Chapter 3 Rejected And Given Away

Hannah pulled me away from the damp cells, and my thoughts spiraled out of control, tightening with fear. The idea of being tied to Alpha Davis made my whole body tense. That man carried something dark, and no matter what, I couldn't ignore that Caleb was the one meant for me. Giving myself to anyone else felt impossible. I would've rather faced death than accept that kind of fate.

With a sudden push of resolve, I wrenched my hand free from her grip and thought about running. The forest surrounding the territory stood within reach, like a chance I couldn't ignore. If I made it far enough, maybe I could find help... maybe even survive. But my strength had already run out. I barely took a step before my legs failed, and I hit the ground hard. Dust filled my mouth, my chest burned, and tears fell without stopping. "No..." I whispered, my voice breaking apart.

A harsh laugh came from her. "You really thought you could get away?" Hannah asked. Her hand clamped around my neck, forcing me to look up at her. Even through my blurred sight, I could see the satisfaction on her face. She shoved me aside and raised her voice. "Don't let her move!"

Two warriors stepped in, cutting off any path I could take. Fear closed in on me. "Please... just let me go. I don't want anything. I just want to live," I said, struggling to get the words out. Instead of softening her, it only made her more vicious. She lunged forward and forced me down. Pain exploded through my side when she struck me, and a sharp crack followed. A scream tore out of me before I could stop it. Something inside had broken.

Her voice came cold after that. "Keep her alive."

One of the warriors grabbed me without care and lifted me over his shoulder. Every step sent pain through my body, and my voice faded into weak cries. I couldn't see clearly anymore as they carried me into the Omega quarters and threw me into a small, dim room. The door slammed shut, cutting me off completely.

I pushed against the door with what little strength I had left, coughing as blood filled my mouth. "Please... let me go..." I pleaded, barely able to speak. No one answered. My body gave out, and I slid down onto the floor, my clothes soaked. Time stopped meaning anything after that.

A faint creak from the lock broke through the silence, and I forced my eyes upward. The healer stood there, his face hard. "Luna Natalie sent me," he said. "Drink this. It'll ease the pain."

"Can I... talk to her?" My voice came out uneven.

He didn't answer. Instead, he pushed the vial to my lips. The liquid tasted sharp and bitter as it went down. Without another glance, he stepped out and locked the door again.

I pulled myself into the corner, pressing against the wall as tears came back. "Goddess... why?" I whispered. "You're the one who tied me to Caleb. Why am I the one suffering for it?"

The door flew open without warning. Caleb walked in, his expression filled with disgust. "Out of everyone, you?" he said. "The Moon Goddess chose you? That has to be wrong. You're nothing."

Despite everything, anger rose through me. I looked straight at him. "I'm not the one who's wrong," I scoffed. "You are. You turned your back on your own mate."

A low growl filled the room. In the next second, his hand closed around my throat. Air left me as I struggled. "Elena!" he said sharply. "You think you can go against me? You ran. You ignored what I said!"

My chest tightened as I fought to breathe, close to giving in, when a voice cut through. "Caleb!" Natalie chimed in. "Stop. She still needs to..." She didn't finish, but he let go.

He stepped back, his voice cold as he spoke. "I, Alpha Caleb Reed of the Crimson Howl Pack, reject you, Elena Carter, as my mate."

A sharp pain struck through my stomach and chest, cutting deep. A cry escaped me before I could hold it back. My sight blurred, and my body gave out under the shock. For a brief second, I saw Caleb and Natalie watching, their expressions distant, almost entertained. They walked out together, fingers intertwined. "Hannah will come tomorrow to get you ready," Natalie said before the door shut behind them.

Darkness closed in again. When I came to, my body felt heavy, as if something pressed down on me. Maryse had cried out through the night before falling quiet, broken in a way I couldn't fix.

Morning light slipped into the room. I stayed where I was, too weak to move or eat. The door opened, and Hannah stepped in with a box, a servant trailing behind her.

A laugh broke from her. "Look at you," she snapped, grabbing my arm and dragging me up. "Luna Natalie wants you looking decent. But first, you need a bath. You smell awful."

She shoved me into cold water without warning. My body reacted instantly, shaking from the chill, but she didn't care. When I climbed out, she threw a dress at me. "Put it on. Alpha Davis will be here soon."

I went still. That fast? My chest tightened. The fabric brushed against my skin, carrying a scent I recognized. Natalie's.

Her smile turned sharp. "You should be grateful, Elena. You're about to marry the Alpha everyone fears in the North. If you're lucky, you'll live long enough to give him a child."

Her words settled deep, and my legs felt unsteady as I followed her out. The hall was filled with movement, Omegas rushing around under Natalie's direction. When she noticed me, she gave a small smile and signaled for Hannah to push me aside.

My eyes searched for Caleb. He stood with a group, speaking as if nothing had happened. Not a trace of what he'd done showed on his face. Why didn't it affect him? Why did he seem untouched? Tears pressed at the back of my eyes, but I forced them down. I wouldn't let them see me break.

After a while, he stepped away. When he came back, someone walked beside him.

Alpha Davis.

He stood taller than the rest, his build solid and defined. Dark hair framed his face, giving him a look that felt distant. Markings curled along his arms, shaped like thorns and vines. Strength surrounded him, mixed with something that unsettled me.

The moment his gaze met mine, I caught my breath. Heat rose to my face before I could stop it.