Rejected By The Alpha, Bound As His Luna

Elena's POV

The courtyard of the Northwest Pack was already crowded when I arrived, more like a celebration with Clara, my cousin by my side. Wolves from every family were gathered for the yearly event, some in groups laughing, their voices loud and carefree. A few lone wolves kept their distance, the servants and omegas to be precise. I was one of them, me and Clara.

I didn't want attention. I was used to being unnoticed, and I preferred it that way. My long dark hair fell over one shoulder, covering part of my face as I scanned the gathered people as Clara nudged my arm against my side, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Elena," she called, her voice teasing but soft, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You're acting stiff. Come on, it's the Gathering! Lighten up."

I turned to her, smiling at her. "I'm fine here," I muttered, crossing my arms. "I don't belong with them, and I don't need to pretend I do."

Clara sighed, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. "You're too stubborn for your own good. It's a party, not just any kind of party. You know what today is right? At least try to enjoy it. Who knows you may find your mate here, hehehe" She teased.

I didn't answer, my gaze drifting to the crowd again. The Gathering was the pack's biggest event of the year, a night to celebrate unity, renew alliances, and honor the Alpha on his birthday. This time, though, the air filled with extra excitement. Word had spread that Andrew Kane, our Alpha, was returning from a visit to the neighboring town, where he'd been negotiating with their leaders for the betterment of our pack. Everyone was eager to see him, to be blessed in his presence. I could feel the anticipation rippling through the courtyard as they pulled toward the center where the bonfire crackled, its flames casting shadows on their faces while they danced to the background drums.

"But I hope the alpha brings back good news." Clara said, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she spoke again. "I heard most of the neighboring pack Alphas had refused to accept his alliances." Clara looked around to be sure no one had heard her. "Well, that's on him." She added.

I shrugged, my fingers tugging at the sleeve of my jacket. "Careful. Someone might overhear you. He's the Alpha anyways so he'll do what he wants."

Clara snorted. "You say that like it's a good thing. Andrew Kane's the strongest leader we've had in years. And he doesn't accept no for an answer."

I nodded. I had seen him too many times from a distance, his tall body hovering through crowds, his steel-grey eyes cold and emotionless. At twenty-five, Andrew Kane became the Alpha of the Northwest Pack, heir to a bloodline of dominant leaders, feared by rivals and respected by all. His reputation preceded him, cold, domineering, prideful, and ruthless when challenged. Yet, he was fiercely protective of his pack, a trait that made even the lowest members feel safe under his rule. But still, I kept my distance. I do not like him as a person. For every reason, I try not to be noticed by him. Someone like me, orphaned young, raised with no high standing in the pack had no business catching the eye of someone like him either.

The noise in the courtyard dropped suddenly as I felt his presence. Majestically, Andrew Kane stepped into the light of the bonfire. He stood tall and muscular, his white skin glowing under the moonlight. His dark, cropped hair was neat, and his steel-grey eyes scanned the crowd with an air of authority that made my skin prickle as I hid behind another pack member slightly. Every head bowed in respect, including mine. I kept my eyes on the ground, my heart thudding, wishing not to draw his gaze. I'd seen him before, but never this close. His presence was like the presence of the devil, dangerous and inescapable.

"Welcome, Northwest Pack," Andrew's voice boomed and commanded, cutting through the night. "Tonight, we gather as one. Our strength lies in our unity, our loyalty and our blood. Rejoice for we have reasons too."

The crowd erupted in cheers, fists pumping, voices rising in a chorus of agreement. I stayed quiet, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. When I dared to glance up, his eyes swept across the crowd and landed on me. My stomach tightened, a cold jolt running through me. His gaze stared at me for a moment, dark, intense and unreadable, before moving on. I quickly looked away, my cheeks burning and suddenly, I felt a pull tugging right inside of me. "Mate! Mate!" My wolf Kira sneered.

"Elena, did you see that?" Clara whispered, grabbing my arm. "He looked right at you! What do you think?" She teased.

"Stop it," I hissed, shaking her off. "He was just looking at everyone."

"Sure he was," she teased again, but I ignored her, my heart still racing.

