REJECTED AND MARRIED TO THE CRUEL ALPHA

WE HAVE FOUND LADY XIMENA

MILDRED'S POV

The overhead bulb glared against the mirror, highlighting my stepmother's gorgeousness. She leaned closer, carefully dusting on another layer of rouge as if her beauty depended on it.

Molly, my half-sister, hummed excitedly as she wore her neck piece. She adjusted it carefully, still beaming like she was the bride-to-be.

"Mildred!" she called out with a snap, swirling to face me. "Come fix my dress quickly," she said, scanning me from head to toe, irritated.

I clenched my fingers around the broom handle, stifling a sigh. Of course. Tonight was the Supreme Alpha's wedding. An event that the entire kingdom of Selenia had been buzzing about. For Molly, it wasn't just about the celebration. It was her stage to show off.

"Yes, Molly," I muttered, lowering the broom against the wall. I moved quickly, because in this house, reluctance meant trouble.

I stepped behind her and tugged at the stubborn material of her dress. The crimson silk clung to her body like a second skin, refusing to obey. She had chosen it deliberately, something too tight, too daring, because Molly always wanted heads to turn when she walked past. An ultimate attention seeker.

"Be careful," she hissed, tilting her chin higher. "If you ruin this, I'll..."

Riiiiip.

The fabric tore. My vision blurred instantly. I froze. Only the Goddess could save me now.

Molly's shriek pierced the air. "MOTHER!" she screamed. "Mildred intentionally ripped my dress apart!" she added, crying.

Navaeh's reflection turned sharply in the mirror. Her eyes went cold as they fell on me, and my face burned with dread.

I was in trouble. Molly had been preparing this outfit since the wedding was announced. She planned to make heads turn, and I had just ruined it. There was no escape.

"Oh, of course," Navaeh spat, rising to her feet. "Who else could destroy such a beautiful gown but you, Millie? Bad luck follows you like a shadow."

"Mother... I... I didn't mean to..." I stammered.

Before I could finish, her hand struck my cheek. My vision darkened for a second before slowly returning.

"You never mean to. Just like you didn't mean to kill your mother when you were born?" Navaeh said coldly.

The familiar ache settled in my chest. I had long stopped defending myself, but her words still reopened old wounds.

"Please..." I whispered.

"Are you blind?" Molly snapped. "Don't you ever refer to her as your mother. Yours is dead. Learn the difference."

Navaeh smirked. "I can never be your mother. You didn't even give your real one a chance to live." She grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head back. Tears sprang to my eyes.

"You are cursed," she hissed, shoving me aside. "If it were up to me, you'd never step in this house again. But your father pities you too much to banish you."

A dry laugh almost escaped me. Pity? Father didn't pity me. He despised me. To him, I was the reason his Luna was buried in the cold earth.

"Mom, what about my dress?" Molly whined. "We can't be late to the Supreme Alpha's wedding. Everyone will be watching."

"Don't cry, darling. You have dozens of gowns. But this one can still be saved." Navaeh's gaze slid back to me. "You. Fetch me a needle and thread. Now."

My stomach dropped. "B... but it's late. All the shops will be closed..."

"Do you think I care?" Her voice turned icy. "Fix this dress, or your father will hear you ruined it. Or do you want him to deal with you himself?"

Fear crawled down my spine. Father's punishments were far worse than Navaeh's slaps or Molly's insults.

"N... no ma'am," I mumbled, hurrying toward the door.

"Get out! And be quick," Molly snapped as I rushed away.

It was cold outside, yet the streets were alive.

Cars filled the roads, and people walked in beautiful outfits, all headed to the wedding. The wedding of the century.

Some held placards, chanting excitedly. It was rumored the Supreme Alpha had never taken a woman before, so his marriage was a grand spectacle. Not for me, though. I had greater problems.

I pulled my shawl tighter and walked faster.

My thoughts swirled. Twenty years old and useless. No wolf. No mate. Daughter of an Alpha who didn't even acknowledge me as a princess. Just a mistake.

My father's words echoed in my head.

"You should have died with your mother. If you don't find your wolf this year, I will banish you."

Tears gathered in my eyes, but I forced them back.

I had heard whispers about what happened to those my father truly cast aside. They were taken away, never seen again. No one spoke of it openly, but the fear alone was enough to haunt my nights.

