Falling in love with my Ex's Alpha Chapter 35

***Kaiden***

There were so many places to choose the location of this stupid ceremony, did they have to select my territory right away?

After Chad signed me up, I found out that my pack would host the tournament ceremony. At first, I was happy because it just shows those assholes that I have so much power and my pack is so big that the ceremony was going to be here.

Well, that was before the big disaster.

How was I supposed to know that when I told Chad and Jason about my mate, she would listen?

And the worst, she only heard me talking bad about her. At least she doesn't know she's my mate. And even if she did, after what she's heard, I doubt she'd want anything to do with me.

All right... I don't want her either. I cannot accept her.

She is human, which makes me vulnerable and an easy target for my enemies, I will never be able to achieve everything I want with her by my side.

When she said the contract was void, I nearly freaked out. Who does she think she is to cancel something with me? I immediately thought I was going to force her to be on my side. But when I looked into her eyes, I couldn't.

I could only see pain and disappointment. I can't force her to agree to this contract anymore, I can't make her suffer more than I already did. For a brief moment, I even thought if she could feel our bond, but it was impossible. She will never understand.

I don't know what to do. Who am I going to get to pretend to be my chosen mate? The stupid ceremony is in a few hours.

The pack party hall is in the middle of the territory, the royal tournament team has been decorating the place for two days.

When I told Chad Katie was my mate, he couldn't believe it. He was in denial. I felt bad for him because, despite everything, I know how much he likes Katie, and that's why it made me angriest.

However, what made me thoughtful was the fact that Jason said that Ansel had recognized her as Luna. As if it were her destiny. But she is only a fucking human! I can't be associated with that weakness!

What am I thinking? I'm more confused than ever. I ran a hand through my hair and growled.

How am I going to get to the ceremony without a mate? I need to have a backup plan, even if I have to force someone.

'It's no use thinking about anyone. I won't accept anyone but Katie. You fucked up, it's all your fault our mate is sad,' Troy snarled.

'Would you prefer not to enter the fucking tournament right now?' I growled back. This is not the time to fight with Troy.

'I'd rather not participate in this shit than cheat on my mate.' Troy hissed.

Goddess Selena, there were so many wolves out there for you to give me, and you gave me an uncontrollable and stubborn beast?

And is the combo complete with a weak human mate?

This seems like a bad joke, a kind of test I'm clearly failing.

I reluctantly put on my suit after taking a shower, I ordered this perfect suit over two weeks ago just for this occasion to be a success. And now this suit will be for an occasion of failure.

I stood before the mirror, my hands adjusting the lapels of my elegant and expensive suit. The fabric, tailored to perfection, draped over my broad shoulders and tapered at the waist. A touch of pride crossed my features as I admired the impeccable craftsmanship and the way the suit enhanced my stature. I ran a hand through my well-groomed hair, smoothing down any stray strands.

With one last glance in the mirror, I nodded, acknowledging the reflection that stared back at me. I am ready to step out into the ceremony, If I'm going to face this ceremony and tell everyone that I'm not going to participate in the tournament anymore, at least I'm dressed for it.

I went towards the packhouse exit and got in my car. In a few minutes, I arrived at my destination because the packhouse is not so far from the ballroom.

I parked the car and went to the entrance, showed the card I received as an invitation, and they let me in.

They are not sillies to not allow me into my territory. I didn't want to start a fight there when they asked me for my invitation because I had the fucking card.

When I entered, the room looked like another place. Everything was different, even the walls. Everything looked royal and elegant.

I took a deep breath. It's going to be hard to give up. I'll wait for the best moment to notify the Royal Council.

I saw Chad and went to him, and then Jason came to us.

"What about now? What are we going to do?" Jason asked, he doesn't need to go into detail because I know exactly what he's referring to.

"I'm leaving the tournament," I said, avoiding looking into their eyes. "Troy won't accept me signing the contract with anyone, I can't participate," I said, tightening my jaw.

"What the fuck!" Chad said.

"Fuck. You know what? Why did you say those things about her? You don't even know her, you're judging her without even knowing it, you're in this situation because of you," Jason said, irritated, he seemed more pissed than I. He knew the reasons that I needed to compete in this tournament.

"Shut the fuck up, it's too late now," I growled.

"We're going to have to notify the Royal Council real quick because the ceremony is about to start," Chad said, looking at the table reserved for the Council.

Suddenly, one of the royal advisors began to speak, and I realized that my opportunity had been lost.

"Everyone's attention, please," Wylder began to speak. He is one of the oldest on the council. "Welcome to the tournament ceremony that will elect the new Alpha King. After respecting the period of mourning for the death of the last Alpha King Theodore, we need to elect someone. Alpha King Theodore's legacy will always be recognized. And may the next Alpha King be as competent as he was, may he be led by the goddess Selena and have a prosperous reign." He kept talking in an age-slurred voice. I can only think that I need to tell them that I will no longer participate in the tournament before they announce the candidates. I can't embarrass myself in front of everyone.

"... Then it will be exalted," Wylder continued to speak, and I didn't even understand what he was talking about until he said something that caught my attention. "Therefore, I will now announce the candidates who were eligible for the tournament. As soon as I call your names, please come to the front and stand by the statue of the goddess Selena."

The statue of the goddess Selena is almost twice my height, I don't know how they traveled with a fucking statue that big. On her side were some places for the candidates to stay.

Oh, Goddess. This is a nightmare. *Fuck my life*.

Each seat was reserved for two people. This can only mean one thing.

"Alpha Benjamin, accompanied by Luna Isla," Wylder called, everyone started clapping, and the two went to the front and took the first position near the statue.

"Alpha Duncan, accompanied by Luna Delilah," I clenched my teeth. Just the name of this guy is enough to make me angry. Duncan is the last person I expect to win this tournament. The last time I saw him, he didn't even have a mate, I'm sure he just chose someone to participate in the tournament.

"Alpha David, accompanied by Luna Nora," another couple came forward. I don't know this couple or the first one. They must be from a pack away from here.

"Alpha Orison, accompanied by Luna Leah," Wylder called, and the couple held hands and walked forward as the others had already done.

"Alpha Kaiden, accompanied by..." Wylder looked at me and saw no one beside me.

I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. Everyone looked at me, they started whispering.

My palms started to sweat. I need to say something.

I looked at Duncan, and he had that superior smile. He was already celebrating my defeat.

"Alpha Kaiden, accompanied by...?" Wylder repeated, and I took a deep breath to speak.

"Accompanied by Luna Katie!" My eyes ran, looking for where the adorable voice had come from, there she was at the entrance.

*She came*!

Everyone looked at her, not understanding what was going on. I didn't understand either, and I didn't care anymore. I just want to look at my mate, I can't think of anything anymore.

She walked gracefully towards me, looking like a goddess.

Fuck, she was so beautiful. What sexy neckline is that?

That little… How fucking dare she look so hot in this green dress?

From now on, *green is my favorite color*! That's for sure!

'What is she doing here?' I asked Jason in disbelief for mind-link.

'She's saving your ass!' Jason answered, and I didn't need to look at him to see he was smirking. I can't look at anything else but her.

She finally came close to me, she held my hand, and I felt her soft hands. When I realized what happened, she was already pulling me to go to the front, where the other candidates were.

"So as I was saying, Alpha Kaiden, accompanied by Luna Katie," Wylder said.

No one in that ballroom could imagine how happy I was to be accompanied by her.

'Don't fuck this up,' Troy growled, warning me, and then cheered with joy.