Rejected By Alpha, Marked By The Cursed Lycan King

Camilla's POV

I was warned about the danger of the rogues along this border, but my instinct gave me no room to reconsider.

With my claws thudding against the ground, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. That could only mean one thing; retreat. But I was soon surrounded by rogues, their teeth bared, ready to tear me apart.

I lunged at them, kicking hard at their heads, fighting off tens of wolves with what little strength I had left. I glanced back toward the direction of my pack. Noelle was nowhere in sight. She had run off the moment she heard that menacing howl echo through the air.

The rogues charged at me, letting out guttural growls, their eyes dark and wild with hunger. I met them head-on, fighting with every last ounce of strength until something struck me from behind.

My eyes snapped shut as I crashed to the ground. I felt the scrape of leaves and the sting of stumps bruising my face as a wolf pounced atop me. It drove its claws into my spine, and a painful moan tore from my lips. I let out a wild, desperate howl. The pack wasn't far; maybe they would hear me and send help.

I was dying. Blood pooled around my chest, but the rogues were merciless. They wouldn't let me go. Not like this. They kicked me viciously, their blows landing all over my body, until one final strike shattered my ankle. I felt the dislocation snap through me. I couldn't scream anymore. Tears streamed down my face. This wasn't how the mission was supposed to end.

A loud sigh escaped me as tears blurred my vision. I heard faint voices; the rogues were retreating. They must have thought I was already dead. They walked away, and I rolled onto my side, trying to rise, but my wolf wasn't responding.

My heart raced and my chest tightened as I realized I'd been bitten with silver claws. They had damaged my wolf; I couldn't shift, couldn't even send a mind-link. Reality hit me like a storm. I reached out for a nearby branch, gripped it tightly, and pulled myself to my feet. I could only limp toward the pack.

With dislocated limbs and searing pain in my body, I stumbled back toward the territory. My heart burned with rage. This wasn't how our missions ended.

---

My name is Camilla, and I am the strongest warrior in the North pack. Close to my strength stood my best friend, Noelle. We went to battles together, and we won them all.

Neither of us had parents anymore. The pack had raised us from birth. We were trained under brutal conditions, and our strength earned us honor and the right to represent our people in war.

Last night, Alpha Damon revealed the most shocking truth of my life. He called me his mate; right in front of many wolves. Joy washed over me. Noelle was thrilled for me, and we drank until we were full.

Fighting those rogues was my way of proving myself; of impressing him, impressing the pack; one last time before being given the Luna's badge.

Tomorrow was the mating ceremony, and I couldn't wait to witness the happiest day of my life. But as I neared the pack, I collapsed at the border. Security wolves rushed over and alerted the emergency unit. Within seconds, they arrived.

But my wound was fatal. The silver had done irreparable damage. I couldn't breathe properly. My insides felt like they were tearing apart. My wolf tried to hang on, but she was fading. We should have run sooner. We did run... but we weren't strong enough this time.

With my eyes shut, I inhaled a scent so captivating it filled the air. My eyes fluttered open. No one else seemed to react to it. Only me. Then the crowd parted; and Alpha Damon stepped through.

My boyfriend of one year. A father figure. A lover. Someone who would do anything to protect me. His eyes filled with sadness when he saw me lying there in pain. He dropped to his knees and held my hand, his gaze trailing slowly across the wounds covering my body.

"Camilla, I told you not to fight. Why did you still go after them? Those rogues are feral. They're not the kind we usually face," Damon said softly.

I began to sob. I couldn't explain how I felt. I wished I could rewind time; but I couldn't.

"Take me to the Luna's emergency care unit," I whispered. "I'm not feeling okay. The medicals couldn't treat this."

Thudding footsteps echoed from the border; and I saw her. Noelle. Looking fresh. Strong as ever. She was crying as she ran toward me.

"Camilla, what the actual fuck-"

The Alpha growled at her, and she immediately stepped back.

