Rejected By My Mate, Claimed By His Stepbrother

*Amelia*

Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I stormed into the dimly lit bar, my heart pounding with fury. The man I'd been married to for two years, Adrian, was sitting there with another woman, his lips pressed against hers as if the world outside didn't exist. Tonight was supposed to be our anniversary-a celebration of our love-yet here he was, entangled with someone else.

I'd doubted my friend when she called to tell me she'd seen Adrian with another woman. I'd trusted him. But now, standing in the bar's smoky haze, there was no denying the truth.

Without hesitation, I marched toward him, my voice trembling with anger. "Adrian, what is going on here?"

He froze, his lips still hovering close to hers, and turned to face me. His expression shifted from shock to guilt in an instant.

"Amelia, what are you doing here?" he stammered as he stood, but my gaze had already shifted to the woman. When I saw her face, my breath caught in my throat. It was Mara, Adrian's ex-mate.

The woman who had abandoned him two years ago-the one who chose another Alpha over him because Adrian hadn't shifted into his wolf. The same woman who shattered his heart when he was at his lowest. And now she was back?

I clenched my fists, my voice sharp. "So this is why you didn't come home for our anniversary? To rekindle things with her?"

Adrian stepped toward me, grabbing my arm. "Amelia, let's talk outside," he said firmly, steering me away from the curious eyes around us.

Once outside, I yanked my arm free. "What the hell is going on, Adrian?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not what you think. Mara... she's been through a lot. Her father forced her to leave me, and the Alpha of the Redmoon Pack... he's been mistreating her. She came to me for help."

"And that justifies kissing her?" I shot back, my voice rising.

He frowned. "She's my fated mate, Amelia. I couldn't just turn her away."

My heart twisted at his words. "And me? What am I, Adrian? Your chosen mate? The woman who stood by you when everyone else doubted you?"

"Amelia, that's not what I meant. You're my Luna, and nothing's going to change that," he insisted, his voice softening. He reached out to wipe the tears from my cheeks. "I'll make it up to you, I promise. But for now, I can't just leave her. I will tell Jake to take you back home"

His words felt hollow, but I nodded numbly. He kissed my forehead before heading back inside. As I stood there in the cold night air, the weight of his actions settled over me. Deep down, I knew everything was about to change.

As Jake drove me back to the palace, I asked the maids to clean up the anniversary dinner I'd prepared, then retreated to our room, too exhausted to think.

---

The next morning, I woke to an empty bed. Adrian hadn't come home. My heart sank as I got up, the ache in my chest deepening with every step. From downstairs, the sound of laughter and chatter reached my ears. My stomach churned as I made my way down, dread pooling in my gut.

At the dining table, Adrian and Mara sat together, their conversation light and easy. She was seated in my usual spot, her hand brushing his as they laughed. They didn't even notice me until I cleared my throat.

Adrian looked up, smiling. "Hey, Lia. You're finally awake."

I ignored his casual tone, my eyes fixed on Mara. "What is she doing here?"

Adrian's expression turned serious. "She has nowhere else to go. Her parents won't take her back, and she's left the Redmoon Pack. She'll stay here for now."

Mara's voice was soft, laced with false humility. "Please don't be angry, your highness. I promise I won't be a burden."

I could see through her act. The feigned helplessness, the calculated tone. But Adrian was blind to it.

"Amelia is kind-hearted. She'll understand," Adrian said, his hand resting reassuringly on Mara's shoulder.

My throat tightened, but I forced a small smile. "Of course," I murmured before turning away and heading upstairs. I couldn't stay in that room any longer.

"Amelia, where are you going? Come join us for breakfast," Adrian called as I headed upstairs.

"I'm not hungry yet," I replied quickly, avoiding his gaze before continuing up the stairs. I didn't want to be anywhere near his ex-mate-if I stayed, I might say or do something I'd regret.

---

I had barely settled in my room when there was a knock at the door. Assuming it was a maid, I called out for them to enter. But it wasn't a maid. It was Mara.

She stepped inside, her demeanor completely changed. Gone was the timid facade. Instead, her lips curled into a wicked smirk. "Nice room," she said, her tone mocking.

I stood, crossing my arms. "What do you want?"

She walked closer, her eyes glinting with malice. "I just thought I'd remind you that Adrian is my fated mate. You're nothing but a placeholder."

My jaw tightened. "If that's true, why hasn't he rejected me yet?"

Her smirk faltered, but only for a moment. "Oh, he will. And when he does, I'll be the Luna of this pack."

I laughed bitterly. "Then why are you here, Mara? If you're so confident, why not just take what you claim is yours?"

Her eyes darkened, and before I could react, she pulled a knife from her pocket and plunged it into her own stomach. Staggering backward, she screamed. "Help! Somebody help! The Luna stabbed me!"

The door burst open, and Adrian rushed in. His eyes darted between Mara, clutching her bleeding stomach, and me, my hands stained with her blood from trying to push her away.

"Adrian, she attacked me," Mara gasped weakly. "Please... make her stop."

