Alpha, Your Regret Came Too Late

I lie on the soft bed in Riot's private chamber, my heart pounding as he moves above me. The room smells of pine and sweat, and the dim light from the window casts shadows on the walls. In this world where humans like me live alongside werewolves, I've always known my place in the Crimson Claw Pack—as an orphan taken in for pity, working in the kitchens. But Riot Thorn, the Alpha, is different. I've had a crush on him for years, watching him from afar during pack meetings, admiring his strong build and commanding presence. I know it's forbidden to even possess such feelings for the ruthless Alpha, at least for a pitiable human like me, but. Now, here he is, with me. He found out earlier today. His wolf sensed it first, he said. I'm his mate. A human mated to the most powerful Alpha. It should be impossible, but the Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes. He pulled me aside after the evening meal, his eyes dark with something I couldn't read. "You're mine," he growled, and dragged me here without another word. Now, his hands grip my hips as he thrusts into me. This is my first time, and it hurts at first, a sharp pain that makes me gasp. But then it turns into something else—warm, building pressure that spreads through my body. I wrap my legs around him, pulling him closer. "Alpha," I whisper, my voice shaky. He grunts in response, his pace quickening. "You feel that?" he says, his breath hot against my ear. "That's what a mate bond does." I nod, biting my lip. I've dreamed of this. Of him noticing me, choosing me. As an orphan, I've felt invisible, but now I'm the center of his world. His body presses against mine, heavy and solid. Each movement sends waves of pleasure through me, making my toes curl. I run my hands over his back, feeling the muscles shift under his skin. He's so strong, so in control. He leans down, capturing my mouth in a rough kiss. His tongue pushes in, matching the rhythm below. I kiss him back, eager, tasting salt on his lips. The pain from earlier is gone now, replaced by a deep ache that I want more of. "Don't stop," I murmur against his mouth. He chuckles low in his throat. "I won't, little human. Not until you're screaming my name." His words make my cheeks heat, but I love it. I arch my back, meeting his thrusts. The bed creaks under us, the only sound besides our breathing. I feel connected to him in a way I've never felt with anyone, the feels alone, pulling me toward him. I close my eyes, letting the sensations take over as pressure builds inside me.. "Riot... I'm..." I can't finish the sentence. It hits me then—a rush that makes my whole body tense and then release. I cry out, my nails digging into his shoulders. He keeps going, drawing it out until I'm trembling. "Good girl," he says, his voice rough. He thrusts harder now, chasing his own end. I hold on, still floating from my peak. Then he stiffens, groaning as he releases inside me. Warmth spreads deep within, and he stays there for a moment, buried to the hilt, making sure every drop stays. He pulls out slowly, rolling off me. I lie there, catching my breath, a smile tugging at my lips. This is the start of something real. I'll be his Luna, even as a human. The pack will accept it because the bond of an Alpha is sacred. But when I open my eyes, Riot's face is different. His expression is cold, eyes narrowed. He sits up, grabbing his pants from the floor. "Alpha?" I say, sitting up too. My body aches in a good way, but unease creeps in. "What's wrong?" He doesn't look at me as he dresses. "Get up. Put your clothes on." I blink, confused. "But... we just... You're my mate. You said so." He turns then, his gaze hard. "I said my wolf sensed you. That doesn't mean I accept it." My stomach drops. "What do you mean? The bond—" "The bond is a mistake." He stands, towering over me. "You think I'll be mates to a human? Weak, pathetic. You're nothing but an orphan scrap the pack fed out of charity." His words sting like a slap. I pull the sheet around me, suddenly feeling exposed. "But you just took me. My virginity. That means something." He laughs, a harsh sound. "It means I used what was offered. But now? I reject you, Kachi Hale. I reject the mate bond, I cannot be mated a useless pathetic scrub of a human girl" Pain explodes in my chest, sharp and tearing. It's like something inside me rips apart. I gasp, clutching at my heart. "No..., please. I've loved you from afar for so long. This can't be—" "Love?" He sneers. "You think your little crush matters? You seduced me. Drugged me with some aphrodisiac to force the bond." I stare at him, horrified. "What? I didn't! I would never—" "Lies." He grabs my arm, yanking me to my feet. The sheet falls away, but he doesn't care. His grip bruises my skin. "You slipped something in my drink at dinner which made me lose control to want you" Tears blur my vision. "That's not true! You pulled me here. You said I was yours." He shakes me. "Shut up. The pack will hear the truth from me and not you" Before I can react, his hand comes down—hard. He backhands me across the face, the force sending me stumbling back onto the bed. My cheek burns, and I taste blood. Shock freezes me. The Alpha just hit me. My mate. "Alpha..." I whisper, touching my lip. It's split. He storms to the door, flinging it open. Guards stand outside, werewolf enforcers with stern faces. "Take her," he orders. "She's banished from pack lands. Effective immediately." One guard steps in, grabbing my clothes and tossing them at me. "Dress. Now." I fumble with them, my hands shaking. Tears stream down my face as I pull on my shirt and pants. "Please, Alpha. Don't do this. I didn't drug you. I love you." He turns his back. "Love from a human means nothing. You're a liability. Weak blood tainting the pack." The guards haul me up by my arms. I struggle, but they're too strong. "No, that's not true, why are you doing this," He says without turning. "Let it remind you to stay away." They drag me out of the chamber, down the halls of the pack house. Pack members stare as we pass—whispers spreading. "The human orphan?" "Seduced the Alpha?" "Drugged him?" We reach the main hall, where more wolves gather. Riot follows, addressing them. "This human, Kachi Hale, has betrayed the pack. She used an aphrodisiac to seduce me, forcing a false mate bond. I reject her. She is banished. If she returns, kill her on sight." Gasps echo around the room. I shake my head wildly. "No! He's lying! I didn't—" A guard clamps a hand over my mouth. Riot nods, and they pull me toward the doors. Outside, the night air hits me like ice. They march me to the pack borders, a fence marking the edge of our territory. Humans and wolves coexist in this world, but out there, it's dangerous for someone like me—alone, without protection. At the gate, the guards shove me through and I fall to my knees in the dirt. "Please," I beg, looking back. Riot stands there, arms crossed, expression blank. "Go," he says. "And don't come back.”