The Rejection Alpha Gold Digger

"Leo," Her mothers piercing, uncompromising voice cut through the quiet Palace hall." We need to have a conversation."

The command in her mothers voice made Leo stop dead in her tracks her heart sinking. This was the moment she had expected. The weight of the royal crown which was not yet hers was pressing down on her and she could feel it-the air was heavy with inevitable.

The conversations about what lay ahead had already started even though her fathers body was still cold in the mortuary. Leo had never desired the future.

She looked at Queen Aurelia, the woman who had always controlled the Packs power but she didnt answer. Once tender and full of love the queens face now appeared hard and nearly unrecognizable-framed by something other than grief of course.

Leo's mother didnt wait for her to speak. With her gaze fixed on her daughters face she took a step closer.

"Leo, the kingdom is in disarray. We are in a difficult situation because of your fathers passing. This is something you are aware of. You alone are capable of leading us now that your brother is too young to assume the throne. Charles must be your spouse."

When Charles was mentioned, Leo's chest constricted. She yelled," I will not marry him" in spite of the raging emotional storm inside of her. "I know what he wants you know. Power is at issue here not love."

For a brief moment, Queen Aurelias face wavered. She was a mother second and a queen first and Leo knew her well enough to know that she had already made up her mind.

Despite the underlying tension, her mothers voice remained steady as she said "You dont have a choice Leo. Stability is necessary for the kingdom. And only Charles is able to supply that. We will be able to survive thanks to his wealth and influence. The throne will be safeguarded."

As she experienced a surge of rage and powerlessness, Leo's breath caught in her throat. She had always thought she could continue her fathers legacy of just and gracious rule.

She was being choked by her mothers insistence on Charles though. Knowing his true intentions she was unable to accept him as her husband.

Leo spat out," I will not be used as a pawn her words piercing their relationship. You cannot make me wed someone I hate."

Prior to her mothers reply, the chambers doors flew open further upending Leo's world. Charless tall commanding presence filled the doorway as he stood there.

Even though Jude Charles constant advisor was hardly visible behind him, Leo could sense the icy calculating aura that both men exuded. Charles grinned as his pointed teeth gleamed in the dim light.

His voice was as smooth as silk as he said,"Good evening, Princess"... but beneath it was a dark avaricious undertone. We seem to be having a family conversation.

Leo's instincts were telling her to get out of there before things got worse and her heart was pounding. Her feet however were cemented to the ground.

"Leo," her mother said her tone a little softer now but with a hint of annoyance." Now is not the moment to act disobediently. A decision cannot be delayed any longer by the kingdom. For years Charles has been your fathers ally. We cant risk losing him right now."

She felt her spine tingle as Charles's intense gaze fixed itself on Leo. He advanced slowly while maintaining a commanding stance.

" Your Highness," he remarked his tone lightly mocking," Not only your mother thinks we ought to get married. It is the kingdoms best course of action. Together Leo we can rule. All of your desires can be fulfilled by me."

At her sides, Leos fingers balled into fists."What you have to offer is not something I want. For me wealth and power are irrelevant. Charles I'll never wed you. You dont want my heart you want the throne and the oil well."

Although a smile formed on Charless lips, it was cold and dark and lacked charm. He said in a threatening tone," You think this is about your heart Leo?. It has to do with surviving. Your kingdoms survival. Your dad has an oil well. Your future. You will either lose everything if you dont marry me."

In her throat Leos breath caught. Each of his words reverberated in her mind twisting in her chest like a dagger. Although she was aware of Charless greed it was a whole new level of clarity to hear it expressed.

He only cared about what he could get out of her she wasnt important to him. Leo shot back,"You dont know anything about survival" her voice steady even as she felt a wave of panic rise within her. "The kingdom will be destroyed if you marry despite your belief that it will be saved. You are only concerned with what you can steal from us. The throne must be taken from my lifeless icy hands if you wish to keep it Charles."

Leo and Charles were separated by Queen Aurelia whose face contorted into an unreadable expression. For a brief moment, Leo could see the fatigue behind her mothers eyes as her voice broke

"Enough! Leo I'm asking you as a daughter. You have the power to shape this kingdoms future. Everything we own will be lost if you don't. Right now Charles is our only line of defense."

