The Vampire King's Rejected Mate

"To the moonlit festival!!"

"To the moonlit festival!!"

Hundreds of voices chanted in unison as goblets were raised into the air. Laughter followed, blending with the lively music that filled the grand hall. Beneath the silver glow spilling through the towering windows.... thousands of werewolves celebrated the most anticipated event in the century.

THE MOONLIT FESTIVAL.

A sacred celebration held only once every twenty years. Each time it was hosted by a different pack, and tonight, it was the Crescent Moon Pack's turn. So every werewolves from every corner of the Wolf Realm had gathered to witness the rare occasion.

I should be happy... you know

after all, I was the daughter of the strongest Alpha king in the wolf realm, Alpha Ricardo Diavolo

Tonight was to be special but instead, I stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, watching my younger sister receive all the attention as usual.

"Oh mine..... Malicia looks so beautiful tonight."

"She truly resembles her mother, Luna Lupa." another woman gushed.

"I can already see her becoming a powerful Luna, someday."

The compliments went on and on

following her everywhere and my lips curled into a small smile.

I was already used to that though it hurts at times, but there was no denying that Malicia had always been the favorite

The prettier daughter

The more charming daughter

The daughter everyone noticed

And then, there was me..... Alessia

The daughter people often forgot was standing in the room.

"You're staring."

God....!! I flinched and looked behind me to find my best friend, Sophia right beside me with two glasses in her hand. A smile tugged at her lips as she offered me one.

I accepted it with a quiet chuckle.

"Was it that obvious?"

"Very. Very." She nodded and immediately her eyes went cold.

Confused, I followed her gaze toward the center of the hall..... watching as Roberto walked up to stand beside Malicia.

He whispered something to her and they started laughing. And the next thing, Malicia lay her head on his shoulder while causally rubbing his arm.

And my smile dropped instantly.

The sight shouldn't have bothered me if it's someone else

but he's my fiancée.... the future Alpha of the black moon pack.

She knows. She knows he's my financée yet she's touching him like that. I bite my lips fighting hard my emotions as my grip tightens more on the glass on my hand. Yes, recently I have been noticing some tension between Roberto and I but I have no idea what's wrong.

"You noticed too, right?" Sophia's voice cut in my thoughts. And I quickly looked away. "Noticed what?"

She shot me a look.

"Come on, girl... Roberto of course?"

I shrugged and forced out a laugh. "You're starting to imagine things again, Sophia,"

"Alessia–"

"Ahhhhh!!!"

The sudden loud cheer erupted through the hall, cutting her off. And relief flooded me.

I wasn't ready for that conversation.

Together, we turned toward the stage.

My father, Alpha Ricardo, had arrived alongside my mother, the elders, and his brothers.

"The ceremony is about to begin!" Sophia squealed.

But before I could respond, she snatched my empty glass.

"I need to refill these. Don't go anywhere!"

She kissed my cheek and disappeared into the crowd.

I sighed and exhaled tiredly.

The music had grown very loud now

Around me, wolves danced, laughed, and celebrated.

Yet an uncomfortable feeling settled deep inside my chest.

Something felt...

Wrong.

Something I couldn't explain.

I doubt it's just about Roberto or Malicia. Why am I starting to feel so uneasy? Like something is about to happen?

"Get hold of yourself, Alessia," I groaned and ran my hand over my hair. "Roberto loves you. You just need some rest." I kept whispering as I turned to sneak out from there. But just as I was about to take one step forward.....

CRASH!!!

A deafening explosion shattered through the hall, causing the music to die instantly.

Every head snapped toward the towering windows

Silence fell

Not a single person moved.

My fingers tightened around my dress as I stared upward, my heartbeat quickening.

Then a hand appeared on the shattered window, grabbing a piece of the broken glasses.

Seeing the sight had a strange chill crawled down my spine.

Every instinct screamed at me to run.

But curiosity rooted me to the spot.

And suddenly, a man dressed in black vaulted through the broken window.

Then another.

And another.

And another.

Until dozens of dark figures began pouring into the hall.

"Vampires!" Someone screamed, breaking the silence, and the hall erupted into chaos.

As if on cue, more vampires rushed in, their bloodshot eyes glowing coldly as they swept across the hall. Fuck.... my breath hitched as panic surged through me.

"Attack!" My father roared

And our warriors immediately shifted into their wolves, furious growls filling the air as they lunged at the vampires.

But I stood frozen

shaking. Terrified

How had they managed to enter our pack?

How?

This was something I had no answer to right now.

The once vibrant hall snapped into a battlefield in an instant.

