Alpha Draven's Regret: The Return of His Rejected Mate

Nyra's POV

The moon was full tonight, and it was casting an ethereal glow over the clearing where generations of our pack had celebrated the Blood Moon Festival. Tonight, the air thrummed with magic and possibility.

Everyone was gathered, chit-chatting while the music kept playing. Aroma of sweet food filled the air, but the nerves flaring in my stomach didn't give it a chance.

I stood at the center of it all, smoothing down my dress that I'd spent weeks selecting. My dark was all down and adorned with the traditional silver leaves that marked me as a potential Luna. I was also wearing the silver necklace with a pendant that Draven gave me on my eighteenth birthday when we first acknowledged our bond.

"By the Goddess, stop fidgeting," Selene chided. She's been my best friend since childhood, almost like a sister. Her green eyes sparkled with warmth as she adjusted one of my silver leaves. "You're going to wear a hole in that beautiful dress."

"I can't help it," I whispered, watching the pack members mingling and dancing, "Something feels... different tonight."

Selene's laugh was light, musical. "Of course it does. It's not every day your childhood sweetheart claims you as his Luna." She squeezed my hands. "Draven adores you, Nyra. Everyone can see it in the way he looks at you."

I wanted to believe her. The bond between Draven and me had always been as natural as breathing. We'd grown up together, learning to shift beneath the same moon, running through these very woods until our paws were sore. I still remember the first time he'd kissed me, both of us barely sixteen, hidden behind the pack's training grounds. He'd tasted like wild berries and sunshine.

But lately, darkness has crept into our perfect story. Whispers followed me through the pack grounds, rumors that the Elders wanted Draven to consider other options, to forge alliances that would strengthen our pack's position. I'd tried to ignore them, but they clung to me like morning mist.

Draven wouldn't betray me, right?

"What if the Elders," I started.

"Stop." Selene's voice was firm. "The Elders can't override a fated mate bond. You know that." She brushed a strand of hair from my face, "Tonight's going to be perfect. You'll see."

The ceremonial drums began their ancient rhythm, deep and primal, silencing the festivities. My eyes locked on the raised platform that would witness another milestone in our pack's history.

Draven walked in, and my breath caught in my throat. He moved with the fluid grace of an Alpha, power rippling beneath his skin. His dark hair gleamed under the moonlight, and his storm-gray eyes held the strength that had made him the youngest Alpha in our pack's history. The sight of him still made my heart race, just as it had when we first met.

The Elders were right by his side, their faces as unreadable as stone.

Draven raised his hand, and the last whispers died away. His voice carried across the clearing, strong and sure. "Tonight, we gathered under the Blood Moon, sacred to our kind since the first wolf heard the Goddess's call." His words resonated with authority, making my wolf stir beneath my skin. "It is a time of truth, of new beginnings, and of destiny revealed."

Anticipation crackled through the air like lightning. I felt Selene's hand slip from mine as she stepped back, giving me space for what should be my moment.

Draven's eyes found mine in the crowd, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded away. But then I saw it, a flicker of something in his expression that made my blood run cold. Guilt. Pain. Resignation.

No. Please, no.

His jaw tightened, and when he spoke again, his words shattered my world. "Tonight, as Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, I must make a declaration." He paused, and at that moment, I knew. I knew with devastating certainty what was coming. "I, Draven Black, reject you, Nyra Storm, as my fated mate."

And my entire world came to a halt. That's not what he was supposed to say. This is not how things were supposed to happen. The crowd's gasps seemed distant, underwater. My chest constricted, my lungs struggled to draw breath.

"No, no" I rasped, frozen to my spot.

This can't be happening. This had to be a nightmare.

But the nightmare wasn't over.

Draven turned, extending his hand not to me, but to Selene. My best friend. My sister in all but blood. She glided forward with practiced grace, taking his hand as if she'd done it a thousand times before. No hesitation. No surprise.

"I declare Selene Crawford as my chosen Luna," Draven announced without any ounce of care towards me, his voice carrying a finality that made me feel like throwing up. The nausea was back and it had a good reason.

The betrayal cut deeper than any blade. Selene stood beside him, radiant in a dress I suddenly realized was new, a dress meant for this moment. She'd known. All this time, while helping me prepare, while soothing my fears, she'd known.