Her heart broke in two for Leo. Yes, the kingdom needed help but not from Charles. Not from someone who was only interested in gaining power.

Her thoughts were racing as she turned her back on her mother. The decision was oppressively heavy. There was no shortcut no route without repercussions. Everything was on the line: the kingdom her fathers life and the legacy of her family.

With a voice full of emotion Leo muttered,"Mother, I will not be a puppet in his game. I say no."

Once more, Charles moved forward this time with intention. As he talked his voice oozed a fake sweetness and his eyes glistened with an almost predatory hunger.

"Leo you dont understand. Let me clarify: You believe you have a choice? You believe you can turn me down?" He moved a step closer. "Either you wed me or your kingdom will collapse. You lose your hold on your throne."

Leo had a lot on his mind. In some perverse way she was aware that what he was saying was accurate. The kingdoms instability would cause it to fall apart if she didnt. Then as though her mind had called him Jude emerged from the darkness with a sheet of paper in his hand.

His face was serious as though he was bearing a burdensome reality." I have something for you"

Jude said in a high-pitched voice. Leo felt his heart pound." And what was that?"

With his hands shaking a little Jude extended the letter to Leo. "This is something you must see."

She took the paper from him her fingers grazing it as Leo reached for it. Was it a threat or a royal decree? Her body was on high alert as her mind raced. Her fathers seal the royal insignia and the kingdoms seal appeared as she unfolded the letter.

However the next thing she read chilled her to the bone. She read aloud Leo her voice shaking as the thought occurred to her." This is a royal order. My father has given me the order."

She halted gasping for air." It states that the kingdom will be sanctioned if I decline to marry Charles. The coalitions will fall apart. Our wealth will be depleted. The populace will rebel against us. The crown. Someone else will succeed to the throne."

With his smile growing Charless voice interrupted. "You see Leo? There's nothing you can do. A capable leader is required for the kingdom. And I am that leader. Your refusal will only lead to disaster."

With a sinking heart, Leo stood there. She had believed that she was capable of fighting that she could somehow resist. But the reality was right in front of her.

In addition to costing her her refusal would cost her everything she had ever known." I.... This is shocking" Leo muttered. Heartbroken she gazed up at her mother." Would you allow this to occur? Allow this man to rob us of everything?"

Queen Aurelias expression softened and sorrow filled her eyes." I'm acting in the kingdoms best interests Leo. You'll understand eventually. Its the only option but I never wanted this for you."

Leo's eyes filled with tears but she wiped them away with rage." No. I refuse to participate in this. This wont cause me to lose everything."

Jude took another step forward with a blank expression on his face." It's more than just losing everything. The goal is to preserve whats left. Leo this is the only option."

Charles gave a soft laugh." Leo you lack the fortitude to say no. You and I both own the throne."

Leo gazed at each of them her world whirling her heart heavy. There was nothing to do. There is no escape. Without Charles assistance the kingdom would fall. She could either give in to him or watch as everything fell apart.

Leo muttered," I'll do it with hardly a sound in her voice. I will wed you"

Charles grinned broadly his eyes full of victory. He had prevailed. On the inside however Leo knew she wouldn't,it was going to be over her dead, limp body and that was it .

Leo turned to face him,"But first,I need to read the content of my father's letter"

In Leo's hands the letter shook, its thick parchment sealed with wax nearly scorching her skin. This was not what she had anticipated despite her many expectations.

Her heart was racing as she glanced up at Ana,her personal maid. Her voice was tense and strained as though speaking too loudly would break the delicate silence that had descended upon the room.

"What is this?" she asked.

Ana's dark eyes flicked to Charles who was waiting in the doorway with a predatory composure but his face was unreadable.

Leo's gut told her that she couldn't ignore the letter's obvious message that whatever was written in it was going to change everything.

"You know It's from your father," Ana said, her voice hardly audible above a whisper. "He left instructions before he passed away. He was aware that this was what would happen, Leo. He anticipated your refusal."

Leo's stomach turned over. "What does it say?" She asked but What it said she already knew.

