polite, calm, and powerful. She's the perfect choice, Magnus. You can't expect me to choose a weak omega."

> "Fine," Magnus growled. "But if you don't want me to take control and ruin everything, don't reject her."

"What? Why wouldn't I? I have to"

> "I know you," he interrupted. "You won't reject her outright. You'll just… walk away."

And that's exactly what I did.

"Nobody should hear about this," I said in a strained voice and walked out.

I wanted to apologize, to tell her I was sorry that it wasn't her fault, that it was me. But I couldn't. The look on her face haunted me. Why couldn't I stop thinking about her?

Even after I left, she stayed in my mind.

The ceremony began, but I was distracted the entire time. I couldn't stop thinking about how breathtaking she looked in that dress… or how much pain I'd caused her.

When Clara came and held my hand, we both realized something we weren't each other's fated mates. We were just… holding on to what we called love.

At least, that's what I thought. But suddenly, I wasn't so sure anymore.

Magnus was silent cold, distant. When he did speak, it was only short replies like Sure, or I understand. It felt like talking to a stranger, not my wolf.

Worse, Zaki was clearly avoiding me. Micha didn't even try to hide his anger. It was understandable I'd hurt his sister, my mate.

I hadn't just lost my mate. I'd lost my friends too.

Micha, my beta and closest brother, looked at me with disappointment. I didn't know how to fix things. I knew it would take time maybe forever for him to forgive me.

Clara noticed how quiet and distant I'd become. She tried to comfort me, but strangely… I didn't feel anything.

When I asked to be excused, she nodded. I left the hall, brushing past guests who tried to hand me gifts or exchange greetings.

I wasn't interested in any of it.

I just needed air.

So I walked outside, hoping the breeze could cool the storm raging inside me.