"Why?" I asked Draven, tears streaming down my cheeks.

My legs trembled beneath me as I stumbled backward. "You knew," I choked out, my voice raw as I turned to Selene. "You planned this."

Selene's smile was gentle, almost pitying. "It was never personal, Nyra," she said softly, her fingers intertwined with Draven's. "It's just how things had to be. The pack needs this alliance."

The words hit me like a slap. Never personal? She'd been at my home just yesterday, helping me choose jewelry for tonight. We'd laugh together, share secrets, dry each other's tears. And all along...

I couldn't breathe. The crowd's stares felt like brands on my skin. Some faces showed shock, others pity, and a few, the ones that hurt the most, showed something like satisfaction. How many had known about them? How long had they all been laughing behind my back?

"Nyra, wait," Draven called after me, but his voice held no command, no real desire to stop me.

I ran.

The forest swallowed me whole, branches slapping my face as I ran. Thorns were tearing the expensive dress, but I didn't care. I just kept running, each step taking me further away from the life I'd thought was mine. Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't slow down. I couldn't.

The physical pain was almost welcome, it gave me something to focus on besides the gaping hole in my chest where my heart used to be. How could they do this? Draven, who'd promised me forever under this very moon. Selene, who'd held my hand through every joy and sorrow since we were pups.

A sharp cramp in my lower abdomen made my steps stutter, forcing me to stop. Nausea hit me so hard as my eyes felt dizzy that I had to quickly rest on a tree. This sickness had been growing stronger over the past two weeks, but I'd been too caught up in tonight's preparations to face what it meant.

Now, alone in the dark forest, the truth couldn't be denied any longer. My hand drifted to my stomach, still flat but harboring a secret that changed everything.

"I'm pregnant," I whispered to the night, the words both a blessing and a curse. Draven's child grew within me, a child who would never know their father, never hold their rightful place in the pack.

The realization hit me. I couldn't stay. Not here, where every tree held a memory of Draven, where every path would remind me of Selene's betrayal. Not with a child who would be born into shame and whispers.

I wiped my tears with trembling hands, forcing steel into my spine. "I have to leave," I declared to the silent forest. "And I'm never coming back."

But the forest wasn't as empty as I'd thought.

A low growl cut through the night, followed by the unmistakable scent of rogues, wolves without pack, without honor, driven mad by their isolation. My heart lurched as shadows moved between the trees, drawing closer.

Terror gave me new strength as I ran, one hand pressed protectively against my stomach. The sounds of pursuit grew closer, snapping branches, heavy breathing, the slide of claws against bark.

"Moon Goddess," I prayed, my voice breaking, "protect us. Please, protect my child."

The rogues' snarls grew louder and hungrier. My legs burned with exhaustion but I pushed on. I had to survive. Not just for myself anymore, but for the innocent life within me.

I didn't look back. I couldn't. I just kept running without any assurance of surviving the night.

Nyra's POV

It's been seven years. Seven years since, what broke me, endangered me, made me become a survivor and now a strong business-woman in the human world.

I was no longer that naive and weak Nyra. No, things have changed, and they've changed for the better.

The sleek glass floor to ceiling window of my office glimmered in the afternoon sunlight and below was the bustling city streets. There were piles of contracts and design sketches filling up my desk, but my focus wasn't on the life I had built, it was elsewhere.

My focus was on the mischievous six-year-old currently spinning my office chair.

"Auren, stop that before you break something," I warned, arching a brow.

He grinned, his wild curls bouncing. "But I'm bored, Mom! You said we'd go shopping after this meeting."

I sighed, pushing my laptop shut. "I did say that, didn't I?"

Auren's face lit up. "Does that mean we can go now?"

"Yes, but only if you promise to behave."

He held up two fingers in a solemn salute. "Scout's honor."

I ruffled his hair, my heart swelling with love. Auren was my entire world. Mischievous, brilliant, and far too curious for his own good. But beneath his playful nature was a power I had spent years trying to suppress.

Sometimes, when he was upset or frightened, strange things happened, lights flickering, objects shifting without touch. I never let it show, but it terrified me. The supernatural world was a part of my past, a past I had buried deep.

