Chasing His Rejected Luna Back

I stood before the priest and the pack members, clutching the arm of my fiance, Kieran.

Kieran flashed me a small smile that didn’t reach his brown eyes. I could sense how distracted he was, because his damn phone was glued to his hands and eyes the whole time. I wondered what was more important than our own wedding.

Kieran and I had been mates for years, but he had always been hesitant about the idea of marriage. Everytime I brought it up, he always had one excuse or the other. I did not even know if he was waiting for me to get down on one knee and propose to him.

He finally agreed to a hasty wedding ceremony because of my mother’s sickness.

For as long as I could remember, my mother had been sick with a rare lycanthropic disease that was slowly destroying her body. Despite her condition, her greatest wish was to see me married to Kieran. She just really wanted me to be happy and she knew he was the man that I truly loved.

Just as the priest was about to pronounce us husband and wife, he abruptly pulled away, his face a mask of panic.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this," he blurted out, his eyes darting around the room. "I have to go."

Before I could even react, he had transformed into his wolf form and bolted out the door. I stood there in shock as the guests started whispering. But I could barely hear them over the pounding of my own heart.

It was my mom’s disappointed look that broke my heart the most.

That night, she finally passed away with a look of regret on her face. I held her hand, tears streaming down my cheeks.

My phone buzzed with a notification that same night. It was a post on Insta from Kieran’s childhood sweetheart, Nina. The caption read,

"He chose me, and I chose him. That's all that matters."

My heart sank as I scrolled through the photos, seeing Kieran and Nina wrapped in each other's arms, grinning like they just won the lottery. So while he abandoned me on the altar, he went cozying up to that witch Nina?

I commented under the post."Nina, you must be so proud to be his rebound. You two are perfect for each other though."

Despite the fact that I was losing it inside, I refused to make a scene. I quietly handled the arrangements for my mother's funeral, determined to give her the dignified sendoff she deserved. I was grieving but I knew my mother would have wanted me to be stronger than this.

When I returned to the house, I was relieved to find that Kieran was nowhere to be seen. Good riddance to that cheating bastard. I couldn't wait to put this whole mess behind me.

But as I moved around the room packing my things, a familiar scent caught my attention. Kieran and Nina were here, somewhere in the house and I could sense it.

Ugh, the thought of them together made my skin crawl.Soon, I started hearing Kieran’s deep voice and Nina giggling in an annoying way.

I tried to just focus on getting out of there, clutching my bag tightly as I headed for the door. But then they came slinking out of the bathroom, Nina wearing nothing but Kieran's shirt. I could see a fresh hickey on her neck the little hussy was practically flaunting it!

My jaw tightened with irritation, but I couldn't say I was surprised. Apparently my supposed wedding night had been spent with her in the house we shared, while I was out for my mother's funeral. So while I slept alone crying over my mom’s death in her hospital bed, Kieran was busy having fun with Nina.

Kieran's eyes went wide when he saw me, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Selena, what the fuck are you doing?"

I leveled him with the coldest, most unforgiving stare. "What does it look like I'm doing, Kieran? I'm leaving. For good this time."

Nina swooped in all innocent and sweet. "Oh, Selena, I'm so sorry. Kieran helped me after I scraped my knee outside.I didn’t realize it was your wedding day."

She lifted her left leg, revealing a minor scrape.

My gaze dropped to the tiny plaster, then back to her smug face.

I scoffed in surprise. "You know what?" I turned my gaze to that sorry excuse of a man. "I'm done with your bullshit.

I'm breaking up with you,"

He had the nerve to look irritated, like I was the one causing a problem. "Can you be less dramatic?

We can reschedule the wedding, but Nina needed me. I couldn't just ignore that."

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. So a simple scrape on her leg was more important than our wedding and my mother’s death?

"Dramatic?" I repeated, the word tasting like poison on my tongue. "You chose a stupid scrape over our wedding!"

I felt like the biggest fool on the planet. Kieran had claimed that Nina was just like a sister to him and I had allowed her worm her way into our relationship. And it was all for what?

Without another word, I turned and headed for the door.

Kieran reached out and grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks. "Was your mom upset about what happened? I can explain it to her."

His words felt like a slap in the face. I jerked my arm free, my eyes blazing with fury. "Save your excuses, Kieran. I said I’m done with you."

"Baby, you can let her go," Nina said calmly latching onto his arm, "If her mother hadn't pretended to be sick, how could you have been forced to marry her?"

In that moment, something inside me snapped, and my wolf instincts took over. My claws extended from my fingertips and I grasped Nina's shoulders, my fingers digging deep into her skin.

"How dare you?" I hissed, my voice turning animalistic. "My mother is dead!"