The event dragged on with speeches from the elders, their voices droning about tradition and unity. Wolves stepped forward to pledge their loyalty to Andrew, their heads bowed as they spoke their vows before presenting their gift to him.

Clara chatted with friends nearby now as I suddenly felt suffocated by everyone, the heat, the memories of the Alpha's eyes on me. When no one was watching, I slipped away as I headed toward the forest behind the courtyard. The cool night air hit my face, and I breathed deeply, my shoulders relaxing.

I stood alone in an open space.

I hadn't stayed for long when I realized I wasn't alone. A twig snapped behind me, and I could feel someone's presence behind me. My pulse is spiking too as I felt the hair on my body stand uncomfortably. Turning slowly, I saw Andrew Kane, standing just a few feet away, his body towering over me. His expression was unreadable, his eyes glinting in the moonlight directly at me.

"Running away already?" he said, his voice cold. He stepped closer, and I instinctively took a step back, my back brushing against a nearby tree.

"I just... needed air, Alpha." I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart is beating so fast.

He tilted his head, studying me. "Elena." He called.

My name on his lips sent a shiver down my spine. "...," I wanted to speak but no words came, lifting my chin, though my voice shook. "I'm fine here."

His lips curved into a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes as he took a step forward and I took a few backwards. "You're wrong," he said, closing the distance between us. He was so close now I could feel the heat radiating from him. "You can feel the pull too, don't you?"

"I feel nothing alpha." I said.

"You're my mate," he replied, his voice leaving no room for doubt. Before I could process the words, he reached out, his hand gripping my arm as he pinned me to the tree with both hands pinned above my head, his eyes staring right into mine as I watched them glare into gold. His face moved closer to mine, inhaling my scent with both eyes closed as I could feel the air from his breath on the skin in between my neck when suddenly, a sharp, burning sensation seared into my skin, on my neck and I gasped, my knees buckling as I clutched tightly to him. He sank his teeth in. The pain was real, undeniable, etched into me deeply. My heart raced, my mind spinning as the pain grew more intense.

Me? His mate? I was no one's mate. Just a low-class, orphan.

"You can't..." I started, but his voice cut through mine.

"Don't fight it," he said, his eyes locking onto my wet eyes. His hand slid from my arm to my waist, pulling me even closer. "You are mine now."

He pulled away. His touch was possessive, his fingers trailing along my thigh, sending sparks through me. Before I could speak, he leaned forward, his lips claiming mine in a kiss that was fierce and unrelenting. My hands pressed against his chest, but I didn't push him away. I wanted more. His steel-grey eyes held mine too, intense and hungry, as if he was staking a claim no one could challenge. My body is caught between fear and something I couldn't name.

Just when the pleasure was taking over me, he suddenly pulled back. "You shouldn't say this to anyone," he warns coldly, his voice softer but no less commanding. "No one else."

I couldn't speak. My background, my low status, my stubborn heart screamed that I wasn't his, that I couldn't be. But the mark on my arm burned so much, a reminder that fate didn't care what I thought.

Leaving him, I ran back to the gathering in silence, holding my arm where his mark still throbbed. Clara noticed the change in me the moment I rejoined her. "Elena, where'd you go?" she asked, her brow furrowing. "I've been searching for you."

"Nowhere," I mumbled, brushing past her as I headed into my room. I lay awake, my mind racing, the memory of his kiss and his words looping endlessly.

The next morning, heading towards the garden to clean. I overheard two maids gossiping as I passed the courtyard.

"Did you hear?" one said, her voice hushed but excited. "Alpha Andrew Kane's making an announcement about his mate today."

Elena's POV

Soon, the courtyard was filled again, wolves gathering after hearing the Alpha had something important to say. I didn't want to go out there, not after last night. My neck still throbbed where Andrew had marked me, the skin hot and tender under the collar of my shirt. I'd spent the morning staring at it in the mirror in my room, a red bite that screamed everything I wanted to hide. But Clara wouldn't let me stay inside.

"Come on, Elena," she said, bursting into my room without knocking, her hair messy from running over. She grabbed my arm, her fingers digging in a little too hard. "You can't just hole up in here. It'll look suspicious if you don't show up."

I pulled away, rubbing my wrist. "Clara, please. I told you everything about the forest, the kiss, the mark. You promised you'd keep it to yourself and not overreact."