There could only be one awful thing that would force her into a situation from which she would be unable to get out. A man of honor duty and love for his people, her father may now be dragging her into an uncontrollable destiny following his untimely death.

She took a deep breath and opened the letter, the wax snapping beneath her fingers as she broke the seal. As she read the final line her heart stumbled as her eyes swept over the exquisite handwriting.

The letter was succinct but decisive...

Loved one Leo.

My moment has arrived if you are reading this. You have to wed Charles. There's nothing else to do. This union is necessary for the kingdom to survive. Our people cannot be protected by you alone. The throne is where your power resides and it must be preserved for the benefit of our family and our kingdom.

Although I am aware that you are finding this difficult I have faith that you will comprehend when the time comes. Because it is your duty your heart will come to love him. With all of my affection.

Richard King.

The floor seemed to vanish beneath her feet Leo thought. As a wave of nausea overcame her the words appeared to blur on the page.

There would be no other option and her father had known that she would be compelled to do this. It felt betraying to read his words now though. Leo said in a whisper "No...." her voice cracking. Her knuckles turned white as she crumpled the letter in her hand." I cannot wed him. For the rest of my life I will not be bound to him."

Charles took a step forward at that moment, his eyes dark and nearly victorious. Smoothly he said," You have no choice Leo" with the same sneaky composure that he always exuded."These days the throne is about what is required not what you want."

Ana moved and took a step in her direction. "Your father knew what he was doing Leo. You have to realize that power isn't the only factor here. The goal is to protect the kingdom's legacy."

Leo felt her chest heave as she struggled to control her fear and rage. She whispered," I never asked for this in an emotionally charged tone. I never requested to be a pawn in someone else's scheme."

Her heart sank as she gazed down at the rumpled letter in her hands. She knew that in his last days,he had been worried about the kingdom's future and that Leo was too young and inexperienced to handle the difficulties that lay ahead.

Could this have really been what he meant? However, to mandate that she wed Charles? When her mother,who had left to handle some matters, entered the room her eyes were red with tears and her face drawn and her thoughts were interrupted.

With a mix of desperation and resolve she gazed at Leo. Queen Aurelia said in a low, almost pleading voice," Leo please.I thought we're over this noe.You are ignorant of the repercussions of disobeying this. Your father had a purpose when he made this choice. There is instability in the kingdom. There is nothing else that can save us except Charless wealth and power."

Leo started to argue but the words got stuck in her throat. Leo could see the silent fear in her mothers wide beseeching eyes. Her mother was fully aware of the consequences if Leo declined. Everything her father had accumulated-the legacy he had dedicated his life to building-would be destroyed and the kingdom would collapse.

Leo shook her head and said," I don't care about the throne.I value my life and my freedom. That's not something I'll sacrifice for this-just for him."

With a spooky twinkle in his eyes, Charles grinned." Leo you're not required to love me. You wouldn't marry me for that reason. The issue here is one of survival. about protecting your kingdom."

" You don't understand," Leo said, her voice cracking." You've never given a damn about my best interests. All you've ever desired is power. You can never have me."

Then her mother moved forward reaching for Leo with a shaking hand. "Please Leo..."she said in a whisper." This is the only option."

Her breath came in short shallow gasps as Leo stepped back. Her voice was hoarse as she said," You're asking me to be trapped in a life I didn't choose. You want me to wed someone. I hate someone who is solely interested in the kingdom's riches. This has nothing to do with love. It has nothing to do with duty. It has to do with your desire to defend your own standing."

For a brief moment Leo could see the tiniest glimmer of guilt in her eyes as her mother winced at the words. However it soon disappeared and was replaced by a resolute icy resolve.

" You'll see," her mother muttered." As you will see there is no other option."

Turning away, Leo felt her heart pounding in her ears. She had run out of things to think about. Her thoughts were still filled with the finality of her fathers words ,he had penned:

Your heart will learn to love him.

She never learned to love a man like Charles so how could she? The room appeared to close in on her but then the door swung open once more this time with such force that Leo recoiled.

In the doorway stood Smith Charles' devoted friend and advisor, his face beaming with excitement.

Smith stated sharply "Everything is in place. . Tomorrow the mate will arrive. I hope you're prepared Princess?"