"Kieran, do something!" Nina let out a shrill scream, her eyes darting to Kieran for rescue. "She is going to kill me!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Kieran suddenly pulled Nina away from me, shoving me aside. I stumbled, catching myself on the staircase railing just in time to avoid tumbling down.

"Selena, what the hell are you doing?" Kieran roared, his eyes flashing with a warning that sent a shiver down my spine. "Why are you hurting Nina like this?"

I stared at him, stunned, unable to believe how he could defend that spoiled brat over his own mate.

My voice came out smaller than I intended.

"She's the problem in our relationship, and you're defending her?"

I glared at Nina, who was clutching her reddened shoulder with a look of feigned distress. She quickly hid behind Kieran's broad frame.

"Was I wrong?" she whined. "If your mother hadn't pretended to be sick and threatened Kieran, how could he have thought about marrying a common thing like you?"

I turned to Kieran, my heart heavy with pain. "Do you think so too?"

He remained silent, but his gaze spoke volumes. I saw the truth there he believed my mother had manipulated him into our union.

"Listen here, Selena," he snapped. "She's my woman, and you will respect her. I won't tolerate you harming her, do you understand?"

"Oh she is your woman now?” I shook my head with a pained smile. “What happened to her being just like a sister to you, you douchebag!"

"And did you think we were soulmates?" Kieran snapped, his eyes narrowing. "You were nothing more than a convenient distraction, Selena. A pretty little plaything to keep me entertained while I searched for my true mate."

"So you never loved me?," I swallowed hard struggling to keep a firm expression.

Kieran scoffed, his lips curling into a frown. "Love you? Don't make me laugh. The only reason I even agreed to marry you was because of your dying mother's pathetic pleas."

All this time, he had never truly cared for me. I had been nothing more than a way for him to appease my mother and maintain his image as the perfect Alpha.

As the Lunar pack's Alpha and CEO of Lunar Enterprises, Kieran was accustomed to power and control.

And I, a lowly omega, had somehow managed to capture his attention. At first, I couldn't believe my luck. Kieran was everything I had ever dreamed of – handsome, wealthy, and powerful.

I had foolishly fallen for him the moment we first met in college.

I had been cornered by a group of bullies, and Kieran had swooped in to rescue me, his powerful presence instantly captivating me.

He chose my clothes, ensuring I dressed 'modestly'. I cut my long, luscious hair short because he preferred it that way. My makeup was always natural and never bold.

He had access to all of my social media accounts. He said some of my family members and friends were poisoning our relationship so I cut them off.

My days were scheduled around all his needs. Finances were strictly controlled and I had to ask permission for every purchase.

But when Nina came into the picture, I saw that he reserved all his gentleness for her. The spoiled brat could do whatever she wanted. She used his credit card freely, wasting his money on extravagant stuff, held his hand, and hugged him in public without a care. I, on the other hand, dared not attempt any form of PDA.

I had to be the perfect, obedient mate, and it was maddening, the way Kieran seemed to favor her over me.

I had tried to emulate Nina’s behavior, to be the carefree, spontaneous partner that Kieran seemed to crave, but he told me I was making a fool out of myself.

“But I thought you liked eating from there with Nina?” I had asked him.

“What I do with Nina is none of your business. You are supposed to cook my meals with your damn hands. Stick to that!”

Another day I put on one of those sexy skimpy dresses Nina usually wore and did a flawless makeup. He had looked me dead in the eye and said, “You look like a cheap whore, go change your clothes. Do not embarrass me in public.”

I remembered my cheeks burning with embarrassment and I swore never to act like his precious Nina again.

At that moment, Nina pouted, her lower lip jutting out as she traced the reddened area on her shoulder.

"Kieran, sweetie, look at this. Selena's brutality is unbearable. Doesn't she know I'm fragile?"

Kieran's attention immediately snapped back to Nina, and his expression darkened. "Selena, you need to apologize right now to Nina."

I let out a derisive snort. "You're not my alpha anymore, Kieran. And I won't apologize. Do your worst!"

Gone was the timid, obedient Selena that Kieran had once known. I was all ready for him now.

Kieran's expression darkened, his brows furrowing in a menacing scowl. "Selena, I won't ask you again. Apologize to Nina, now."

The very thought made my blood boil. "No," I said firmly. "She's the one who deserves to apologize, not me."

"Selena, don't test me. You know what will happen if you disobey me."

I laughed bitterly. "Guess what? I don't give a damn about your threats anymore."

I could see the fury flash in Kieran's eyes, his control slipping slightly. "Guards!" he barked in a commanding tone. "Restrain her."

In an instant, two burly men in suits came from the shadows, their hands closing around my arms in a strong grip. I struggled against them, kicking and snarling, but their hold was so strong.

"Let go of me, you bastards!" I screamed, thrashing wildly. "Kieran, you coward! Fight me yourself, you fucking"

My words were cut off as one of the guards landed a swift blow to my stomach, knocking the wind out of me. I bent over, gasping for breath, and the guards took the opportunity to tighten their hold.

