Reunited Lovers: My Rejected Mate Is Now A Renowned Investigative Journalist

Charlotte's POV

Today is my eighteenth birthday, and I'm super excited to celebrate it with Michaelson Logan Argent, my mate and the Alpha of our pack. Our love story began in childhood, and now we have both grown into adults.

I remember those days when he first took an interest in me. He took me straight to an oak tree by the beautiful waterfall, carved out our names, and sealed it with the shape of love. He also did everything he could to outshine the other boys, who had also fallen for my charms. I accepted him at first because of his handsome looks, and the vigour he displayed during every training session.

However, as time passed, I realised that our love was more than what met the eye, and that we were destined to be mates.

Unlike every other girl in the pack, who wanted a grand birthday celebration, I wanted to spend mine alone with my lover in a romantic way. I decided to go to his place so we could spend some quality time together. When I arrived, he wasn't home, so the only option I had was to wait for him.

Luckily, I had one of the spare keys to his mansion. Otherwise, my feet would have grown sore from standing outside for so long.

As soon as I walked inside, I found the house in a complete mess. The couch cushions were scattered across the floor, while dirt and debris were spread throughout the living room.

"Boys will always be boys", I muttered with a disappointed sigh.

Without hesitation, I dropped my bag, picked up an angled broom, and swept the floor.

Afterwards, I tidied everything that was out of place and arranged the room neatly. The whole house had to be comfortable enough for us to enjoy our time together in warm intimacy.

To celebrate a birthday, you need a cake, delicious food, and all the little extras, so it was up to me to get everything ready. I walked into the kitchen, put on an apron, and started baking a cake, while preparing dinner.

By the time I was done, dusk had already settled in, so I went to take a shower. I wanted to look my best for Michael, so I slipped into one of the skimpy dresses he had bought for me.

Standing in front of the vanity mirror, I admired the beautiful, alluring woman staring back at me. I didn't need anyone to tell me that I looked exceptionally gorgeous tonight.

"Now that's one hot girl," I murmured with a flirtatious smile, gently biting my lower lip after applying blush to my cheeks.

A moment later, I set the dining table. I carefully served dinner and placed the small birthday cake in the center of the table.

Outside, the full moon hung in the cloudless sky, bathing everything in its soft, ethereal glow. Too bad I couldn't shift because I didn't have a wolf. Most of the werewolves in the pack had probably shifted already, enjoying a run beneath the cool night sky.

Maybe Michael had gone hunting in the woods with his Beta like he usually did. Still, I couldn't help but think it was inconsiderate of him. Today was supposed to be one of the most special days of my life, yet he had chosen hunting over spending it with me. I guess I had no choice but to wait for him.

As the minutes turned into hours, Michael still didn't come home. The food was growing cold, and the cake was beginning to get dry and crumbly. Every few minutes, I glanced at the clock, then looked out the window, shifting restlessly from one spot on the couch to another as I waited for his arrival.

Finally, as the clock struck nine, I heard laughter and giggles coming from outside. I quickly jumped off the couch and was about to look through the window, when Michael walked into the living room with a yellow-eyed woman by his side.

"Oh, thank goodness. We're finally home, darling," the woman sighed before shooting me a look of disgust. "And who might you be?" she asked, wearing a scowl.

"And who are you to ask me that?" I shot back, jealousy creeping into my heart.

"Uh, that's Lydia," Michael answered before she could speak. "She's my mate and the new Luna of the Winter Moon Pack."

Gosh. I hadn't even asked him the question, yet he answered for her. Judging by the seriousness in his voice, I could tell he meant every word.

"Wait... wait a second. I must've heard you wrong. Did you just say she's your mate and the future Luna of this pack? What about us?" I asked, completely stunned.

Michael smirked.

"Charlotte, if you're done with the drama, go get your things and leave my house. While you're doing that, Lydia and I are going to spend some time together," he drawled, smirking mischievously.

Frozen in shock, I watched as Michael swept Lydia into his arms and carried her upstairs.

