The Alpha's Ex-Mate

*Selena*

"Why would I marry your daughter?" I heard a deep, sexy voice emanating from my father's office.

"If you meet her, you will like her. She is pretty and has been training to be a good and perfect Luna. She would be a perfect wife and mate. She is a very calm and obedient girl," my father's voice pleaded, and I couldn't help but wince at his words.

Which daughter was he talking about? My younger sister, Anne, was only fifteen – he couldn't possibly be considering marrying her off already, right? The acceptable minimum age for werewolf marriages was sixteen. So, it dawned on me that they must be talking about me, as I had turned eighteen just last month.

"Still, Alpha Albert, I don't buy your words. Why would I marry a wolfless girl just to make this filthy alliance with your pack?" The same deep, husky voice responded with arrogance.

Alliance?!

Curiosity gnawed at me as I tried to decipher the situation. Who was this man who seemed so dismissive of my father's offer, yet held such power and authority?

"If you have something else to offer me, tell me quickly because you know my time is very costly, and you can't afford to make me regret giving you my time," the man's lazy tone dripped with confidence.

Unable to contain my anxiety any longer, I burst into my father's office, acting impulsively.

"Father!" I called out, my voice a whisper.

"Selena!" My father's brows furrowed, and he shot me an annoyed glare for interrupting.

"Who are you talking to, Father, and whose marriage are you discussing?!" I asked, dismissing his irritation. I needed to know what was going on.

My gaze fell on the man seated before my father – his broad, muscular back adorned in a black suit immediately caught my attention. An aura of dominance and intimidation surrounded him, sending shivers down my spine.

"Selena, meet His Highness, Alpha King Zander Blake," my father introduced, a flattering grin on his face.

The name struck me like lightning.

Alpha King Zander Blake?!

In our pack?!

I couldn't fathom what he was doing here. I had heard rumors that he was a heartless and ruthless devil, showing no mercy to anyone.

As he turned to face me, my world seemed to come to a standstill. Deep blue eyes curiously locked onto mine, causing my heart to skip a beat. I felt breathless, and my lips parted in a gasp as I was caught in the intensity of his gaze.

His indifferent eyes bore into me, scanning every inch of my body from head to toe. In a sudden motion, he got up and closed the distance between us in just a few strides. I was mesmerized by his presence, intoxicated by the blend of his manly, spicy scent and the expensive cologne that enveloped him. He smelled like the earth after rain, a delightful fusion of forest and nature. I blinked, trying not to stare at the Adonis standing before me.

His features were a masterpiece: dark hair, a chiseled face, a pointed nose, sharp jawline, and full, inviting lips. It seemed almost unreal for a man to possess such beauty and allure. His broad, sculpted body left nothing to the imagination, evoking an irresistible magnetic pull. Bulging biceps strained against the sleeves of his coat jacket, and his jacket was left open, revealing a chest that seemed to puff out smugly and perfectly defined eight-pack abs visible through the fabric of his white shirt.

My dad's voice reached my ears, but I was lost in the intensity of Zander's gaze as it roamed over me. His eyes held an awestruck admiration, and in the next moment, they caressed my entire being, leaving me breathless.

"Alpha King, she is my daughter, Selena," my father introduced, breaking the enchantment momentarily.

"I will marry her," Alpha King declared, snapping me out of my trance.

I took a deep breath, feeling suddenly parched. I turned to my father, who seemed elated by the proclamation.

"What gives you the impression that I would marry you?!" I challenged, meeting Zander's hypnotic gaze with defiance. My heart pounded in my chest, and I looked away to break the spell before I became ensnared once more.

I saw his lips slightly curled up in a smug smirk.

Asshole!

My father's reaction was less amused. "What are you saying, Selena?!" he gritted his teeth, glaring at me.

He grabbed my arm, forcefully pulling me away from the captivating Alpha King, Zander Blake. I tried to free my hand, but my father's grip only tightened, leading me further away from the enigmatic man whose presence seemed to hold both allure and danger.

"Date me then! You will find the answer," Zander's deep voice echoed through the room, causing both my father and me to stop in our tracks, our jaws dropping in surprise.

