Rejected by My Fated Mate

Alessia jumped up, hands on her hips, her Omega aura flickering weakly in the dim light of the den. "Alpha Albert, what’s gotten into you? I generously bought you a car, and this is how you repay me?"

Her voice cracked, and she turned away, tears streaming down her cheeks. In the past, the sight of her tears would have shattered me, and I would have wrapped her in my arms before a single drop fell, offering comfort in my Alpha tone. But today, that instinct was dead. I brushed past her, the weight of my Alpha presence pressing down on her, and retreated into my private study, closing the door firmly behind me.

Since our mating ceremony, Alessia and I hadn’t shared the same den. Every one of those countless nights, I spent alone in the study, staring at the narrow single bed that felt more like a prison than a sanctuary. My wolf growled in frustration, its voice echoing in my mind, questioning the purpose of this bond. Perhaps it was time to end this one-sided connection.

I opened my laptop, the screen illuminating the dark room, but my mind was elsewhere. Alessia had been my ideal, my chosen mate, love at first scent. I had been captivated by her vivacious spirit the moment I first saw her at a pack gathering. I did everything I could to win her over, offering her everything I had—my protection, my resources, my heart.

Eventually, my persistence wore her down, and she agreed to be my mate. The day I announced our bond to the Silver Moon Pack, I arranged for 9,999 roses to be laid out in the clearing under the full moon, their fragrance mingling with the crisp night air. I vowed to love her forever under the gaze of the Moon Goddess. Her bright smile had convinced me that I had won her heart.

Even after our marking ceremony, though she didn’t want to share a den, I tried my best to respect her wishes. But the arrival of Ozzy Jones, that rogue wolf, opened my eyes to the fact that some wolves could easily claim what I had yearned for. It was time to wake up from this dream.

"Knock, knock."

The door to the study creaked open, and Alessia entered, holding a cup of coffee. Her scent—a mix of lavender and something faintly metallic—filled the room, but it no longer stirred the longing it once did.

"Okay, Alpha, it was my fault," she said, her voice softer now, almost pleading. "I shouldn’t have gotten you a second-hand car. How about we go to the dealership tomorrow and buy a new one?"

It was rare for Alessia to swallow her pride like this. She set the cup down on my desk and gently leaned against my shoulders from behind, pressing her soft form against me. Her hands wandered over my chest, rekindling a long-dormant desire with every touch. I felt a bit lost, entranced by the familiarity of her touch, and turned to take her into my arms. She responded willingly, and I traced a path down to her neck, where her mark should have been.

There, an unmistakable red mark caught my eye, hitting me like a punch to the gut as images of her and Ozzy flashed in my mind. My wolf snarled in fury, its voice cutting through my thoughts like a blade. Passion cooled instantly, and I pushed her away, my Alpha tone sharp and commanding.

"Leave," I murmured, my voice strained with control. "I need to be alone."

Alessia was stunned by my rejection, her lovely almond-shaped eyes filled with hurt. Once, those were the eyes I adored, so full of emotion. But now, they seemed to mock me with indifference.

Seeing that I didn’t react as she expected, a sarcastic smirk appeared on her lips. "Oh, Alpha, stop pretending. Haven’t you always wanted to be with me?"

"Now that I’m here, what’s with the act?"

I couldn’t believe such words came from Alessia. Meeting her dismissive gaze, it felt as if a vibrant flower was wilting right before my eyes.

"No big loss," she said, her voice dripping with bitterness. "I’m not dying to cater to you anyway."

The door slammed shut with force, the sound echoing through the den. I clutched my chest, gasping for air as tears flowed freely. It felt like my insides were being torn apart, the mate bond screaming in agony.

I wiped away my tears, resolute in my decision. This bond—this charade—had to end.