Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 61: Theo's Confession

**Theo's POV**

"Nothing," I shrugged.

"What do you mean by nothing?"

"Nothing," I shrugged.

Fiona's gaze bore into me, I knew she wasn't going to let this conversation end without answers.

"There was obviously something. Or were you just having fun around?" She narrowed her eyes infinitesimally.

"Elara reminded me of you," I began cautiously, choosing my words carefully. I wasn't sure if I should let her know that I hung out with Elara for that reason because she and I weren't really talking at that time. "So that's it."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Me? How?"

"She's adventurous, bold, and reckless. Isn't scared to speak her mind no matter how powerful the person is," I admitted. "Spending time with her felt... familiar. Like being around you. Comfortable."

Fiona raised an eyebrow. "Is that all?"

I hesitated. "Yes?"

"You're lying," she rolled her eyes and laughed lightly. "There's something else you're not telling me?"

"There is?" I asked, playing dumb to what she was saying.

"Of course there is."

"Well..." I began hesitantly.

"Just spill it, Theo," she cut in, her tone laced with a playful form of irritation.

I sighed heavily. "We were mates."

Her eyes widened in shock, and she sat back, processing the revelation. "Wait, what? Elara is your mate? Was? What do you mean was?" She seemed so excited. No matter how classy Fiona acted, she still loved gossip.

"Yes," I said, the admission was heavier than I expected it to feel. I felt a slight tug at my heart. "She was my mate."

Fiona's expression morphed into one of disbelief. "So why are you still leading Tiana on, Theo? If Elara's your mate, shouldn't you be- wait you rejected the Lyncan princess?"

"She rejected me," I interrupted, my voice softer now. "That's the reason why I said I was her mate. But not anymore."

"Are you sad about it?"

"Not really. I was hoping for Tiana to be you know... Then when I felt the mate bond between Elara... I don't know. I didn't like her at first... and I was happy that she didn't want me."

"But? I can tell there is a but coming."

"It kind of hurt that she saw me as someone I wasn't," I shrugged.

"You don't really care what people see you as."

"Maybe," I sighed. "But here's the thing, reputation does matter. What if everyone sees me that way?"

"In what way did she see you?"

"Weak. Like someone not suitable to become Alpha one day."

"Well she's definitely wrong about that and it's because she's not a member of our pack."

"Yeah, I suppose so. We got to know each other later, but by then, the bond was broken."

Fiona's mouth opened as if to say something, then closed. Her face was a mix of confusion and curiosity. "But Theo," she said gently, "even after a rejection, you can still court her. You could regain the mate bond. Your parents would support it-it would strengthen alliances with the Lycans. It makes sense."

I shook my head firmly. "She suggested it too, but... I wasn't interested. The connection wasn't there anymore. We agreed to just be friends."

For a moment, she said nothing. Then she tilted her head, her expression softening. "You really like her."

"What?" I asked, startled by the sudden change in tone. "Who?"

"Tiana," she said simply.

I didn't respond immediately, unsure of what to say.

"Can I ask why?" She said. "What's so special about her that makes you... That made you fall in love with her."

"Everything," I sighed. "From the moment I saw her... I just... Felt this longing for her, like my wolf wanted it too... Once I set my eyes on her. And it sucked that we weren't mates. Then I began getting to know her... We aren't particularly close but I know her enough to see that she is genuine and who I want in my life."

"Wow... It's the first time you've ever felt that way about a woman... And it's not just you thinking she's beautiful."

"It's not just about beauty but she is very beautiful as well."

"She's lucky to have you then."

"I feel I am the lucky one," I smiled.

*+*+*+*

The sky was still cloaked in darkness when I made my way to Tiana's door. I knocked softly, hoping she had not forgotten about our early morning ride.

The door opened, and Tiana greeted me with a sleepy but warm smile. Her hair was slightly tousled, and her eyes sparkled despite the early hour. "Good morning," she said softly.

"Morning," I replied. "Ready for our ride?"

She nodded, "Absolutely."

We made our way to the stables, where our horses were already saddled and waiting.

"They're beautiful," she whispered, running a hand along her horse's mane. "But... I forgot to tell you, I don't really know how to ride. I never really got the privilege to learn."

"That's okay," I said. "We can ride on my horse together."

I was actually quite happy because it meant more proximity to Tiana. I helped her mount before climbing on behind her. "Here we go."

We walked out of the gates of the pack house and onto the main road. The streets were quiet, the only sounds coming from the clatter of hooves against cobblestones and the occasional chirp of waking birds.

Tiana looked around occasionally. "This is... amazing," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "How did I miss this the first time I was here?"

"Well... A lot happened that day." I replied softly.

"Yeah. But this is... It's wonderful. You have a beautiful pack."

I couldn't help but smile. "It's even better when the market's open. Maybe I'll bring you here one day when it's busier."

We rode through the town, eventually stopping at a small hill that overlooked the entire area. From here, the view was breathtaking and the town sprawled out below us, the sun casting long shadows.

"This is incredible," Tiana murmured, her eyes wide.

I dismounted and offered her a hand to help her down. She took it, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through me.

"Thank you for this," she said softly, turning to look at me.

"You don't have to thank me," I replied. "I wanted to do this with you."

She smiled, and for a moment, it felt like time had stopped.