Rejected by Fate's Alpha

I didn’t have time to think. I lunged forward, shielding Fluffy with my body as her foot came down hard on my back. Pain shot through me, and I collapsed to the ground, my face pressing into the dirt. I clutched Fluffy tightly, refusing to let go.

“Stop!” I shouted, my voice shaking. “I’m still the Alpha’s chosen mate! How dare you treat me like this? Do you think Remington won’t punish you for this?”

One of the Omegas stepped forward, stopping the other. She gave me a shallow nod, her smile thin and insincere. “Apologies, Miss Evelyn. We’re here to serve you. My name is Annika, and this is Nellie. Please forgive our... overzealousness.”

Nellie scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Why bother being polite? Even if she dies, the Alpha wouldn’t spare her a second glance.”

I didn’t engage. The world was cruel, and this was just another reminder. I pushed myself up, cradling Fluffy in my arms, and carried him into the room.

“Clean this place,” I said coldly, my voice devoid of emotion. “Then bring me something to eat.”

Nellie looked ready to argue, but Annika grabbed her arm and dragged her out.

Once they were gone, my eyes burned with unshed tears. I clenched my fists, repeating to myself, *Just one more month. One more month, and Remington will make this right.*

They returned soon enough, carrying a food tray that they carelessly dropped onto the dusty table. The moment they lifted the lid, a sour stench hit me, and I gagged.

“Why is the food spoiled?” I demanded, my voice rising.

Nellie rolled her eyes. “Be grateful you’re getting anything at all. You’re not exactly in a position to be picky.”

Annika hesitated, her voice softer but no less cutting. “Miss Evelyn, the Luna requested cherry tarts. The kitchen is busy preparing them for her. This is all that’s left from yesterday. Please... make do.”

My hands trembled with anger, but I had no recourse. Nellie stomped around the room, wiping surfaces with a rag that only seemed to spread more dust. The already inedible food was now coated in it.

I picked up the tray and carried it outside, placing a bowl in front of Fluffy. But even he turned his nose away, whining softly. If even a dog wouldn’t eat it, how could I?

The bitterness in my chest deepened. *Would Remington care if he saw me like this?* I wondered. I hadn’t eaten since yesterday, and my body was growing weak. Fluffy was shivering with hunger too.

My gaze fell on a tree near the edge of the yard, its branches heavy with unfamiliar fruit. I plucked a few, wiping them on my dress, and took a bite. The taste was tangy and sweet—a small mercy in this miserable place.

Fluffy and I sat by the wall, sharing the fruit in silence. For a moment, the world felt a little less cold.