Her face softened, those eyes of hers full of worry and concern as she stood in front of me. "I know, and I will. But hiding? That's not nice. Plus, everyone's talking about this announcement. If you're not there, people might wonder why. They gossip a lot, you know."

I sighed, my stomach twisting into discomfort at the thought. She was right. Last night, after I'd stumbled back from the forest, I'd broken down and spilled it all to her, about the pull, the bite, Andrew's words claiming me as his mate. She'd hugged me tight, whispering that it was fate, that It was amazing to see me become a Luna. And now, I'm about to face that fate.

"Fine," I muttered, tugging my shirt higher to cover the mark. "But I won't stay for long."

We pushed through the crowd, the air filled with excitement. Wolves from every corner of the pack stood around, their voices buzzing as they spoke to themselves. I caught snippets of it as we walked through, girls giggling and preening, their dresses more beautiful than mine as they've worn their best outfits.

"Oh, it's gotta be me," one said, a tall brunette with beautiful eyes and body shape, flipping her hair. "I mean, Alpha Andrew looked at me twice last night. Twice! You know?"

Her friend mocked laughed at her, nudging her. "Dream on. Everyone knows it's Selene Blackthorn. She's from that allied pack, with a strong bloodline. And have you seen how she hangs on him? It's obvious."

My chest tightened at the name, like someone had punched me in the gut. Selene. I'd seen her plenty of times, always hovering near Andrew at pack events. She was everything I wasn't, high status, confident, the daughter of an Alpha. And yeah, she'd been there before me, kissing and having him without anyone's permission. The thought made my blood boil, even though I had no right to feel that way. Or did I? After last night... I shook my head, trying to shove it down. Maybe I was overreacting.

Clara squeezed my hand as we found a spot near the back. "Ignore them," she whispered. "They're just desperate idiots."

I nodded, but my eyes darted to the center where Andrew stood tall. His Beta, Marcus, flanked him on the right, arms crossed, his face emotionless like always. Andrew's mother was behind them, her graying hair pulled back, her expression proud too. And there was Selene, standing way too close to Andrew as usual, her hand brushing his sleeve as she leaned in to say something to his ear. She smiled up at him but he didn't return it.

The crowd was in hushed silence when Andrew raised his hand, the motion commanding. Everyone went dead silent, heads turning, bodies stilling as their eyes were all on him. His steel-grey eyes swept over us, cold as ever as my heart pounded, and I dropped my gaze to the ground, praying he wouldn't spot me.

"Northwest Pack," Andrew started, his voice booming across the courtyard, deep and unrelenting. "You've all gathered here because I've called you. There's been talk, pressure from elders, from allies, even from within our own ranks. As Alpha, I've led this pack through threats and triumphs. But an Alpha needs a Luna at his side. Someone strong, capable of leading with me, of standing against our enemies."

Selene's smile widened, her cheeks flushing as she straightened up, like his words were a spotlight just for her. She glanced around, soaking it in, her posture screaming confidence.

Andrew paused and then continued. "I've heard the rumors. The speculations and today, I'm making things clear."

My breath caught. For a split second, I thought he might say my name. Memories from last night flooded back, the way he'd pinned me against the tree, his breath hot on my neck, the sharp pain of his bite, the fierce kiss that had left me breathless. "You're mine now," he'd said. My heart hammered so loud I swore Clara could hear it. What if this was it? What if he announced me?

But then he continued, his tone hardening. "I will never allow weakness beside me as Luna. This pack deserves strength, not frailty. A weak werewolf is unworthy of leading us."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, heads nodding in agreement. "That's right," someone near us muttered. "We need a strong Luna."

Andrew turned then, his eyes locking right on me. No one else seemed to notice, their attention on him, but I felt it like a spotlight. His gaze was piercing, unblinking, and my skin prickled uncontrollably. "The Moon Goddess must have made a mistake mating me to a low class mate," he said. "I want to openly reject this mate. I, Andrew Kane, Alpha of the Northwest Pack, reject Elena Torre as my Luna and my mate."

The words hit me, pain flaring in my chest. Laughter bubbled up from parts of the crowd, whispers slicing through the air. "She really thought Aloha would choose her?" someone asked. "She's of no class?"