I sat in my room, overwhelmed with despair, while loud moans and the sound of furniture crashing echoed through the house. They've got to be having sex.

Every sound that drifted from the room pierced my heart. I pressed my palms against my ears, as hot tears streamed down my burning cheeks. He was upstairs enjoying himself with that silly omega, while I was down here slowly dying of heartbreak.

No. I wasn't going to sit here and let them do this to me. I had to confront him.

Summoning every ounce of rage within me, I stormed out of my room and barged into theirs. Although it was what I least expected to see, the sight before me still made my stomach turn in disgust.

Charlotte's POV

Lydia had her arms wrapped around Michael as she kissed him passionately, their lips locked together. They were so absorbed in each other that they didn't even notice I was there. It wasn't until I screamed Michael's name that they finally pulled apart.

"What are you doing in here?" he snapped, sitting up in bed.

Lydia quickly pulled the duvet up to her chest.

"Uh... I need to talk to you," I replied, struggling to keep my voice calm despite the anger boiling inside me.

I just had to convince him to stop this madness and come back to me.

"Go ahead," he said indifferently.

"Not with her here," I insisted. "The sight of that omega bitch disgusts me. I mean, why would you choose an omega over me? God, it's unbelievable!"

Lydia looked ready to argue, but Michael told her to give us a moment alone. She climbed out of bed, leaned down to kiss his forehead, and flashed him a seductive smile.

"You wore me out," she purred. "Now you've got me wanting more. Too bad someone's about to ruin the rest of our night."

She turned and smirked at me with unhidden contempt before walking out of the room.

I glared at her until she disappeared down the hallway. It struck me as odd that she was still fully dressed, when I'd been convinced they were having sex only moments earlier.

Still, I pushed the thought aside. Right now, all I wanted was an explanation for Michael's sudden change in attitude.

"Michael, why are you doing this to me?" I asked bitterly. "It's my birthday, and you didn't even bother to spend time with me or wish me a happy birthday. Instead, you chose to betray me?"

"Look, Charlotte, I didn't betray you," he replied coldly as he stood up and pulled on his shirt. "I just did what I should've done a long time ago. What Alpha stays with a girl who doesn't even have a wolf? If no one else would, neither will I."

"So that's why you chose an omega over me?" I let out a hollow laugh. "What's the difference?"

"The difference is that she has a wolf, and you don't." His voice was sharp and aggressive. "I'm sorry, Charlotte, but we were never meant to be mates. Now get out of my room, pack your things, and leave."

"Please, Michael, just listen to me," I pleaded. "Stop... you're hurting me."

Without another word, he shoved me out of the room and slammed the door in my face.

Feeling dejected and heartbroken, I dragged myself back to my room, only to find Lydia standing in front of my vanity mirror. It looked like she had been admiring the necklace Michael had given me, when he asked that I become his girlfriend.

"What are you doing in my room?" I demanded, glaring at her. "That's my necklace you're holding, so put it down right now."

Lydia slowly turned to face me, a scornful smile curling the corner of her lips.

"You know," she sneered, absentmindedly twirling the necklace between her fingers, "a whore like you doesn't deserve something this expensive."

"Listen, I'm not going to stand here and let you insult me in my own room," I shot back. "Give me my necklace and get out of my sight before I do something we'll both regret."

She burst into laughter.

I had no idea what she found so funny.

After what felt like forever, Lydia's laughter finally died down, and the same mocking smile returned to her face.

"And what exactly are you going to do to me?" she taunted. "Nothing. Because you're nothing more than a wolfless slut."

She slowly circled me, her smug expression never leaving her face.

"Let's be honest. You were nothing but Michael's bed warmer, and now you're completely useless to him. Oh, and there's something else you should know." She rested a hand on her stomach with a proud smile. "I'm pregnant with the future Alpha's child, so you have no place here anymore, bitch."

Every word she said cut deeper than the last. As painful as it was, I couldn't deny the possibility that she was telling the truth. Michael had already gotten her pregnant.

What a cheating bastard!