Women screamed as they clutched their pups, running for safety while the beautiful decorations were tramped and torn apart. Blood splattered across the floor, bodies flew through the air, and snarls, screams, and the clash of Ganda and claws filled the hall.

Bam!

I screamed as the dead body fell in front of me. With panicked eyes I turned to run when my gaze fell on Roberto. He was looking at me.... For once I thought he was going to come get me but-

"Hhhhhh!!!"

My sister's scream cut through the air

And his head snapped to the direction fast. "Fuck! Malicia!"

Before I could process anything, he rushed toward Malicia, shielding her from the vampires lunging at her.

And again I was left alone.

His behavior broke me, but I was fast to push the feeling aside.

After all, my father had always said that Malicia is young and that she deserves more protection.

So with all my strength, I forced myself to look away and run for my life too. I had turned and was about to run but the terrified cries around me made my stomach twist. I wasn't eighteen yet so I couldn't transform into my wolf so I grabbed a broken leg of a chair and kept charging at any vampires that tried getting to me or the children. My heart was beating faster. This is my first time facing these monsters.

Yet the more we fought, the more vampires kept flooding into the hall. And from the way things were going, I was scared they might actually overthrow us. They were fast. Very fast

And their claws were even sharper.

"Get yourselves to the crypta!" My father's voice thunders again through the mind-link

And immediately, everyone began rushing toward the underground shelter beneath the hall.

He had seen it too

We weren't winning this battle.

Not without losing a lot more people.

"Shit!"

I cursed and pushed the children toward the safety when suddenly I heard someone screamed my name

"Alessia!!!"

My heart skipped.

It was Sophia's voice.

I turned back instantly to see her wave at me. She was already in the crypta. My fearful eyes roamed around the hall to see that there were not many people in there again. I quickly threw off the broken chair leg and started running toward the crypta.

And that's when I saw Roberto carry Malicia to the crypta. Didn't he remember me?

My chest ached but I waved it off and fastened my pace but the more I run.... the more tired I become.

And I could feel the vampires closing in faster.

My heart pounded wildly

but before I could move again.... Someone slammed into me.

I screamed and hit the floor hard.

I was so close

Someone could save me.

But no one did.

Sophia tried to rush out, but my mother held her back.

And terror flashed through me. Beside her, one of the guards pressed the button on the wall.

The door began to close.

"Dad! Help!"

My voice cracked.

My wide frightened gaze flickered to Malicia and she smirked instead.

I didn't have time to ponder on that so I quickly looked up to Roberto for him but he didn't move.

Instead, his expression remained cold and unreadable as our gazes locked.

Why wasn't anyone doing anything?"

Why?!

"Alessia!" Sophia cried out again and using my last strength I shoved the vampire off me and lunged for the entrance.

But it was already too late.

BAM!!!!

The door slammed shut.

And my entire world went numb.

I felt something wet fall on my face like a water droplet. Once.... Twice. I frowned and tried to move my head and that was the worst mistake I made because a sudden pain surged through my head, earning a painful scream from my mouth.

I tried to bring my hand to hold my throbbing head when I noticed that my hand couldn't move and that's when I quickly blink my eyes open.

And to my shock... I was inside a dark scary cave.

"Oh... moon goddess!" My lips stammered, fear gripping me. I wanted to shout when I noticed the chains in my legs then my hands. And just at that moment, the event of yesterday dawned heavily on me.

The crash at the moonlight festival.

How nobody came to save me. Not even Roberto. I shut my eyes at the remembrance, tears appearing in my eyes. I thought we were families?

They didn't possibly abandon me there, right?

"No. No..... Alessia." I quickly shake my head refusing to believe my messy thoughts.

They love me. They did.

Maybe they didn't see me.

"If I had my wolf, I could have reached the crypta faster..... yes yes." I sniffed and nodded, not wanting to believe what my mind was saying.

What I should be thinking it's how to get the fuck out from here before my eighteenth birthday that is in five days time. And also to meet up Roberto's coronation day as the new Aloha of the black moon pack. He's the son of the late Alpha Malo and Luna Chiara. My eyes roamed over the place again, and I cringed.

I need to get away before I become the next prey for these monsters!

"Which section is she?"

I stiffened at those voices.

Then footsteps followed and my heart skipped.

Before I could even take the next breath, I heard a door rattled then pushed forcefully open. I gasped and flinched at the sudden sound.

And that's when I saw them.

Four hefty vampires walked inside.

Just the sight of them had my face scrunched in disgust.

And the same goes to them.

"Get her!" One of them ordered. "Drag her to the throne room. The king demands her presence!"

