The Rejected Alpha's Heart

"Don't stop," I told him.

Goddess, he felt so fuckin good. I had always wondered what sex would be like with Erick, and now that it was happening, I wanted it to last all night. As my body heated, my heart raced faster, and my breath became shallower. The intensity between us escalated as I scratched his back and encouraged him to go deeper. It was a moment I never wanted to end. Erick, being my mate, came just as a surprise to me as it was to him. Tonight was not only my eighteenth birthday but also the Wolf's Moon Gala. In my opinion, tonight was one of the most important nights of the year. The wolf's moon was sacred to all packs because, for one night, we felt a deeper connection to each other. A chosen pack would host a grand ball in honor of the Wolf's Moon. Alphas, Luna's, Betas, and some chosen Omegas from surrounding packs would come together once a year for the Gala, a tradition set in place long ago. The only pack that was absent was the Crystal Blood Pack. It was said that the Alpha killed his mate years ago; others said he was gay, while some thought Selene punished him for something he had done in his past life. This year, we held the ball at the Dark Moon Pack. Since my father was the Beta of the Blood Rose Pack, we arrived two days before the main event.

"Maliyla, hurry, you're going to be late," My mother yelled at me from the bottom of the staircase. I was supposed to have left with my best friend Gisselle an hour ago, but we were so busy playing around that we lost track of time. Gisselle and I had been friends for as long as I could remember. Her dad was the delta of the pack, so we spent every minute of the day together.

"I'm coming!" I yelled back to my mother, who was as impatient as ever because she wanted to ensure we had enough time to take pictures. After one last glance in the mirror, I finally descended the stairs, and my mother's eyes lit up. I could see the tears begin to swell up.

"Mom, don't start crying," I said, rolling my eyes.

My mother smiled as she replied, "I'm sorry, sweetie. I'm just so proud and happy for you!" I smiled back, "Thank you, but please stop crying. OK. Let's take those pictures now!" I said as I stopped on the last step before her.

"OK," my mother whispered, pulling me in for a quick hug before grabbing her camera and taking pictures. Even though I felt silly, I smiled and posed. After a few minutes, she put the camera away, and we both laughed. Finally, Gisselle descended the stairs, clad in a stunning teal mermaid strapless sweetheart gown that seemed to have been poured over her perfectly shaped body.

Although we were best friends, I was always jealous of her hourglass figure. There had always been something appealing about having an hourglass figure, something the Goddess hadn't blessed me with. Gisselle wore her long, dark brown hair in a high ponytail, and her make-up comprised natural colors. I was envious of her naturally flawless and effortless beauty. As for my dress, I wore a silver satin off-the-shoulder mermaid ball gown with a large slit and silver stilettos. My black waist-length hair was styled in soft curls and left down. I also opted for natural eyeshadow and red lips. Mom gave me Grandma's diamond earrings, a choker necklace with a large emerald pendant to wear, and a small silver box clutch with a rhinestone clasp. My look was complete with a sheer silver wrap to keep me warm, although I was sure I wouldn't need it, so I tucked it into my clutch after Mom finished the photo-op.

Kissing my mother goodbye, Gisselle and I made our way to the limo Dad had ordered and got in, ready for the best night of our lives.

"OMG, this is so exciting!" Gisselle exclaimed, "Are you excited? I mean, we could meet our mates tonight?" she said, gripping my hand excitedly. I could feel my heart racing as I thought about it.

"I'm more nervous than anything," I replied low and timidly.

Giselle nodded, "Well, I am sure whoever your mate is, they will be exceptional," she said with a reassuring smile.

I glanced at Gisselle and nodded as I took a deep breath; I knew whatever happened tonight would be an unforgettable experience. As we arrived at the venue, from inside the limo, it looked astonishing. The outside decor was exquisite. As we walked in, I was stunned by the beauty of the place. The garden was lit with candles and lanterns, creating a romantic atmosphere. The sound of crickets and soft romantic music filled the air, while the stars lit up the night sky. As we looked around, I noticed that much effort had gone into the venue's design. The organizers crafted everything carefully, from the flowers to the furniture to the lighting, to create a magical ambiance. Taking care of even the most minor details, the entire place looked like something out of a fairy tale.