"An omega," another snickered. "Can you imagine?"

Clara's hand grabbed mine, her grip tight, her face in fury. "Elena, no..." she says the moment she saw those tears forming in my eyes.

My legs went weak, knees buckling like they were about to give way. The mark on my neck burned fiercer than before, a throbbing reminder of his claim and now his rejection. Tears stung my eyes, hot and blurring everything.

I couldn't stay. Before anyone could see the tears spill, I yanked my hand free and ran, pushing through the crowd, our elbows jabbing, voices fading behind me. "Elena!" Clara called, but I didn't stop.

I burst into my small room of the pack house, slamming the door and locking it with shaking hands. The space was tiny, just a bed, a rickety table, and that little mirror on my wall I slid down against the door, my head spinning, breaths coming in gasps in sobs.

Why did he mark me if he knew he would reject me in the presence of everyone?

"Elena! Open up!" Clara's voice came through the door, followed by banging fists. "Please, talk to me. That was..., I'm so sorry. He can't do this!"

I stayed silent, pulling my knees to my chest, holding myself together by sheer will. More tears streamed down my face. How could he? Last night he'd kissed me like I was everything, and now... this?

Clara kept pounding. "Elena, come on! I know you're hurting. Let me in. We can figure this out. He's an idiot if he thinks..."

"Go away, Clara," I finally choked out, but it was too quiet for her to hear. I could still replay the whispers from the courtyard echoing in my head, their laughter, Selene's smug smile. Was she the one he'd choose now? The thought made my stomach churn.

Hours passed, or maybe minutes but I lost track. Clara eventually gave up, her footsteps fading out. I didn't move, just sat there, numb.

Then, later that night, a knock came soft. By the voice , I realised it wasn't Clara's. I froze, wiping my face again.

"Elena?" A deep voice called. "It's Elder Rowan. Open the door, child."

I hesitated, my heart skipping. Elder Rowan? What did he want?

Among all the elders, he's the only elder who really cared about me. He's a widower and an orphan too. The only child of his parents by history.

I stood, unlocking the door and pulled it open. He was there, glaring at me with his old wrinkled face.

"Father." I called. Yes, in the past years, he's always told me to call him that. Always reminding me to see him as a father. Ever since he'd taken me under his wing as an orphan.

He glanced around, then stepped closer, lowering his voice as he wiped my tears with the back of his palm. "I saw what happened last night between you and the Alpha." He says.

Elena's POV

Elder Rowan's presence filled the room, comforting my wary self. I didn't have the courage to face him. My eyes were swollen from crying, and I could feel more fresh tears welling up, ready to spill.

"Father," I called in sob, my voice weak as I finally looked up at him. His eyes softened with that same paternal concern he always had for me.

He sighed deeply as he sat down on the bed, and I did the same, beside him. "Elena, my child," he said. He reached out and placed a gentle, calloused hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't let his actions get to you. Andrew... rejecting you like that in front of everyone. It's not right."

I couldn't hold it back anymore. The tears spilled over, hot and fast, and I leaned into him, burying my face in his shoulder in a hug like I was a little girl again. "It hurts so much, Father," I sobbed, my words muffled against his shirt. "Last night... he marked me, kissed me, said I was his. And then today, he just... threw me away. Like I'm nothing. Why would he do that? Why mark me if he was just going to reject me?"

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight, his hand stroking my back in slow, comforting pat. "Shh, Elena, my child. Let it out. You've been strong for too long on your own." His voice was steady, but I could hear the anger simmering underneath. "I was out in the woods last night, checking the borders like I always do. I saw it all, the pull between you two, the mark, the way he claimed you. The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes like that lightly."

I pulled back a little, wiping my face with the back of my hand, but the tears kept coming. "But he rejected me, Father. Publicly. Everyone laughed. They called me weak, an omega. How can I even show my face out there now?"

His expression hardened, his bushy eyebrows drawing together in a frown. He took my hands in his, his grip kind. "Listen to me, child. That rejection of his? It's going to bring consequences to the whole pack. Fate doesn't accept something like that so easily. The bond between you and Andrew is still alive, whether he admits it or not. You feel it, don't you? That mark on your neck, it's not just a scar. It's a tie that the Goddess herself approves."

