Mother of the kidnapped triplets from the Alpha who rejected me

Being an orphan in the city was unusual, but I didn’t understand why so many people despised me. It had always been that way. My differences were something no one seemed to accept. In just a few hours, I’d be celebrating my twenty-first birthday. But I had no one to share it with. I was alone, standing in front of the mirror, the gold dress enhancing my reflection. My hair was curled with a Babyliss iron, and the mask I wore concealed everything but my mouth. Everyone in town was heading to the grand costume party that Alpha Nathan was hosting. I wasn’t one to attend his events. Every time I’d gone in the past, I’d ended up isolated and ridiculed—even by Alpha himself. I still didn’t understand why people treated me this way, but I’d stopped caring. Better not to dwell on it, to avoid getting hurt. In the end, I knew their disdain had nothing to do with me. I slipped on my shoes and looked out the window. The empty street gave me relief as I slipped out the back way. I didn’t want anyone to see me or recognize me. Our pack was tight-knit, so I knew it wouldn’t be difficult for someone to figure out who I was. But I hoped the goddess would show me a bit of kindness tonight. I just wanted to enjoy myself, like any other young woman. When I arrived, I stood outside the grand doors for a moment. Soon, a group of laughing young men pushed past me without a glance. Relieved, I stepped inside. ❦ “I’m very grateful to each of you who made it to the party,” Alpha Nathan said with a grin. “Now that the elders are gone, and with just under ten minutes until midnight, let’s get this party started!” Cheers echoed through the room as I readied myself to leave. I’d had enough food and drink, and I knew I had a shift at Davidson’s Diner tomorrow. “Hope you all have a great time,” he chuckled. “The party won’t stop till dawn!” Everyone cheered, as if his words were the most thrilling proclamation. I leaned against the wall as the lights dimmed. Soon, colored lights flashed across the hall, and it took me a moment to regain my bearings before squeezing through the crowd of dancers. A pang of disappointment hit me. Despite everything, I was still alone, but at least it was a peaceful solitude—no jokes or jabs this time. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been lost in my thoughts when my watch chimed. Glancing at it, I gave a sad smile and leaned against the wall. “Happy birthday, Hazel,” I whispered. Then, suddenly, a rich, woody scent filled the air around me, like a gust of wind. Something stirred inside me, and I scanned the room. I moved through the crowd more urgently now, knowing I’d have no peace until I found him. My feet moved quickly, following the growing strength of the scent. Closer and closer. And closer. Until— “Hi.” His voice was deep and low. “Hi,” I replied, smiling, though I knew he couldn’t see it through the mask. “I’ve waited a long time for you.” He wrapped an arm around my waist, his scent overwhelming. “Me too,” I murmured. “Take off your mask,” he said, a smile in his voice. “I want to see you. I want to see my destiny.” “Not yet,” I replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s get to know each other first. Faces are just… details.” The truth was, I feared rejection in front of everyone. And even though the moon goddess never made mistakes, I couldn’t help my doubts. “Come with me.” His voice was gentle. No one had ever spoken to me like this. He took my hand, leading me through the dark corridors. I felt happy, truly happy, for the first time. I’d found my mate. A single tear slid down my cheek—not from sadness, but from relief. Relief that I wasn’t as different as everyone thought, that I could have a good destiny and a partner who cherished me. I was genuinely happy. My heart felt whole. Though I feared what tomorrow might bring, tonight I wanted him to truly see me. ❦ The night passed as quickly as it had begun. I slowly opened my eyes to sunlight streaming through the window and found Alpha Nathan looking at me seriously. He was bare, but his gaze was cold, slicing into me. My heart tightened, and I drew in a shaky breath. “So… it’s you,” he said, his voice laced with disgust. “Are you the one the moon goddess chose for me?” He stood without looking back. “I…” I tried to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. There was nothing to say. I’d known rejection, but I’d never imagined he would defy the moon goddess. My eyes stung with tears. “I can’t believe it. What did you do to make me think it was you?” he yelled, furious. “I did nothing.” My voice choked. “I can’t! I can’t have a weak Luna like you!” Nathan paced, his hands in his hair, his steps heavy. “What are you going to do?” I asked, biting my lip. He paused, seeming to weigh his options. His expression only deepened my confusion. I stayed silent, afraid to say anything that might make things worse. I couldn’t ruin this—not with my mate, my destiny. “I’m not weak, Nat.” I began, but he cut me off. “Alpha,” he corrected. “To you, I’m Alpha. And yes, you are weak. You don’t even have a fully developed she-wolf. Your parents would be ashamed.” I stood, drawing in a tired breath. All I wanted now was to leave. To get away before he officially rejected me and I faced the worst. I’d read as a child that rejection by one’s mate could cause such intense pain that you could die. I didn’t want that fate. I deserved more. I dropped the sheet, gathering my clothes from the floor. “What are you doing?” he demanded. “I can’t stay here. You need time to think,” I said, slipping back into my dress. “No, I don’t.” He lifted his chin defiantly. “I, Nathan Elliot, reject you as my Luna and as my mate.” I froze, tears pouring down my face as I gripped the armchair, my nails sinking into its fabric, my vision blurring. A wave of pain crashed over me, sweat forming instantly on my forehead. My body weakened, and his harsh words sent me reeling. “I want you to leave…” he growled. “Get out, now!” he roared. Summoning courage, I stood and looked at him. My hurt and resentment made me feel sick. He had broken me—truly broken me. “You’ll regret this,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I won’t,” he replied coldly. “The moon goddess will give me a second chance.” I scoffed. “I doubt it.” I left, brushing past him. I slammed the door behind me, tears streaming down my face. “What’s going on?” Nathan’s beta, Lyon, called after me, but I ignored him. I didn’t want to hear anyone. I just wanted to escape. I would never let myself be humiliated or rejected again. If he didn’t accept me as his mate, as his Luna, that was his burden to bear. One day, he’d realize what he’d lost. And until then, I needed to be far from here. Away from him and everything that reminded me of him. Nathan was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. And if anyone was weak, it was him, not me.