Many people stood and talked, and others laughed and enjoyed the food. As Gisselle and I made our way across the garden toward an empty table, I suddenly caught the incredible scent of tobacco and amber. Looking around, my eyes landed on someone I was least expecting: Erick Lopez. He was so handsome and walked up to me with a coy smile.

"Hello, kitten," Erick said with a smirk. The fact that it was him surprised me. I felt my cheeks flush and my heart race as he gently lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it.

"You look beautiful," Erick whispered with a wink.

"Thank you, as do you," I answered shyly.

"Don't be shy," Erick responded as he stepped toward me and wrapped his arms around me. The moment he did, I felt my body relax in his arms as we began to sway back and forth to the music, and I felt like I was in a dream. We danced in the place momentarily before Erick suggested we go for a walk. He led me out of the garden and into the pool house. The moment we were alone, I heard a growl escape from him as he pushed me against the wall.

Erick's lips locked on mine, his tongue seeking entrance, and I gave in to the temptation as his hands slowly searched my body, exploring my curves and brushing my skin with his fingertips. I let out a soft moan as I felt my desire rising, my body full of need for him. As I clamped my thighs together, I knew he could smell my arousal. As Erick looked into my eyes, I saw they were filled with desire as his lips slowly descended onto mine, and I felt a surge of pleasure course through me as we kissed. Erick gently unzipped my dress, dropping it to the ground, revealing I was wearing black laced lingerie. His eyes widened with admiration as he pulled me closer and moved down my body, exploring with his hands and mouth until I was trembling with pleasure. After laying me down on the ground, he slowly entered me, eliciting a gasp from me. His thrusts were slow and gentle, gradually increasing in intensity. I closed my eyes and surrendered to the pleasure as we moved together in perfect harmony.

"Fuck kitten, your pussy is so tight," Erick whispered into my ear as he thrust harder and faster, and I felt myself getting close to the edge. I grabbed his back as I felt my orgasm building, and I moaned loudly. His intensity increased, and I felt my body shaking with pleasure as I experienced the most intense orgasm of my life. Erick followed soon after, collapsing on top of me and breathing heavily. We lay there for a few moments, enjoying the afterglow of our pleasure. As he rolled off, he pulled me close, kissing me tenderly.

"Goddess, you felt so good, Kitten," Erick said in a low voice. We lay there for a few moments, enjoying the moment together, before he stood and took my hand, helping me to my feet. Erick took a deep breath before speaking.

"I, Erick Lopez, Alpha of the Blood Rose Pack, reject you, Maliyla Giuliano, as my mate and Luna," his words sounded like a punch to my gut. I couldn't believe it as my wolf roared a loud, painful howl, and my heart was shattered. After putting his clothes back on, he walked towards me and kissed my forehead. It was clear from the glint in his eyes that he had no regrets.

"I'm sorry," he said softly before walking away, leaving me naked and alone.

It had been six months since the Wolf's Moon Gala, and I couldn't escape that humiliation. Now, my parents acted like I was a terrible daughter. I thought I had it all under control - the fancy dress, the makeup, the whole look. But I didn't know I would be the laughingstock of the entire pack, not to mention that Erick had left me there alone. The pain I felt was indescribable. After Erick left me and while putting my dress back on, I heard cheers and clapping in the distance. Zipping up my dress, I ran out of the pool house to find Gisselle in the middle of the garden with Erick.

A group of people surrounded them, all of them laughing and celebrating. Erick's arm was around Gisselle as they shared a passionate kiss; a lump formed in my throat when I realized what had happened.

Erick rejected me for my best friend. I couldn't stop the tears streaming down my face as I turned away. I felt betrayed and hurt. It was clear that Gisselle and I would never be friends again, and I was right. Shortly after they announced they were mates, they moved my parents and me from the pack house into a small cottage. It was then that my parents started acting differently towards me. My mother became distant, and my father became a shell. Losing his beta title was difficult for him, and he blamed me.

