After My Mate Rejected Me, Another Alpha Saved Me

The morning light filtered through the dusty windows of the pack house as I scrubbed the floors. My knees ached against the hard wood, but I'd long since learned to ignore the pain. Luna paced restlessly within me, still confused by Ace's rejection.

*He felt us*, she insisted. *I know he did.*

"Alpha Foster," a guard announced from the doorway. "We have visitors from the Northern Summit Pack."

I kept my head down, focusing on a stubborn stain. Visitors were rare in our territory, especially from progressive packs like Northern Summit. They operated differently—more modern, less hierarchical.

"Where is my daughter?" Father's voice boomed through the hallway. "Cassidy! Come greet our guests."

I heard the click of heels against marble as Cassidy hurried toward the entrance. "Coming, Father!"

Curious despite myself, I glanced up just as a tall figure entered the foyer. My breath caught in my throat.

Milo Lewis.

Alpha of the Northern Summit Pack. His reputation preceded him—a leader who valued healing over dominance, who had transformed his territory into a sanctuary for wolves seeking new beginnings.

He moved with quiet confidence, his presence filling the room without effort. Unlike Ace's oppressive aura, Milo's power felt like sunlight—warm but not blinding.

"Cassidy," Father said proudly, "this is Alpha Lewis."

My sister extended her hand, her smile perfectly practiced. "A pleasure to meet you."

As Milo took her hand, his eyes swept the room and landed on me. Something flickered in his expression—recognition, perhaps?

I quickly looked down, but not before our eyes met. A spark of warmth traveled through me, so unexpected I nearly gasped.

Luna stirred. *Ancient*, she whispered. *He feels ancient.*

Cassidy, noticing his attention on me, deliberately stepped forward. "Oh, Florence," she said with false sweetness, "you're still cleaning? How typical."

She moved toward me, her foot extended just enough—

I didn't see it coming. My ankle twisted as her foot caught mine, sending me sprawling across the wet floor.

"Clumsy Omega," Cassidy laughed.

No one moved to help me. Mother looked away in embarrassment. Father's face hardened with disgust.

Except Milo.

He crossed the room in three long strides, kneeling beside me. His hand was warm as he helped me up, steadying me when I would have fallen again.

"Careful," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Not everyone deserves your loyalty."

Something passed between us—not quite a mate bond, but a recognition deeper than either of us could explain.

"Thank you," I whispered.

He pressed something into my palm. A business card, simple and elegant.

"You are worth more than this," he said quietly.

---

Hours later, I was in the kitchen preparing tea for the meeting when I heard Cassidy's voice from the hallway.

"Ace!" she called, her tone frantic. "Ace, where are you?"

I peered through the doorway. Cassidy stood in the corridor, her face pale with panic.

"What's wrong?" Ace asked, emerging from Father's office.

"I can smell it," she hissed. "Her scent. It's getting stronger."

I froze, realizing what she meant. The artificial fragrance she'd been using was fading.

"You're imagining things," Ace said dismissively.

"No!" Cassidy grabbed his arm. "She's trying to seduce you. I can see how you look at her."

Ace's expression hardened. "Don't be ridiculous."

"I won't lose you," Cassidy whispered, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "Not after everything I've done."

Before I could process what was happening, she pulled something from her pocket—a small silver knife. With a swift motion, she slashed her own arm.

"Ahh!" she screamed, blood blooming across her skin. "She attacked me! Florence attacked me!"

"What?" I gasped, stepping into the hallway.

Ace's head snapped toward me, his eyes black with rage. "What have you done?"

"Nothing!" I protested. "She did that to herself!"

"Liar!" Cassidy sobbed, collapsing against Ace's chest. "She's been threatening me for days!"

---

The great hall had been transformed into a courtroom. Father sat at the center, Ace to his right. The pack gathered in a semicircle, their faces solemn.

I stood before them, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst.

"Omega Florence Foster," Father intoned, "you stand accused of attacking your sister with a silver weapon."

"I didn't do it," I said, my voice stronger than I expected. "Cassidy did that to herself."

"Silence!" Father roared. "Do you dare accuse your sister of such deception?"

Ace leaned forward, his expression unreadable. "The evidence speaks for itself."

He held up the silver knife—now bearing my fingerprints, though I'd never touched it.

"Your scent is on the weapon," he continued coldly. "And your sister has no reason to harm herself."

"Cassidy fears losing you," I said desperately. "She knows I'm your true mate!"

A murmur ran through the crowd. Ace's jaw tightened.

"Enough," he said, rising to his feet. "This Omega has forgotten her place. She requires punishment."

Father nodded solemnly. "What do you suggest, Alpha Harris?"

Ace's eyes met mine, something flickering in their depths—regret? Doubt? It vanished too quickly to be sure.

"She will be stripped of her remaining Omega rights," he declared. "Confined to the servants' quarters until further notice."

The sentence fell like a physical blow. Without rights, I would be less than an Omega—a prisoner in my own home.

As the pack dispersed, I caught Milo's eye across the room. He gave me a slight nod, his expression grim but determined.

The business card in my pocket felt like a lifeline in a storm-tossed sea.