I clenched my fists in my lap, my nails digging into my palms because I didn't want to hear it. Part of me knew he was right concerning the pull and I could still feel it but admitting it meant more pain. "I don't care about the bond," I muttered, my voice shaky. "He doesn't want me. He said I'm weak and unworthy. What consequences? The pack seems fine with it. They're all cheering for Selene now."

Elder Rowan shook his head, his eyes narrowing with determination. "The pack might not see it yet, but they will. An Alpha rejecting his true mate? It weakens the leadership, invites unrest from the spirits, maybe even from rival packs who sense the discord. I've seen it before in my years, bonds like this don't break clean. You have to remain strong, Elena, because this isn't over. The elders are meeting soon to decide what should be done. The disaster that awaits is huge."

I wanted to argue, to tell him it was hopeless, that Andrew's words had cut too deep, but my throat was dry from crying. I just nodded weakly. He gave my hands one last squeeze before standing up.

"Rest now, my child," he said softly, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. "You're not alone in this. Call on me if you need anything." With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving me in the quiet that felt heavier than before.

Not long after, there was another knock. I didn't move at first, but then Clara's voice came through. "Elena? It's me. I brought food."

I dragged myself off the bed and opened the door. She bustled in, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of stew and some bread. She set it down on the rickety table and turned to me, her eyes widening when she saw my puffy face. "Oh, Elena, you look awful. So pale too. Here, eat something. You haven't had a thing all day, have you?"

I shook my head and sat back on the bed, staring at the food without touching it. "I'm not hungry, Clara. Just... leave it."

She crossed her arms, her expression stubborn. "No way. You're eating, even if I have to feed you myself. Look at you, you're shaking. That rejection... it's bullshit, and you need your strength."

I sighed, picking up the spoon just to make her stop. "Fine. But only a little." I took a small bite but it didn't make me feel any better.

Clara sat down next to me, her hand on my knee. "The wolves out there are already gossiping like crazy. Some are pitying you, saying it's unfair what Andrew did. Others... well, they're mocking you, calling you weak or whatever. But I gave them a piece of my mind. Told one girl straight up that if she didn't shut her mouth, I'd make her do so."

Her words only made the knot in my chest tighten. I set the spoon down, tears pricking my eyes again. "I just want to disappear, Clara. Crawl into a hole and never come out."

She grabbed my hand, her grip fierce, her eyes blazing with loyalty. "Hey, no. Running away would only give them more reasons to laugh. You're better than that. Stay and show them you're not broken. We'll get through this together, okay? Andrew's the idiot here, not you."

I nodded, forcing a small smile, but inside, I was crumbling. We spent the evening like that, mostly in silence after I pushed the food away. Clara chattered a bit about pack news to distract me, but eventually, she nodded off in the chair by the table later at night, her head lolling to the side, soft snores filling the room. I stayed awake, curled up, replaying Andrew's cold words over and over in my head. "I reject Elena Torre as my Luna and my mate." Each time, it hurts like the first.

The next morning, I couldn't stay locked up anymore. I slipped out early, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind. I headed to the training grounds, pulling my hood up. But as soon as I got there, I felt every eye turn to me. Whispers followed, heads turning, and I kept my gaze focused, my hands shoved in my pockets.

Selene was there, of course, dressed perfectly in tight training gear that showed off her curves, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail. She was surrounded by her usual group of girls, laughing and stretching. When she spotted me, her lips curled into a smirk. She leaned in and whispered something to the girl next to her, who burst out laughing, covering her mouth.

My cheeks burned, and I turned away, pretending to watch the sparring matches. But then Beta Marcus appeared out of nowhere, striding over with his usual stoic expression, his arms in his pockets. He stopped beside me as he whispered. "Don't let them bother you, Elena," he said quietly, not looking at me directly but scanning the grounds.

Surprised and confused, I wondered why he would care. He was Andrew's right-hand man, always loyal so I assume he should be on his side.

"Thanks," I muttered, but I didn't say more, my voice barely above a whisper.

Before he could respond, Selene sauntered over, her group trailing behind her. She stopped right in front of me, her voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear in mock. "So, Elena, does it hurt to know Andrew chose power over you?"