I tried to move on from that night, but everywhere I turned, they snickered and called me names. Although no one said anything to my face, they still said things loud enough for me to hear. It stung that they thought so little of me, yet I knew I had to stay strong and not let their words break me. On this particular day, I was sitting in my room reading "The Wolves Among Us" by one of my favorite authors, J.R. Smith. She was such a talented author, and I fell in love with her entire Wolf Series, that I spent all my savings buying her books. I was in the middle of one of the steamy chapters when Alpha Erick's voice came through the mind link. "Maliyla, I need you to come to the pack house now," he said, his tone flat with no emotion.

Standing up from my bed, I rolled my eyes. "On my way, Alpha Erick," I replied. He was the last person I wanted to see, especially after what he had put me through. As usual, my father was sprawled out on the couch, drunk, when I made my way downstairs.

"I'll be back," I yelled at my mom, who was in the kitchen. I didn't wait to hear if she responded. Walking down the driveway, I gazed up at the sky and smiled. The light pink and purple colors of the evening sky were stunning.

As I walked through town, I was grateful that hardly anyone was around. At least this way, I wouldn't have to hear their sly remarks. As I approached the pack house, I suddenly felt that something terrible was about to happen. Just as I was about to knock on the door, Alice, the housekeeper, opened it. Her facial expression showed hate and disgust for me. I did not know why, since she was so pleasant when I lived here. Putting all that aside, I smiled at her.

"Alpha Erick requested my presence," I said with a smile. Alice stepped aside, letting me in. As I walked past her, I could feel her glaring at my back as I walked through the hallway. The reason for her change of attitude towards me was beyond my comprehension. As I reached the staircase, I walked up to Erick's office on the second floor. I heard his voice through the cracked door as I was about to knock.

"Are you planning to come in or just stand there?" Erick growled. When I entered the room, I saw Erick seated at his desk with Gisselle on his lap, a smug grin on her face. I could only imagine what they were doing before I walked in. Deciding to push the thoughts out of my mind, I made my way to the desk and stood before them.

"You asked to see me, Alpha?" I asked casually.

Erick barely looked at me when he responded. "Yes, I need you to sign these papers, and then you need to leave the pack, preferably tonight," he said. His request surprised me. I tried to keep my voice steady as I asked, "So you want me to just leave? With no explanation?"

Erick nodded, "Yes, that's what I need you to do," he replied, still refusing to look at me.

"WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO GO?" I yelled at him. I watched as Erick pushed Gisselle off his lap before standing up from his seat and glaring at me.

"You will remember who you are speaking to," Erick yelled, "You are no longer a member of this pack, so I don't care where you end up. Just sign the fucken papers, pack your shit, and leave!" his jaw clenched as he stared at me, his face contorted with anger. I could see he was done talking, and nothing was left to say. Slowly, I grabbed the documents and signed them. My heart was heavy with sadness and fear as I turned to leave the office.

Just as I reached the door, Erick yelled, "You are to leave tonight."

I walked out of the office, tears filling my eyes as I closed the door. This pack had been my home for so long, and now I was forced to leave. Running out of the pack house, the tears I held fell down my face, I ran home and to my room. As I closed my bedroom door, I heard his voice again.

"You have thirty minutes to pack your shit and formally renounce the pack. Do I make myself clear?" Erick taunted.

"Yes," I replied, trying to sound like I didn't care, although deep down, I was terrified. My failure to comply would have dire consequences, and I knew it. I had no choice but to obey the command, so I quickly packed my belongings and prepared to leave. Once I finished packing, I went downstairs to find my parents at the kitchen table, both refusing to look up at me, their faces full of disappointment. Not knowing when we would meet again, I said a silent goodbye before leaving the house. As I walked down the driveway, I stopped in my tracks to turn and look at the house one last time before making my way to the pack border. Once I reached the edge of the pack, I recited the words as I closed my eyes.

"I, Maliyla Giuliano, renounce all ties to the Blood Rose Pack," tears fell from my eyes as I stepped over the border and into the unknown.

