Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

After being in a long-distance relationship with Cassius Hughes, the Beta of the Silver Moon Pack, for two years, I decided to surprise him by secretly quitting my position as an Omega and moving to his territory.

While hiding in his apartment, plotting my surprise, I stumbled upon a handwritten list entitled "999 Things to Do for Lana Chavez." Lana Chavez wasn’t me. She was a Gamma from the rival Crimson Fang Pack—the woman Cassius loved and proposed to.

Following the instructions for the final item on the list, I found myself at a bungee jumping gorge in the Alps. As I approached, I heard Cassius exclaiming, "Lana, this is the 999th thing I’m doing for you—let’s become mates."

Despite his fear of heights, my normally timid mate showed incredible bravery. The girl on the jumping platform blew him a heart-shaped kiss.

Unable to bear watching any longer, I quietly turned away. But when I fully disappeared from his world, he regretted it.

In my view, Cassius was dangling from a bungee cord on the edge of the cliff, and even though he fainted as he jumped, he still managed to form a heart with his hands for the girl on the platform.

That girl, Lana Chavez, was the true recipient of the 999 things. She stood on the platform, calling back to Cassius, "I accept!"

Together, hand-in-hand, they walked to the center of a glass bridge strewn with roses. Cassius’s face was lit up with joy as he shouted, "Lana Chavez, a lifetime is too long; I want to spend it with you as my mate."

The crowd erupted in applause. Lana blushed and nodded shyly. They embraced and kissed, surrounded by cheers as if they were the perfect couple.

But where did that leave me? I retreated to the back of the crowd, my heart aching in despair. During our long-distance relationship, I often brought up the mate bond, but Cassius always seemed annoyed, saying, "Why do you keep asking like you’re desperate to be my mate?"

Now it was clear—I was the outsider. Cassius didn’t mind the mate bond; he just didn’t want it with me.

I tried to adjust my glasses, only to realize tears were streaming down my face. My legs shook, desperately wanting to leave, but every step felt like it had the weight of a thousand pounds.

And then, I collapsed. As I fell, I caught a glimpse of them locked in an embrace.

With the last of my strength, I managed to call for help. When I came to, I was lying in a hospital bed with an IV drip.

Low blood sugar has always been an issue for me, but Cassius used to slip snacks into my bag or chocolates into my pocket to prevent it.

But now, I had fainted during his proposal scene while he was passionately kissing another woman. Skyler Payne, a Delta in the Silver Moon Pack and my longtime packmate, came over with some glucose tablets, looking at my weakened face.

"What happened here? You haven’t passed out in ages, right?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

I didn’t reply, my voice flat. "You mentioned wanting to go overseas for trade but couldn’t find a partner."

"I’ll go with you."

Skyler looked surprised. "Are you kidding? Aren’t you about to mark each other?"

"Meeting you here was sheer luck thanks to your mate. Otherwise, seeing you is near impossible."

I clenched my fist, a bitter smile forming as memories of the list—those 999 things—flooded my mind. Rock climbing, gliding, skydiving…

Given Cassius’s fear of heights, I never mentioned my interest in extreme sports during our years apart. But it turned out all those romantic gestures that challenged him were meant for someone else.

As I was about to speak, Skyler sighed. "I shouldn’t interfere in what’s between you and the Beta."

"But work isn’t a game. If you decide to join me, there’s no backing out."

I listened quietly, meeting his gaze with determination. "I’ve made my decision."