Rejected by the Alpha's Choice

I found out Axton had taken a mate when their child was already born.

In the pack hall, his friend Stefan asked him how he planned to explain it to me.

He just scoffed:

“It’s natural for a future Alpha to have a mate and a chosen companion. She has no right to demand an explanation from me.”

“Besides, Victoria is possessive. It’s better not to tell her yet, or she might do something reckless to harm my child.”

We’d grown up together, and three years ago, I left for a pack ceremony.

He promised me, “It’ll always be just you and me. When you return, we’ll have our mark ceremony.”

This time, I didn’t cry or beg him to explain why he’d broken his promise.

I turned and left, accepting the mate bond with Josue Cruz.

Finally, I let go of my love for him.

......

“Axton, Victoria is returning soon. You can’t keep this secret forever,” Stefan said in the pack’s meeting room.

Axton cradled a baby boy, his face filled with affection as he played with him.

At Stefan’s words, his expression turned cold and indifferent:

“Victoria is possessive. It’s better to keep it from her, so she doesn’t cause trouble for Camila and the child.”

“She’s always been clingy, getting jealous even if I just talk to another female.”

My hand froze as I reached to knock on the door, stunned by what I’d overheard.

I’d always loved Axton. Growing up as an orphan, I’d been insecure, wary of any female who got close to him. But he’d always reassured me.

“You’re right. She’s always been spoiled. She’d definitely make a scene,” Stefan agreed, nodding.

At that moment, a woman emerged from the inner room, calling out to Axton in a soft, sweet voice.

“Axton, let me hold him.”

“Be careful, Camila. He’s grown a lot,” Axton said, handing the baby to her and wrapping an arm around her waist, his eyes filled with tenderness.

“You two should tone it down. I’m still here, you know,” Stefan joked.

“It’s no wonder Camila chose Axton. I’ve never seen him this gentle before. It’s just a shame about her status…”

Stefan’s voice trailed off, filled with pity.

My heart sank. Camila was the rogue I’d saved years ago. Though she’d been an Omega in the pack, I’d treated her like a sister.

Before I left for the pack ceremony, I’d even asked her to keep an eye on Axton, to make sure no other female got close to him.

And yet, she’d betrayed me and climbed into his bed!

I couldn’t believe I’d been betrayed by both my friend and my promised mate.

Anger surged within me, and I wanted to burst in and demand answers, but I stopped myself.

What right did I have to confront him? Our mate bond had only been a verbal promise, never formalized.

I felt dazed, realizing now that he’d stopped writing to me a year ago.

Every time I sent him messages through the mind link about my experiences at the ceremony, his replies had been nothing but a cold “Read.”

“After the mark ceremony, how will you convince Victoria to accept Camila?”

I held my breath as Stefan asked the question.

Axton’s detached voice reached my ears:

“An orphan like her should be grateful to be my mate. What right does she have to refuse my chosen companion?”

“Besides, I’ve never loved her. My heart belongs to Camila.”

“The past few years, I just enjoyed watching her wag her tail like a dog for scraps of my affection.”

“It was amusing.”

I stumbled out of the hall, bumping into several pack members along the way.

When I reached the pack’s entrance, I ran into another of Axton’s friends.

He was holding a rattle and looked surprised to see me.

“Victoria, you’re back early?”

“What are you doing here?”

At his question, I thought back to the past three years.

Three years ago, the Luna of the Lycan Kingdom had invited a few chosen females to a special ceremony. Those who attended would return with honors and titles.

Knowing I was an orphan and feeling unworthy of Axton, I’d begged Margaret Taylor to help me secure a spot.

I’d returned early to visit the pack’s hall and get a protective charm for Axton, only to stumble upon this heart-shattering truth.

I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak, frozen in place, overwhelmed.

Only now did I feel the cruel reality:

Axton had never loved me. He’d deceived me for ten years.

The female I’d treated as a sister had betrayed me.

I didn’t understand why life had been so cruel, denying me any semblance of family, friendship, or love.

Just then, Axton’s voice came from behind me, as gentle as ever:

“Victoria, you’re back early?”

I turned to see him standing at the entrance, his eyes searching mine with a hint of unease.

“The Luna ended the ceremony early,” I replied, my voice steady.

If I hadn’t returned early, I’d still be in the dark.

“You should’ve mind linked me. I’d have come to pick you up. It’s a long journey—you must be exhausted.”

His voice was filled with concern.

“Why did you come here instead of going home?”

“I came to get a protective charm for your mother,” I lied instinctively.

I still couldn’t let go, wanting him to explain or confess.

“Let’s go home. The car’s waiting at the bottom of the hill.”

Axton’s tone was warm as he stepped closer, but when he noticed my intense gaze, a flicker of discomfort crossed his face.

He teased, “You’ve grown so beautiful in three years. I’m almost afraid I’m not good enough for you anymore.”

I didn’t respond to his joke, my eyes fixed on the charm hanging from his belt.

The embroidery was familiar—Camila’s handiwork.

My throat tightened, and I felt a cold emptiness inside.

He’d once said, “Victoria, we’ve grown up together. I promise I’ll take you as my mate and never take a chosen companion. It’ll always be just you and me.”

“I’ll wait for you. I’ll never change.”

But now the brutal truth was laid bare before me. He’d been lying to me all along.

“No,” I said softly, meeting his eyes.

“Good. Let’s get you home to rest. We’ll have a welcome celebration once you’re settled.”

Axton exhaled almost imperceptibly, a smile returning to his face.