Chapter 2 The Rejection

The cold seemed to cut deeper into my bones as I walked away from the clearing. Above, the moon that once shone so luminescent with hope, now cast long shadows that followed my every move. I felt numb with a heart heavy from what had just happened.

Eliza walked beside me, her silence louder than words. She didn't know what to say, and frankly, neither did I. The ceremony which was to bind me with my destined mate now became like a nightmare. We reached the edge of the pack's territory, and it was as if the trees seemed to close in around us. I stopped, trying to steady my breathing, but the tears kept on coming.

Eliza put a comforting hand on my shoulder, but I could barely feel it through the fog of my

emotions. "Kayla," she began softly, "I don't understand why he did that. You're not weak. You're... you're strong and kind and-

I cut her off with a shaky breath. "It doesn't matter what I am. He's made his decision."

As we made our way back to the pack's main camp, murmurs and whispers from other pack members broke the quiet of the woods. Their voices were full of both pity and confusion. I couldn't meet their eyes, my gaze glued to the ground. When we entered the camp, I could see the members of the pack grouped in small conversations; all their discussions were in a low tone as they turned their heads in our direction. I wanted to disappear, hide from the shame and the judgment that seemed to cling to me.

Eliza guided me off to a quiet place at the edge of the camp, where a small fire was burning. Its warmth failed to comfort me in any way. I sat down, wrapping my arms around my knees.

"I just can't believe that he did that to you," Eliza said, her tone bristled with indignation. "You didn't deserve that."

I tried to force a weak smile, but it felt hollow. "I guess he's right. Maybe I am too weak."

''Don't say that," she persisted. "He doesn't know what he's talking about. There is something more going on here. I can feel it."

Before I could even respond to this, the sound of footsteps did. Roman was approaching us, his face in a stiff expression. My heart sank at the sight of him walking toward us.

"Eliza, can I have a moment alone with Kayla?" Roman's voice was so cold and impersonal.

Eliza looked at me; I could see the concern in her eyes. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, though I wasn't sure what I wanted. "It's all right. I have to hear what he's got to say."

Eliza turned reluctantly away and for the last time cast her worried eyes on me before walking away. I stared at Roman as he sat down opposite me, the firelight casting shadows on his face.

"Roman," I began softly, "why? why did you reject me?" Roman's eyes had become hard and unyielding. "Kayla, you know why. You're not strong enough to be my Luna."

I blinked, taken aback by the brutality in his tone. "But...but we felt a connection. I thought-

"There was a connection," he cut in, "but it's not enough. Being my Luna means more than just a bond. It means strength, leadership, and resilience. You have shown none of these qualities."

The words cut into me, each sentence like an ice pick jabbing into my soul. I struggled to hold back the tears but found them falling down my cheeks anyway. "I thought... I thought maybe we could work on it together," I said, choking. "I thought we could."

Roman's expression softened, but a little. "It's not just about us. The pack needs a strong

leader, someone who can lead them through difficult times. I have made up my mind." I swallowed hard as the lump in my throat threatened to choke me.

"So that's it? Just like that?"

He stood up, straight and resolute in his posture. "I have to think about the future of the pack. I just cannot afford to be sentimental. I hope you understand."

Without any further word, he turned and left me there beside the fire all by myself. I watched after him, my heart aching with some hurt and confusion. The flames danced before me, casting flickering shadows that seemed to mock my pain. I sat there for what felt like hours, my mind reeling from the conversation. The pack members continued to talk in low tones around me, their eyes occasionally glancing in my direction. I could feel their pity, but it only made my embarrassment worse.

Finally, I stood up to get out of the way of stares and whispers. I lurched toward the edge of the camp as my steps grew unsteady. The cool night air felt refreshing against my tear streaked face but did little to ease the turmoil inside of me. The low murmur of voices came from behind a nearby tent as I walked further away. Curiosity and desperation drove me closer. I moved quietly, trying to make out the conversation.

"...can't believe he did that," said a voice, rife with incredulity.

"She didn't deserve that kind of treatment." The other voice, more cautious, replied, "There is something else going on here. I heard Roman was pressured into this decision. They say he's been concealing something."

My heart was beating faster while I was listening.

"Concealing something?" "Yes," the first voice said, "rumors has it that perhaps he got some kind of offer in return for refusing her. There are whispers about a deal he made."

A chill crept down my spine. "What could Roman have possibly been promised, and why make this deal at my expense?" I moved forward, trying to hear more, but the voices became indistinct. I held my breath, straining to catch every word.

"And what about the pack?" the first voice continued. "How will they react in case the truth comes out?"

"The pack is loyal to Roman. They'll follow his lead," the second voice said. "But if the truth gets out, it could cause a rift."

So many questions whirled in my head. If Roman had made a deal, what did that mean for me? And what was he hiding?

The pieces of the puzzle seemed to be falling into place, but I couldn't see the full picture yet.

I backed off stealthily, so I wouldn't be seen. My heart pounded as I retreated to a nearby grove, the whispers still echoing in my ears. Fresh was the pain of rejection, and now added to that was a layer of confusion and intrigue. I plopped myself onto the fallen log, my thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. To say that he could be rejecting me for more than I had thought made my head spin. What has he done? What was he hiding? And what did this all mean for me and the pack? The questions all swirled around me like the wind through the trees. I knew I needed answers but for now, I was left only with more questions and a growing sense of unease.