Rejected Luna's Redemption

On our third mating anniversary, Alpha Harlem King left me once more for his "special someone."

"Loretta's feeling down. Her Delta mate died in a pack dispute; can’t you understand?" he said, his alpha tone making it clear he expected no argument.

Sure, I got it. I sent him off to his special someone so they could comfort each other. But this time, I wasn’t going to sit quietly. I turned and left, deciding to apply for a frontline research project in rural Ireland to develop new wheat seeds for our kind.

But when he realized what he’d truly lost, regret hit him harder than he expected.

---

Alpha Harlem King left me to head over to Loretta’s apartment. I grabbed his arm, my fingers tightening around his muscular forearm. "Do you really have to go? It’s our third mating anniversary today."

"Alexandria, be reasonable. Loretta’s mate died in a pack skirmish. She’s feeling blue!" His voice was firm, edged with the authority of an Alpha.

He pried my fingers away, and I scoffed. It had been three years since her mate’s death, yet she was still not feeling better?

"If she’s so upset, maybe she should have followed him to the Moon Goddess’s embrace! Alpha, if you walk out that door, we’re finished!"

Even though mate rejection was rare and considered shameful, I wasn’t afraid. I had my pride, and I wasn’t going to let him trample it any longer.

Harlem’s aura flared, his dominance pressing against me. "Do what you want! You have no empathy whatsoever! Alexandria, how did I end up with such a cold-hearted mate?"

I was furious. While he turned away, I picked up a chair and smashed the window with a loud crash, shattering the glass and stopping Harlem in his tracks.

"Are you insane?" he roared, his alpha tone reverberating through the room.

I stood at the door and yelled, "I am insane! What kind of she-wolf constantly longs for another she-wolf’s mate? If you want her, I’ll give you to her!"

"Alpha Harlem King, if you walk out that door today, I’ll reject you! No more divided loyalties!"

Harlem’s face turned red with anger, and the neighbors—pack members of various ranks—emerged to gawk. Loretta timidly stepped out from next door, tears in her eyes. "Luna Alexandria, please don’t misunderstand. I was just feeling down, and Alpha came over to comfort me."

I snorted. "When are you not feeling down? Last month you were upset, and Alpha bought you a silver pendant!"

"A couple of weeks ago, you were sad, and Alpha took you to the pack’s ceremonial hunt!"

"Last week you were miserable, and Alpha cooked especially for you!"

"And I’m his actual mate, whom he completely ignores! It’s our third mating anniversary, but he still chooses to comfort you!"

"Why don’t you two just bond already!"

I shot her a cold look and promptly pushed Harlem towards her. "Go on, comfort her!"

Bang!

I slammed the door, leaving him outside.

The pack members murmured amongst themselves as Harlem began knocking, pleading with me in a rare display of vulnerability. I stayed silent, and eventually, he stomped away, his aura bristling with frustration.

I huffed, my anger barely contained.

The only reason I dared to act this boldly today is because I’ve been given a second chance.

In my past life, I sulked silently as Harlem left me again and again, until I died alone and despondent.

They bonded over my metaphorical grave and laughed at my failure to understand their affection.

This time around, I refuse to accommodate him!

Want to be with your special someone? Fine, but I’m tearing down this pretense to see if you can still face the pack with pride!

Harlem didn’t return all night, and I wasn’t troubled. The next morning, Loretta showed up pale, throwing me an angry glare. I ignored her and headed straight to the Blue Moon Pack’s research institute. There, I approached Director Franklin, a Gamma I trusted, about joining the frontline seed research team.

Director Franklin looked surprised. "Luna Alexandria, are you certain? Weren’t you planning to have pups? Is Alpha on board with this?"

"I can make my own decisions. He’s a diligent leader of the pack; I’m sure he’ll support me."

"Director, our institute’s research progress has stalled. I believe embracing grassroots efforts is the solution to effectively tackle the issues."

"Ireland’s rural area is most suitable. Our colleagues are already there, and I want to contribute to resolving this critical problem swiftly."

Director Franklin considered for a moment and finally agreed. "Alright, get ready. You’ll leave in a week! This trip may last several years; make sure to discuss it with your family."

I nodded, then headed back to the pack house.

When I returned, Harlem was still gone, the room empty, with faded anniversary decorations still hanging on the window.

When I bonded with Harlem, it was because I thought he was compassionate and caring towards his pack members.

I believed he was a reliable Alpha.

Little did I know, his compassion was reserved for certain she-wolves.

Only after marking me did I realize his heart belonged to someone else.