Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the Crown

Ember Frost's POV

Today was the mating ceremony, the most significant event in any young wolf's life.

"Mom, hurry up! "I don't want to miss anything, and I want to see Owen before the ceremony begins," I said, fidgeting while my mother dressed.

"You understand how significant this day is, Ember. I have to look my best. Who knows, you might find your mate tonight!" she replied, stepping out of her room. I blushed, my secret stirring within me.

I hadn't told my family that Owen, the Alpha Heir, was my mate. I wanted it to be a surprise. As a wolf-less human, it felt like a divine miracle when we discovered we were mates on his twentieth birthday. Since then, we became close, and I've fallen for him.

I had been waiting anxiously for this day, the day I would know my place in the pack. And today was the day, and I couldn't hide my excitement as we walked toward the ceremonial grounds.

"See you later, Mum," I said with a shy smile, leaving her to find Owen.

I waved when I saw him near the bonfire with his friends, with a bright smile lighting up my face, I approached them, "Hey-" I started, but before I could finish, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to a secluded corner.

He released me instantly and stepped back, as though he wanted distance between us.

"Why would you show your face here?" he growled.

"Huh?" I blinked, confused by his anger.

"Do you seriously think I would accept you as my mate? Ah, girl, you must be insane to believe that," he snarled, his words hitting hard.

The noise of the ceremony drowned out our conversation, unnoticed by others. My chest ached with pain, and my heart raced. Owen's husky growl sent chills down my spine.

"Accept the rejection and leave. I don't want this bond. You really thought I would choose you as my mate? A human-what use would you be to the pack? You were overjoyed when we discovered we were mates, but here's the truth: I used you. If you had any sense, you would have stayed hidden."

His words sliced through me, the mate bond twisting in my chest. I fought back tears, desperate not to cry in front of him, making me even more stupid. Maybe he was right. What could I, as a wolf-less human, give the pack? I wasn't even a true member. On my sixteenth birthday, I discovered I wasn't my parents' biological child. They'd found me in the woods. Yet they never made me feel useless, until now.

Owen made a strange guttural sound, urging me to accept the rejection. The thought of it, of admitting how pathetic I am, tightened my throat. I inhaled sharply, struggling to breathe.

"I, Ember Frost, accept your rejection, Owen Greystone," I stammered, trembling as pain surged through me, but I refused to let a tear fall.

Owen snorted, his eyes filled with contempt. "At least you aren't completely foolish. You could never stand at my side as Luna. Look at yourself. This pack was never meant for you. Stay where you are, and don't think of coming back."

When we learned we were mates, he hadn't rejected me. We had shared moments-kisses-that made me believe he had accepted me. But now I realized the truth: he was ashamed of me, afraid I would humiliate him in front of the others.

Owen stepped back and left without another word, leaving me alone with the ache in my chest. A few passersby smiled at him as he passed, ignorant of our conversation, or perhaps they had heard and were quietly mocking me for daydreaming.

I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my racing heart. Breathe, Ember. Breathe, quit being a coward. Don't let them see your weakness.

I stood, brushing dirt from my clothes, struggling to find my balance. I had learned to hide my vulnerabilities, even though I was fragile, easily broken. My friend Elena in the pack always defended me against bullies. My parents and my brother, Klaus, were gifts from the moon goddess. They never treated me differently, nor did they ever criticize my lack of a wolf. When I asked why I wasn't as strong as others, they would smile and say, "Everything has its time, Ember." Your time to shine will come."

But, look, I'd ruined it all.

Oh, Ember, you're dumb.

Owen's humiliation would spread, and his friends would go broadcasting how he had ruthlessly rejected the "shameless, daydreaming Ember." My family and Elena would face disgrace because of me. He was right after all, I was useless, a burden they didn't deserve. I had to leave to spare them further embarrassment. My parents had endured enough; I couldn't add to their pain.

I didn't take any belongings as I made my way to the woods. What use were they to someone with nowhere to go and no one to turn to? It was the night of the ceremony, so if they're to mock me, it will be on my back. I shivered at the thought.

