Rejecting My Mate Before He Destroys Us

I was about to enter the classroom when a group of Deltas from the rival pack blocked my path. Rosalina Barnes, their ringleader, stepped forward with a smirk that made my wolf bristle in the back of my mind. She had always been the type to assert dominance, especially over someone like me, who she considered beneath her station.

"Angelina," Rosalina sneered, her tone dripping with condescension. "Why did you just call Jimmy outside? What’s your angle? Trying to worm your way into his good graces again?"

I didn’t respond, attempting to slip past them, but Rosalina’s hand shot out, grabbing my arm with a grip that would have left a bruise on a human. Her strength, typical of a Delta, was meant to intimidate, but I stood my ground. My wolf growled faintly, a low rumble in my chest, but I kept her silent.

"What are you hiding?" Rosalina demanded sharply, her other hand already rifling through my pockets before I could react. In an instant, she pulled out a silver bracelet, holding it up for the others to see.

"Oh, what’s this? Some thrift store junk?" she mocked, her smirk widening as the other Deltas laughed. "Looks convincing, though."

The bracelet passed from hand to hand, each Delta adding their own venomous commentary. "Is this all you’ve got, Angelina? Flashing this cheap stuff—no wonder no one ever notices you," one of them chimed in, her scornful laugh echoing down the hallway.

"How much is this bracelet worth anyway? You think this will make Jimmy fall for you? So naive!" another sneered. "You’re lucky he even acknowledges you—that’s a stroke of luck!"

"I bet Jimmy’s only pitying you, letting you stick around for a while. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be worth the scraps," Rosalina added, her voice sharp enough to cut through steel.

I watched them pass the bracelet around, listened to their biting jeers, yet inside, I felt strangely calm. This idolization of Jimmy while belittling and sidelining me was something I had grown accustomed to. In my previous life, I’d foolishly thought that sponsoring Jimmy’s education was the best thing I’d ever done. I’d come across his plea for help, claiming his parents had passed away early, leaving him in the care of his uncle and aunt, and life was tough. My heart had softened, and I’d decided to help him.

Jimmy had taken my resources and started masquerading as a privileged werewolf, using my money to host lavish gatherings and win the admiration of the pack. I’d thought he just wanted to prove himself, but I never imagined he’d use his fake persona to isolate me while everyone else adored him.

Just like now, one of the Deltas tossed the bracelet back to me, sneering, "Are you hoping Jimmy will take you to Amy’s birthday party tonight? Take a look in the mirror and see if you’re even cut out for that kind of event."

Her words triggered another wave of laughter, but as I picked up the bracelet and saw their ridicule, a wry smile crept up inside me—not just for them but also for myself. In my past life, I’d secretly begged my father, the Alpha, to arrange a position for Jimmy in our pack, helping him climb the ranks and earn more respect. Jimmy had feigned humility but secretly embezzled funds, leading our pack to ruin, and my father ultimately couldn’t bear the pressure and took his own life.

What’s even more ridiculous is that Jimmy spread rumors among the pack, saying I’d forced him into the mate bond and ruined his life. I’d been utterly let down and had taken the evidence to the Elders, but on the way, I’d been killed by his new mate in a calculated attack.

"Go ahead and laugh," I said calmly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "But I’m definitely not going to the birthday party tonight."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving them in silence, unsure how to continue their mockery. My wolf growled faintly again, a reminder of the strength I’d buried deep within. This time, I wouldn’t let them break me.