Rejected by Royal Mate

For the first time, Yousef Webb didn’t accompany me out of the Crimson Fang Pack’s territory.

His beta, Kendrick Palmer, approached me with an apology. “The Luna has requested Alpha Yousef’s presence for an urgent matter. He regrets he cannot see you off today.”

“It’s fine,” I replied, though the scent of blooming roses in the garden felt suffocating, making my words come out strained and heavy.

My pack member, Lexi, grumbled under her breath beside me. “What’s gotten into him? He always walks you to the border, sharing stories and making you laugh. Surely he doesn’t believe those rogue rumors about you!”

I suppressed the sting of her words and gave her a calm order. “When we get back to the Silver Moon Pack, gather all my unregistered jewelry and sell it on the black market. Convert it into something easily carried, like cash.”

Lexi’s eyes widened in shock. “Miss, why would you do that?”

I massaged my throbbing temples, staring blankly at the fading sunlight outside the car window. “Just do as I say.”

I had always been treated with respect, thanks to my grandfather, the former Alpha of the Crimson Fang Pack. Even when the Lycan Princess tried to provoke me, the Lycan King had always intervened on my behalf. Something must be seriously wrong for Yousef and the Luna to disregard my reputation so blatantly. I needed to prepare for the worst.

Lexi nudged me awake from my light doze, her voice bright with relief. “Miss, Alpha Yousef is following us! I knew he wouldn’t believe those rumors about you!”

I told the driver to stop the car, and Yousef pulled up behind us on his motorcycle. We stood at a distance, the space between us feeling like an uncrossable chasm. When I stepped forward, he backed away; when I retreated, he closed the gap. The overwhelming sadness brought tears to my eyes, but I swallowed my accusations.

We had grown up together, inseparable for seventeen years. I had always known he was my destined mate, and I had given him my trust and loyalty without hesitation. His sudden change left me reeling. I didn’t understand why, but I knew something significant must have happened.

I dismissed my entourage and approached him. “Alpha Yousef, don’t you have anything to say to me?”

He sat on his motorcycle, gripping the handles, his voice icy. “No.”

I hesitated, my chest tightening. “Even if we set aside the mate bond, we’ve been friends for years. I’ve always been honest with you. Have you ever been honest with me?”

He remained silent, his dark eyes fixed on me. As the last rays of the sun disappeared and the sky turned indigo, he revved his engine and turned away, his back cold and aloof.

“Go home,” he said before riding off into the night.