She knew he cared more for me. Loved me more. She understood his warning, but stood behind him, her lips trembling, her eyes soaked with tears. The medical team stood still. The security wolves stood still. Everyone had seen him claim me yesterday. They couldn't just leave me like this.

I had served this pack well. Conquered countless battles for them.

"Camilla, I'm so sorry this happened to you," Damon said, a tear falling onto my skin from his eyes. I looked at my injury again. Was it really that bad? Why was he being so emotional?

"What's going on, Damon? I'll get better, right? My wolf will recover? I'll be fine, won't I?" I searched his face, desperate for reassurance.

He let out a deep sigh and shook his head.

"This wound has caused fatal damage to your wolf. Just like Omegas can train to become stronger, strong wolves can also be weakened," he said gently. "Are you sure you're in the right state to hear this now?"

The stitches on my wound had loosened. He adjusted them quickly, then looked back at me. I nodded, wincing in pain as the regret of my decision returned to haunt me.

"Look into my eyes, Camilla," he said, his tone suddenly changing.

My heartbeat paused.

I looked up into his cold gaze. Fear stirred in me. I wanted to know what was going on in his head.

"You know the rules. You know we have elders in this pack. I have to obey them," Damon continued. His voice didn't match his frozen expression.

"Damon, stop. Fine, I'm not ready to hear this now. You can tell me later-"

"I, Damon Sullivan, reject you as my mate and as the Luna of my throne."

He said it with no hesitation.

I stared at him, helpless, as silence fell over the world.

My wolf, who had been trying to hold on, went completely still. I couldn't feel my heartbeat. My life was over. The only person who had made my life beautiful was rejecting me. All because I might never shift again?

"Damon..." I whispered, trying to rise, tears pouring freely down my cheeks. "You didn't just do that."

"Yes, I did, Camilla. I always warn before I take action. I'm sorry, but the pack can't have a weak Luna. And there's no recovering from that injury."

He turned his back on me. I felt my heart shatter into a thousand pieces.

My whole world was collapsing. I looked around, but Noelle was gone. The warriors stared. The medicals stood frozen. Some looked at me with pity. Others with quiet relief.

He crouched beside me again, resting a hand on my back as my tears dried in shock.

"The sooner you accept the rejection, the easier it'll be for you."

Then he stood and walked away without looking back.

"Damon!" I screamed, but he didn't stop. Didn't turn. My voice broke as everything in me collapsed.

No parents.

No home.

No mate.

Everything I had was gone in a single breath.

The medicals approached quietly and lifted me into their arms. I didn't fight them. I didn't even blink. My eyes stayed fixed on the empty space where he used to be.

As they carried me inside, the tears kept falling. Silent. Hot. Endless.

And for the first time since I shifted, I didn't feel like a wolf anymore. Just a broken girl, watching her world fall apart.

Camilla's POV

I sat on the floor, hugging my knees as the air grew heavier around me. My tears had dried into my skin, but my chest still throbbed. All through the night, I had waited for Damon. I stood outside the Elders' quarters, whispering his name, hoping he'd look back, just once. He didn't. He left me standing there like I meant nothing.

I threw a pillow at the wall, but the ache inside me didn't budge. It wasn't the wound on my body that hurt the most. It was the silence. The absence. The fact that the one I loved shut me out. My wolf hadn't spoken since I got injured. I wanted her voice, her strength, her comfort, anything but she had fallen quiet, and so had the goddess.

Tomorrow was the official rite. Damon had to present a Luna. It was meant to be me. Before my body failed me. Before I became something he could toss aside.

"Please," I whispered into the stillness, quiet room, with a trembling voice. "Please talk to me..."

But my wolf didn't answer.

I stayed there for a while, still curled on the floor, as the weight of everything crashed over me. What had I done to deserve this? Was love truly that easy to erase? Could he really forget every moment we shared, the battles, the laughter, the promise of forever?

Then came a knock on my door.

I lifted my head and replied with a low voice. "You can come in."

The door creaked open, and one of Damon's guards stepped in with an unreadable face.