"I don't even know you. Then why would I go on a date with you?" I replied with a nonchalant shrug, shaking my head at his audacious proposal.

Despite his status as the Alpha King, the mightiest and strongest among werewolves, I refused to be intimidated by him. There was something about him that didn't give off scary vibes, as if he had no intention of frightening me.

Zander's eyes narrowed slightly, a thin line forming on his face as he smirked in amusement.

"I am sorry, Alpha King!" My father quickly apologized, perhaps realizing the seriousness of my response. "Selena, you come with me," he scolded, grabbing my arm, and briskly led me out of Zander's office, slamming the door shut behind us.

Once we were out of earshot from Zander, my father stopped abruptly and delivered a stinging slap across my cheek.

"You disobedient daughter! How dare you misbehave before my guest?!" he growled angrily.

My cheek burned from the impact, and tears welled up in my eyes. "But, Father, I can't marry him," I whimpered, trying to reason with him.

"Selena, I have decided that you have to marry the Alpha King in exchange for this alliance. You know this is the only way to save our pack. Otherwise, no one can save us from his wrath," he grumbled, his voice filled with frustration and desperation.

"But, Father, why me?! You know how ruthless and heartless he is. The story of his cruelty and inhumanity is famous worldwide," I protested, trying to make him understand my fears.

"Selena, you are a curse on our family as you were born wolfless. I am ashamed even to call you my daughter. But, at least now, you're going to be useful to us. You have to marry him," he scowled, his face contorting with disgust as he looked at me.

My head hung low, the weight of my fate crushing down on me. I realized that my future had been decided, and there was nothing I could do to change it.

"Will you behave nicely this time?" My father demanded, his voice stern.

I nodded slowly, trying to accept my fate, even though it felt like a heavy burden on my shoulders.

"Don't say anything that will make me regret bringing you up as a princess," he warned, and I nodded submissively, feeling a sense of resignation settling over me.

We returned to my father's office, and as soon as I stepped inside, Zander's intense and cold eyes locked onto me. I felt a shiver down my spine and quickly lowered my gaze, not wanting him to see the vulnerability and helplessness reflected in my eyes.

Even though he wasn't touching me, I could sense his presence right beside me. His heat seemed to radiate, brushing against my skin and making me suddenly feel so warm in the otherwise cold room. It was as if his aura engulfed me, leaving me breathless and unsettled.

My father, seemingly oblivious to the tension between us, eagerly declared, "Alpha King, she is ready for the alliance."

However, Zander paid no attention to my father's words.

Instead, he turned his attention to me and asked, "Will you go on a dinner date with me, Princess?"

Caught off guard, I glanced at my father, searching for some guidance, but his stare conveyed a clear message – that this was an opportunity I shouldn't pass up.

Summoning every ounce of courage, I murmured subtly, "I am... uh... I agree to marry you."

"I want to take you on a date, Princess," he announced, his tone laced with authority. "Have dinner with me."

It wasn't a request but a command. An Alpha's order. His icy, cold gaze bore into me, making me swallow hard.

I glanced at my father through my lashes, but his cold expression made it clear I had no choice but to comply with whatever this cruel Alpha King desired.

*Selena*

He sent his car to pick me up for the date. Not that I expected him to come himself. Of course, the almighty Alpha King couldn't be bothered to do something as simple as that.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I stopped dead in my tracks. The entire place was empty. Reserved. For us.

In the center of the room, a table sat perfectly set, glowing under soft candlelight. My eyes immediately landed on him-Alpha Zander Blake. He was already sitting there, dressed in a black tuxedo that looked like it was tailored just for him. Because of course it was. I hated how unfairly handsome he looked. The cold-hearted monster somehow managed to look like he'd stepped out of a dream.

"Alpha," I mumbled, walking toward the table.

He didn't stand. Didn't offer so much as a smile. Typical. The waiter pulled out my chair, and I sat down across from him, pretending I wasn't the least bit impressed. But I couldn't help it-I glanced around, taking in the sheer extravagance of it all. The place was beautiful. Too beautiful.