The Crescent Moon is just a distant memory now. Seven years had passed since I fled that pack and escaped from those rogues by a tiny chance. I had left that world heartbroken and pregnant. I have built my life all over again from scratch in this human world. I created a successful business and a safe home for Auren.

His safety was what mattered most to me.

But no matter how far I ran, a part of me always stayed on edge, waiting for something to happen.

"Mom?" Auren tugged at my hand. "Earth to Mom. You zoned out again."

"Sorry, buddy." I shook off the dark thoughts. "Let's go."

We walked the busy streets hand in hand, weaving through other people shopping. The city was alive, chaotic and bustling with energy. Auren skipped beside me, chattering about superheroes and his latest Lego creation.

I smiled, letting his voice wash over me. For a moment, everything felt normal. Safe.

We reached a small boutique filled with colorful fabrics and art supplies. Auren darted toward the markers, his eyes lighting up.

"Can I get these?" he asked, holding up a rainbow pack.

"Sure," I said, grabbing a few sketchbooks for myself. "But only if you promise not to draw on the walls again."

He gave me an innocent look. "That was an accident."

I snorted. "Right."

As we moved toward the register, a prickling sensation crawled up my spine. My steps faltered and my instincts were instantly sharpening.

I scanned the store, heart pounding. Nothing seemed to be out of place, just people shopping and chatting. But the hairs on the back of my neck stood.

"Mom?" Auren's voice pulled me back.

"Stay close to me," I said in a low and tight tone.

As we walked out of the store, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. My eyes looking around to the shadows between buildings, looking for the source.

That's when I saw them.

Three men were standing near the alleyway, their postures seem tense and their eyes glowed with something far more dangerous than curiosity. Their scents hit me like a punch, wolves. Rogues.

Panic tightened my chest.

"Auren," I said quietly, gripping his hand, "we're going to walk fast, okay? Don't ask questions. Just stay with me."

He liked confused but nodded any ways.

We moved so fast, weaving through people that filled up the street. The rogues followed and I could felt their predatory energy.

My heart raced. I hadn't been followed by wolves in years. How had they found us?

"Mom, what's happening?" Auren whispered, sensing my fear.

"Not now," I said through gritted teeth.

We turned a corner, but the crowd thinned, leaving us exposed. The rogues quickened their pace.

Damn it.

I scanned the street, searching for an escape route. An alley up ahead offered cover, but it was risky.

Before I could decide, the rogues made their move.

They rushed at us from the shadow with their fangs bared and eyes glowing with malicious intent.

"Run!" I shouted, shoving Auren ahead of me.

We sprinted down the alley, my breath ragged. One rogue closed in, snarling as he swiped at my back. I spun, delivering a kick that sent him staggering.

Another wolf lunged, and I barely dodged his claws. My instincts took over and my years of silent and self-training surged to the surface. I fought with everything I had, but they were relentless.

"Auren, keep running!" I screamed, scared.

He skidded to a halt, fear etched across his face.

One wolf broke past me, eyes locked on Auren.

"No!" I roared, shoving past the others.

The wolf leaped up from the ground, his jaws widening.

And then it happened.

Auren's eyes blazed with an otherworldly light, his small body trembling with raw energy.

A pulse of power erupted from him, sending the wolf flying backward. The other rogues yelped, scrambling away as the energy rippled through the alley.

Silence fell.

Auren's chest heaved, his glowing eyes fading back to their usual hazel. He looked at me, terrified.

I didn't waste a second. I grabbed his hand, my voice shaking so much as fear took over me.

"Baby, we need to get out of here now," I whispered.

Our cover was blown. And I knew, our safe life had just come crashing down.

Nyra's POV

The moment we got back home, I secured the lock, I dashed to my bedroom with Auren right behind me. My hands were shaking so hard as I stuffed the suitcase with clothes. It was like an automatic action because my heart was beating fast from the attack earlier.

The apartment quietness that I usually loved felt choking today, making it hard for me to breathe.

Auren sat on the couch near the bed, his face was pale and confused danced in his eyes. He held on tightly to his favorite toy, an old action figure he had owned since he was a toddler. He never slept without it.

"Mom," he said in a soft tone, breaking the heavy silence. "What happened back there?"

I zipped the suitcase with a sharp tug, trying to steady my voice. "Nothing you need to worry about, baby."

He frowned. "But I didn't mean to do that. The wolves were coming, and I was scared... then it just happened."