WHAT?!

My breathing stopped immediately.

King?

There was only one king of the vampires

Don't fucking tell me.... It's Vincenzo Salvatore Esposito?!

A monster from every story I'd ever heard.

The very king who slaughters people with no mercy

My kind's worst enemy

A man who had killed his father at the age of fourteen?!

My eyes widened in shock. Fear flashing in them as the men moved toward me.

My stomach churned

And three of the vampires loosened the chains and immediately grabbed me.

"No. Let me go!"

"Let me go!"

I screamed, struggling but my strength was no match to theirs.

"You all are going to regret this!" I cried out as they dragged me out like I meant nothing.

And within a few minutes, we reached a golden door. The guards there glared at me with irritation and opened the door for them.

"Do you know my father?" I yelled. Doing everything possible to free myself but they ignored me like I was just invincible. "He's going to have each of your heads!"

I struggled violently when deep inside, I was weeping so bad.

Without warning, they pushed me to my knees. I bite my lips at the sharp pain and lower my head, my heart drumming faster.

I could feel eyes on me.

And from the heavy tension and suffocating aura in the air... it could only mean one thing. I was in the presence of the very man that I could give everything in this world never to see.

"Here she is, our king." The guards bowed and stepped back a little. Though I could still feel them behind me.

There was a silence.

Before a deep, cold authoritative voice cut through the air like a sharp sword. "What's your name?"

A chill crawled down my bones.

I don't need to be told who the heck he was.

Yet I refused to make a sound. Not like it's deliberate but my fear has my mouth sealed.

"Is she mute?" He snapped, irritated and one of the men immediately grabbed a handful of my hair, and dragged my head up.

I winced at the sharp pain that shot all over my scalp. But the moment my gaze fell on the man sprawled on the golden decorated couch, my breathing slowed.

Oh my goodness!!

Time seemed to slow down. Our eyes locked on each other. Mine was wider because this is not how I'd imagined him. This is not how he was described to look.

Damnit!

My heartbeat fastened.

This man looked like a god himself, like he wasn't of this world at all. My gaze moved to those green eyes that seemed to hold me in one spot.... I gasped at how hypnotic they looked. I swallowed, my gaze shamelessly sweeping over his face down to his chiseled features, to his sharp cheekbones, pale.... flawless skin and to his strong jawline that made him almost unreal.

His eyes moved to my lips and strangely my toes curled nervously.

I could feel internal heat.

The way he looked at me made me so uncomfortable.

It was as if we were the only ones here.

His dark, sleek long black hair was perfectly styled, highlighting his pale skin and sharp pointed nose. My eyes lingered on his full, inviting lips that were pressed in a tight cold line, and heat rushed to my cheeks.

I flushed, embarrassed. How could I be drawn to a bloodthirsty monster? I mentally chastised myself. I fucking have a fiancé!

"Name!" He repeated again, and I almost flinched. His aura was so strong. So Frightening.

And without daring to maintain eye contact, my trembled mouth moved before I could stop it. "A.... Alessia."

He didn't say anything. All I got in reply was a deafening silence. Slowly, I nervously peeped my eye up to find those green eyes shut.

For some odd reason, my heart dropped. I really wanted to look into those eyes once again.

"Fuck it. Snap out of this, Alessia. He's a monster!!" I scolded myself, grimacing in shame at my thoughts.

His eyes immediately snapped open as if he heard my thoughts, and this time I flinched at the coldness in them. The lines in his forehead were folded in slits, anger and disgust flickering in those eyes.

He looked pissed off. I wanted to crawl away, but those rough hands on my shoulder were tight, holding me back. So in the end, I had to remain still despite how my heart was drumming fast and hard.

"I didn't expect much from a coward daughter,"

I shut my eyes as his words hit me harder.

"No bravery but a weakling," he blurted and my jaw clenched.

Okay now, he was getting on my nerves.

I opened my gaze to glared at him.

And he smirked, leaning back with his finger tapping on the chair armrest.

"Ricardo Diavolo may have escaped again this time but..." he said, his smile twisting into something deadly, "...but we have something far more valuable."

Those inhumane eyes locked mockingly onto mine again. I gulped hard.

"I have his precious daughter and soon.... I give you five days and he will come looking for you."

My heart skipped.

"And when he comes.... I will kill him."

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest at his words.

WHAT?

Kill my father?

So this is it.

This was the so-called reason they had kept me alive instead of tearing me apart in the Crescent Moon Pack.

I wasn't a prisoner

But a fucking bait?

Goodness me.... I bite my lips, now glaring harder at him.