Kieran stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "I warned you, Selena. Now, you will apologize to Nina, or there will be consequences."

Now I was made to apologize to his mistress for doing absolutely nothing wrong. I was the one hurt and yet he couldn’t defend me or protect me. I wasn’t going to give in no matter what.

I lifted my head, glaring at him through narrowed eyes. "Go to hell, Kieran. I'll never apologize to that bitch, no matter what you do to me."

Nina huffed. "Oh, Selena. You really are a stubborn one, aren't you? You know, I think it's only fair that you pay for what you've done. Kieran, she needs to be punished."

Kieran hesitated, his gaze flickering between us. I could see the conflict in his eyes. It was as if he was wondering whether or not it was the right thing to do.

Finally, he exhaled deeply. "Very well, Nina. You’re free to do what you must."

Nina's face lit up triumphantly, and she stepped forward. She raised a hand and I braced myself for the blow.

It came hard and fast, the sharp crack of her palm against my cheek. I tasted blood, and I knew my lip was split.

"Now, crawl on your knees, kiss my feet and beg for my forgiveness. Maybe I’ll forgive you."

I could feel the blood trickling down my chin, but I refused to show weakness. Instead, a mirthless laugh escaped my lips.

"You can keep dreaming, because it's not happening, not even in a million years." I spat.

Her eyes narrowed, and she hit me again. This time, the blow was even harder, sending my head snapping to the side. I could feel the sting of the impact, but I refused to cry out.

"I said, on your knees!" she screamed, her face twisted with fury.

"Go to hell," I growled, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the floor.

Kieran sighed impatiently. "Are you enjoying this Selena ? Just do as you are told so everything can be alright again. Or don’t you want to fulfil your dying mother’s wish? "

Did the bastard miss the part where I said my mother was dead? Or didn’t they believe me?

I shook my head, my lips curling into a sardonic smile. "Newsflash, Kieran – I don't give a damn about your engagement or your precious pack anymore. You made your choice, and I've made mine."

It made me realize how I had lived my entire life just to please him and the members of his pack. I had even neglected my real pack just to be with him and serve him and now I regretted that decision.

With a swift motion, he pulled out his phone, his fingers rapidly tapping across the screen. "You asked for it then. From now henceforth, you would no longer be a member of the Lunar pack. I am kicking you out”

“Well I accept! I prefer not to have a pack at all than to be under you for one more second!”

He looked surprised that I could easily refuse to be under his protection even though I needed it even more than ever right now.

His face darkened as he stated, “I'm going to make a little announcement, one that I'm sure will get your attention"

I watched silently as he typed out a post and hit send. Seconds later, series of notifications began to flood his social media accounts, drawing the attention of his pack and the wider community.

"There," he said, his lips curving into a smug smile. "Now everyone knows that our engagement is off, and that Nina Simone will be my true mate and Luna."

He was really doing this, publicly humiliating me again and replacing me with that conniving little bitch. As if abandoning me on the altar was not enough, he had to rub more salt on the wound to tell everyone we were no longer getting together again.

Kieran turned to his assistant, who had been hovering nearby, and barked out a command. "Joe, cancel all the plans for the Perfect Match wedding company. I'll be needing their services for my new bride."

Perfect Match wedding was one of the most popular and most expensive wedding company in the whole of New Orleans.

"And for her mother’s surgery," Kieran continued, his expression darkening. "you better make sure the surgery isn’t paid for."

Oh the nerve he had to say he wasn’t going to pay for my mother’s surgery. I didn’t even imagine he could stoop that low to allow an innocent woman suffer just because we were having issues.

Joe cleared his throat hesitantly. "Uh, yes, sir. I, um, I was just about to inform you that Selena's mother, well, she... she passed away yesterday. Her funeral was already conducted by the early hours of this morning."

Kieran had a mix of annoyance and disbelief on his features. "What do you mean, she's dead? Why wasn't I informed?"

I should have known he would react this way more concerned about not being informed earlier than showing any genuine concern for my wellbeing.

His assistant, Joe, tried to defend himself, explaining that Kieran had specifically told him not to report my personal matters.

I wasn't surprised by Kieran's behavior, to be honest. I had grown all too accustomed to his indifference towards me over the years. I couldn't help but recall the last time he had visited my mother, who was terminally ill with cancer.

It was his birthday and we all agreed to celebrate it at home. My mom had cooked all of his favorite meals, hoping to celebrate with him, but he didn’t even come on time. We waited for hours and when he eventually showed up, he left abruptly, taking a call from Nina, and never returned. Even the gifts she had gotten for him, he didn’t even bother to open them.