I didn't realize when tears began streaming down my face. The pain of being rejected by the man I loved and leaving the pack was overwhelming. Under the moonlight, I kept walking, certain no one would care about someone like me.

For the first time, I wondered if I had brought my parents more pain than joy. I had brought them nothing but shame and humiliation. I was grateful for their love, for my brother Klaus, for the pack's kindness. They'd given me a home despite my human blood. But I felt like I no longer belonged in their perfect pack. Now, it was time to give back to the pack. It was time for everything to get back on track without a nuisance like me.

I wiped my tears with my sleeve, as if erasing my memories. I would leave them a pure and flawless pack tonight. The cold night air stung my lungs, making me cough violently. I am so useless that I couldn't even withstand such a slight change in the air. How could I have dreamed of being Luna? If Klaus or anyone else were in my place, they wouldn't be this fragile.

Tears stung my eyes as I reached into my pocket, fingers brushing the smooth stone Klaus gave me when we were kids. "For protection," he had said, claiming it held the moon's fire. I clutched it now, my only keepsake.

It's time, Ember. To be brave. I turned, gazing at the place I've called home for eighteen years. I closed my eyes, pressing the stone to my lips. "Thank you," I whispered to my family, to the pack, to the life I'd loved.

With a bittersweet smile, I tossed the stone into the darkness below. I stood there for a long moment, staring into the endless night. Then I walked deeper into the woods, leaving behind the only home I had ever known.

Owen Greystone's POV

On my twentieth birthday, learning that Ember was my mate hit me like a cruel prank. A wolf-less human mated to me, the future Alpha of the Moonshine Pack? The moon goddess had to be mocking me.

"You've got to be kidding me."

A wolf-less human as my mate? Laughable. Still, I couldn't treat her any differently - my father had made it clear she was to be regarded as a full pack member, with equal rights. Accepting her into the pack was already my biggest compromise. Her as my Luna? Never. We'd shared a few kisses, but that was a mistake. I knew what a true Alpha's Luna was like, my mother, a formidable warrior who could fight beside my father at any moment. Ember, on the other hand, would always be a damsel in distress. I couldn't even imagine what role she'd play in a battle, a cheering squad, maybe?

I needed a strong Luna to support and grow the pack with me, not a fragile human I would have to shield. I would spare no time in shielding her. Even if she had spent years sheltered by her adoptive parents, brother, and friends, I, Owen, wouldn't pamper her or become her protective umbrella. In fact, it was best if she disappeared discreetly so she wouldn't continue to implicate her loved ones.

I had rejected her at the ceremony and forced her to accept it. I thought she would fight it, but when she accepted without a word, a sharp pain struck my chest. I brushed it off and joined my friends at the bonfire, drowning the ache in alcohol and faking a smile.

Ember must have gone home, sitting in her room in a daze, crying her heart out, but she would only be crying because of a slight setback.

She wouldn't feel the pain as I do. I felt drained just at the thought of it. Did I offend the moon goddess to make her my mate?

"Well, look who we have here, the future Alpha!" My brother Asher burst in with Klaus, Ember's brother, both with glasses of tequila in hand, smiling. They took the opposite couch.

I snatched Asher's glass and downed it. Everyone knew I would soon become Alpha, but the pressure still made my pulse race. I wasn't used to it.

"Brother, next weekend's your big day! We should be celebrating," Asher said. "A double celebration if you find your mate!" Klaus added.

I avoided Klaus's eyes, guilt gnawing at me. If he knew I'd rejected his sister and humiliated her, his toast would turn into a punch.

Damn it! Why this guilt? I couldn't help but groan, of all these people in the pack, anyone could have been my mate, but why does it have to be her?

"Stop sulking, Owen," Asher teased, elbowing me. "It's a happy night, but you are frowning. "Keep that up, and you'll be a wrinkled old Alpha before you're thirty!"