Her insults finally pushed me over the edge. I took a step toward her, my fists clenched at my sides.

"I think it's time for you to leave," I said through gritted teeth. "But before you do, give me back my necklace."

I proceeded to retrieve the jewelry, but Lydia swiftly took it out of my reach.

"Oh, you mean this?" she asked, holding it up with a mocking grin. "Watch this."

Before I could stop her, she grabbed the necklace with both hands, yanked it apart, and scattered the pearls across the floor.

That single act fueled my anger to its peak.

Without thinking, I lunged at her. My hand shot into her hair, and the moment I got a firm grip, I yanked it hard.

"You want to know what I can do?" I shouted. "You filthy whore!"

The next moment, the room erupted into grunts and struggles as Lydia fought to free her hair from my grip, but she wasn't strong enough. Before I knew it, we were locked in a full blown fight. In the heat of the struggle, Lydia unknowingly backed toward the edge of the staircase.

The last thing I remembered was shoving her. She lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs, rolling from one step to the next until she crashed hard onto the floor below.

A piercing scream of pain escaped her lips.

Almost immediately, Michael came dashing out of the bedroom. The instant he saw his new Luna sprawling helplessly on the floor, his face twisted with horror. Her legs were bent at unnatural angles, and the severity of her injuries made it look as though she might never walk again.

The sight of her sent Michael into a state of unbridled anger. His eyes glowed like burning coals as he threw back his head, and let out a deafening howl. Within seconds, answering cries echoed through the night, shattering the moonlit silence.

It wasn't long before the entire pack gathered to witness the horrifying scene.

After Michael told them that I had attacked the future Luna, every member of the pack turned against me. None of them wanted to hear my side of the story. Their Alpha had spoken, so why would they question his word?

Right there, in front of every shifter in the pack, Michael said the words no she-wolf ever wanted to hear.

"I, Alpha Michaelson Logan Argent, reject you, Charlotte Anderson, as my mate. You are hereby banished from the Winter Moon Pack, never to return or set foot on these lands again." he uttered, his voice cold as the grave and as heavy as lead.

The rejection struck me like a crushing blow. It was a pain that could bring any she-wolf down to her knees, and I had no idea how I was supposed to survive it.

Heartbroken, I broke down in tears.

"No... please! I didn't mean to hurt her. Please, don't send me away! I have nowhere else to go," I pleaded, falling to my knees.

But the Alpha who promised me eternal love turned his back on me without a second glance.

Tears streamed down my face as I slowly dragged my weary feet away from the only home I had ever known, uncertain of what kind of life awaited me without my pack.

Michaelson's POV

Seven years have passed, and everything seems to have changed rapidly. The small plants are flourishing into big trees, while icebergs and glaciers are melting away over global warming.

The pack had also grown much more powerful, and was now known by every other pack for its resilience and strong defense.

My six year old son, Dwayne, and I were sitting in the living room watching a TV program, when a news headline suddenly appeared on the screen.

I think it was about the crisis in the human world.

It was a high profile report about a successful investigative journalist, who had solved an outstanding case involving drug abuse, sexual slavery and child trafficking by wealthy families.

The pimps and drug addicts who had broken the government's laws were finally put behind bars or sent to rehabilitation centers.

I turned to my son, who was busy munching chocolate chip cookies, and decided to tease him a little.

Although he was undeniably cute, he was quite talkative. And, he was kind of a smaller version of myself because we both shared a striking resemblance.

"Hey, buddy, mind if I have some of your cookies?" I asked, raising my eyebrows playfully.

"No, you can't," he replied with a childish grin.

"But why?" I asked teasingly.

"Because you'll ask for more after the first bite, since my cookies are extremely delicious and irresistible," he replied, folding his arms as he feigned annoyance.

"Pretty please, son. I'm just so hungry. I promise I won't ask for more." I made a sad face.

"Cross your heart," he demanded playfully.

"You have my word, son. Now come on, snap out of it," I poked him, making him giggle slightly.