My poor mother had been absolutely devastated by Kieran's callous actions, but she had hidden her tears and sadness, not wanting to upset me further. I had felt so sorry for her, and had even considered breaking things off with Kieran then and there. But I had ultimately decided to stay, because I truly believed I had no one else.

Now, as I stood facing Kieran, I felt a whirlwind of emotions sadness, anger, and a strange sense of relief. Sensing that he was losing me, Kieran suddenly panicked and promised to make amends. He even offered to marry me the very next day, but I swiftly refused.

“No, why are you talking about a wedding so suddenly? I thought you were forcing me to kneel down and beg your Nina?”

“I didn’t know that your mom was gone and I know it was her wish to see us married and for you to be finally happy,” Kieran explained.

In that moment, I realized just how exhausted I had become from years of being in this toxic relationship with him.

I had endured his infidelity, his emotional abuse, and his utter neglect, all the while clinging to the faint hope that he would somehow change. But the truth was, he had never made a single effort to be a better partner, a better friend, or even a decent human being.

As I looked into his eyes, I saw that he knew that he was on the verge of losing me, and he was willing to do whatever it took to prevent that from happening. But this time, I was done. I had reached the end of my rope, and I wasn't going to let him manipulate me anymore.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and then I spoke. "Kieran, I can't do this anymore. I've spent far too long trying to make this work, trying to be the person you want me to be. But I realize now that I'm not the one who needs to change. You are."

He opened his mouth, no doubt to try and sweettalk his way out of this, but I held up my hand, cutting him short.

"No, let me finish. You've had so many chances, and you've squandered every single one of them. You've hurt me, you've hurt my mother, and you've made it clear time and time again that I'm not a priority in your life."

I was done being the weak, submissive girlfriend who let Kieran walk all over her. "I deserve better than this, Kieran. I deserve someone who will love me, who will support me, who will be there for me no matter what,”

“Stop with all these speeches,” he said with a deep sigh. “Just let me make it up to you,”

“Kieran, can you stop!. "I heard Nina’s voice suddenly. She looked so irritated that he was begging me.

“Don’t pay any attention to Selena's little outburst. She's just putting on a show, you know. Trying to manipulate you into feeling sorry for her."

I fhad to resist the urge to march over and slap that smug look right off her face.

"That's not true, Kieran," I said angrily. "I'm not trying to manipulate you or make you feel sorry for me. I'm honestly done with you and I’m leaving.”

With that I pulled my suitcase out of the house ignoring Kieran calling after me.

I wiped the flour from my hands, surveying the mess I had made in the kitchen. Baking had always been a way to channel my restless energy into something productive. The sweet, buttery scent of freshly baked cookies was already making my mouth water.

As I began cleaning up the countertops, a sharp knock at the door startled me. I paused, my brow creasing. Who on earth could that be?

Since I moved out of Kieran’s house, no one knew the address to my new house. I didn’t move into my mother’s house because I knew he was going to find me there easily.

Drying my hands on a dish towel, I made my way to the front of the house, my socked feet padding softly against the hardwood floors.

Peering through the peephole, I was surprised to find Tristan, one of Kieran's trusted omegas, standing on my doorstep. What was he doing here? I drew in a sharp breath before pulling the door open.

"Tristan," I greeted, my voice cautious. "What are you doing here?"

He offered me a tentative smile. "Selena, I have a delivery for you. From Alpha Kieran."

My heart sank at the mention of Kieran's name. The memory of our last heated conversation still stung and I didn’t want anything to do with him ever again.

I had to confirm if the delivery was actually for me and asked Tristan with a skeptical look on my face.

Tristan nodded, holding out a neatly wrapped parcel telling me he was asked to bring it to me personally.

I eyed the package warily, debating whether to even take it. The last thing I wanted was another reminder of Kieran and his grand, sweeping gestures. Still, my curiosity got the better of me. Reaching out, I grasped the box, feeling its weight in my hands.

"What is it?" I asked, turning it over.

Tristan shrugged. "I'm not sure. Alpha Kieran didn't share the contents with me."

I let out a soft sigh, my fingers tracing the neat edges of the wrapping. Part of me wanted to refuse the gift outright, to send Tristan back emptyhanded. But the other part the part that still yearned for Kieran's affection, urged me to see what was inside. It wasn’t going to kill anyone if I just checked it.

I turned the box over in my hands, and with a small shrug unwrapped it.

As the layers of tissue paper fell away, I forgot how to breathe for a few seconds. It was the most breathtaking wedding dress I had ever seen. My fingers traced the soft fabric carefully as I lifted the gown from the box, completely awestruck. There were a pair of shoes too that probably cost like a million bucks.

In that moment, my phone began to ring. I glanced down to see Kieran's name flashing on the screen.

Swallowing hard, I answered the call.

"Kieran? Did you...did you send me this?" I asked,barely hearing my own voice.