"The Alpha has summoned you to his office." He said nothing else and walked out.

I blinked slowly, my heartbeat loud in my ears. Damon had summoned me? The Damon I knew never sent for me like a stranger. He always came to me himself, always touched my hand before he spoke, always gave me a small smile, even on his worst days.

Maybe this was a good sign.

With trembling hands, I rose to my feet and left my room with slow steps as I passed through the halls like a ghost.

As I got close to his office, harsh and comical voices drifted into the air.

"She really thought she'd be Luna."

"She got what she deserved."

"Maybe he'll finally banish her."

I paused my movement and stared at them. They weren't even whispering. They wanted me to hear but I forced myself forward. I wouldn't let them see me cry. I wouldn't let them see that their words cut deep.

Damon's door stood tall before me as I reached his office. I grabbed the knob softly and his cold voice replied in an instant.

"What are you waiting for outside? Come inside."

I opened the door.

And my heart stopped.

A woman sat beside him with her head resting gently on his shoulder. His hand played slowly through her hair, and she smiled like she belonged there.

The door shut behind me, and I took a shaky step forward. My eyes clung to them as a puzzled look appeared on my face.

"What is this?" I breathed, though I could make a guess.

"You're disturbing the Luna." Damon looked up at me swiftly and said.

The woman raised her head.

And my world shattered all over again.

Noelle.

My best friend.

The one I trained beside. The one who swore she'd stand with me forever. She sat in my place, wore the smile I used to wear, touched the man I still loved. My breath hitched, my knees wobbled, but I didn't fall.

"Sit," Damon said with a sharp tone.

I sat because I needed answers. I needed to believe there was still something to hold onto.

"How's your wound?" He asked. "I heard you refused treatment."

"That's not what matters," I said with a raised voice. "What is Noelle doing over there with you?"

Noelle looked at me without flinching. She didn't speak. She didn't have to.

Damon shrugged. "You can't shift anymore. You may not be able to for years. I need to present a strong Luna to the Elders. You know I'm not a patient wolf."

My chest squeezed at his words and I moved close to him, speaking with a softened gaze. "We can still fix this. You and I...we can sort this out. I'm not...my wolf is not gone. I swear...."

He leaned back and picked up his glass. "You still carry my mark. If you accept the rejection, you'll stop feeling pain when you think of our past."

Tears blurred my vision suddenly, "You're just... letting go?"

"I'm doing what I have to do. For the pack. For myself." He didn't even look at me when he said it.

"I want to speak to the Elders," I whispered gently, wiping tears off my chin while Noelle watched in amusement.

"Speak to them for what?" Noelle finally said with a cold tone.

"You've already agreed on this?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper now.

Damon sighed like he was tired. "The Elders will remove me if I don't present a Luna tonight. And we still owe the neighboring packs a loan. So, I made a choice."

I couldn't speak. I just stared at him as I could not recognize this man anymore. How could someone flip his choice within a few seconds?

"Noelle and I spoke with two Alphas this morning. We reached an agreement. The payment is due by weekend."

"Fuck the loan!" I screamed at him and hit my fists on the wall, turning to walk out of his office in rage.

"You're still in this pack. I'm still Alpha. You'll obey," he growled. "Your new owner is already around. Get ready to leave the pack."

I blinked my eyes as my heart felt a different pain. "You're selling me?"

"You're not useful anymore. And Cassian has offered to have you in his pack. He has heard of you and your bravery," Damon said to me, his fingers still running through Noelle's hair.

My mouth fell open as I staggered back. "Cassian? The Lycan King? The one with blood on his hands?"

"Rumor has it that way, yes, but he made an offer and I have accepted. If you want to know, he's paid a million dollars for you. At least, you're worth something."

And both of them laughed again.

I turned to Noelle with a desperate voice. "He can't do this to me. Say something please..."

I wanted to rush to meet her but her words stopped me. "I wish it were different too," she said and sniffled twice.