Maliyla's POV

With a heavy heart, I walked away from the pack border. The only comfort I got was the fact that I no longer had to deal with all the dirty looks or nasty words they said about me. I was free from the emotional and mental burden that I had been carrying. Yet, I was still alone and out in the open without protection from wind, rain, and even more dangerous rogues. The situation left me trying to figure out where to go and what to do. I felt lost and scared, but I knew I had to keep moving. Safety was my top priority as I searched for a place to spend the night. The nearest pack was a few miles away, and walking all night was not an option.

It would have been easier and faster if I could shift, but since Erick rejected me, my wolf disappeared. Taking a breath, I started walking toward the neighboring pack, feeling increasingly desperate with every step. I was sure I'd be able to find a place to rest for the night, but I was running out of time. Erick making me leave at night was the cherry on top of everything. I knew Erick knew the dangers I would face out here. We had previously encountered rogues at Blood Rose Pack, mangy animals killing for sport. Even more painful was the fact that my parents didn't say a word to me.

As I made my way through the forest, I looked for any form of shelter. After some time, I found a small stream. I was so grateful because I was thirsty. Pulling out a canister, I took the top off and dipped it into the stream, filling it to the top. Once it was full, I lifted the canister to my lips and drank. The cool water running down my throat felt energizing as it was a warm evening. When I lowered the container, I noticed a cave entrance just across the stream. I hadn't seen it before because the entrance was covered in vines. After quickly refilling the canister, I crossed the stream. Making sure to avoid making a lot of noise, as I would rather not draw attention to anything that might be lurking. I was on high alert as I walked through the water, constantly looking around for signs of danger.

My heart raced as I heard a twig snap to my left, but it turned out to be nothing more than a small animal. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued my way up the bank. Reaching the entrance, I put my bags down and parted the vines. Once I cleared a small gap, I quickly gathered my things and went inside. I was grateful I brought my cell phone. Initially, I considered leaving my phone because I figured no one would call me. No one had even texted me to check if I was alive, but the light it emitted meant I didn't have to stumble around in the dark. As I walked through the cave, going to the back seemed the safest, as no one would come all the way back there, or so I thought.

I slowly made my way to the back and eventually noticed a faint light coming from a corner. Cautiously, I approached it and saw another entrance leading to the outside. The cave had two entrances, which I figured would be positive and negative, as it made for a fast exit if I needed to run. However, it also meant anything could enter through there as well. I decided not to think about the latter and get some rest. Glancing at my phone, I saw it was just past midnight. "I guess this will do for a night," I said aloud as I dropped my bags and curled up in a ball. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't help but worry about what lurked in the shadows. Placing my phone back in my backpack, I tried to push the thought away and eventually drifted off to sleep.

After a few hours, a loud growl awakened me. Quickly, I grabbed my phone and jumped up. Two glowing eyes caught my attention in the darkness, and I knew I was not alone. Using my flashlight, I shone the light toward the growl, revealing a large, menacing wolf. Quickly, I grabbed my backpack and ran toward the other cave entrance. Even though the hole was small and narrow, I pushed through, scraping my forehead and shoulder. I could hear the wolf growling and howling in the cave. Since rogues don't communicate like we do, they become feral after being alone for a while, even though they were once part of a pack like me.

After getting out of the hole, I ventured back into the woods. I could hear other rogues howling in the distance. Rushing, I adjusted my backpack and dashed forward. The woods were dark; all I could see was moonlight peeking through the trees. I ran as fast as I could and eventually found a small clearing. After catching my breath, I looked around, trying to figure out where I was.

When suddenly I was shoved down hard from behind, I felt a pair of teeth sink into my leg, and I screamed in pain. Blood oozed from my thigh as I reached for whatever I could find. When I felt a rock hidden in the leaves, I turned and hit the wolf in the head with it. The wolf yelped and backed away as I tried to stand, my leg throbbing. I winced in pain as I took one step, only for another wolf to jump on me and sink his teeth into my shoulder. I screamed in agony. The wolf was too fast as I scrambled for the rock; his claws sank into my back as he pinned me. At that moment, I was helpless. Just as I was about to accept my fate, I heard the roar of the rogues' cries, and all of a sudden, they were gone. Standing far in the distance, I saw a WOLF silhouette. As it approached, my vision faded, leaving me with only a vision of a blue-eyed man.