The Mate I Rejected

Kaelani POV Today is the first day back at Crescent Moon Academy, and I can’t say I’m thrilled. It’s always the same—packs full of heirs who think they’re better than everyone else just because they were born into power. Alpha heirs who look down on omegas. She-wolves desperate to be someone’s future Luna, mate or not. It used to be only two packs attending the academy. Now there are four. More egos. More politics. More problems. I’m Kaelani Quinn, second oldest child of Alpha Donovan Quinn and Luna Astrid Quinn of the Blackridge Pack. My older brother Ezra is our future Alpha and my biggest confidant. He’s everything an Alpha should be—strong, calm, respected. Then there’s my younger sister, Aliza. She’s only a year younger than me, and she makes sure everyone knows she’s an Alpha’s daughter and destined to be a Luna. Preferably to someone powerful. Preferably someone important. Me? I just want my birthday to come so I can go off to college, leave the pack behind, and become a doctor. I glance at my alarm and curse under my breath. Training. I quickly link my best friend, Kaia Knight—our Beta’s daughter and the only person who truly knows me. Be down in a bit, I link. Hurry up, she links back immediately. Your dad just walked onto the training grounds. Shit. I throw on leggings, a sports bra, and sneakers, then sprint downstairs and out onto the field. “Lani,” my dad links sharply. Yes, Daddy, I respond. "Training starts at six. As the Alpha’s daughter, you should be one of the first ones here." he links I’m sorry, sir. I’m here now, I link back, jogging to stand beside Kaia. She gives me a look. Try not to be late every day. School hasn’t even started yet. Training flies by faster than I expect. By the time it’s over, sweat clings to my skin and my muscles are warm and loose. Before I can slip away, my father’s voice stops me. “Kaelani. A moment.” I turn to Kaia. “I’ll meet you at my car.” She nods and heads off. “Yes, Daddy?” I say, falling into step beside him as we walk back toward the packhouse. “I know I’m harder on you than your sister sometimes,” he says quietly, “but it’s because I know you’re meant to do great things.” “I know,” I reply. “I know the Moon Goddess told you and Mom that I was special. I just… I don’t know what that means yet.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Training will help prepare you—for your wolf and whatever comes next. I’ll see you after school. We’ll meet after dinner for our session.” “Okay, Daddy. I love you.” “I love you too.” I hurry back to my room, shower quickly, and get dressed. I throw my hair up into a loose, curly mess and pull on blue jeans, a cropped Kiss t-shirt, and my black Doc Martens. I look at myself in the mirror. “We look good,” my wolf, Nala, says proudly. “We sure do,” I reply, grabbing my bag. I stop in the dining room to grab a muffin and two coffees before heading out. “I’ve been waiting forever, b***h,” Kaia says the second I reach the car. “I’m sorry,” I laugh, handing her the coffee and muffin. “I had to wash my hair.” We pull out of the driveway, and not even five minutes into the drive, Kaia starts. “So,” she says, chewing, “do you think Kieran Vale will actually date Aliza this year? She was all over him last year. I heard they slept together.” I shrug. “Who knows? I honestly don’t care. It’s our last year. I just want to get through it and get into a good medical school.” Twenty minutes later, I pull my black Corvette into the parking lot. This year matters. And I won’t let anyone mess it up. As soon as we step out of the car, a strange feeling crawls up my spine. Someone is watching us, Nala says. “Don’t look now,” Kaia murmurs, “but Kieran is staring at you.” “Good,” I say, grabbing my bag. “Let him stare.” I finally glance over. He is nice to look at, I’ll give him that. I raise a brow at him, unimpressed, then walk into the school. We take seats in the back row of the auditorium, close to the exit. Once the hall fills, the principal steps onto the stage. “Quiet,” he says. “I don’t care what pack you’re from or what rank you hold. In here, you are students. This year, we’ve added three new packs and expanded the campus. I will not tolerate bullying of lower-ranked students, and fighting is restricted to the training grounds.” A murmur ripples through the room. “For juniors and seniors, this year marks the sparring tournament. Because of increased enrollment, it will run all year. Monthly rankings. Assigned opponents. Let’s see if anyone can beat Ezra Quinn’s undefeated record.” Kaia groans. “Leave it to Ezra to not be here and still make us look bad.” We split up to collect schedules. When I reach the front of my table, I state my name. “Kaelani Quinn.” The teacher looks up. “Alpha Quinn of Blackridge’s daughter?” “Yes, sir.” “He’s a good Alpha,” he says. “And your brother will be too. Good luck this year.” “Thank you.” I turn—and slam straight into someone. Strong hands grip my arms, steadying me. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” The voice is deep. Smooth. I look up into the most stunning gray eyes I’ve ever seen. “Uh—” “She’s fine,” Kaia cuts in, giving me an oh my god look. Say something, she links. “Yes,” I say quickly. “I’m fine. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” “It’s crowded,” he says easily. “I’m Liam Grey.” I shake his hand. “Crescent Ridge. Alpha heir?” He laughs. “Guilty. But I promise I’m not like most heirs.” “I’ll be the judge of that.” His smile widens. “I look forward to it.” As we walk away, Kaia explodes. “He is HOT. Did you see his eyes?” Before we make it halfway down the hall— “Quinn.” I turn. Kieran Vale. “Yeah?” “You doing the tournament this year? You didn’t sign up last year.” I cross my arms. “Were you looking for me, Kieran? I thought you were too far up my sister’s ass to notice.” Kaia chokes on a laugh. His mouth curves. “Funny. Ezra talked about you a lot last year.” “I decided not to compete,” I say. “But I will this year. Gotta keep the Quinn momentum going.” “Oh, someone’s cocky.” “No,” I reply calmly. “Confident. Anything else?” He studies me. “You look good today. Did you do something different?” I glance at Kaia, whose mouth is hanging open. “No. Actually, yes,” I say sweetly. “I grew some confidence in my beautiful body and decided it’s senior year—free yourself.” His eyes darken. “And funny how today’s the first time in four years you’ve spoken to me,” I add. “Coincidental.” “Try not to drool,” I say, turning and walking away. Behind me, Kaia is laughing her ass off. And Kieran Vale? He’s still standing there, watching.