More anger coursing through me. I don't know how I got the balls but right now, I don't fucking give a damn that he was a monster and could instantly strangle me to death. After he needs me.

Just the thought of that had my stomach twisted.

"Oh no....." I laughed bitterly, drawing in their attention. "And I can't fucking wait for him to cut off your damn throat!" I hissed out and a loud gasp echoed around the throne room.

One of the guards immediately struck me across the back. "Ahhh....hmmmm," pain exploded through my body, but I clenched my teeth and refused to cry out.

Not in front of them. Not here.

"Feisty."

I snapped my head up to the amused voice and my glare shifted to a messy brown hair guy beside him.

And his lips twitched.

Unlike Vincenzo, there was something almost playful about this one.

Almost

"I like this one," he mused

"I didn't ask for your opinion, Bruno."

The room instantly fell silent.

The playful look disappears from the brown haired vampire's face.

Then my attention snapped back to Vincenzo again.

Those terrifying green eyes were locked in me. Cold. Sharp and deadly.

For a moment nobody moved or talked

Then suddenly, he stood up. The movement alone made my breath hitch. My wide eyes trailed all over him. He's tall.... Very tall, muscular and lean. His aura screams power and intimidation.

Every step he took toward me seemed to suck the air from the room. Yet I forced myself not to look away. I would not give him that satisfaction.

"You have courage," he said calmly.

His voice was worse when calm

Far worse and scary

"Or perhaps you're simply foolish."

I scoffed.

"Coming from someone that had to stoop so low to use his enemy's daughter to lure him. Why not face him head on if you have the balls?!"

The guards gasped.

And Bruno looked at me as if I had just signed my death sentence.

And I felt my heart skipped. Can't believe I said that. But before I could react, a rough quickly grabbed my neck. I screamed but he just hurled me a wicked smile and my body froze.

Those hypnotic green eyes burned into mine.

"Careful," he murmured. "Your tongue may get you killed before he gets here." He snarled but instead, I felt electric sparks around the area he was holding.

And that infuriates me.

I hate this silly feeling. I hate myself for noticing how close he was.

How unfairly handsome he looked.

And how dangerous he felt.

Fuck it.

"It's a damn monster!" I scolded myself yet my stupid heart still hammered wildly against my ribs.

His gaze darkened as if he sensed something and he immediately pushed me away. I gasped and tumbled back, coughing.

With his back turned on me, he snapped. "Take her away."

The guards immediately grabbed my arms.

"Get your filthy hands off me!!" I shouted amidst the cough but none paid me attention.

I was dragged out from the place then through endless hallways and flights of stairs until we finally stopped before a large wooden door.

The door swung open

And without warning, I was shoved inside.

I missed my balance and nearly crashed into the table. BAM.... the door slammed shut behind me.

"Assholes!" I yelled out and hurried toward it but it was locked. I kept shouting, hitting my palms on the door as I twisted the doorknob but the door refused to open.

"Damnit!" I kicked the door and spun around in anger. My breathing heavy.

And for the first time, I properly looked around me. Here wasn't.... a dungeon or a prison cell

rather it looked like a royal chamber with a massive bed, velvet curtains, golden furniture and crystal chandeliers at the ceiling.

Everything was screaming wealth

and somehow it felt like home.

"Fuck it... Alessia!" I screamed out and quickly pushed the weird feeling away.

This is the enemy's territory and not a home.

I have a home... and I need to fucking get back there quick.

I inhaled sharply and hurried toward the nearest window.

The moment I pulled the curtain aside, my heart sank.

Guards.

Everywhere.

Patrolling the grounds.

I groaned and moved to the second window.

Yet more guards.

Then to the third window and fourth windows

The same thing.

"No no!" I ran a hand through my hair, breathing hard. My heart beating faster. I need to get the fuck away from here.... Very fast.

At least before the so-called five days.

I paced around until I got tired and stopped.

"I can't have him use me to destroy my loved ones," I murmured. This is a trap.... I'm the trap he had set for my father, my family and people.

And I won't have him succeed.

If my father comes, he could die

And again, me too so staying here was not an option.

How long?

I leaned at the wall and stared down at the window then at the room before my eyes fell on the portrait of him on the wall... and my heart sank.

This is his room?

"Fuck Alesssia..... you need to get away from here," I clenched my fists and looked back at the door then at outside again

And slowly, determination settled inside me.

I need an opportunity

I need to find one fast before those five fucking days.

And trust me, he won't see this coming.

If Vincenzo Salvatore Esposito thought he could use me as bait, then he was about to learn the biggest mistake of his life.

Because one way or another...

I was getting out of here.