Rejected By My Fated, I Claimed His Future

“Alpha Angela, what are you doing here? Surely you don’t think... Oh no, don’t tell me you’re jumping to conclusions again.”

A voice feigning surprise came from behind, but I didn’t bother to turn around. I could already smell the faint scent of rosemary—Zendaya’s scent—mixing with Kolton’s usual pine. It was enough to make my stomach churn.

“Alpha Angela, why the silent treatment?”

Kolton’s voice was as cool and detached as ever, and it inexplicably sparked a wave of irritation within me. My wolf stirred faintly in the back of my mind, a low growl of discontent I quickly suppressed.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you suspecting something is going on between Zendaya and me again? I’ve explained over and over; you’re really making this exhausting.”

“Or is this about the alliance? I told you, let’s just consider it a favor for Zendaya. There’s no need to…”

He was chattier than usual, which was unlike the typical Kolton. I mused to myself quietly. People always say that when you’re guilty, you tend to babble—much like now.

Only after the tears had dried on my face did I turn around. Kolton was still holding Zendaya’s hand. The two of them stood side by side, comfortably close. Just like when we were kids, I thought wryly.

Despite the three of us growing up together, I was always the odd one out. There was simply no room for me between them.

Surprisingly, I calmly accepted this fact.

When Kolton noticed my gaze lingering on their intertwined hands, he abruptly let go. His face flushed with awkwardness, struggling to find the right words.

“Alpha Angela...”

I gently interrupted him, “About the alliance, discuss it with my Gamma, Hadlee.”

“Let’s keep it professional. Follow the procedures, and arrange for the appropriate breach and damage compensation.”

With that, I turned to leave.

But Kolton stopped me. “Let’s have dinner tonight.”

I didn’t look back. “No, I’m busy.”

Yet Kolton, usually reserved, unexpectedly moved forward and grabbed my arm. I turned my head, our eyes met. There was a complexity in his gaze as he looked at me intently.

“We still need to discuss the mating plans.”

It was the first time Kolton spoke to me so tenderly. I was momentarily taken aback. My wolf growled again, louder this time, but I silenced her with a firm mental push.

By the time I regained my senses, I had already agreed.