As she collapsed, Adrian's gaze turned to me, filled with rage and anger.

"What did you do?"

To be continued...

*Amelia*

"Adrian, you have to believe me, I..." My words faltered as Adrian stormed towards me, slapping me hard across the face. I stumbled, crashing to the ground, the sting of the blow still ringing in my ears.

"How could you be this heartless and vicious?" His voice thundered with rage, dripping with anger and hatred as I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks.

This was the first time Adrian had raised his hand to me in our two years of marriage. And it was all because of Mara-his ex-mate. What hurt most was that he hadn't even given me a chance to explain. Without hesitation, he slapped me and accused me.

"You better pray nothing happens to her," he spat, his words like a cold knife to my heart. "If anything happens, you won't like what I'll do to you."

He then turned his back on me, scooping Mara off the ground and leaving the room.

As I sat there, the realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Adrian was still in love with Mara. No matter how much time had passed, no matter what we'd built over the past two years, he was ready to destroy it all for her. He didn't trust me. If he did, he would have listened before making his judgment.

Hot tears burned my eyes, and the truth hit me-my marriage was crumbling before me, and I had no control over it. I could only cry.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Sarah. I quickly wiped my face, trying to regain composure before answering.

"Hello, Sarah, how are you?" I asked, forcing cheer into my voice.

"I'm fine, Lia, but there's a rumor going around the pack. What's this about you trying to murder Adrian's guest this morning?"

"What?!" I gasped, shocked and confused. How had this story spread so fast?

"Is it true?" Sarah pressed. "Is the guest the same woman you saw Adrian with last night?"

"Yes, it's her," I said, explaining everything that had happened.

Sarah sighed. "Lia, listen, if after everything Adrian still doesn't trust you, if he's so quick to believe Mara and bring her into your life without even talking to you first, maybe it's time for you to start thinking about your own future. You need to find your fated mate."

Her words stung. Adrian was my mate, even if he wasn't my fated one. I loved him with all my heart. The thought of leaving him made my stomach twist.

"Lia, I'm not saying you should leave him. But if you stay, know that this could get worse. He hit you today. Who knows what might happen next?"

I sighed deeply. "I don't know what to do, Sarah."

"Think about it. Do what feels right," she said softly, then hung up.

I was left standing there, feeling torn and lost.

"Ivy, what do you think?" I asked my wolf.

"I think Sarah has a point," Ivy replied. "Adrian hit you, Lia. What if he does worse next time? I'm scared for you."

"I know," I said, trying to keep my resolve. "But right now, I'm not leaving him. I'm his mate and Luna. I'm not letting Mara tear everything apart. I'll fight for us."

I heard Ivy sigh through our mind-link, disappointed, but she fell silent.

After a long bath, I decided to go and have my breakfast. I hadn't eaten since the night before, and my stomach growled with hunger.

As I made my way to the dining table, I heard whispers from the maids. They must have heard the rumors too, but they quickly scattered when they saw me.

I was about to start eating when Jake, Adrian's Beta, burst into the room.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Jake greeted me, his expression serious.

"Good morning, Jake. What's going on?" I asked, sensing something was off.

"The Alpha sent me to get you. He says you need to come to the hospital right away."

"Is everything okay?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Jake hesitated. "I'm not sure, Your Highness. I wasn't with him when he went to the hospital."

I nodded, the sinking feeling in my chest growing stronger. "Let's go."

On the way to the hospital, whispers followed me. Some of the Pack members were already turning on me, accusing me of trying to murder Mara. The murmurs cut through me like daggers.

When we arrived at the hospital, the glares from the nurses and Pack members were palpable. I ignored them and headed straight for Mara's room.

Outside, I found Adrian pacing, his face a mask of fury.

"What took you so long?" he demanded coldly as I approached.

I didn't respond. His anger was suffocating, and I couldn't bring myself to speak.

"The doctor said Mara was stabbed with a knife coated in wolfbane. They had to drain her blood to prevent it from spreading," Adrian explained, his voice hard. "She needs a transfusion, and since you have the same blood type, you're the only one who can help."

I clenched my fists. "Sorry to disappoint you, Adrian, but I'm not giving her my blood. If I had really stabbed her, maybe I'd consider it. But I didn't, and I'm not helping her."

His eyes flashed with anger. "What do you take me for, Amelia? A fool? If you didn't stab her, then who did?"

"She stabbed herself to frame me!" I shouted, unable to contain my frustration. "Why won't you believe me, Adrian? After everything we've been through, how can you still doubt me?"

He scoffed. "Mara would never do that. She wouldn't stab herself, especially with wolfbane. She has no reason to frame you."

"Because she's trying to take everything from me! She's trying to take you!" I yelled, my voice cracking with emotion.

Adrian's face twisted with fury. "Enough!"

He stepped closer, his anger radiating. "When I tell you to give her your blood, it's not a request. It's an order."

I stood my ground. "If you force me to do this, Adrian, I will file for divorce. I won't stay in a marriage where we don't trust each other."

