Rejected by My Fated Mate, Married to the Sleeping Alpha

Emira’s POV

"I'm going to marry Alpha Zared, even though he's in a vegetative state."

My father froze mid-sip, his glass of rum paused at his lips as he gave me a double take. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me. I’m not repeating it,” I snapped, arms crossed.

He blinked, staring past me at the wall before tossing the rest of his drink down in one go. “You’re serious?”

“I am.”

He looked me over, those same sharp green eyes I inherited scanning me like he was trying to read my soul. Then suddenly, he smiled—big and wide. “You did what’s best for the pack. But why the change of heart? Wasn’t it just yesterday you swore you’d only ever marry Omega Luther Adam? That bodyguard?”

His name was a slap to the chest. Pain squeezed my heart, bitterness curling on my tongue.

“That’s my decision, Father. I came to inform you, not explain.” I turned toward the door of the library.

“You’re still my daughter. I care about you. I just want to know why,” he called after me.

Care? That’s rich.

He never cared about me—not like he did Diana, his mistress’ perfect daughter. Even when my mother, the rightful Luna of the Bluemoon Pack, was still alive, he put Diana first. My mother would still be alive if he’d chosen her over that woman… but he didn’t. And now Diana’s mother sits on the throne that once belonged to my mother.

Everyone adored Diana. My father. The pack. Even Luther.

She was their shining star. So precious, so perfect. The Bloodfang Pack even wanted her for their comatose Alpha. But no—Father picked me instead. Not because he believed in me, but to protect his precious daughter. Diana couldn’t handle the responsibility, so he dumped it on me like a sacrifice.

Me? I was the afterthought. Always second best.

If my mother were alive, she’d never let them treat me this way. She would’ve fought for me. Loved me.

“Just inform the Bloodfang Pack about my decision. Isn’t this what you wanted anyway? To save your daughter?” I said coldly before walking out. But I still heard him behind me.

“You’re still my daughter, Emira. And I’m proud of you.”

Funny. Those were the words I used to ache for. But now? They felt hollow.

When I got back to the estate, I was passing by Luther’s room when I saw the door slightly open. He was inside, staring at a picture of Diana with this soft, tender look on his face.

I froze. He didn’t even sense me.

Then his phone rang. He answered right away.

“Alpha Luther, when are you coming back? Our parents have been asking for you. How long are you going to keep pretending to be a bodyguard? I don’t even know what else to tell them.”

“Just a little longer,” Luther said quietly. “Until I can have Diana.”

His eyes lit up as he said her name. Lit up in a way they never did for me.

“You’re hopeless,” the caller said. “Why not choose Emira? She likes you. She even confessed.”

“I’ve always wanted Diana as my mate,” Luther replied, firm. “Emira doesn’t even come close. Diana will be my Luna.”

And just like that, my heart shattered.

I’d been a fool. A complete fool for loving him, for believing he cared, for thinking I was his mate. All this time, every sweet word, every touch, every lingering glance… it was all just him trying to get close to Diana. My sister. My father’s favorite.

He didn’t even realize I was his mate.

Or maybe… he did. And chose to ignore it.

I stood there, breaking apart inside while my wolf whimpered in pain.

He was just like the rest of them.

Another one who only ever loved Diana. Their precious Diana.