Rejected By My Mate, Claimed By His Stepbrother

*Five Years Later*

**Amelia**

The hum of New York City traffic filled the air as I drove along the bustling streets, heading to the university where I had spent the past five years pouring my heart into my studies. Today marked a monumental milestone-I was graduating as a medical doctor.

It had taken relentless effort and commitment, but I had finally made it. After escaping the Moonstone Pack five years ago, I'd used my savings-hard-earned from my time as Luna-to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

This was a dream I'd once abandoned when Adrian chose me as his Luna, demanding my focus and sacrifice for the Pack. But none of it had mattered to him in the end. He cheated on me, discarded me for his ex-mate, and left me broken. Still, in that heartbreak, I found my freedom and reclaimed my dream.

My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as I navigated through the congested traffic, the weight of the day sinking in. This wasn't just any graduation-it was a turning point, a declaration that I had taken back control of my life. The thought brought a bittersweet smile to my lips as I glanced at the time on the dashboard. I was running late, thanks to an endless traffic jam.

'Great. Just great.'

The cars inched forward, and I tapped my fingers impatiently against the wheel. My thoughts wandered to the moment I decided to leave the Moonstone Pack. It was one of the hardest decisions I'd ever made, but looking back now, I knew it was the right one.

Adrian may have broken my heart, but he also set me free.

The traffic finally began to clear, and I pressed the accelerator, my determination renewed. Today wasn't just about the diploma-it was about proving to myself that I could rebuild, that I was more than the title of Luna or the mate who wasn't enough.

---

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the university, hastily grabbing the graduation gown from my passenger seat and slipping it on. The ceremony had already begun, and I could hear faint applause echoing from the auditorium. Hoping not to attract too much attention, I slipped in through the back entrance.

Scanning the hall, I spotted my best friend, Becky, sitting near the back. I quickly made my way to her and settled into the empty seat beside her.

"What took you so long, Lia?" Becky whispered, her brow furrowed.

"Traffic jam," I replied with an apologetic shrug.

She sighed. "You just missed Dr. Edward's speech. But don't worry-you're just in time for Dr. Alex Darlington."

My eyes widened. "Wait-Alex Darlington is here? The Alex Darlington?"

Becky grinned and nodded.

My heart skipped a beat. Alex Darlington was a renowned doctor, a legend in the medical field, and my role model. I'd admired him from afar for years and had always hoped to meet him someday. The idea of seeing him in person sent a thrill through me.

"Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Alex Darlington, one of the most celebrated and successful doctors in New York City," the announcer declared.

The audience erupted into applause as a tall, strikingly handsome man stepped onto the stage. His presence commanded attention, his dark suit perfectly tailored, and his confident smile radiating charm.

I joined in the applause, but as I did, a familiar scent of lavender and strawberries hit me like a wave, making my breath hitch.

'No...'

My wolf, Ivy, leaped excitedly in my mind. "Mate!"

Panic surged through me as the realization hit-Alex Darlington, the man I idolized, was my fated mate.

"No, no, this can't be happening," I muttered under my breath, my heart racing.

Becky glanced at me, her brows furrowing in concern. "Lia? Are you okay?"

I forced a shaky smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... need some air. I'll be right back."

Without waiting for her response, I slipped out of my seat and hurried toward the nearest bathroom.

---

Inside the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

"What is wrong with you, Amelia? Isn't this what you've always wanted?" Ivy's voice echoed in my mind, tinged with frustration.

"No, Ivy. This is the last thing I want," I shot back. "After what I went through with Adrian, you expect me to trust another mate?"

Ivy fell silent for a moment before asking quietly, "So... what are you going to do?"

"I'll reject him," I said firmly. "If he refuses to acknowledge it, I'll leave. As long as he can't find me, he'll never claim me."

Without hesitating, I grabbed my bag and exited the bathroom, determined to slip away before Alex could discover the bond.

---

I texted Becky, telling her I felt sick and had to leave, then made my way to the elevator. My plan was simple: leave now, collect my certificate later, and avoid the fanfare entirely.

The elevator dinged softly as the doors slid open, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. I took a steadying breath, hoping I could escape without incident.

Just as the doors were about to close, a foot blocked them. The doors slid open again, and the scent of lavender and strawberries hit me like a tidal wave.

My stomach churned.

Dr. Alex Darlington stepped into the elevator, the same confident smile playing on his lips. Only now, his eyes-intense and captivating-were fixed on me.

"Little mate," he said, his voice smooth and teasing, "running away already?"

My breath hitched, and I instinctively backed up against the wall of the elevator, my heart pounding wildly.

"Dr. A-Alex Darlington," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his smirk widening. "No need to be formal. We're fated, after all."

His words sent a jolt through me, and I clenched my fists. "I know you don't want this Dr. Alex so just go on and reject me," I said to him and immediately he furrowed his brows at me.

"Reject you, is that what you want?"

His smirk faltered slightly, but his expression remained calm.

" Yes." My voice shook, but I stood my ground.

"Okay," he replied calmly.

To be continued...