"Stop it, Dad! Okay, fine. I was just kidding. Here you go. You can have the whole bowl to yourself," he said, laughing.

Suddenly, the reporter announced the arrival of the famous investigative journalist, who was live on stage, and that brought my attention back to the news. I wanted to know who this person was, who had finally cracked the case that had been making waves across the internet.

Smiling at Dwayne, I grabbed a cookie and turned my gaze back to the television, only to see someone whose appearance struck me to my core.

Frozen in amazement, I realized that the person on the screen was none other than Charlotte Anderson, my excommunicated mate.

She looked confident as she eloquently addressed the audience. She was now far more mature, and her striking personality had made her even more beautiful.

From her speech on stage, I learned that she had many enemies in the human world, who were secretly offering huge rewards to anyone willing to assassinate her, but she didn't give a damn.

At that moment, my wolf, Ryker, sensed that our mate was in danger. I guess it was finally time for her to return to the pack.

Seven years ago, because of the werewolf attacks from rival packs and other external enemies, I made the difficult decision to send all the underage werewolves away. I wasn't sure I could contain the chaos that threatened to consume the pack.

During that same period, I banished Charlotte, using the cruelest and most convincing method I could think of, to make her believe that I had thrown her out willingly.

It still hurts me deeply that she had to go through so much pain and heartbreak because of my actions.

Over the years, the Winter Moon Pack gradually returned to the peaceful state it had once been known for. Most importantly, it became recognized as the most formidable pack, with me reigning as its strongest Alpha.

Once everything had finally settled down, I learned that Charlotte had chosen to remain in the human world.

Ever since then, I've been trying to make amends with her. I've already sent her letters multiple times, but she deliberately ignored every single one instead of reading what I had written.

It infuriates me that she would act so recklessly, when she knows her life is in danger if she continues living there.

I can't risk losing her. That's why I kept sending those letters, hoping I could finally tell her the truth.

Suddenly, the ringing of my cell phone pulled me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID.

It was Corey Graves, my Beta.

"Hello," I said, lifting the phone to my ear.

"Hello, Alpha. I just saw the news. Shouldn't we bring her back already? I think it's too dangerous for her to stay there all alone," he informed, panic evident in his voice.

He clearly didn't want his Luna to get hurt. I rose from the couch, gently ruffling Dwayne's hair before walking over to the glass window.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that. I've finally decided that we'll bring her back by force if she insists on being stubborn,"

"Give her one final ultimatum. Tell her that if she refuses to return, we will have no choice but to employ the use of force," I added firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument.

"Understood, Alpha. I'll take care of it," Corey affirmed.

The line went dead afterward.

As I turned around, I noticed Dwayne staring at the television.

Apparently, I wasn't the only one captivated by the woman's appearance. He listened intently, ignoring his cookies for what seemed like the first time ever.

The moment he heard the famous investigative journalist's name, he quickly grabbed a pen and a sheet of parchment paper, carefully writing down every detail about her, from her name to her appearance.

Without saying a word, Dwayne jumped off the couch and ran upstairs, leaving me staring after him in surprise.

I was certain he was heading to his room, but I had no idea what he was planning. His unusual behavior a while ago kept nagging at me.

Kids his age would normally choose cartoons over breaking news, yet Dwayne had been completely engrossed in the broadcast.

After giving him a moment, I quietly followed him upstairs and stopped outside his bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, giving me a clear view of everything inside.

Peeking through the opening, I saw Dwayne sitting at his desk in front of his computer, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

As I looked closer, I realized he was entering all the information he had gathered from the news report. He moved the cursor, clicked the search button, and moments later, detailed information about Charlotte appeared on the screen.

Dwayne carefully wrote down every new detail he found online. When he finished, his gaze shifted toward his cupboard. He stood up, walked over to the drawer, and pulled out a savings jar.

He stared at it for a while as though silently counting the money inside, before finally removing the lid. The moment I realized what he was planning, I reached out to Corey through the mind link.

{Corey, report here immediately. I think my son is up for the task.}