And now, he was suddenly getting me an expensive dress out of the blue?

"Selena!" Kieran's voice rang out, sounding almost giddy."You got the package! Do you love it? I picked it out especially for you."

I stared at the dress, my heart pounding. "Kieran, ....l don't understand. What is the meaning of this?"

"Why, it's your wedding dress, my dear!" Kieran exclaimed joyfully. "I wanted everything to be perfect for our special day. I spent time searching for the perfect dress. I know how much you've always loved lace, and the shoes will complement it beautifully."

"Kieran, I think there's been a mistake," I said, my voice strained. "I don’t think this package belongs to me."

"What do you mean? Of course it's for you, my darling. You're my bridetobe, after all."

I scoffed.

"Your bridetobe? I think you have the wrong woman. I'm not marrying you."

There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line before he continued, "But Selena, we discussed this. I proposed to you, and you accepted."

"No, Kieran," I said firmly. "I did no such thing. I practically begged you to marry me before now and you left me on the altar and now you think getting me a wedding dress would fix everything? Give it to Nina, it would fit her perfectly."

The previous wedding dress, I had already burnt it so that I wasn’t reminded of how he humiliated me that day. Now I wasn’t going to take another one from him.

"Selena, please," Kieran begged. "Just try it on, see how beautiful you'll look. I know it will fit perfectly."

"I don't want to try it on!" I snapped, my grip tightening on the phone. "I'm not your bride, and I'm not accepting this gift. Please, just leave me alone."

Before Kieran could respond, I ended the call, exhaling loudly.

Tristan stood nearby, looking utterly bewildered by the exchange.

I let out a shaky breath, thrusting the package back into his hands. "Take this back to Kieran," I said, my voice tight. "I don't want it."

Tristan hesitated, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Selena, are you sure? Alpha Kieran seemed quite insistent"

"I don't care what Kieran wants," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "This dress is not for me, and I will not be his bride. Now, please, take it and get out."

Tristan opened his mouth to protest, but I didn't give him the chance. Stepping back, I slammed the door in his face, cutting off any further discussion.

The next evening, a new email notification pulled my gaze away from my laptop screen, where I had been reviewing my cover letter one last time before hitting send. My heart raced as I saw that the sender of the email was the prestigious tech company I had applied to just a week ago. I had already resigned from Kieran’s company and I knew I had to get a job elsewhere and fast. So I decided to apply in all the big companies hoping to get a chance to shine.

With a deep, steadying breath, I clicked on the message, my fingers trembling slightly.

"Dear Selena,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for an interview with our firm. We were impressed by your impressive credentials and believe you would be an excellent addition to our team.

Please come to our office at 8 AM sharp tomorrow morning for a formal interview. We look forward to meeting with you in person.

Sincerely,

The Hiring Team"

I stared at the words, barely able to process the surge of emotions that hit me. Excitement, relief, and a touch of nervous anticipation all mingled together in a dizzying swirl. Oh thank the moon goddess for such an opportunity!

For years, I had lived in Kieran's shadow, following his lead and bending to his will. But not anymore. This job, this opportunity, it was my ticket to independence. No more would I be seen as just the Alpha's mate, destined to serve at his beck and call. I was Selena, a capable and driven woman, and I was about to take the city by storm.

Pushing away from my desk, I strode to the kitchen to go grab a bottle of wine. I rarely drank anything because Kieran forbade it but tonight I was going to celebrate it all by myself.

My gaze landed on the bottle of merlot sitting in the bar nearby, and without a second thought, I snatched it up, twisting the cap open.

As I poured the deep, ruby liquid into a crystal glass, a sudden, insistent knock at the door drew my attention, causing me to nearly spill the wine. I set the glass down and made my way to the entryway, wondering who could be there at this hour.

The moment I opened the door, a man I didn't expect appeared in front of me.

There, standing tall in a dark form fitting suit, was Kieran, his brown eyes piercing into mine. I should have checked the peephole before opening. That way, I wouldn’t have opened the damn door in the first place.

"Kieran," I breathed, my fingers curling around the edge of the door. "What are you doing here?"

He offered me a small smile, his gaze roaming over my body in a way that made my skin crawl. "Selena, my love. I've missed you."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, instead leaning against the doorframe and crossing my arms over my chest. "How did you even find me?" I asked, bypassing his sentimental declaration.

He chuckled, as if the answer should have been obvious. "We're mates, remember? I can always sense where you are, just as you can sense me. It's a bond that can never be broken, no matter how much you may wish it so."

"So what do you want from me now?" I asked in an exasperated tone.

Kieran's expression softened, and he took a step closer, his hand reaching out to caress my cheek. I fought the urge to lean into his touch, to allow myself to be drawn back into his orbit. "My darling Selena, I simply can't stay away. Not when I know you're hurting."