I prayed constantly to the Moon Goddess to bring my mate quickly. Even if I wanted to die, I didn't want to disappear like that.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice the approaching car until blinding headlights flooded my vision.

Tires screeched as a black vehicle stopped inches from me.

"What the heck!" I stumbled back, shielding my eyes.

Three men stepped out, dressed in dark suits that clung to their powerful frames. They moved toward me with calculated steps, their gazes sharp.

"Lady Ximena," one of them said.

Confusion tore through me. "W... who?"

"Seize her," the leader ordered.

Before I could react, two men grabbed my arms.

"No! Let me go!" I screamed, struggling. "You've mistaken me! I'm not who you think I am!"

"Silence," the leader snapped. "The Alpha has been waiting. You will not disappoint him again."

The Alpha? My heart nearly stopped. The Supreme Alpha?

Panic surged. "Please, listen! I'm not Ximena!"

They didn't listen. They tied my hands and shoved me into the back seat.

"Can't you see you're making a mistake?" I cried.

No answer.

The engine roared, and the city lights blurred as we sped away.

My body shook as I sat trapped between two guards.

Navaeh's face flashed in my mind. Did she plan this? But no... this felt bigger than her cruelty.

One of the men lifted a phone to his ear.

"Alpha," he said. "We have found Lady Ximena."

The world tilted.

"No," I whispered, tears falling. "I'm not her... I'm not Ximena... please..."

But my pleas were swallowed by the hum of the moving car.

SHE IS MY MATE

HAYDEN GAYLE

The fire inside me would not calm.

I paced back and forth in my study, waiting for news. My heart burned with restrained anger. Either she was found, or everything would fall apart.

The audacity of Ximena to attempt this foolish act. And worst of all, she chose today. My wedding day. A union forced on me by the elders, yes, but still a day I could not afford to see ruined. And she thought she could disappear like smoke.

She was wrong.

My phone rang, cutting through my thoughts. I picked it up immediately.

"Alpha," Clover said urgently. "We just found Lady Ximena."

My jaw tightened.

"Bring her to me," I ordered coldly before ending the call. I tossed the phone aside, my patience already worn thin.

Moments later...

The door opened.

They brought her in... struggling, shouting in protest. Her voice filled the chamber.

"Let me go! Let me go now!"

The sound stirred something faint in my chest, but I ignored it.

I rose slowly, striding toward her. My men released her, and she stumbled before regaining her balance. Fear flickered in her eyes as she looked at me.

I reached out and grabbed her collar, pinning her back against the wall.

"You dare run from me? On this night of all nights?" I hissed.

Her lips trembled. "I... I'm not..."

I paused, studying her. Something was off.

The hair was darker. The eyes were hazel, not brown. A disguise, perhaps. A weak attempt.

"You did all this to hide? Do you think changing your appearance can fool me, Ximena?"

Her hands trembled where they clutched at my wrist, her breathing uneven.

I released her abruptly, and she sank to the floor, trying to steady herself.

For a brief second, I had wanted to make her regret every moment of this stunt... but the wedding came first. Duty over impulse.

I slammed my fist into the wall beside her. The marble cracked slightly under the force.

She flinched.

"I'll let this go for now because we are out of time," I said darkly. "But don't ever attempt something like this again."

She curled into herself, trembling.

"You ruin everything," I muttered. "One more stunt and I won't be lenient. Do you understand?"

She stayed silent, staring at the floor.

My patience thinned. I lifted her chin firmly so she would look at me.

"I asked you a question."

She nodded quickly.

"Good."

I picked up the document and tossed it at her.

"Sign them."

Her fingers shook as she held the papers.

"This is your reminder," I said. "The deal stands. One hundred days of marriage. The elders want a union, and I will give it to them. You are the bride. There will be no other."

She looked up slowly, lips trembling.

"I... I can't sign this."

Her voice was barely audible.

"I'm not Ximena."

The words barely registered at first.

Then anger surged.

"What did you just say?" My voice echoed across the room. My hand lifted instinctively... but before I could act, something else hit me.

A sharp, electric sensation tore through my chest. My breath caught. My wolf surged forward with overwhelming force.

"What... is this?" I rasped, clutching my chest as the feeling spread through me.