His eyes widened, disbelief and shock flashing across his face. "What?"

To be continued...

*Amelia*

"You are joking, right?" Adrian asked me, his tone filled with disbelief, as I threatened to divorce him if he forced me to give my blood to Mara, his ex-mate, who had accused me of stabbing her.

"As much as I'd like to say I'm joking, unfortunately, I am not. It's either her or me. The choice is yours," I said firmly. Adrian stared at me for what felt like an eternity, his eyes narrowing before his lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

"You think I don't know what you're doing? You're trying to blackmail me with a divorce. Well, let me make it clear-it won't work on me," he snapped, his tone cold and unyielding.

"You stabbed someone. And no matter your position in this pack, you're supposed to face the consequences. But here I am, sparing you from punishment by asking you to give her your blood so she can survive. Yet, you're still being stubborn. Do you think I can't punish you?" Adrian's voice grew angrier.

A sad smile tugged at my lips as I looked at him. "Adrian, I'd rather be punished than give her a single drop of my blood. As I've said, I didn't stab her. But if you're convinced that I did and you're going to force me to give her my blood, then I will file for a divorce." My voice was unwavering.

Adrian scoffed. "Well, sorry to disappoint you, Amelia. But neither am I letting you file for a divorce, nor am I letting this slide. You're going to give her your blood, and that's final."

Before I could respond, guards and the doctor entered the room.

"Take her inside and take whatever blood she has to give. Make sure it's enough for Mara to survive," Adrian ordered coldly. The guards moved toward me, their hands grasping me tightly.

"Let go of me, you fools!" I screamed, struggling to break free. Before I could react, I felt the cold sting of a syringe in my neck. I turned to face the doctor, who was standing there, holding an empty syringe. My vision blurred instantly, and I fell unconscious, losing all sense of time and place.

When I woke up, hours later, I felt weak and disoriented, the exhaustion weighing heavily on my body. A sharp pain shot through my wrist, and I realized with horror that they had taken my blood without my consent-sedating me to do so, all to save Mara, the woman who had accused me of trying to harm her.

Fury burned inside me. Adrian must have thought I was bluffing when I threatened him with divorce, but now it was clear that he had made his choice. He had chosen Mara, and I was nothing more than a pawn in his game. I was just his chosen mate, not his fated one.

I couldn't stand the thought of being in the same pack with him any longer, especially not after everything that had happened. I had to leave, start fresh, and maybe-just maybe-find my fated mate.

Despite the fatigue and the blood loss, I gathered enough strength to stand up from the bed. I ignored the stares of the nurses and the whispers of the pack members as I staggered my way out of the hospital.

Back at the palace, I headed straight for the kitchen, where I ate to my heart's content, trying to regain some energy. Then, I made my way to Adrian's office, where I knew the divorce papers would be kept.

It didn't take long to find them. With shaking hands, I signed my name on the dotted line, sealing the end of my marriage to Adrian. After signing, I quickly changed into the maid's uniform I had kept hidden, knowing that I would need to leave the palace unnoticed.

With my card, the small savings I had, and my phone in hand, I started making my way to the exit. I needed to get out without the guards noticing me. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked past the gate, and for once, luck was on my side-the guards were too distracted with their conversation to notice me slipping away.

Once outside the pack's borders, I ran, my heart racing as I pushed myself harder despite my exhaustion. The cold of the forest chilled me to the bone, but I couldn't stop. Not when freedom was so close.

Then, I heard the unmistakable sound of voices-Adrian's voice, to be exact.

"I can smell her. She's nearby. Keep searching," he commanded, his voice laced with urgency.

Panic surged through me. I couldn't afford to go back now. Not when I was so close to freedom.

I pushed myself harder, ignoring the pain in my legs as I ran, faster than I ever had before. My thoughts raced. If Adrian caught up with me, it would be over. He would drag me back to the pack, lock me away, and make sure I couldn't escape again.

"Amelia, I know you can hear me! Stop running and come back! If I catch you, you won't like what happens next!" Adrian's voice echoed behind me.

But I kept running. I had no choice.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the sound of cars approaching. My heart lifted, and I pushed my legs to go even faster. Then, there it was-the main road.

With the last of my strength, I ran to the road, stepping in front of an oncoming car. The driver slammed on the brakes, tires screeching as he came to a stop.

The man, probably in his late fifties, stared at me with wide eyes. "What the hell is wrong with you, young lady? Do you want to get yourself killed?" he yelled.

"Please, help me! They're chasing me," I pleaded, my voice breaking with desperation.

The driver eyed me skeptically. "Really?" he asked, scrutinizing me carefully.

"Yes, please. I don't know what to do!" I begged.

He hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Hurry up and get in."

I didn't need to be told twice. I scrambled into the car, and without another word, the man hit the gas, speeding away.

Looking out the rearview mirror, I saw Adrian and his guards on the road, searching for me. But they didn't know I was in the car. They had no idea that my life was about to change.

As the car sped away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I was free.

To be continued...