Of course, Zander wouldn't settle for anything less.

We sat in silence as the waiters served our meal, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. The soft clink of utensils was the only sound, and it felt like every moment stretched on forever.

I couldn't take it anymore. The silence was unbearable.

"Can I ask something, Alpha?" I finally broke the stillness.

He slowly looked up from his phone, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine with that unnerving intensity. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

"Go ahead," he said, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down my spine.

I swallowed, trying to clear my mind of the effect his mere presence had on me. This wasn't the time to get distracted by his godlike features. Focus, Selena. Focus.

"Why do you want to marry me?" I asked timidly, my gaze following his every movement as he ate with effortless grace, almost as if he were doing the food a favor by allowing it to touch his lips.

"Because you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," he replied, his voice cool and matter-of-fact, as though discussing such a thing was as casual as talking about the weather.

I felt my cheeks warm at his words. Coming from Zander Blake-the most powerful, most handsome, and most dominant alpha, no... the Alpha King himself-it was both flattering and unnerving.

But the doubt lingered in my heart as I shot another question, "Umm... What about your wolf? Will he accept me?"

"Lyon has already accepted you. You don't need to worry," he assured me, his focus still on his meal, as though the subject didn't warrant his full attention.

"Oh!" My lips formed a perfect 'O' of surprise. The idea of meeting his powerful wolf intrigued me, as I had heard countless stories about him.

"But... don't you need a strong Luna by your side who helps you to be stronger?" I couldn't help but voice my confusion, well aware of the importance of a strong Luna to support an Alpha.

His deep laughter resonated through the air, causing my heart to flutter in response. He peered at me with his intense, deep blue eyes, and I found myself momentarily lost in their captivating gaze.

"I am Zander Blake, Selena," he growled with authority. "I am the Alpha King, the strongest among werewolves. I don't need a woman to make me stronger. But..." He leaned closer, his smugness evident. "I assure you that if you stay with me, you will be well taken care of and safe," he declared confidently.

As much as I wanted to roll my eyes at his show-off attitude, a part of me couldn't deny the truth in his words. Zander was undeniably powerful, and I couldn't ignore the fact that being with him might provide a certain level of security.

I shifted in my seat before summoning the courage to ask an important question that had been troubling me since the revelation of this arranged marriage and alliance.

"What if... what if someday you find your fated mate?" I breathed out nervously, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I am twenty-five and still haven't found her," he dismissed my concern with a wave of his hand as if it was an insignificant issue.

"But it doesn't mean you can't find her in the future," I argued, staring at him closely.

His expression turned hard and cold, his calculating gaze studying me intensely for what felt like an eternity before he finally responded, "You have my word, Selena. You will always be my Luna as long as you give me an heir."

Of course, I knew he wouldn't reject his fated mate if he found her someday. Only a fool would reject a fated mate. But the reassurance that he wouldn't abandon me provided a slight sense of relief.

At least he acknowledged that I would be his Luna... if I had children with him.

I took a deep breath, trying to process what this meant for my future. The weight of his promise settled heavily on my chest, and yet, doubts lingered.

But could I trust him completely?

I couldn't peek inside his heart, and I was well aware that I could not refuse this marriage in any way.

Finally, we got married in a whirlwind week, the alliance papers were signed, and my fate was sealed. We were chosen mates, so we needed to accept each other in front of the werewolf council.

"I, Alpha King, Zander Blake, accept Selena Ardolf as my mate and my Luna," Zander declared confidently in front of the council.

"I, Selena Ardolf, accept Alpha Zander Blake as my mate and my Alpha," I vowed, trying to steady my nerves before the officiant and the council.

Then we exchanged rings.

"You have declared your consent before the council and accepted each other as chosen mates. By the authority vested in me by the Moon Goddess, I now pronounce you mates. To seal your mate bond, the Alpha King can mark his Luna and take her to the mating ground to complete the mating ritual," the officiant proclaimed.

