Chapter 1 WAS I REJECTED

Adeline's pov

**9 PM**

A party was being thrown in the city of Italy for me, Adeline Lioni, as I was set to marry a powerful Alpha.

I hadn't met him yet, nor did I know his name, but my parents assured me he was my mate.In my long, strapless gown, I entered the ballroom. The spotlight was on me as all eyes turned to watch me walk down the stairs.

"Let us give it up for the bride!"

The room erupted in applause, and I felt shivers down my spine. My breath thickened as I swallowed hard.

After fourteen years, I had returned to Italy, and the best they could offer me was a marriage I never wanted. I had never dreamed of this. In fact, I had spent my life dating anyone who wasn't my mate.

"Mior, take the step!" My mom, Gia, screamed.

I took a deep breath and descended the stairs as the crowd cheered loudly, clinking their glasses with their spoons.

**AT THE BIG TABLE**

I, my mom Gia, and my dad Luciano sat at a large table with thirty seats. It was a dinner arranged by the king of the Lion Stone Pack.

The king stood up, cleared his throat, and clanked his golden glass.

"Can I have your attention, werewolves!" he said majestically.

He set the cutlery back on the table and draped his robe behind him, adding,

"It's such a wonderful night. Why? I'll explain it clearly so that it'll be a story for your grandchildren. You see, we have been in cahoots with the neighboring packs known as the Crimstone Pack. A thousand years ago, our ancestors had land to distribute, filled with treasures from each pack. The Crimstone's treasures were very different from ours, and there couldn't be a clash of treasures. If they were seen, who would differentiate them? " He paused for a moment before continuing.

"Given the circumstances, only one pack could claim the land. Games and contests were held to determine the winner, but they were unfruitful. Eventually, they had to fight for it, which is how our pack ended up killing the 50th king of the Crimstone Pack. Since then, we've never made peace. But now, there's a new king on the throne, King Matteo, who has chosen to make peace with us by marrying a girl from our pack. Thank you very much, Adeline!"

"Cheers to Adeline!" he roared, and the room erupted in cheers.

Gia, sitting next to me, squeezed my hand under the table and gave me a wide smile. But as soon as her gaze shifted away from me, a sly smile appeared on her face.

**NEXT MORNING**

**WEDDING CEREMONY; KING MATTEO'S MANSION**

I was in my room, preparing for the wedding. The mansion was bright and filled with a sweet atmosphere. Everyone was happy for the new bride. But I wasn't happy.

I felt nervous, and what made me more anxious was the number I was dialing.

"Pick up! Why the hell won't you pick up? I need you now!" I mumbled.

I groaned loudly, threw my phone onto the bed, and buried my face in my hands.

"I can't do this! I know I'm going to be the sacrifice for a long-term peace settlement, but what about my feelings? I can't do it!"

"What can't you do, my love?" Gia asked with a blank expression.

I turned my gaze to Gia and shook my head.

"What can't you do, my love?"

I replied, my breath shaky, "Everything, Mom! I can't do this; I can't continue this marriage. I know I'm going to be a sacrifice, but what about my feelings?"

Her lips parted. "No... My dear, don't say this. It's an abomination. You don't want to reject an Alpha, do you?"

"Why can't I? This... this... that is an abomination. When will I be free of this burden? I didn't come into this world to become a puppet. I appreciate what you've done for me, but... Mom, let me make my own decisions for once!" I pleaded, wrapping my hands around hers.

Gia bit her lip and blinked rapidly. "No... You can't say this now! We've prepared so much for this wedding! Didn't you see the king? For the first time, we were highly honored. Please don't take this away from us!"

"Why? Why? Why do I have to be the one? Why can't..."

Gia cut me off and screamed, "Enough! Must she do all the work? You've hidden in Seattle for a long time. We let you experience teenage life peacefully and didn't mate you with an omega. You should be thankful, but instead, you're acting like an ingrate!"

Gia adjusted her dress and retorted, "Don't make me explain the consequences if you reject him. Maybe you'll die, buried in the guilt of ruining us! I must leave now. When you're done acting like a baby, they'll come for you!"

I clutched the bedsheets as I heard the door slam.

"I hate this family!" I screamed, throwing a pillow onto the floor.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I grabbed it and mouthed, "Finally!"

**THE WEDDING GROUND**

The wedding ground is a sight to behold as Twinkling fairy lights cascade from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Delicate white and blush pink floral arrangements adorn each table . The atmosphere is one of joyous celebration, filled with anticipation for the special day but not for me, suddenly the omega priest at the front of the aisle signaled for them to bring me forth.

Just as I took the next step, a deep voice came from behind.

"The Alpha won't

be marrying this young woman! I will!"