The Alpha’s Rejected Mate

Bad News

CARMÍN

Rejecting her was the right decision. At least that’s what I kept telling myself.

I leaned back in my seat, my eyes fixed on the front of the class, though I hadn’t heard a single word the teacher had said in the last ten minutes.

“She actually ignored you,” my Beta repeated, sounding both amused and shocked. Still… I said nothing.

“Carmín,” he pressed, lowering his voice slightly, “that’s not normal.”

“I don’t care,” I replied flatly. But that was a lie and we both knew it.

“She didn’t even look at you,” he continued. “Not once. It’s like you don’t exist to her.” My jaw tightened slightly I had noticed from the moment she walked into the classroom from the second our eyes met and she looked away like I meant nothing.

Good, that was how it was supposed to be.

“You rejected her,” my Beta said, as if reminding me of something. “What did you expect? For her to run into your arms?”

“I expected her to understand,” I replied sharply.

He let out a short laugh. “Understand what? That you embarrassed her in front of the entire pack?”

“I did what was necessary Carlos stop making a big deal out of it.”

“Necessary for who?”

I shot him a look. “Watch your tone I am still your Alpha.”

“I’m your Beta, not one of your followers,” he said calmly. “If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll say it.”

Silence fell between us for a moment. “You felt it, didn’t you?” he asked. I didn’t answer.

“The bond,” he continued. “You felt it just like she did.” My fingers curled slightly against the desk Of course I felt it.

The moment our eyes me It hit me hard, I was just being an ass rejecting her that way.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said finally. He studied me carefully then sighed. “You’re lying to yourself.”

Before I could respond, another voice joined in.

“Talking about the rejected mate?”

A few guys from the back of the class leaned over, clearly interested. “Man, that was brutal,” one of them said, shaking his head. “Did you see her face?”

Another laughed. “She looked like she was about to collapse.”

“Honestly,” a third added, “you did the right thing. Imagine having a Luna without a wolf? That’s embarrassing for the pack.” I said nothing.

But the way they spoke about her didn’t sit right with me. “Yeah,” one of them continued, “and she’s not even from a proper bloodline poor girl ”

“That’s enough.” My voice cut through their laughter instantly. They went quiet, I didn’t bother looking at them.

“I made my decision,” I said coldly. “That doesn’t give you the right to speak about her however you want.” A brief silence followed.

“Of course, Alpha,” one of them muttered quickly. I leaned back again, my expression unreadable, but inside something was off because, despite rejecting her I didn’t like hearing them talk about her like that and I didn’t like that I didn’t like it.

The moment the final bell rang, I was out of my seat.

“Carmín” My Beta caught up to me just outside the building. “You’re leaving already?”

Yes, I have things to handle.” You always have things to handle,” he replied dryly. I stopped walking and turned slightly to face him.

“What is it you want to say?” I asked. He studied me for a moment. You’re distracted.” No I’m not.”

“You are,” he insisted. “And it’s because of her.” I scoffed lightly. “You’re overthinking it.”

“Am I?” he raised a brow. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you rejected your mate… and now you don’t know what to do with yourself.” My expression hardened.

“I know exactly what I’m doing.” I made the right choice,” I said firmly. “The pack comes first. It always has.” And what about you?” he pressed. “What do you want?” I didn’t answer because that question wasn’t one I allowed myself to think about.

(Later That Evening)

“Carmín.” My mother’s voice stopped me just as I was about to head upstairs. I turned slightly.

Luna Melina stood by the doorway, her expression calm. We need to talk.” I sighed internally but nodded.

“Alright.” We moved into her office. The moment the door closed, the atmosphere shifted.

She sat down first, gesturing for me to do the same.

“It's about what happened,” she began. I handled it,” I said. She studied me carefully Did you?”

Yes mother. “Rejecting your mate is not something to take lightly, Carmín.” I am much aware.”

“Are you?” she asked softly. “Because from where I’m standing, it seems like you made that decision too quickly.” My jaw tightened.

“I made the decision based on what’s best for the pack.”And what is best for the pack?” she asked.

“A strong Luna,” I replied immediately. “Someone who can stand beside me. Lead. Protect.”

And you believe Marisa cannot do that?”

“She doesn’t even have a wolf,” I said flatly.

“Strength is not always what we see on the surface,” my mother said. I exhaled slowly.

“I don’t have time for uncertainty,” I replied. “The pack needs stability.” And so you will choose someone else?” she asked.

Yes.” “Someone stronger?”

“Someone worthy of being your Luna? “Yes.”

She nodded slowly. Then leaned back slightly.

“You speak like an Alpha,” she said. “But you think like a boy trying to prove something.” My expression darkened.

“I don’t need to prove anything.” Are you sure about that?” she asked quietly.

You are your father’s son,” she continued. “Which means one day, everything he has built will be yours.” I know that.”

Then you should also know that being Alpha is not just about strength,” she added. “It’s about balance. About understanding. About knowing when to lead and when to feel.”

I don’t have the luxury of emotions,” I said coldly.

A small, sad smile touched her lips. “Every Alpha says that… until they realize they’re wrong.”

I looked away uninterested in continuing the conversation.

If your concern is finding a Luna,” she continued, “there are many suitable options. Strong families. Powerful alliances.” That won’t be necessary,” I said.

She raised a brow. “No?” Our family already has influence,” I replied. “The companies in the city, the connections my father has built” And you believe that is enough?” she asked.

She studied me for a long moment then nodded slowly. Very well,” she said. “If that is what you believe.”

I turned to leave done with the conversation.

Carmín. I paused, but didn’t turn you may have rejected her,” my mother said softly, “but that does not mean the bond disappears. My grip tightened slightly.

It will fade,” I said, but even as I said it I wasn’t entirely sure.

I had barely made it halfway up the stairs when the doors burst open.

“Alpha!”

One of the council members rushed in, his breathing uneven and panicked.

“What is it?” I asked sharply. He hesitated It’s… your father.”

What about him?” I demanded. The man swallowed hard. There was an attack… on his way to a business meeting in the city.”My heart dropped. “He didn’t make it.”