Rejected by her alpha

The Signs Come True

The days run fast like a whirlwind. Events leading up to Killian's coronation as Alpha King come and go as fast as the blink of an eye. Jack refuses to tell me anything, and neither do I get any information from Killian either. They keep me in the dark.

On the eve, I meet my mother in her chambers. One good thing about being the Alpha's mate is that I get to live with my family in the manor. The manor itself has over fifteen rooms, old but sturdy. I have never seen the whole of it.

She is in her rocking chair, knitting. She does this when the day has been uneventful. And being the eve of Killian's coronation, I wonder why.

"I cannot believe you are doing this, mother. On a day like this one. Do you know how many times I have been turned around and prodded?"

Mother smiles at me. "This isn't my boredom or weariness manifesting itself, Eva. This is my making a badge for you. For your dress."

I become interested, and move closer to see what it is she is making. But she hides it from my sight. "No, not until I am done with it."

"So, it's something special, is it?"

"Of course, it is. Is there something you need, my dear?"

I hesitate for a moment. "Ever since the preparations begun, have you noticed anything out of the ordinary?"

"Expect for the fact that people are working faster than normal or doing chores twice their feat, no. Is this what you mean?"

I shake my head. "No, mother. Not that. What I mean is, have you noticed any strange behavior from Killian or Jack?"

"No, I haven't. Why?"

"Just a hunch, mother," I said and walk to light some candles. Outside, the day is thinning.

"And what caused it, if I may ask?"

I just look at her. As I am about to open my mouth to say something, there is a knock on the door. Mother answers and a maid walks in.

"Lord Killian is here."

Almost immediately, Killian walks into my mother's chambers. She gets to her feet the moment he puts one foot inside the room, the knitting in her hand clearly forgotten.

"This is a surprise, Killian," mother says.

Killian notices me standing in the room. "Eva? I did not expect to find you here."

"I could say the same of you."

"Well, I wish to speak with your mother, alone."

What was that I said about strange behaviors? I look at mother, bow slightly and leave the room. When I reach the end of the hallway, I hear the door open again, and the escorts come out. All expect Killian and my mother.

*********

The day comes like a thief in the night. Maidens hired by Killian wake me up at sunrise and herd me into the washroom. I take my time with my body. I do not feel like going back out there anytime soon.

My head is filled with thoughts. If this is how our relationship has turned out to be, what about in the next five years?

This cannot be the way it turns out to be.

I scrub myself until one of the girls knock on the door and tell me that we need to hurry. I ignore this disturbance and settle back in the tub. I want to get out of here without anyone telling me to hurry. Killian can wait.

*********

Jack comes in later when I am in my coronation dress. I cannot stop myself from hugging him.

"It is going to be alright, Eva," he said.

"You think so?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, and takes a seat on his favorite cushion. "The coronation is happening, is it not?"

"So you're saying that I have nothing to worry about on this day."

"Hm-hm."

"You don't sound sure."

"We will see about that, Eva."

***********

The chapel in the manor is filled to the brim with people. My heard thuds when I think of the possibility of men from the cobblestone streets being here.

It is Jack who walks me down the aisle and I keep clutching his arm tighter to tell him that I am very much nervous.

"What did you discuss with Killian?" I asked.

He pats my gloved hand and bends his head. "Don't worry, Eva. There is nothing to worry about, Eva."

"We will see about that, Jack," I repeat his own words back at him.

The man officiating is someone I do not recognize. Standing beside him and facing Killian Romero feels like I'm standing before strangers.

"We gather here today to witness and celebrate the mutual joining of these two and their elevation and their elevation to King and Queen. To which we shall all chant, Long Live, after their vows have been passed."

Mother's badge is a howling wolf's head and the moon above.

"Do you take Lady Eva as your own and accept her blood and her bite?"

"I do," Killian says, his eyes glued to mine. But I can't find any feeling in them.

"And do you take Lord Killian as your own and accept his blood and his bite?"

"I do," I said.

"Now you may both share a bite and a kiss."

My heart thuds. I have never extended my fangs before. Killian knows this. What is he doing? Killian holds my hand up for everyone to see, extends his fangs and pierced my skin.

I yelp in pain. I have never been bitten before. Killian smiles, offers me his hand. I feel a shiver rush through me. Moments pass.

Then Killian turns to the crowd and says, "She cannot bite. Therefore, we cannot be married. Had I known she was a human in the first place, Eva would not be in this manor. So I reject my mate in front of you all." He turns to look at me. "Thank you for deceiving me."