As the significance of those words sank in, my pulse quickened, and my heart pounded relentlessly. I started to perspire heavily, my nerves getting the best of me. I glanced at Zander, silently pleading with my eyes. We had already talked about it. I had told him I was a virgin. The idea of the mating ground terrified me. Unable to shift into my wolf form, I couldn't participate fully as a wolf would. Mating in my human form, with everyone watching, felt overwhelming and intrusive.

He gazed at me coldly, and I knew my pleas had no effect on him. He turned and glanced at the council members. They all nodded as if they were talking through the mind link.

Then, with a swift motion, he faced me and extended his hand. Trembling, I placed my own shaky hand in his large, powerful palm. His grip tightened as he pulled me closer, his arms encircling my waist. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't look away from his hypnotic gaze.

His hand gently cupped my face, making me meet his alluring eyes. At that moment, his eyes spoke of desire and possession, full of lust, consuming me entirely. His full lips parted, releasing a low, possessive growl from deep within him. My breath hitched as his enchanting eyes held me captive. And then, his lips met mine in a fervent kiss.

My first kiss!

I gasped as his kiss overwhelmed me. My senses drowned in the intensity of the moment. My eyes instinctively closed, surrendering to the powerful connection between us. The fervor only intensified as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth with a possessiveness that sent shivers down my spine. I shamelessly moaned, lost in the intoxicating bliss of the moment, unaware of the crowded hall surrounding us. His arm tightened around me, drawing me closer as if he wanted to merge our very beings into one.

His lips left my mouth, and a trail of kisses led down to my neck. I arched my neck in response, offering myself willingly to him. He licked the spot where his mark would be placed, sending another surge of desire through me. And then, he sucked hard, causing me to gasp and moan his name, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. Our bodies clung to each other, and I felt a stinging sensation as his canines pierced my skin, sealing our bond.

At that moment, our souls fused, and an undeniable connection linked us together. It felt divine and eternal as if we were destined to be entwined from the very beginning. I belonged to him, and he belonged to me – a profound and unbreakable bond.

He licked the mark he had made on my neck, kissing it with a tenderness that contrasted with the wild passion of moments ago. His eyes now gleamed golden, signifying the presence of his wolf. Yet, he kissed me with an ardor that devoured me whole, as if he wanted to claim every inch of me in that single kiss.

And then, he lifted me up in a bridal style, and I knew what would come next. At that moment, I cared not where we were or who might witness our union. All that mattered was being his in every possible way.

But as he placed me inside the car, confusion crept in, as the mating ground was merely a short walk away.

"Where are we going?" I asked, furrowing my brow as I looked at him while he settled beside me.

"On honeymoon," he replied, pulling me onto his lap.

I wanted to ask more but couldn't because my mouth was busy kissing him with the same passion as he kissed me.

He took me to a deserted island and made love to me. We were there for seven days, and he remained buried in me all the time. We only stopped when we needed to eat. Otherwise, we were not separated from each other even for a second. He came inside me countless times and made me come in so many ways I didn't even know existed. Lying in his arms, I felt like all my dreams had come true.

But the bubble of my happiness burst when I had a miscarriage for the first time. Zander didn't say anything, but I saw the disappointment in his eyes. Slowly he became distant, and his ultimate excuse was the workload. Still, I tried to assure myself that it was all in my head and he hadn't changed.

But the truth came out in the end, and my illusion ended.

I came to know that I was living a false dream.

*Selena*

**One year later.**

"Congratulations, Luna! You're pregnant!" The doctor's words kept ringing in my mind, filling me with joy as I made my way to my mate, the Alpha King's office, to tell him the good news.

After many tries, I was finally going to have my Alpha's pup. Zander and I had wanted a baby for so long since we had mated. But every time I got pregnant, it ended sadly with heartbreaking miscarriages, losing my precious pups.

This time, when I realized I had missed my periods, I decided to keep it to myself. I didn't want Zander to go through the pain and disappointment of another loss.

I kept my pregnancy hidden from everyone, waiting for the right time. It wasn't until three months had passed that I went for a check-up, hoping for good news. When the doctor confirmed that the baby was growing healthy and strong, tears of happiness flowed from my eyes. I couldn't contain my joy, rushing to share this incredible news with my mate.