I dropped to my knees as I clutched onto Damon's leg. "Let me stay please. This pack is my home. Please. I have nothing else but this. Please don't do this to me,"

He didn't say a word nor did he move. And then he raised his voice, "Enough!"

"The Lycan's men are here. Look behind you," he said to me suddenly and reality dawned on me.

I turned slowly, still hoping this was all a nightmare. "They're taking me away?"

Damon stood, still emotionless. "Leave before they change their minds."

A strange guard grabbed my arm but I yanked him off. Damon rushed to force me into going with him but I grabbed the guard myself as I stared at his face in agony. The guards took me away and I heard low growls and mimics fading away.

Wolves watched as I passed over to the border. Some looked away. Some looked pleased. I didn't understand how I became the villain in their eyes.

At the border, a black Jeep waited. A man leaned against the door. He didn't need an introduction. Power radiated off him. The guards kicked me forward and held me tightly in case I tried to run.

The man in all black looked at me, and asked, "Did the Alpha mention my name?"

I shook my head quickly, sniffling hard.

"My name is Cassian. Lycan King of this region."

He entered the car. The guards pushed me inside after him. And the ride started.

The car rolled into the territory slowly, and my heart beat faster with every turn. This place was nothing like Damon's pack. Everything looked bigger, quieter, more guarded. Even the air smelled cleaner. Tall buildings surrounded the large estate, standing firm like watch towers, and wolves walked around in perfect order. No one shouted. No one laughed. They all moved like trained warriors.

The gates had the name boldly carved into them. Blood Moon Pack. It was the one name I never thought I'd be tied to. The same pack we were warned never to cross. The stories came back to me. The rumors. The killings. My legs began to shake again.

The guards didn't speak as they opened the car door and helped me out. One stayed behind, while the other two led me through a long stone path. I walked in silence, my feet light, my chest tight. No one looked at me with pity. Just curious eyes and unreadable faces. Some didn't look at me at all.

The Alpha's quarters stood farther in, larger than the rest, quiet and firm like the man himself. A different guard opened the door for us and stepped aside. I walked in slowly, my eyes scanning the fine but sharp design of the room. There were no bright colors, no warmth. Everything was dark and neat.

Once I stepped in fully, the door shut behind me. I turned quickly, but the guards were gone. I was now inside the room with the Lycan King only. He hadn't even touched me yet, but somehow, I already felt owned.

The door slammed shut and my heart skipped a beat. I watched Lycan Cassius drop his box case on his large, king-sized bed. He took off his shoes and turned around to look at me, still staying close to the door. I lowered my gaze, and I felt footsteps coming towards me quickly.

"What skills do you possess?" His question sounded abrupt, and my gaze remained lowered as I didn't have an answer to this.

He raised his voice, and I felt his fists knocking at the air. "Take your eyes off the floor and look at me when I am speaking to you."

I quickly raised my gaze, setting it on his chest instead. I couldn't return those brutal stares. They were piercing my eyes. The room felt tense, and for many reasons, I just wanted to go out and breathe a deep sigh of relief.

"I can see that mark on your neck. It's an honorary badge given to warriors, but it amuses me that you can't answer a simple question," he said, a smirk playing on his lips which faded the moment I stared at him.

"Keep the gaze intact," he commanded and leaned in closer. "I will have my men take that badge off your neck. You belong to me now. Not as a warrior, but as my property."

His hands grabbed my neck, and he gently pushed me to the wall, sniffing the air around us. "I will advise you to learn your place in this pack before I teach it."

His voice became so low and threatening. "I don't care what badge you might have received in your pack. All that matters is... you're here. You don't breathe until I tell you to."

And then he dropped his hands from my neck. That tingling sensation I felt rippling across my skin vanished. That must have been a result of the pressure he held my neck with.

"I don't understand why Jace has not yet arrived. He will show you where to stay, and he will give you some instructions to follow. If being alive is one of your plans, I suggest you follow his rules without complaint," he said and turned towards the door, while my breath remained shaky. I had started staring at the floor again now.