The bond. She wasn't Ximena! She was something far more dangerous.

She was mine! My mate.

The realization struck with undeniable clarity. My body recognized her before my mind could deny it.

Her scent. Her trembling voice. Her hazel eyes looking up at me in fear...

Horror crept in. Because the woman before me... Was my mate.

MILDRED'S POV

"I'm not Ximena..."

I whispered shakily. No one cared. They were too focused on their missing bride to listen.

The contract trembled in my hands. A hundred days. Pretending. Living beside a man who already despised me.

Separate rooms. No intimacy. Just duty.

This wasn't even my contract... but it felt like a trap with no escape.

He suddenly turned. I bowed my head, bracing myself.

"You're not Ximena," he said.

I looked up quickly. Relief flickered.

Then he inhaled slowly, like he was sensing something.

"You don't have a wolf," he said.

My heart dropped. He could tell. My deepest shame laid bare.

Then he said the words that shattered everything.

"You are my mate."

Fear gripped me. This was supposed to be joy. Safety. Belonging.

But he looked at me like I was a mistake.

"How do you look so much like her?" he demanded. "What's your name?"

"M‑Mildred... Mildred Pierce."

He turned away. "Run a check on her. And find Ximena."

Then his gaze cut back to me.

"I refuse to be bonded to a wolfless, weak mate."

My knees nearly gave out.

"I reject you, Mildred Pierce, as my fated mate."

The world went silent.

The contract slipped from my hands. Tears gathered in my eyes. So this was fate's gift... a mate who didn't want me.

"Take her away," he ordered flatly. "She's useless."

The guards grabbed my arms. I couldn't fight.

Then the door burst open.

"Your Highness, the ceremony is about to begin. Why isn't Lady Ximena ready?"

All eyes turned to me.

"She's not..." the man began. Then straightened. "Bring the dress. Prepare her immediately."

"What?" I whispered.

"You're going to be my bride tonight," Hayden said.

"You can't mean that..."

"You'll stand in for Ximena until she's found. After that, you're free."

Free. The word felt empty.

Servants rushed in, surrounding me with fabrics and jewels. Before I knew it, I was dressed.

I stared at my reflection. I looked like someone else. Like... Ximena.

They led me back out.

And there he stood. Hayden Gayle. My mate. My rejector.

He looked regal, charming... nothing like the cold man I had just seen.

I walked toward him slowly, praying something would stop this wedding.

"Please... let me go," I whispered.

He didn't react. He only held my hand firmly.

"I am your King. Tonight, you will be Ximena."

"I'm not an object..."

"You are to me," he cut in smoothly, still smiling for the crowd. "So don't ruin this."

His grip tightened. "Now smile," he murmured. "You're getting married."

I forced a small smile.

HAVE A NICE AND BLISSFUL WEDDING NIGHT

MILDRED'S POV

The hall was too bright. Too loud. Too filled with eyes.

The chandeliers above scattered golden light across the polished marble floors, making everything shimmer. Rows of nobles and Alphas sat in silence, their gazes fixed on me with curiosity and excitement. Laughter hummed softly at the side, music swirled in the background, but none of it mattered. To me, this wasn't a celebration, it felt like a cage.

Every breath caught in my throat. My palms were damp as they clutched the folds of the gown someone else had chosen. Once, as a little girl, I had dreamed of walking down an aisle like this, of a groom waiting with warmth in his eyes. Not this. Not him. Not this carefully constructed prison of silk and jewels.

This isn't happening. Goddess, please. Tell me this isn't happening.

But it was.

I was about to marry a man who wasn't mine, a man who had cruelly rejected me. My mate. My King. My captor.

The elder's voice rang out. "My Lord, do you take Lady Ximena as your wife?"

Hayden didn't flinch. His jaw remained firm and his silver eyes didn't blink. "I do," he said clearly.

The words choked me. Only minutes ago, he had called me useless, weak, and unworthy. And now he bound me before the world as if I were something precious.

"And do you, Lady Ximena, take Alpha Hayden to be your husband?"

My throat tightened. My tongue felt heavy. "I...I...I..."

The silence stretched unbearably. The guests shifted, their eyes drilling into me. I wanted to vanish.

The elder repeated, sharper this time. "Do you, Lady Ximena, take Alpha Hayden to be your husband?"