Leo felt sick to his stomach." Mate?" she asked again, her voice trembling." What's happening tomorrow? What do you mean?"

Charles smiled broadly." Leo, your mate. The person who should be by your side. The person who will arrive tomorrow to...take you back..."

For Leo the implication made his blood run cold. "What is the meaning of that? Who is coming?"

Smith looked over to where Charles stood, grinning from ear to ear with her mother and said," Someone you can't refuse," his smile growing." A person who will ensure your compliance."

When Leo realized how serious the situation was she felt a sudden wave of dread. She had no other option. The kingdom was on the line. As she turned to face her mother who was standing quietly waiting for Leo to do something her heart pounded in her chest.

She could feel the chill of inevitable fate sinking into her bones as the room's walls seemed to close in around her.

"Mother" Leo said in a tremulous whisper." Who is my mate? Who is this man?"

Her mother initially remained silent, her face a mask of concern and determination. She finally spoke after a long pause, her voice full of passion." You'll run into him tomorrow. He has the ability to keep you safe. You already know him"

Leo experienced a rush of annoyance and betrayal. "To be a pawn to a man I don't even love? To sacrifice my life for this... this nightmare? Is this the future you want for me?"

Her mother reiterated" You don't understand . The kingdom will benefit from this. We need to live. Protecting the throne-your throne-is essential. Leo you will see this. You will understand all this eventually "

Like the last stone in a tomb Leo sensed the icy truth sinking deep inside her. There was nowhere to go. Her future was predetermined. She faced the men who had imposed this path on her as she turned back to the door.

Smith was still waiting, still grinning. "Don't be afraid Princess. All of this will change tomorrow."

The truth of the situation crushed Leo and her heart thumped in her chest. The following day. Her supposed mate, Charles would arrive to take her.Firstly she had to do something? Secondly, what does she do now?

The knock at the palace door came just as the sun had begun to rise over the kingdom. Leo's chest constricted with every second that went by and her heart skipped a beat.

She had been pacing all night long struggling with the fear of what lay ahead. Her mothers abrupt push the letter from her father and now-this.

Her mothers voice interrupted her thoughts as she called through the door ,"Leo.... Make sure you're ready. He'll arrive shortly."

Leo felt the burden of the situation weigh down on her as she clenched her fists. She wanted to decline and flee from the choices being made for her but she was unable to do so. Not right now. Not with the future of the entire kingdom at stake.

A stranger was her reflection as she stood in front of the mirror. The weight of tradition and expectation made the royal gown she wore feel like chains.

Even with her golden hair styled and the tiara perched on her head Leo could only see the image of a princess with no authority over her own life. This isn't me she said to herself in the quiet of her room. This won't trap me. . . .

However the moment she had the thought her mother entered through the open door. Her face was a mask of artificial calm and Queen Aurelias eyes were weary.

Her eyes were filled with regret and love for Leo but there was also a silent desperation in them as if this were the last frail thread that could save them all. Leo she uttered quietly her voice bearing the burden of years of choices.

"You have to realize that there is no other option but to get married, the sole means of defending the kingdom the throne and your family "

She became angry but Leo swallowed it and bit her lip." By getting married to Charles? The same Charles who is only interested in the throne and oil wells? Mother, you don't realize that he is taking advantage of you and me."

The sadness in her eyes grew as her mother shook her head. "Leo, it's not about what he desires. It has to do with what is required. Everything will be stabilized by this union. You have to realize that even though Charles is flawed he can still assist us in rebuilding."

Leo's eyes became hard. "The best he can do is to dig for gold."

Aurelia took a step closer and sighed. "You'll see. Although I am aware that this is difficult, this is the course we must follow. You don't realize how strong you are."

Leo turned away, her hands shaking at her sides. "This kind of strength is not what I want.I don't want to play a supporting role in someone else's scheme."

Her mother was about to reply when she heard a faint barely audible knock outside the door. Leo's heart began to race. Her partner was present.

Aurelia gave her one last glance and spoke in a barely audible voice. "Keep in mind that this is for your father. For the kingdom. Please. . . "

Her heart felt like it was breaking inside her chest but Leo nodded. Her mother left Leo alone with her fear after giving her one final lingering glance before leaving the room.