I scoffed, pulling away from his gentle touch. Now I was his darling Selena? He always referred to Nina in that manner and not me.

"I'm not hurting, Kieran. I'm free.For the first time in years, I'm finally able to breathe, to live my own life. Can't you understand that?"

He opened his mouth to argue, but I held up a hand, cutting him short. "Look, I don't have time for this right now. I have a lot going on, and the last thing I need is you complicating things further."

He shot me a narrowed gaze, his jaw tightening. "What do you mean, you have a lot going on? What's more important than us?"

He took a step forward, and I instinctively retreated, my back pressing against the door frame. His eyes traveled down the length of my body, and I couldn't help but feel a bit self conscious.

I had chosen to wear a simple, black dress nothing too fancy, just comfortable lounge wear for a night in. But the way Kieran's gaze lingered made me quite aware of the way the fabric hugged my curves.

"You look breathtaking, Selena," he murmured, a small smile playing on his lips. "Even just sitting at home, you take my breath away."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again, instead fixing him with a pointed stare. "Kieran, I thought I made it clear that I don’t have time for any of this.You need to leave right now."

His expression shifted, but he regained his composure quickly. "Didn't you get my texts?"

I sighed deeply and replied him. "Yes, I got your texts. All twenty of them. Didn’t you get mine where I said I wouldn’t be attending your mother’s birthday party?."

I even considered blocking him because he was blowing up my phone with stupid texts earlier that morning. He was staring at me now as if he could see right through me and it made me somewhat uncomfortable.

"Kieran, please," I said, my voice trembling with my best efforts to sound firm. "I've already told you, we are not together anymore and I have no intention of celebrating anything with you."

He arched a brow, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Selena, why must you be so stubborn?" he murmured, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw. "I've made it abundantly clear that you're mine, and I have no plans to let you go."

I tensed, the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. "That's where you're wrong," I retorted, "You don't get to decide that for me. I'm my own person, and I won't be bound to you or anyone else against my will."

Kieran's grip on my cheek tightened ever so slightly, a subtle warning. "Against your will?" he echoed, his voice low and dangerous. "Darling, I think you forget – we're still mates and you’re not going anywhere."

"We are over and I do not want anything to do with you. Aren’t you smart enough to understand that Mr Alpha?"

He was confidently going on about this mate thing because he thought that I would never reject him but that was where was wrong. I couldn’t wait to end his delusions on the cruelest way possible.

His hold on my cheek loosened, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of hurt in his eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a cold, calculating expression that sent a chill down my spine.

"Is that so?" he murmured in a deceptively calm tone. "Well, then, I suppose I'll have to change your mind.But now, we have something more important to tackle."

Before I could react, he pulled away, turning his attention to the limo parked just beyond the threshold of my door. "Joe," he called out to his assistant in that authoritative tone of his and ordered him to bring out some package of some sort.

I watched as Joe hurried over with a black box clutched in his hands. My stomach twisted with unease as Kieran turned back to me, a triumphant smile playing on his lips.

"Selena, my love," he purred, "I have something for you."

"Kieran, I already told you – I don't want anything from you," I protested, my voice laced with frustration. "Why can't you just accept that and leave me alone?"

His smile only widened, his gaze not even breaking for a second. "Oh, but you haven't even seen what I've brought you. I'm sure once you lay your eyes on it, you'll change your mind."

With a nod, he gestured to his assistant Joe and the package was thrust into my hands. I stared down at it, and clearly told him that I didn’t want it.

"Didn't I make it clear yesterday that I'm not accepting any of your gifts?" I asked in irritation.

"Ah, yes, the wedding dress. I still have that carefully kept for you but right now you have to focus on this. It is something different entirely, trust me."

I eyed him warily, my grip on the package tightening. "What is it, then?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me despite my better judgment.

"Why, it's a dress, of course," Kieran replied, sounding so proud of himself. He got me another dress?

"A custommade gown, all the way from Turkey. I had it specially commissioned for you, to wear to my mother's birthday party tonight." he added.

I stared at him, dumbfounded. "Your mother's birthday party? For goodness sake, I already told you that I'm not going to be attending any of your family events."

His smile faltered, a flash of annoyance crossing his face. "Selena, don't be ridiculous," he chided, his voice taking on a hint of steel. "Of course you're coming. You're my mate, and it's only right that you be there to celebrate with us."

I shook my head, resisting the urge to throw the offending package back in his face. " I have no intention of going to your mother's party," I retorted, my voice rising with frustration. "How many times do I have to tell you that before it sinks in?

"Okay now, you're being unreasonable," he said, his tone clipped. "This dress is a gift, and I expect you to accept it and wear it tonight. It's the least you can do, after everything I've done for you."

I scoffed, the absurdity of his demand nearly overwhelming me. "Everything you've done for me?" I echoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You’ve done nothing but make my life a living hell. I'm not going to wear some fancy dress to your family's party just because you demand it."

