The Ruthless Alpha’s Rejected Mate

CHAPTER 1

Avery’s POV

Every wolf says the Moon Goddess was perfect.

I disagreed.

If she was any kind of perfect, she wouldn’t have been drunk on ale when she plotted my life—and I can’t help but wonder what other tricks she still has up her sleeve.

The healer’s words from less than an hour ago still sat strangely in my chest.

“Four weeks, Avery. You’re pregnant.”

I had waited for him to laugh and say it was a mistake. He never did.

For the first time in six years, something warm and dangerous unfurled inside me. I was carrying Ethan’s child. My mate’s child. The only person who had ever looked at me like I was more than a traitor’s daughter.

I smoothed the torn edges of my grey apron, tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, and carefully balanced the tray of honey cakes he loved. My hands trembled a little.

I couldn’t wait to tell him.

When I reached his door, I raised my hand to knock.

Then the voices carried through the thick wood. Muffled at first, but unmistakable.

“She’s three months along.”

The healer’s voice.

I froze.

For one foolish second, I thought of myself. Only, I was four weeks along—could the healer have gotten the date wrong?

“Ethan, the healer said we’ll be having a strong pup.”

Liliana.

My stomach dropped so hard I felt sick.

“This is such good news after a grueling journey from the border,” Ethan said, his voice warm in the way he only ever used with me. “We should celebrate.”

The tray slipped from my fingers.

Honey cakes and broken ceramic scattered across the stone floor just as the door opened.

The healer immediately bent down. “I’m so sorry, let me help.”

I dropped to my knees beside him, fingers shaking as I reached for the broken pieces. “No—it’s fine. I’ll clean it up.”

“Avery—”

Ethan’s voice cut through the air. His eyes widened, and he stepped away from Liliana like her skin had burned him.

“What—how long have you been standing there?” he asked, already moving toward me.

I stared at his boots. “Long enough to hear everything.”

Liliana’s voice floated from inside the room, sweet and sharp. “Who’s there?”

Ethan crouched in front of me. A piece of ceramic sliced my palm, but I barely felt it.

“Don’t…” My voice came out smaller than I wanted. I looked up into his eyes. “You got another woman pregnant?”

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the nearest empty room, slamming the door behind us.

“Listen to me, Avery—”

“No. You listen to me, Ethan.” I wrenched my arm free. “You’re so scared of her hearing us that you drag me in here like a dirty secret?”

“Avery.” His grip tightened around my hands. “I can explain.”

“Don’t.” I shook my head. “Don’t look at me with those eyes and tell me you can explain.”

Silence stretched between us. My chest rose and fell too fast. The ache behind my ribs felt like something had been driven straight through me.

Twelve weeks ago he had held me in the rain and sworn it would always be the two of us. For every second of it, I had believed every word—because he was the only person who had ever looked at me like I mattered.

My eyes burned. I refused to let the tears fall. I wouldn’t give the Moon Goddess the satisfaction.

“Stop it, Ethan.” My voice cracked. “You’re hurting me.”

He released my hands immediately and dragged both palms down his face.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, breathing heavily. “I didn’t mean to. But you have to understand, Avery… this thing between us is more complicated than you think.”

“You call us a *thing*?” A bitter laugh slipped out. A single tear escaped, cutting a hot trail down my cheek.

“Damn it, Avery.” His fists clenched. “My coronation is in five days. You’re a wolfless omega. That doesn’t look good for the pack.”

“I thought we were fated mates.”

“We were. But Liliana is the Gamma’s daughter. Her father has the council behind him, and she’s already carrying my heir.”

“You said she was just a distraction,” I said, my voice rising. “An arranged match for politics. And now she’s carrying your child?”

He couldn’t answer. He couldn’t even look at me properly.

My hands balled into fists at my sides, and before I could say another word, the door swung open.

Liliana stood in the doorway, one brow arched, looking at me like I was something filthy she had just stepped in.

“Ethan?” Her voice was pure honey. “What are you doing arguing with the maid?”

Ethan stiffened. His expression shut down completely.

“Nothing,” he said coldly. “Why would I argue with a traitor’s daughter?”

That… that broke the dam. The tears came freely now, blurring my vision. I couldn’t stop them. It turns out the Goddess had won after all.

Images flashed through my mind—memories of him clinging to me in the dark, whispering that once I carried his child, no one, not even the elders, would ever look down on me again. Every sweet promise he had breathed against my skin now tasted bitter.

Bile rose in my throat.

I stepped forward and slapped him across the face with everything I had.

The sound cracked through the room like a whip. It left my palm burning.

Ethan froze, then slowly turned his head back toward me. His eyes flashed a dangerous gold as he stepped closer, backing me against the wall.

“Avery,” he growled, voice low and lethal. “What the hell is wrong with you?”