The Alpha’s Rejected Mate

Him

MARISA

I didn’t cry until I got home, not when the whispers followed me out of the pack house, not when people stared even when the bond inside me still ached like an open wound I held it in every single piece of it until the front door closed behind me.

“Marisa?” my mother’s voice called from the kitchen. “Is that you?” I didn’t answer I couldn’t.

The moment I took another step, everything collapsed, and a sob tore through my chest before I could stop it. My knees gave out, and I sank to the floor, clutching at my dress like it was the only thing holding me together.

“Marisa?!” My mother's footsteps rushed toward me. My mother dropped beside me, her face filled with panic as she held my shoulders.

“What happened?” she asked urgently. “Why are you crying? Where’s Ella?” I tried to speak but the words wouldn’t come out.

“Alan!” she called out sharply. “Come here! Within seconds, my father was there too, his expression tense as he crouched beside us.

“Talk to me,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Marisa, what happened?” I shook my head violently.

“I—I can’t…” I choked out.

“Yes, you can,” he insisted gently. “You’re safe here.”

“He rejected me.”The words came out barely audible. My mother froze, and my father’s expression hardened.

“Who?” he asked, though something in his tone told me he already knew. I swallowed painfully.

“Carmín…”

“What?” Ella’s voice came from the doorway. I hadn’t even heard her come in.

“No…” she whispered, shaking her head. “No, he didn’t he wouldn’t. “He did,” I said, my voice empty now.

My mother pulled me into her arms immediately, holding me tightly as if she could shield me from everything.

“Oh, my baby…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m so sorry…”

My father stood abruptly, pacing the room.

“That boy has no right, " he cut in weakly. That doesn’t give him the right to humiliate you!” he snapped.

“It wasn’t just that,” I whispered. They both looked at me and I wished they hadn’t because I had to say it again.

“He said I was weak,” I continued. “That I don’t have a wolf… that I’m not worthy…”My voice cracked, he also said that I don’t belong here.”

“That’s enough.” My father’s voice was sharp now. “You belong here,” he said firmly. “You are my daughter. That is not up for debate.”

But what if he’s right?” I whispered.

My mother pulled back slightly, her hands cupping my face.

“Don’t you ever say that again,” she said softly but firmly. “Do you hear me?” Tears slipped down my cheeks.

“I don’t have a wolf,” I said. “I felt the bond… but I don’t have anything to give back.” You have more than enough,” Ella spoke up suddenly.

We all turned to her. “You’re stronger than half the people in that pack,” she said. “Wolf or no wolf.”

I let out a hollow laugh. “Tell that to them,” I muttered.

“Let them talk,” Ella snapped. “They’ve always talked. This is nothing new.” But this is different,” I said quietly.

This wasn’t just whispers anymore this was a public rejection.

“I saw the way they looked at me,” I continued. “Like I was nothing.”

My chest tightened again. It’s like I was never really part of them.”

My father sighed, running a hand over his face.

“People are cruel when they don’t understand something,” he said. “That doesn’t make them right.” It still hurts,” I whispered.

That night I cried myself to sleep and somewhere between the pain and the exhaustion I made a promise to myself that I would never feel this weak again.

(The Next Morning)

I didn’t want to go to school every part of me screamed not to but staying home would only make things worse they would talk anyway.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ella asked for the fifth time as we walked through the school gates.

“I’m fine,” I replied. She gave me a look. “You keep saying that.”

“Because it’s true.” It wasn’t but I needed it to be. The moment we stepped inside all focus shifted to me.

Is that her?”That’s the one…”

“The rejected mate…” My grip tightened around my bag. Ignore it, just ignore it.

“Wow,” a voice said loudly as a group of girls passed by us. “Imagine getting rejected by your own mate.”

Another girl laughed. “Not just rejected, but publicly humiliated.” It must be embarrassing, right…”

Ella turned sharply. “Say that again” No,” I said quickly, grabbing her arm.

She looked at me. “Marisa…Let it go.”

It’s not right” I said let it go.” She hesitated then reluctantly nodded but I could see the anger in her eyes.

We walked into class and that’s when everything got worse because he was there.

What a nightmare.

Sitting calmly at the back like he hadn’t destroyed me the night before. He looked up and our eyes met.

The bond stirred painfully in my chest but I shut it down immediately, I looked away and walked past like he didn’t exist.

Marisa…he called out. I didn’t stop or acknowledge him. I took my seat and kept my eyes forward.

“Did she just ignore him?” someone whispered.

“She’s bold…”

“Or stupid…”

I heard his chair move like he was about to come closer but he didn’t. Class started and all the noise died down.

For the first time since last night, I realized something this wasn’t just painful for me It affected him too and that was good because if I were going to suffer He wouldn’t get to walk away untouched.