I was going to knock on the door, but my hand halted in the air when I heard Avery's voice.

"Why don't you leave her? She doesn't deserve to be your mate. She's weak and wolf-less."

My smile disappeared as my heart sank with uncertainty.

"Not now, Avery. I have to go to the conference. We'll talk about it later," Zander's calm voice replied, leaving me shocked.

Mate.

Weak.

Wolf-less.

They were talking about me!

"Why don't you kill her like you killed her family and pack?" Avery's bored voice came from behind the wide, thick doors.

I gasped and covered my mouth, trying to hold back tears. My eyes stung and everything became blurry.

"Stop! Don't say anything else. I'm late for the conference," Zander growled, sounding frustrated but not denying it.

It couldn't be true.

Goddess, please tell me that it couldn't be true! My mate, responsible for killing my family?! Now, he's plotting my murder with his girlfriend!

My suspicions were confirmed. At first, I only believed Avery was in love with Zander. But now, it's clear Zander also loved her, and they betrayed me behind my back.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, crashing against the fragile shores of my heart.

I didn't have time to wipe my tears when I heard footsteps nearing the door. I needed to escape before they sensed me.

Swiftly, I slid away from the door and rushed to my room. Closing the door behind me, I frantically searched for my phone and dialed my father's number.

Each ring felt like an eternity as I impatiently waited for my father to answer, but there was no response. The silence on the other end of the line gnawed at my soul, intensifying the fear gripping my heart.

In hopes of hearing some news, I called my uncle, Jack. He picked up after three rings.

"Uncle, I've been trying to reach Mom and Dad, but no one's picking up the phone," I blurted out, my worry rushing out in a hurry.

"Selena, my dear, it's over. Everything is finished! The pack... our pack... it's gone," Uncle Jack's voice cracked, carrying the same pain I felt.

"Who... who could do that?" I asked, hoping what I heard at Zander's office was wrong.

"It was him, Selena. It was your mate," Uncle Jack's voice shook with sadness and resentment.

The ground beneath my feet seemed to crumble away, leaving me suspended in a world of disbelief.

"The Alpha King, Zander Blake. He murdered your family... our pack," Uncle's voice lowered to a somber tone, carrying the weight of an unbearable truth.

I felt like such a fool. Even after hearing it myself, I needed confirmation from my uncle. My already shattered heart splintered into countless pieces, each fragment a testament to the immense loss I had suffered.

My mate hated me so much that he even demolished my whole pack.

I clasped a hand over my mouth, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to consume me. Tears streamed down my face, mixing with the remnants of shattered dreams as I mourned the devastating loss of my beloved family and the pack members who had once been my kin.

"Uncle," I hesitated, my voice shaking as I wiped my tears with the back of my hand, "I overheard Zander and his girlfriend, Avery, planning to murder me. They've been having an affair and want to get rid of me."

"Oh, Goddess! I always knew he was cruel, but to be so heartless..." Uncle's words trailed off, overwhelmed by deep sorrow for my situation. "Selena, my dear, I beg you to leave immediately and come to me. We'll escape to the South, leaving this treacherous land behind. There, we can start a new life, far away from their reach, where no one will ever find us."

"No, uncle, I can't just run and hide," I whispered. "He's my mate, the Alpha King. His power has no limits. I'm sure he'll find me, no matter where I go. And... I... I'm pregnant, carrying his pup," I confessed, glancing anxiously around as if the walls themselves held secrets that could expose my vulnerability.

"What?! You're pregnant?!" My uncle's voice surged with sudden excitement, echoing through the receiver.

I bit my trembling lips and nodded, even though he couldn't see me.

"He... he hates you and will kill your child," my uncle's voice trembled with concern and desperation. "I'm coming to take you away from him," he advised, and he was right.

If Zander didn't love me, he wouldn't love our unborn child. It was a truth I couldn't deny, a painful acceptance that stung my heart.

"Wait for me outside the borders of this pack. I'll join you in a few hours," I replied, wiping my wet cheeks with determined yet shaking hands as I ended the call.