She heard the sound of heavy boots on the marble floors followed by a low murmur of voices in the hallway. Charles was standing in the doorway when it swung open.

"Princess Leo," he said with a charming smile and a smooth voice.

Leo however saw through it. It was always obvious to her. Tall and good-looking Charles had a sharply defined jaw and eyes that sparkled with shrewd charm. His immaculately fitted suit only enhanced his portrayal of the affluent Alpha wolf.

Everything about him including his words, gestures and demeanor seemed effortless. However Leo sensed the manipulation in the air as if it were a physical presence all around him.

There was something darker glinting in his eyes and his smile was all teeth. She answered icily Charles sounding a bit more composed than she actually felt. "I assume you're here to assert your ownership of what is rightfully yours."

With a gentle click the door closed behind Charles as he entered." Princess, I have nothing to claim here." She could see the calculation in his eyes but his voice was smooth and almost loving as he approached her. "I'm here to give you hope for the future. a time when we all rule together. where the kingdom prospers once more."

Though the words were a sharp whisper Leo's lips curled into a tight smile. "A future in which everything is taken."

He hesitated a brief lapse in his smile that was soon replaced by his typical self-assurance. "Princess, you're not understanding. I'm only interested in what's best for us both, not everything. The kingdom you and me. We are able to collaborate."

Leo's fists were clenched at her sides. "Charles, we are not collaborating. You're exploiting both my mothers desperation and myself. The goal of this marriage is for you to establish your position as ruler not to save the kingdom."

"Power is the key to everything, Leo. It should be obvious to you by now."His presence was overwhelming as he moved closer. "You will learn to trust me but you don't have to love me. I am able to fulfill all of your desires. The kingdom, the legacy of your family-everything."

She felt as though she might burst for a moment as her heart twisted in her chest. Her father had planned for her to look like this. Her mother had pushed her into this destiny. Leo refused to budge though. She was unable to.

Her voice was full of emotion as she stated," I don't need your power. . I must have my independence. "

Charles extended his arm and lightly touched her arm." Freedom? Leo, do you really believe that you can live without help? Do you really believe that you can defend everything by yourself? Your father, the throne, the kingdom's oil wealth? Freedom isn't, the point of survival is. Furthermore you have no chance without me"

Leo stepped back, jerking her arm away from his touch. "That's not for you to decide. Charles I will not wed you. I'm not going to wed you."

With a smug grin he stepped back and laughed darkly. "Pretty, you have no other option. Never did you." As the weight of his words settled between them he spoke in a low, nearly growling voice. "This marriage is something you cannot turn down. That's what your father's letter made clear."

Leo sensed her face's blood dripping out. The letter. The harsh directive her father had given her was still fresh in her mind. The bitter taste made her stomach turn.

Charles smiled broadly. "Leo, we'll have the kingdom tomorrow. All you can do is accept it."

Leo inhaled deeply as he attempted to ignore the mounting panic. "You're mistaken. I will never participate in your game."

The door opened once more before Charles could reply and Leo's mother entered the room with a determined yet pale face." Leo..." she said in a firm yet low voice. "The time has come."

Leo turned to look at her mother, the moment's weight like a thick shrouding her. She was caught. There was nothing to run away from, nothing to escape. But she noticed a brief silent apology flicker in her mothers eyes as she looked into them.

Even though her mother might not sympathize with her suffering, Leo understood that she had to carry out this task regardless of her desire to do so.

Charles took a step forward and held out his hand. "Leo come. Let's put things right. Waiting for you is the future."

The fear rose in Leo's throat as she swallowed. "I'm not sure if I can pull this off."

Her mothers voice was firm but gentle. "You have no other option."

Leo could feel the words echoing in her head like an iron shackle enclosing her soul. There was no other choice despite her heart's resistance.

Even though she didn't like it she had to play the part she had been born into. Charles's hold on her arm became more firm but Leo did not fight back." Leo you will realize. You will thank me for this one day."

Her heart heaving with fear however she was forced to follow Charles as he led her out of the room. She had already been given the way.

And everything will be different tomorrow.