Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 76: A Two Days Ultimatum

**Theo's POV**

I stood in front of my father’s chambers, my heart pounding in my chest. I had been summoned before dawn broke. A guard had literally come to wake me up from my sleep just to tell me that my father had to see me and it was urgent. I knew by the stern expression on the guard’s face that this wasn’t going to be a casual visit. Every part of me was tense as I walked into the room, my father already sitting at his desk, his face was squeezed angrily, his fingers tapping angrily against the wood.

I wondered what I had done this time.

“Sit,” he ordered, his voice cold.

I didn’t hesitate, pulling the chair out and sitting down before him. My mind raced, already preparing for the inevitable lecture that was coming my way.

“What’s going on, Father?” I asked.

He looked at me, his eyes narrowed with frustration. “People are talking, Theo. You know how that goes.”

“Talking about what?” I asked, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.

“Let’s see,” he began, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the desk. “The Beta has already found his mate and just after a year of doing so, they’ve had an heir. Meanwhile, you’ve done nothing but go on date after date with women I have looked into yet you're wasting time. And you’re still here—uncommitted, unengaged. How long do you think the pack will stand for that?”

I blinked, the words hitting me like a slap. I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t even considered what people were saying. The pressure was mounting, but I hadn’t expected my father to voice it so plainly.

“I don’t understand what you want me to do about it, Father,” I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. “The right woman hasn’t come along yet. I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love just to satisfy some council or pack expectation. Plus all the women you've sent my way are..."

My father leaned back in his chair and cut me off. “You think love matters when it comes to leadership? You’re wrong, Theo. The pack wants stability, and strength. They want someone who will lead them, not someone who can’t make a decision. You’re being childish.”

I felt my jaw tighten. “You can’t force me into something I’m not ready for, Father.”

He stood up suddenly, his anger flaring. “You think I’m forcing you into something? I’m giving you an ultimatum. In two days, Theo, I expect you to choose one of those women you’ve been meeting with. If you don’t, I will name Peter as your successor. He’s already proven he can take a mate and produce an heir. What have you done?”

I couldn’t believe it. Peter? The beta? Taking my place as alpha?

“That’s ridiculous,” I said, standing up quickly, my hands gripping the armrests of the chair. “The council won’t agree to that. They won’t support Peter as Alpha.”

“You’re wrong,” my father said with a cold smirk. “The council believes Peter would be a better ruler after all, I adopted him as my son when his father, the former beta, died. They’ve already begun discussing it. They think he’s a better fit than you.”

“You’re using me as a pawn in your games. You’re not even considering what’s best for the pack. You’re just worried about appearances.”

“I’m doing what needs to be done for the good of the pack. You’ve had your chance, Theo. Now, it’s time for you to make a decision.”

I stood there for a moment, breathing heavily and without another word, I turned and walked out of the room, my fists clenched at my sides.

I stormed down the hall. How had things gotten so complicated? My father was demanding something I wasn’t ready to give, and I didn’t know how to fight back. I couldn’t lose the pack, but I also couldn’t betray my own feelings.

I needed to find Tiana.

As I walked briskly through the halls, I couldn’t help but wonder how she would react. She had been so hesitant, so unsure. Could I ask her to make a decision this quickly? Could I demand it of her?

By the time I reached her chambers, I was practically shaking with frustration. The door opened before I could knock, and there she stood, her face soft but weary. She looked at me, and I saw the concern in her eyes.

“Theo, what’s wrong?” she asked.

I stepped inside, not bothering to greet her properly. “I need you to make a decision, Tiana,” I said, my voice clipped. “In two days. I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep pretending that everything is fine when it’s not. I’ve been given an ultimatum. I need to know if you’re going to accept me as your mate or not. My father won’t wait any longer.”

Tiana’s eyes widened, and I saw the confusion and fear that flashed across her face. “Theo, I—”

“No, Tiana,” I interrupted. “I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep waiting for you to decide. You’ve been pulling away, and I need to know if I’m wasting my time. You can’t keep saying that you need more time. My father wants me to choose a bride in two days, and if you’re not willing to make a decision, I’ll have to marry someone else.”

I saw the shock in her eyes, the hesitation, and I knew I had said too much. I knew I had pushed her away, but I couldn’t take it back.

“I... I can’t, Theo,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I don’t know what to say. I’m scared. I’m not ready for this. I—”

“I don’t have a choice, Tiana!” I snapped, "I’m being forced into this. My father is ready to strip me of everything if I don’t make a decision. I need to know where you stand. You need to tell me.”

“I... I don’t know if I can, Theo,” she said in a pained voice. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to be your mate. To be the Luna of the pack. I don’t have a wolf, I’m not strong enough.”

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration flooding my chest. “Don’t you see? You don’t have to be perfect. You’re already perfect to me. But I need to know, Tiana. I need you to decide. I need you to choose. I can’t wait forever.”

Her silence was deafening. For a moment, I wondered if I had pushed her too far.

“And what happens if your father chooses not to accept me?”