He and Klaus laughed, clinking glasses. I couldn't join in because of guilt. Klaus was my best friend, but I'd crushed his sister, used cruel words, and humiliated her. I was a jerk.

"Has anyone seen Ember?" Klaus's mother rushed in, worry etched on her face.

My heart lurched at her name. I didn't understand why I had such a weird reaction. I felt like a kid caught in a lie and was frightened the adults would find out.

"I heard her saying she wanted to visit the pack house before I left," Klaus said.

"Yes, that's what she told me before we parted ways. She said she was visiting the pack house to see Owen." Klaus's mother turned to me, her pained stare piercing me. "Owen, didn't you see her?"

"No, I didn't see her," I blurted, too fast.

"I checked the pack house hoping I would find her there," she said, trembling. "But she's not there. It's been hours. She loves this ceremony, where could she be?" Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

I tried to catch Ember's lavender scent, but to my dismay, it was faint, barely there. She wasn't in the pack.

"I'll go look for her, she could be in danger." Klaus said, setting down his glass and standing.

"We're with you, man," Asher said, jumping up and nudging me. "Right, Owen?"

"Yeah, sure, more eyes, better odds," I muttered, forcing my voice steady to avoid suspicion.

Klaus, Asher, and I, along with Klaus's parents, followed the fading scent into the woods. It weakened with every step, twisting back on itself as if she'd been toying with us. My guilt vanished, replaced by irritation. Ember was pulling some dramatic stunt, ruining the night. Rejecting her was the right choice; her weak-minded, emotional nature would drag the pack down with her.

Ember would probably be somewhere, sobbing, making us chase her like idiots. If she hadn't been so desperate, clinging to dreams of being Luna, I'd be back at the bonfire, sipping tequila, maybe flirting with a real mate to wipe her from my mind. Instead, here I was, trudging through the woods because of her. Thank goodness I rejected her; living with someone so weak would drive me mad.

"Look!" Klaus shouted, bolting forward like a shot. I'd never seen him move so fast. On the ground lay a crimson bow... Ember's. I'd seen it in her hair hours ago, when she stood before me, tears in her eyes as I tore her apart.

I clenched my jaw. Ember wouldn't vanish without a trace. She was probably hiding somewhere, hurt and angry, making everyone worry.

Owen Greystone's POV

I went toward the cliff, staring into the depths below. The fall was startling, a steep drop that made my stomach twist. The river's roar was loud, like blood pumping through veins. A strip of mint green sash caught my attention, hung torn on a jagged branch, flapping against the wind.

Klaus's mother came over, her gaze locking on the fabric. Her lips trembled. "Oh, that's Ember's dress!" she gasped, voice breaking. "My baby... I can't sense her anymore."

She swayed, clutching her head. Klaus's father caught her, his arms strong but his face pale with dread. She leaned into him, sobbing softly, her strength crumbling.

She was right. Ember's faint lavender scent on the cliff edge had faded completely. Could she have truly done that? What a foolish human, she couldn't bear to handle one rejection. I'd never met anyone so fragile, yet her choice gnawed at me, stirring something I couldn't name.

Klaus, usually so strong, looked lost, his eyes darting to the cliff's edge. He didn't try to comfort his mother; she was beyond soothing. Instead, he made his way down the cliff.

Nevertheless, I followed, not with hope for Ember, but out of fear. What if she had left something behind-a message, a clue-pointing to me? In a few days, I would become Alpha. A leader who pushed a pack member to her... No. I couldn't even let myself imagine it. My father would have my hide and possibly strip me of the title. I would be humiliated before the pack and forced to apologize. The thought choked me.

We climbed down the cliff, rocks skittering underfoot. At the bottom, the ground was empty, no body or trace, just the river's never-ending torrent. I heaved a sigh of relief. The mint green sash was the only sign she had been here. Without it, we would have doubted she ever was. It was as if the earth had swallowed her, like some scary stories from my childhood. Did she end up here? Could she be permanently linked to this place?