I swallowed the scream building in my chest. Yes. I would say yes. I forced the word past the knot in my throat.

"Yes."

It barely sounded like my own voice.

The elder nodded, placing rings in our hands. Cold metal slipped over my trembling fingers. And then came the words I had dreaded.

"You may now kiss the bride."

My stomach dropped. No. Not this.

I froze, but Hayden moved. He leaned closer, and I shut my eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

Instead, he brushed his thumb against his own lips and released me.

The crowd erupted in applause.

To them, it was clever, romantic even. To me, it was a knife twisting deeper into my chest. He wouldn't even kiss me. The rejection was louder than words.

My heart hollowed.

"We now have our Alpha and Luna," the elder declared, and the crowd clapped. I felt nothing.

The reception blurred into music and laughter. Servants carried trays of roasted meats, glistening fruits, and pastries. Goblets overflowed with wine. Hayden moved gracefully through it all, exchanging nods, accepting bows. His every gesture radiated command. I trailed at his side, trapped in my own role.

I couldn't eat. My plate remained untouched. Every bite tasted of dread.

Then I spotted familiar faces-my family. Father, Navaeh, and Molly. They stood among the crowd, heads bowed as they approached us. Molly in that striking dress, just like before. Anger doubled inside me. They were part of the trap that brought me here.

"Your Highness," they greeted Hayden first, their voices low and respectful. Then they turned to me.

"My Queen," they said.

My heart skipped. Alpha Hayden would not be pleased if they realized the truth.

Hayden slid his hand into mine and pulled me closer. "Come," he said smoothly. "You should greet the other guests."

He didn't wait for my reply, tugging me away from Molly's puzzled eyes.

When we were out of earshot, his voice dropped. "Who are they?"

"My... my family," I whispered.

"Your father? He's an Alpha?"

I shook my head.

"I see," he said, expression unreadable. "We must be careful. From this moment on, you are Ximena. No one must suspect otherwise."

I wanted to argue, to protest, but the words lodged in my throat. I simply nodded. Maybe I could use this disguise to my advantage.

"Tomorrow a stylist will come," he added curtly. "Change your hair. Change your eyes. There must be no doubt."

"Yes, Hayden," I whispered.

He pressed a glass of juice into my hands. Cold condensation seeped into my fingers. I drank greedily, realizing how parched my throat had been.

Before I could react, a woman approached.

"Hayden!" she called, staring at me as if she recognized me, maybe she knew the real Ximena.

"The latest groom in town," she teased at him, then glanced back at me. "Ximena."

I stiffened.

"I'm sorry I missed the ceremony," she said.

"It's fine," Hayden replied evenly.

She held my hand gently and led me aside. Her eyes were sharp, scrutinizing. "What are you doing here? I told you to disappear. To stay away. And now you show up... in a wedding gown?"

I stammered. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Don't play dumb," she warned, releasing my hand. "I'm watching you, Ximena. You have 72 hours to fix things, or I'll reveal your secret to Hayden."

And just like that, she left.

I drew a deep breath and returned to Hayden, who had just finished speaking with a guest.

"What did she say?" he asked.

"Nothing..." I replied cautiously.

"I'll send you a file tomorrow. It contains everything you need to know about me and the people around me," he explained.

I bit my lip, wondering how much I should reveal about the warning I had just received.

"How much do I look like Ximena?" I asked quietly.

"Very much. The only difference is in your features..." he said, meeting my eyes.

"And your..." I paused, curious.

"Nothing," he dismissed, looking away.

I waited in my room as he instructed, unsure of what to expect. When Hayden entered, he was still formal, still commanding.

"Good day, Your Highness," I said automatically.

"I told you to drop formalities," he replied.

"I'm sorry..."

"Keep it to yourself," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Don't expect anything from this arrangement. No love, no affection. Nothing. You will follow my instructions and no one can know you're not Ximena."

"Yes," I murmured.

"You're not Mildred. Stay away from your family. Avoid overstepping. And do exactly as you are told."

"I will," I said, voice steady.

"Good. As long as you don't make mistakes, we won't have a problem."

"I guess we're done here?"

"Have a nice and blissful wedding night," he said sarcastically, turning to leave and letting the door close behind him.