I walked to where he was sitting and knelt in front of him, cupping his face in my hands. His hazel eyes that are just like mine were filled with fear and guilt, causing my heart to ache.

"You did nothing wrong," I said firmly. "You were protecting yourself. That's what matters."

"But I hurt them," he whispered.

I pulled him into a hug. "Listen to me. We have to leave for a while, okay? Just until it's safe."

Auren nodded against my shoulder, but I could feel the tension in his small body.

The fear gnawed at me, sharp and relentless. I had spent years building a new life, hiding from the supernatural world. I thought I was safe. But today proved otherwise. The rogues had found us. And worse, Auren's powers had revealed themselves.

There was no going back to normal now.

I stood, forcing myself to think clearly. "Go grab your backpack, Auren. Pack your favorite things. We need to move fast."

He hesitated. "Where are we going?"

"I don't know yet," I replied to him, and it's true, I have no idea where we will go.

His lips trembled, but he didn't argue. He ran to his room, leaving me alone with my spiraling thoughts.

I began paving around the living room, trying to think of a solid plan. The rogues wouldn't stop at one attack. They had seen Auren's power. They would tell others.

And I knew exactly who would come next.

Kael Nightbane.

Just the thought of his name sent a cold shiver down my spine. He was a ruthless and cunning wolf, one without any moral compass. If he gets to find out about Auren, he would stop at nothing to get his hands on him.

I couldn't let that happen.

As I began throwing more essentials into a duffel bag, a sudden knock at the door made my entire body go rigid. I froze, and my heart hammered hard against my chest.

Auren peeked out from his room. "Mom?" He called in a scared voice that caused my heart to twist.

"Stay there, baby," I whispered, trying not to look scared.

I hurriedly grabbed a knife in the kitchen drawer and slowly approached the door like a predator would do for its prey.

"Who is it?" I demanded in a hard voice.

"Nyra Storm." The voice was low, steady. "I'm here on behalf of Crescent Moon."

I froze but then anger took over instantly, every muscle in my body was tensing. Crescent Moon. I hadn't heard that name in years, and I had no wish to hear it now.

Especially not now that my son is in danger again.

"Go away," I said through the door.

The voice didn't waver. "You need to hear this. Your son is in danger. Kael Nightbane is coming for him."

My blood ran cold.

"How did you know about this? Who sent you?" I asked.

"Nobody sent me. I know because I see things before they happen, but I belong to no pack. I have only come here to warn you." The man said and continued without giving me a chance to ask another question.

"The Crescent Moon is the only safe sanctuary for you and your son. And even if you don't go, the Alpha Crescent Moon might end up summoning you because of something ancient." The man said in an urgent voice.

Draven.

The name found a way to the crevice of my mind, digging up memories I had fought so hard to bury all these years, his rejection, the humiliation, the betrayal.

I gritted my teeth. "Tell Draven I'm not coming back." I shouted, not caring whether the man was a part of his pack or someone mysterious.

Silence stretched on the other side of the door. Then: "You'll regret it."

The weight of his words pressed down on me, but I didn't care. I wasn't going back. I can't go back to the world that found joy in destroying me without mercy. I can't go back to the world where every corner is stained with an enemy. Where friends can suddenly turn to a foe in the blink of an eye.

I will never go back there.

I didn't move from where I was standing until the mysterious man's footsteps faded down the hallway. It was then I finally lowered the knife. My pulse was becoming fast and quickened, my breathing shallow.

Auren crept into the room, his eyes wide. "Who was that?"

"Nobody important," I lied. "Go back to your room."

He didn't move. "Mom, are we in trouble?"

I swallowed hard. "No. Everything's fine."

But as the night dragged on, doubt crept in. I paced the apartment, unable to sleep. The man's warning echoed in my mind.

Kael Nightbane is coming for your son.

My instincts screamed that I should run. But where? How far could I go before they found us again?

I stared out the window, the city lights flickering like restless stars.

"Mom?" Auren's voice trembled behind me.

I turned, my heart sinking at the fear on his face.

He pointed to the window, his voice barely a whisper. "Someone's out there."

My breath caught.

I spun back to the window, and froze.

Glowing eyes gleamed from the darkness below, cutting through the night like beacons.

Fuck! They had found us.