Klaus's strength failed. Tears ran silently down his face. He didn't sob, just stood there, shoulders shaking, staring at the water. I felt a pang in my stomach. I had done this. If I hadn't rejected her... maybe none of this would have happened. Klaus wouldn't be falling apart, his parents wouldn't be shattered.

"Hey, brother," I whispered. "Maybe... maybe she survived. "The water could have-" I paused. We both knew better. That height? That current? Even the strongest wolf would not be able to survive. Let alone someone like Ember. She didn't stand a chance. I shivered at the thought. Her scent had faded; she might probably have been washed away or consumed by creatures downstream. Hours ago, she stood before me... now, there was nothing left of her trace.

Klaus didn't answer; he just stared at the water. I stroked his shoulder, awkwardly, hating how heavy it felt. "We'll keep looking," I said, though the words tasted hollow.

We climbed back up, the silence between us heavy. Klaus's parents waited, their faces hopeful for a heartbeat before they saw us. His mother's eyes searched mine, then Klaus's, and her hope was crushed. She buried her face in her hands, a howl tearing from her throat. Her body shook, and even her husband's grip couldn't calm her.

I slipped away, guilt burning my throat. I couldn't face her tears, her pain. If they knew I had pushed Ember to this, called her worthless, spat on her, they would hate me. Klaus, my best friend, would never forgive me. The pack would turn against me; my future as Alpha would be ruined. I had to bury this and erase any trace of my involvement in it.

We walked back to the pack house, heads down. My father met us, concern etched on his face.

"Any news, Klaus?" he asked, voice heavy. As Alpha, he carried the pack's safety on his shoulders, a burden I would soon inherit. I prayed he would never learn my little secret.

Klaus shook his head, unable to speak. His father had rallied the pack to search, every member scouring the woods for Ember. The full moon, meant for celebration, was cloaked in grief, all because of her. Part of me still thought she'd been right to leave; she had spared the pack future trouble. But the thought felt wrong now, bitter in my mouth.

"Father," I whispered, leaning close, "let me check Ember's room. There might be a clue." I kept my voice calm, but my pulse raced. If my father, as wise as ever, sensed my guilt, I was done for.

"Go, you have my permission," he said, eyes narrowing slightly. "Show me you're ready to lead."

With ease, I entered Ember's room, heart racing. It was empty, clothes folded neatly, no diary, no notes, nothing to implicate me. She had left no trace, as if she had planned to go all along. Relief hit me, sharp and fleeting. She had been careful, at least in this.

Outside, voices rose, shouting her name. My fists clenched, anger rising. Even now, she was stealing the pack's peace, turning a night of joy into chaos. Why couldn't she have chosen a quieter way to go?

The pack split into groups, fanning out through the woods. We searched every path, every clearing, but found nothing, no tracks, no scent, no sign. Hours passed, the moon climbed higher, and exhaustion settled over us like a fog.

The pack gathered in a circle, Klaus and his parents at the center. Their faces were ashen, eyes hollow. Klaus's mother's tears fell freely now, her husband's arm around her, his own face tight with pain. They had loved Ember like their own, raising her with care despite her lack of a wolf. And I'd taken her from them.

Regret clawed at me again, more piercing now. I shook my head, trying to push away her face, those wide, hurt eyes as I'd rejected her. She had chosen this, hadn't she? One rejection shouldn't have broken her. But deep down, I knew better. My words, my cruelty, had driven her into this. I glanced at the river's final bend, which disappeared around the corner. That current... if she had fallen in, she wouldn't have made it far.

I followed my father as he approached Klaus's parents; they were grieving someone they cherished deeply. "We'll keep searching," he said, "She was one of us." Klaus's father nodded, his mother choked on a sob, clinging to him.

We stood there comforting the family. Ember was gone, and I didn't know how to undo what had happened. I know I wanted her gone, but not this way. Not with Klaus's tears, his mother's cries, the pack's sorrow. I had wanted to be Alpha, strong and respected, but now I felt small, a coward hiding behind lies.