Chapter 5: I Reject You

Curiosity peaked, and I bolted out to find Alpha Caleb and see what was going on. But before I could reach the doorknob to exit the packhouse, a strong hand grabbed my wrist and spun me around.

"Babe, it's not safe out there," Erik said, his voice laced with concern.

"Shouldn't you be worrying about your precious Rose? Why bother with me?" I spat, yanking my hand back. "I just want to know what all the noise is about."

Erik ran a nervous hand through his hair. "My cousin Jeremy offended Alpha Stellan’s sister. We’re just preparing the troops to secure our borders. Don’t worry; it’s nothing serious."

"Did you just hear yourself? A potential attack from the strongest pack in the North is nothing serious?" I countered sternly.

"Alpha Stellan is ruthless, and the North Storm is powerful, but I wouldn't call them the strongest... and it’s not a fact he’ll even come after us. We might just hand Jeremy over for punishment and be done with it. Go back to your room and rest, my love."

I nodded, pretending to agree. I didn't need to rest; I needed to pack my bags and get the hell out of here. I had no desire to be caught in a fight for a pack that would no longer be mine, nor for a future Alpha who was no longer mine, either.

But before I reached the stairs, a petite figure blocked my way.

Rose was dressed in a pastel pink gown with frills and lace, looking like a delicate flower ready to snap in the wind. But the moment our eyes met, her mask cracked, and she flashed a malicious smile.

"Leona, my dear... soon-to-be sister-in-law. Oh, wait—actually, not anymore. I wish I could say I'm sorry, but I’m really not," she hissed bitterly.

"Does Erik know his 'sweet' sister is so vicious? Is your illness even real?" I asked bluntly.

She giggled. "You’ll never know. But you never stood a chance against me anyway. You may have Alpha blood, but you're so low-class—fighting alongside the males, cursing like a drunken sailor. Oh, I forgot... Erik told me your little secret. You’ve been spreading your legs like a common whore. So pathetic."

The air turned cold in my lungs. He had told her? Those private, whispered moments of surrender—the only times I had ever let my guard down—had been offered up as gossip to the very woman he was using to replace me. The betrayal felt like a serrated blade sawing through my dignity, leaving me exposed and raw in a hallway that was supposed to be my home.

I clenched my fists. My hands were itching to slap her, but I held back. She was provoking me for a reason, and I wouldn't take the bait.

"You were just a placeholder, Leona. A warm body Erik used until I returned. He never really loved you. He only agreed to the mating for power—to be the King of the North. But even power is less attractive to him than I am. He chose me over everything."

"Move out of my way," I barked.

Rose didn't flinch. "Too pathetic to even respond? Make me move. Where is that famous lioness, the wild wolf everyone talks about? All I see is a pathetic little pup with her tail between her legs, trembling in fear."

Fury was rising, but I didn't react. Suddenly, Rose glanced over my shoulder, and her expression shifted into one of pitiable terror. In a flash, she grabbed my hand, used it to slap her own face, and collapsed to her knees, wailing loudly.

"Leona! I know you hate me, but I just wanted to apologize!" she sobbed, cupping her reddened cheek.

"Bullying a sick girl? You keep disappointing me!" Erik yelled.

Of course, he was right behind me. He shoved me aside and helped Rose to her feet.

"Please, don't blame Leona," Rose sobbed, her eyes red-rimmed as tears streamed down her face. "She's just blinded by jealousy. She loves you so much... I only wanted to apologize to her."

Erik turned to me, his face twisted in disgust. "You’re heartless. Rose is defending you even while you target her."

I almost laughed at how easily I’d been framed. "Erik, I didn't touch her. She was throwing insults at me and then threw herself on the ground."

"Shut up! I saw you slap her with my own eyes!" he shouted. "Apologize to Rose. Now."

"What for? I didn't touch her!"

Erik mind-linked, and four warriors appeared instantly. "You crossed the line today. I’m locking you in your room to reflect. You don't come out until you apologize."

"Check the camera footage!" I yelled, my heart clenching at the humiliation. "And you have no authority to lock me up. I’m not even a member of your pack."

"I am educating my mate, and I don't need damn footage. You're always fighting and bullying. Rose would never lie. Guards, seize her!"

He had already named me the villain without a second thought. I had nothing left to lose. Before the guards could grab me, I lunged forward and slapped Rose—twice. Her head lolled, and her eyes widened in genuine shock.

"Now that was a real slap," I hissed. "The fake one wasn't even a tap. That’s not my style."

As the guards grabbed my arms, Erik’s hand landed on my cheek with full force. He struck me again and again until blood dripped onto the floor. I felt a hollow pain in my chest. Alma was clawing at the surface, ready to shift and kill, but I just raised my head and laughed.

Erik froze, confused by my reaction. I looked him dead in the eye and spoke each word loud and clear:

"I, Leona Lombardi, reject you, Erik Smith, as my mate and my Alpha."

Agonizing pain surged through my body as the bond stretched violently.

"I accept your rejection," Erik said coldly.

The bond snapped. Alma screamed in agony.

It wasn't just a break; it was an amputation without anesthesia. Every nerve ending in my body screamed as the golden thread that tied our souls together shriveled into nothingness. I felt the void where his presence used to be—a cold, echoing cavern that swallowed my strength. Alma’s howl wasn't just for the loss of a mate; it was for the death of our future.

It felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest and after darkness finally enveloped me.