The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 8: Rejection

I turned my focus back to the formidable man standing a few meters away, ready to smile at him and accept my fate. But my idea was shattered when he nonchalantly left, slipping out the door just as a young man in a tuxedo stepped out of the shadows and onto the stage. In the corner of my eyes, I noticed the other Alphas releasing a sigh of relief when Nicholas disappeared.

I turned my attention to the newcomer, feeling the strong aura of power emanating from him. Although his force was almost on par with that of normal Alphas, he may have been the gamma or delta of the Moonstone Pack, the pack of Lycans. Their intimidating presence and naturally dense aura of power made them easily distinguishable from other werewolves.

The man held out his hand and positioned himself beside the steps that led off the platform. Tentatively, I placed my hand in his, my brows pinched in uncertainty, as I descended the stairs. When I reached the floor, the man guided me away from the area. I quietly followed him as we exited through the door, navigating a series of hallways until we came to an abrupt stop in front of a steel door that creaked open under his touch.

A cold blast of wind assaulted my face and bare skin, exposed by my thin and scanty clothing. I quickly glanced towards the surrounding lampposts, their bright glow casting an eerie light over the pitch-black woodland. The man continued walking, and I nervously trailed behind him. With each step, my heart beat faster, knowing that one way or another, I would meet him—my mate, the Alpha King.

A whirlwind of questions filled my mind. What should I say first? Hi? Would that sound impolite since he was still my leader? Should I add 'Your Highness?' Should I bow or not? My thoughts spun in a frenzy, contemplating the appropriate way to address him.

The scent of sandalwood and cedarwood once again reached my nose, causing my hands to turn cold and clammy. The man guiding me suddenly stepped aside, causing me to halt in my tracks, a little confused, only to see my mate—the Alpha King—standing in front of me. I nibbled my lower lip so hard it stung, seeking reassurance that this was not a dream.

No. This was real.

My thoughts spiraled out of control as he gazed at me, or more accurately, at my body, letting his emerald eyes roam from my head to my feet. I could feel his intense gaze burning into my flesh, igniting sparks throughout my body. He stood there, yet his mere presence was enough to make me wet between my thighs. Images of him caressing me, making me moan, flooded my mind.

I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and ventured forward, meeting his enchanting gaze with my reluctant one.

"You are my mate—" I began, but in an instant, he interrupted me.

“No, you're not, '' he said calmly.

"What? Why…" I stuttered, shocked, meeting his ice-cold stare.

"You are not my mate," he spat the words like venom.

He sounded distant and unconcerned. The impassiveness in his gaze made it impossible to understand what he was thinking. Yet, despite the pain, I found myself drawn to his voice.

"And neither would I acknowledge you as one," he continued.

I froze. Any joy, hope, or excitement in my heart shattered within seconds by those words. Is it supposed to be like this? Isn't a mate supposed to love each other instantly because of the mate bond? That's always the story in books and the tales of our kind.

‘Are you normal, though?’ a small voice in my head countered.

Ah, right. I was not normal. Those stories about mates didn't include hybrids like me.

I moistened my suddenly dry lips. Gracefully wiping away my tears and gathering myself, I managed to conceal my sorrow over being rejected. He didn't want me. It was obvious, and I shouldn't push myself. After all, only unfortunate circumstances had brought me here. I had never planned to meet him. I had lived for 28 years without knowing him, and I could continue my life even after being rejected.

I held my mate's blank stare, smiling and trying to sound as composed as I could, but I was shattering within.

"Can you tell me why? Why won't you accept me?" I asked, my voice as calm as possible.

The urge to add 'Your Highness' to my question was strong, as it was customary when addressing our Alpha King. But at this moment, I didn't care about his rank anymore. I only cared about the fact that he was rejecting me.

Fuck his title.

"You're weak," Nicholas said impassively, "You are not a Lycan. Worse, you can't shift as said in your profile. How can you lead my Moonstone Pack—the pack of Lycans—when you are weaker than your people?"

My mind raced back to the profile I had been forced to fill out under Madam Barbara's guidance. I had claimed to not be able to shift, highlighting the advantages it would bring—lowering people's guard around me, creating a false record. It had seemed convincing because others couldn't sense my wolf—the perks of being a hybrid like me.

But this was not part of my plan.

"Is being strong that crucial to being your mate? I excel in other aspects"

"It is. I need someone worthy and strong enough to stand beside me. Clearly, you're not," he replied.

Although it was difficult, I managed to nod and add, "I understand. Don't worry, I won't dare to mention it again. I'll just forget this whole situation."

And for the first time, I saw a glint of surprise and confusion in his eyes.

But it didn't matter anymore.