Rejected by the Alpha's Choice

If this had happened before, I would have rushed to Axton, crying and making a scene, maybe even running to Margaret Taylor to complain.

Because I still remember his promise: he would mate only with me, and he would never take another.

There had been times when other Omegas in the pack had tried to flirt with him, and I had always dealt with them swiftly and decisively, making sure the entire pack knew about it.

But this time, I didn’t feel like making a fuss.

I just felt so tired.

“Congratulations on getting what you wanted,” I said flatly, my voice calm despite the storm inside me. “I just wonder if Axton knows you came here today.”

Camila’s face paled slightly, and she quickly excused herself, leaving in a hurry.

After my attendants helped me freshen up, I sat at my desk and picked up a pen.

During the three years I’d been away, I hadn’t just been focusing on my duties. In my free time, I’d also been teaching at the pack academy. Roy Hunt, the Gamma who ran the academy, had praised my teaching skills, saying I was a natural educator.

Before I returned, he’d asked if I’d consider staying on as a full-time instructor.

At the time, I’d declined, eager to come back and finally solidify my mate bond with Axton.

But now, after everything that had happened, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made the wrong choice.

I sighed softly and began writing a letter to Roy, telling him I’d changed my mind and would be moving to Ludos to continue teaching.

Once the letter was finished, I sat there for a while, lost in thought. Eventually, I decided I owed it to Margaret and her mate to tell them my plans before I left.

They’d always been so kind to me, and I didn’t want to disappear without a word.

The next day, just as I was preparing to go see Margaret, Axton showed up at my door.

“Victoria,” he said, his tone light, as if nothing had happened. “I’ve arranged a welcome-back gathering for you at the pack’s favorite diner. Everyone is there. Come with me.”

The sight of him made my stomach churn, and for a moment, I wanted to lash out at him, to scream and make him feel even a fraction of the pain I was feeling.

But then I thought of Margaret, and I forced myself to stay calm.

Fine, I thought. Let this be my final goodbye to everything here.

When we arrived at the diner, Axton didn’t come in with me.

“You go ahead,” he said, his voice casual. “I’m waiting for someone.”

I walked in alone, steeling myself for whatever was to come.