His jaw tightened, and I could see that his temper was beginning to flare. "Selena, you're being incredibly stubborn," he growled, his fingers flexing as if he were itching to grab me.

"Newsflash, I didn't speak Spanish when I wrote that message to you. I meant every word – I want nothing to do with you, your pack, or your family members."

He wasn’t still getting what I was saying. I didn’t even know if he was deaf or just trying to be difficult as usual.

"You don't mean that. All the pack members will be there, important highprofile people. And it's my mother's birthday – you can't honestly expect me to attend without my mate by my side."

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "When my own mother was dying, where were you, Kieran?" I snapped.

He was nowhere to be found, too busy with his pack duties and his precious Nina to even spare a thought for me.

"That's why I'm trying to make it up to you,” he pleaded. “Let me shower you with love and make you happy."

I yanked my hand away, glaring at him. "By forcing me to go to your mother's birthday party?" I hissed, my temper flaring. "Kieran, that's not making up for anything. That's just you trying to control me, like you always have."

His eyebrows drew together, and he shook his head. "No, no, that's not what I mean at all," he rushed to explain. "I just want you there with me, to celebrate with our pack. Please, Selena, reconsider. Come to the party with me."

I fell silent, my wolf, Skylar's voice echoing in my mind.

"Don't fall for his charm, Selena. Stand your ground."

Taking a deep breath, I lifted my chin, meeting his expectant gaze. "Okay fine then. You can go wait in the car while I get ready."

His face lit up and he smiled widely, reaching out to cup my cheek. "That's my girl. I knew you'd come around."

I resisted the urge to recoil from his touch, instead offering him a tightlipped smile. "Just go wait in the car, Kieran,"

As he turned and made his way back to the waiting limo, I let out a shaky breath, and got back into the house.

"What are you doing, Selena?" Skylar's voice echoed in my mind in a concerned tone.

I assured my wolf that I got it under control. With quick light steps, I made my way to my bedroom.

After a long while, I stood before the mirror, scrutinizing my reflection with a critical eye. The short, scarlet dress hugged my curves in all the right places, accentuating my hourglass figure. Of course I wasn’t going to be wearing the gift Kieran brought me.

With a steady hand, I applied my makeup, painting my lips with a deep crimson hue that complemented the fiery tone of the fabric.

I was aware Kieran was waiting for me outside, no doubt growing impatient, but I couldn't afford to rush. Everything had to be perfect – the makeup, the hair, the outfit – if I was to pull off this deception without a hitch.

I had my black hair curled with a curling iron in loose waves and held it in place with pins.By the time I was done, it was exactly time for Kieran's mother's birthday party. In fact, we were even fifteen minutes late.

"Perfect," I thought to myself, grabbing my purse and the package containing the dress Kieran had gifted me.

As I stepped outside, I spotted Kieran leaning against the car, scrolling through his phone. The moment he heard my approach, he turned, his expression shifting from one of impatience to surprise as he took in my appearance. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of satisfaction at the way his eyes widened, his gaze sweeping over my form.

"Selena?" he breathed, pushing himself off the car and striding towards me. "What – what is the meaning of this? What the heck are you wearing?"

I didn't answer, instead keeping my expression neutral as I walked straight up to him. Without a word, I held out the package, letting it drop from my hands and into the large, dirty trash bin that sat at the curb.

His pupils seemed to shrink, his jaw tightening with rage. "What the hell did you do that for?" he growled, his voice laced with fury. "Do you have any idea how much that dress cost?"

I smiled coldly, unconcerned by his outburst. "I didn't tell you to get me a stupid dress, Kieran," I replied, my tone dripping with disdain. "From now on, you can direct all your little gifts to your mistress, Nina."

Kieran's expression morphed into one of exasperation, and he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Nina is not my mistress, for crying out loud!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in pitch.

I simply shrugged,staring at him deep in the eye. "I don't care what she is to you. I'm done with you wasting my time."

I turned to leave, but he reached out and grabbed my arm, yanking me back. "Oh, no, you don't," he snarled, his grip tight. "I've been standing here waiting for more than an hour, and I'm already late to my own mother's birthday party. You're not just going to walk away like nothing happened."

I snatched my arm away from his grasp in irritation. "You're one stubborn alpha, aren't you, Kieran?" I hissed.

"Didn't I tell you to sit and wait in your car? Why did you have to stand out here like a lovesick puppy?"

Kieran's expression darkened, and I could see the vein in his forehead throbbing with barely contained rage. "Because I was waiting for you, Selena," he snarled, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "And now you've just wasted an hour of my time, not to mention ruined a perfectly good dress that I had specially made for you."

I let out a derisive laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. "Kieran, I never asked you to get me that dress. And I certainly didn't agree to come to your mother's party, no matter how much you begged."