And then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the reflection of green eyes on the door as curiosity raised my head. It was actually a reflection of his green eyes. He stood quietly while his eyes reflected illumination, and suddenly, he snapped back to life.

"What took you so long?" He asked in a low tone as the door kicked open. A middle-aged young man with nice features walked in, bowing his head. He had a muscular build as well, but not up to half of Cassius's.

Cassius must have sent a mind message to him, I said to myself and snapped back to reality when I heard my name.

"Safely guide the little Camilla to the last room here," Cassius said, his eyes complimenting his words while his Beta stood there, a little confused about the order.

"I have contacted the Omega District, and they are eager to welcome her. There is plenty of work to do and..." His Beta spoke firmly, but Cassius cut his words short.

"Are you telling me what to do? Are you adjusting my command?" Cassius growled. "Show her the room and return to your duty."

The Beta lowered his head and stretched out a hand to me. "Please come with me, little Camilla."

I quietly stepped behind him, and my mind felt freed the moment I left the Alpha's room. It felt like I had just gotten out of captivity.

I heard the low chatter of the wolves outside. I saw different sets of girls walking up and down in this Alpha's dormitory, some discussing schooling, some discussing mating issues, and I was almost losing myself to these imaginations.

We finally reached the doorstep of my new room. I thought about this again. The Beta was actually right. Was I not supposed to work in the Omega District? He told me he didn't care whatever I might have been in my old pack. All that mattered to him was my presence here and the fact that I would obey every last one of his orders.

The Beta pushed the door open and stepped inside, letting the switch come on. Fear gripped my heart for one second. How could I be given this large and beautiful room? It felt awesome so awesome that I was close to declining this great gift.

"This is the room. Guards will be here for you very soon. The mistress will attend to you as well. Please ensure you stay inside here and don't cause any commotion to the pack," the Beta said and slightly lowered his head.

It was brave of me to reply with a bright smile, but I guessed it was worth the risk. He replied with a bigger smile and stretched out an arm. "My name is Jace. How about you?"

"C-Camilla," I said, smiling.

"Yeah, I've once heard that name," Jace said and quickly switched the topic. "I have to go now. Take care of yourself, Camilla."

I waved at him as he walked out of my room with calculated steps. And then that fear returned to my mind. The Beta slammed the door shut and probably locked it from the outside. I stood in the center of the room as I took in the features: white marble tiled floors, the walls painted with silky brown, and several diagrams hung on the wall. The bed was properly set, and my mind suddenly came up with a thought.

"His previous mates could have made use of this room. There are female materials in here," I said to myself as I walked toward the wardrobe. I wanted to feel scared. I wanted to feel unsafe. I wanted to feel anxious. But I sucked it all up.

He didn't throw me off to the Omega section. He didn't claim he'd beat me up if I didn't give a response. Maybe his previous mates had too much anger in their tone. Maybe they didn't. Maybe I was just new to this and felt he was an innocent master who just wanted everyone to be under his control or maybe not.

The weather began to change, and it was getting cold now. It had been many hours, and no one had arrived yet. Just as I was thinking about that, I heard a soft knock on the door. I rushed to get it open and saw a young maiden. She lowered her head, and two guards did the same.

"My name is Kate, and I will be here to help you with anything you want," she said, and my response came out in a low tone. I didn't know how to treat lowly people. I was a high-ranked warrior in my pack, fine, but at the same time, I didn't have time to relate with so many people. I just helped them with tasks and missions and kept my focus on my supposed mate who rejected me and on my friend Noelle, the architect of my deep sadness.

"Please come in, ma'am," I lowered my head as well and shut the door behind me as she walked inside. She led me toward the bed and told me to lie down while she spread sheets over me because of the cold.

It felt so different. It felt so dangerously comfortable to be treated in this manner. But my heart cried out to the goddess to take me out of this comfort zone if the dead end would be the fate of Cassius's two previous mates.