Mated to the Quadruplets

Zara’s POV "I, Ashen Stallard, reject you, Zara Draven." The words echoed around the hall. I stood there, surrounded by the entire members of Crimson pack, my heart pounding as Ashen’s cold, emotionless eyes bore into mine. My leg began to shake as it looked as though I was going to fall. I blinked, unable to process what was happening. "What?" I whispered, my voice trembling. Ashen remained unmoved. "You heard me, Zara. I reject you." The gasps around us felt like daggers piercing my skin. My vision blurred as I stared at him, barely able to keep myself upright. "But why?" I choked out. "What did I do wrong?" "You didn’t do anything," he said flatly, his gaze shifting to the crowd as if this was a mere formality, like he couldn’t even bear to face me anymore. "I need someone stronger." "Stronger?" I repeated, the word barely leaving my lips. "We’re mates, Ashen. The Moon Goddess—" "The Moon Goddess made a mistake," he cut me off, his voice cold as ice. "You’re not what I need." I staggered back, feeling the weight of his words hit me like a physical blow. All the years we’d spent together, the promises, the dreams—it was crumbling right before my eyes. "Zara Draven!" My father’s voice thundered through the gathering, pulling everyone’s attention. His face was red with fury, his eyes ablaze with anger as he stormed toward me. "Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’ve brought shame upon this family!" I flinched at his words, humiliation crashing over me like a tidal wave. My father’s rage only deepened as he glared at me. The whispers from the pack members swirled around us like vultures circling a carcass. "This is what you’ve reduced us to?" He shouted. "An Omega, rejected by her mate? Pathetic!" I could barely breathe as the weight of his anger crushed down on me. I glanced around, my vision blurring from unshed tears. The faces in the crowd were unreadable—some pitied me, others sneered, but most just watched like spectators at a gruesome show. "Ashen, please," I whispered, turning back to him, desperate. "We can fix this. Whatever’s changed, we can fix it." He took a step back, distancing himself as if I were a burden. "It’s over, Zara. Accept it." The humiliation, the pain, it was unbearable. My father’s rage, Ashen’s cold rejection, the judgment from my pack—it all crushed me in that moment. I wasn’t just losing my mate, I was losing everything. Before I could say another word, a familiar voice cut through the tension, dripping with mockery. "Oh, how tragic." I turned to see Aria and Mila, two of my elder sisters, leaning casually against the pillar, Aria lips curled into a smug smile. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she watched me break apart in front of everyone. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Watching the show," she said with a shrug, clearly enjoying every second of my humiliation. "I mean, who wouldn’t want to see this?" "Get out of here, Aria," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "This isn’t your concern." "Oh, but it is," she said, stepping closer. Her voice lowered, becoming more sinister. "I mean, you didn’t really think you deserved Ashen, did you? An Omega like you?" I clenched my fists, feeling my blood boil. "What’s your problem, Aria? Why do you always have to tear me down?" Her smile widened as she glanced at Ashen, who still stood there, unmoving, as if this whole thing wasn’t even affecting him. "I’m just telling you the truth, Zara. You’re weak. And Ashen... well, he needs someone stronger." I glared at her, my mind reeling. Aria had always been cruel, but this felt different. There was something in her eyes, something that told me she knew more than she was letting on. "I can’t believe you’re enjoying this," I muttered, my heart aching with betrayal. "Oh, come on, Zara," Aria said with a laugh. "You should’ve seen this coming." I didn’t respond, my throat tightening as the pieces began to fall into place. Ashen’s sudden rejection, Aria’s gloating... something was wrong. I could feel it, but I couldn’t quite grasp what it was. "Just let it go, Zara," Ashen said finally, his voice devoid of any emotion. "It’s for the best." "For who?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "Is this for you? Or is this for someone else?" He didn’t answer, but Aria’s smirk grew wider. As the pack slowly dispersed, I stood there, alone, trying to understand what had just happened. Ashen had rejected me in front of everyone. My father had screamed at me, calling me a disgrace. And Aria... Aria had been there, delighting in my misery. Later that night, I sat in my room, staring at the wall, my mind racing. Something wasn’t right. Ashen’s rejection didn’t make sense. I kept replaying the scene in my head, over and over again, searching for answers. The knock on my door startled me. I wiped my eyes quickly, not wanting anyone to see me like this. "Come in," I called softly. The door creaked open, and Aria stepped in, her smug expression lighting up the dim room. She strolled in with an air of confidence, as if she had all the time in the world. "What do you want?" I asked, my voice sounding hollow and exhausted. Aria smiled as she perched on the edge of my bed, her eyes glinting with something dark. "Just wanted to see how you’re holding up." I shot her a glare. "Since when do you care?" "Oh, Zara," she said, her tone saccharine sweet. "I care. I really do." I didn’t believe her for a second, but I was too drained to argue. I lay back on my bed, hoping she’d take the hint and leave. Aria shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she was savoring a secret. "I have some news." I frowned, feeling a pang of curiosity despite myself. "What news?" "Why don’t you come downstairs and find out?" she said, her smile widening. I ignored her, burying my face in the pillow. I just wanted her to leave. But then she said something that made my heart leap. "Ashen’s in the sitting room," Aria said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "What?" I blurted out, leaping to my feet. Even in my disoriented state, my heart raced at the thought of Ashen. Was he here to make things right? "Yeah," Aria said, her tone sharp as she hissed, "So you better get down there now." Without waiting for any more of her taunts, I dashed out of my room, tears of hope blurring my vision. Ashen must have realized his mistake and was here to beg for my forgiveness. I could hardly believe it, but a surge of joy and anticipation carried me downstairs. As I reached the sitting room, I was met with a sight that brought me up short. Ashen was there, surrounded by his father Alpha Theron and several pack elders. The room was packed with people, and the atmosphere felt thick with tension. I hesitated at the entrance, confusion washing over me. Why was there a crowd? "Get over here and sit," my father ordered sharply, his voice cutting through my thoughts. I stumbled forward, quickly taking a seat on the sofa, my heart pounding. Ashen stepped forward, his expression serious. He cleared his throat, preparing to speak. "So, the reason I’m here today is to announce my Luna." I could hardly contain my excitement. Despite everything, I felt a rush of joy. Maybe Ashen had realized he’d made a mistake. Maybe he was here to apologize and make things right. I waited eagerly for him to come over and make amends. But then, Ashen’s next words froze me in place. "It’s going to be Aria," he said, his voice steady. "What?!" The word escaped my lips before I could stop it. My mind reeled in disbelief. How was this possible? How had Aria—of all people—become the chosen Luna? I turned to look at Aria, whose smug smile had only grown. She looked almost triumphant as she placed a hand on her still-flat stomach. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. "And she’s already pregnant with my child," Ashen continued, his voice echoing in the room. A stunned silence fell over me. I felt my world collapse. I literally have been played…