Rejecting My Mate Who Took Me As A Stand-In

I couldn't stop thinking about the first time I met Daniel.

I was still chasing Brandon back then, head over heels. One snowy night, I got a call that Brandon was plastered, so I braved a rainstorm to pick him up.

But when I pushed open the door to the private room, it wasn't Brandon I saw first. It was a young wolf sitting in the corner-Daniel.

He shot to his feet when I walked in, spilling red wine all over his shirt.

His eyes were nothing like Brandon's, soft and warm, like they held a whole galaxy. He stared at me for what felt like forever before saying,

"Hannah, pleasure to meet you."

Looking back now, I wonder what kind of storm was brewing behind that gentle gaze.

I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling. "Hold on, Tyler. I need a second."

Tyler gave me a confused look. "What's up with you, Hannah?"

Before I could answer, he grinned, oblivious. "Come on, don't stress about it. You're too gorgeous for your own good. Half my buddies are into you, including Daniel, the one guy who acts like he's above it all."

"Except Brandon, of course," he added, rolling his eyes. "That wolf's obsessed with his first mate, Ashley. No one else stands a chance."

I shut my eyes, gripping the gift box so tight my knuckles whitened. His words about Brandon barely registered. My mind was stuck on one thing: Daniel likes me?

My heart started pounding, my voice coming out hoarse. "You said Daniel's leaving the pack? Where's he headed?"

"Elthenia. For his career," Tyler said, scratching his head. "He was supposed to go Four years ago, but for some reason, he stuck around 'til now."

Four years ago. Right around the time I got in that car wreck and started hunting for the wolf who saved me. My grip on the box tightened, nails digging into my palms.

"Alright, I'm out," Tyler said, turning to leave.

"Wait." I stopped him.

"You've had your fun, but it's time to step up. You're taking over the pack's businesses here. I'm heading other packs to expand our territory."

"What?!" Tyler's eyes nearly popped out. "Hannah, are you serious? I'm not ready for this!"

I gave him a faint smile.

"No time to get ready. I'm leaving next week."

To chase my true mate. I didn't say it out loud, but my grip on the gift box said enough.

After Tyler left, whining the whole way, I dragged a massive suitcase into my villa and started packing up everything tied to Brandon. Every item was proof of how hard I'd tried to win him over.

A limited-edition mouse I pulled strings to get.

Shoes he'd mentioned in passing, which I'd stayed up all night to snag.

A tie knot he wore during a match, tucked away like a treasure. I packed all night, and by dawn, everything was boxed up.

As I carried the box downstairs, I froze. Brandon was back.

He stood in the entryway, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to show a glimpse of pale collarbone, his messy hair falling over his brow, making his sharp eyes even more inelevense. He looked up, surprised.

"Hannah, you're up early."

Four years, and he still called me Hannah, like we were strangers.

If it weren't for the way he claimed me every night, I'd have questioned if we were even bound. But now I knew-those nights weren't about me. They were about how I reminded him of his first mate, Ashley.

I didn't answer, just countered, "And you? Gone all night."

He smirked, a faint, crooked grin. "Had some business."

In Four years, I'd rarely seen him smile for real.

His usual grin was cocky, his eyes cold. But this time, he was genuinely happy. And his "business"? That was him with Ashley.

Strangely, the pain that ripped me apart yesterday was gone. My heart felt oddly calm. I was just grateful I'd figured out I'd mistaken him for my real savior. It didn't hurt anymore.

I gave a flat "Oh" and walked past him, box in arms.

Brandon's smirk faded. He'd skipped our anniversary, didn't even call, and now I wasn't reacting? He frowned, reaching for my arm. "Hey, I'm sorry about missing yesterday. Let me make it up to you today."

I pulled away. "No need."

He blinked, thrown by my coldness, his eyes darkening. "No, I'm making it up to you."

Maybe it was guilt from Ashley, but Brandon was oddly patient today. He took me everywhere I'd ever mentioned wanting to go. We rode the roller coaster at the amusement park, had a dinner at a fancy restaurant, and-shockingly-he even went shopping with me, picking out a diamond ring.

I was about to say no when my phone buzzed.

The bar manager called, saying I'd left something at the club last time. I nodded, and Brandon, still acting out of character, insisted on driving me there.

As we grabbed my stuff and headed out, a soft, sweet voice called from behind. "Brandon, fancy seeing you here."

I turned and saw her-Ashley, all delicate beauty in a flowing aqua dress, heels clicking as she approached. Her gaze flicked to me for a second before she smiled at Brandon. "Who's this?"

Brandon froze, clearly not expecting her. After a beat, he said, "Tyler's sister. Hannah."