Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 71: You're Too Weak To Be My Mate

**Tiana's POV**

I returned to my room, deeply in thoughts.

The moonlight spilled through the window, casting long shadows across the wall and floor. I sat cross-legged on my bed, staring at the patterns of light the moon had in the room while thinking of what had just happened.

"I, Theodore Roman, accept you as my mate."

A shiver ran down my spine at the memory of him saying those words to me. He had said those words with so much conviction that he really wanted me as his mate. Even before the bond, he had treated me like he wanted me but I could not ignore the reality of things.

I buried my face in my hands, my chest tightening. I wanted to accept him- I really did. But how could I? How could I trust that even if it did not start the same way, this wouldn't end the same way it did with Derek?

Derek.

His name alone was enough to stir the pain I had tried so hard to bury. I had thought I would finally have some sense of joy, peace and belonging in my pack but he has rejected me and chosen my step-sister Selena over me.

"You're too weak to be my mate."

My hands curled into fists at the memory, my nails digging into my palms. Derek had rejected me because I wasn't strong enough. Because I didn't have a wolf, so I wasn't fit to stand by his side as his Luna. And now, here I was again, facing the possibility of another rejection.

What if Theo realized the same thing? What if he woke up tomorrow and decided I wasn't good enough for him since I haven't been able to wolf out? I was definitely not suited to be Luna when I couldn't wolf out.

How on earth was I supposed to participate in traditions without having a physical wolf?

My heart ached at the thought. Theo was different from Derek- I knew that. But he was also the Alpha's son. He had responsibilities, expectations and a pack to lead. Could I really stand beside him without a wolf? The pack members and even his father definitely weren't going to accept me.

Or would they?

I sighed, pushing myself off the bed. My feet carried me to the window, where I leaned against the sill and stared out at the vast space. The bond between us tugged at my heart, urging me to go to him, to tell him how I felt.

But I couldn't. Not yet.

I needed to protect myself.

I needed to figure this out before I gave Theo any more of myself.

Because if he rejected me in the end, I didn't think I'd survive it.

*+*+*+*+*

I woke up earlier than usual because sleep seemed to have a personal vendetta against me. The sun had barely risen.

I stood up and washed up, then put on a simple lavender-colored dress and I don't know how it happened but I found myself standing outside Theo's chambers, my knuckles hovering inches from the wooden door.

My heart was beating erratically, and I fought the urge to turn around and go back to my own room.

I mean, I knew I couldn't avoid this conversation forever so it was better to get it over with.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked softly. A moment later, the door creaked open, with Theo standing there without wearing a shirt. I gulped at his appearance. His dark hair was tousled from sleep and his eyes were heavy with confusion as he blinked at me.

I also couldn't ignore the dangerous line disappearing into his pants.

"Tiana?" His voice was hoarse, deep and sexy but also tinged with confusion. "What are you doing here so early?"

I looked down at my feet, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "I... I wanted to talk to you."

He stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Come in."

"How are you feeling?" Theo asked, closing the door behind me.

"I'm... okay," I said, but my voice betrayed me by sounding unsure.

He nodded, studying me with an intensity that made my cheeks flush.

"Do you mind if we have breakfast together?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I could not believe I was asking this. "Maybe in your room, or the dining room, or wherever you prefer."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Sure, why not? I'll let someone know to bring something up here."

"Thank you," I said, my hands fidgeting at my sides.

He left briefly to call for breakfast and then returned a few minutes later.

"What's on your mind?" he asked gently.

I took a deep breath. "Theo, I know this isn't easy for you. It's not easy for me either. But... I need time. I need to think about everything- the benefits and the disadvantages."

"What disadvantages are there, Tiana?"

"There are so many," I said, my voice breaking slightly. I wished I could tell him about Derek but I was not yet ready for that, nor did I want to give him information on my old pack. "And you won't be able to understand where I'm coming from."

"Try me," he said, leaning forward.

I shook my head, looking away. "Theo, you're the son of the Alpha. You're strong, respected, and... everything I'm not. I don't have a wolf. I'm not strong enough to stand beside you as Luna. What if... what if you realize that later and regret this?"

"Tiana, you're more than enough. You don't need a wolf to prove your worth to me or anyone else. Let me show you that I love you. Let me prove that I'll never regret this."

"Okay," I said quietly, "but I can't rush this decision. I need to be sure."

He nodded. "Have you told anyone about us?"

"No," I said. "I haven't even seen Layla or Amara lately. I needed time to process everything before saying anything to anyone."

"Alright," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Take your time. I'll wait as long as you need."

"You look like you want to say something," I commented.