His eyes turned darker. "My mother doesn't tolerate tardiness, and because of your little stunt, I’m fucking late. Go inside and change to something else so you can look presentable for the party. That dress is way too short and I can’t have other men ogling at my property."

Kieran still thought I was his property and that infuriated me more than anything else. There he was, trying to control what I wore again just like he had been doing for five solid years! I had to resist the urge to give him a neat slap on his face to remind him I wasn’t obeying any of his shitty orders ever again. But he was an Alpha, and way stronger than me. If he hurt me, it could take a while before my wolf healed me.

I stared at him with a cold expression. "No. I'm not going anywhere with you and I’m definitely not changing my dress. Now, you have to reject me from your pack officially. Reject me right now!"

"Reject you?" he echoed, his face scrunched up in concentration. "Selena, do you even understand what you're saying? If I reject you, you'll become a bloody rogue. Others will find out, and you'll be in a hot mess!"

I clicked my head to the other side, stubbornly. "I don't care. As long as I'm away from you, I'll take my chances."

I could see the hurt and anger in his eyes as i turned to look at him again. "Do you hate me that much?" he rasped, his hands clenching into tight fists.

I took a deep breath, knowing that my next words would only serve to infuriate him further. "Yes.You've never been anything but a cage to me and I’m done being your prisoner."

Kieran's expression twisted with rage, and I knew that I had pushed him to the edge. He let out a loud roar, his alpha power emanating from him in waves.

"Very well, if that is what you truly desire, then so be it."

He straightened his posture, his shoulders squared as he fixed me with an unwavering stare. "I, Alpha Kieran Hawthorne of the Lunar Pack, hereby reject you, Selena Winters, from my pack.You have lost all pack rights and you’re no longer a member."

The words hit me like a physical blow, the severed bond between us tearing at my very soul. I gasped, hugging myself as the pain threatened to overwhelm me, quickly ratcheting up and spreading throughout my body. It was as if a part of me had been ripped away, leaving behind a gaping, aching void.

Kieran watched with his expression cold and unforgiving, as I struggled to keep my composure. I could feel Skylar's presence in my mind, her own sorrow and anguish mirroring my own.

"Selena, I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain." she said to me telepathically.

I gritted my teeth, refusing to let the tears fall. I had made my choice, and I would not back down, no matter the cost.

I gripped my car keys tightly in my hand, the cool metal biting into my skin as I turned to face the perplexed and angry Kieran. Without a word, I started walking towards my car, my head held high even though my legs shook slightly in my heels.

Kieran's voice rang out, sharp and demanding. "And just where the hell do you think you're going now?"

I paused, turning to face him with a defiant smile. "None of your business.You should go and have a great night with your pack and your mom’s party."

I could see the anger flaring in his eyes, the vein in his forehead throbbing with barely contained rage. But I didn't care. With a final, satisfied smile, I turned and continued towards my car, the sound of my heels clicking against the pavement the only sound that broke the tense silence. As I slipped behind the wheel and gunned the engine, I could feel Skylar's presence in my mind.

"You did it, Selena!"she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride. "You put the big bad alpha in his place tonight."

I couldn't help but laugh, the adrenaline coursing through my veins making me giddy with excitement.The pain I was feeling minutes ago was already gone now.

"I can't believe I actually did that!" I exclaimed, my grip firm on the steering wheel as I drove through the winding roads.

My wolf further asked me where I was going to now. Maybe I was going to go have the time of my life in one of the swankiest clubs in town. It had been ages I had been able to let loose and have some real fun. Kieran didn’t even allow me step foot in any club but yet, he always took Nina so they could unwind.

Finally, I pulled up to the club, the pounding music and the scent of alcohol and bodies already in the air.

The building was a towering, glassandsteel structure, with bold neon colors.

As I approached the club, I couldn't help but notice the way the people around me were staring, their gazes lingering on my curves.I started wondering if what I wore was too revealing. Or maybe they were just perverts ogling at me.

With a toss of my hair, I confidently made my way through the crowd, my hips swaying with each step.

As I approached the bar, I suddenly felt my heel get stuck on the uneven floor, and I found myself reaching out, desperate for something to hold onto. To my horror, my hand landed directly on the groin of a stranger standing nearby.

"Easy there, darling," a deep, masculine voice rumbled, and I felt a large hand wrap around my wrist, gently guiding my hand away.

Mortified, I pulled my hand back, my face burning with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean—"

The words died on my lips as I finally looked up, my gaze locking with a pair of piercing blue eyes. I held my breath unknowingly as I recognized the face of the man standing before me – Alpha Ryker Dale, the CEO of a billiondollar company and Kieran's bitter rival.

My wolf growled in my head, skipping around happily,

"MATE!"

He was my mate? How was that even possible?