Chasing His Rejected Mate

Irene- 18 years Leonard- 19 years Irene: People say wishes always come true, but all I wish for is the moon goddess to let me be mated to my best-friend, the Alpha’s son Leonard Reyes. Leonard and I have been friends since we were little, him being the Alpha’s son and me being the Beta’s daughter, we went to the same high school and all, and he was always protecting me. But, it was hard seeing Leo hang out with girls by his side, he was more of the outgoing and easy type while I was more introverted, I didn’t even know when I started crushing on him, I disliked how girls clung to his arm like bees. I spent nearly all the time just waiting and praying for my turn. We are set to attend the same university within the pack’s territory in four weeks, and I really don't want to lose my chance. The moment we graduate university, he’s going to take over as the Alpha of the dark moon pack, and my twin brother, Alejandro will take over as his Beta. Today is the day that I will find my mate, I turned eighteen yesterday and tonight is the mating ceremony where people come find their mate, I got all tingly and excited waiting for my mate in the hall and when I didn’t caught sight of Leo anywhere, disappointment cackled inside of me. Is he out again partying with those girls? Leonard is known to be a wild playboy, something I don’t really like. Why can’t he just look at me even if it’s for once? Can’t I be that woman in his life? I slip into my room, before I head to the balcony. I plan on confessing my feelings for him tonight, but how will I do that if he isn’t my mate? “Goddess,” I look up at the full moon that shimmers in the sky, “Please let Leo and I be mates,” Everyone in the whole pack knew about the feelings I harbored for Leonard, even my father and my twin brother was very much aware, still Leonard doesn’t see it. The gentle music playing from the background indicates the mating ceremony is still going on, yet I was hopeless and desperate for Leonard to arrive. I keep having this nagging feeling that he will be my mate. I stare up at the moon, biting my lips. Where is Leo? Why isn’t he here yet? I hear footsteps coming from behind and my heart races quite furiously, I freeze on the spot. “Hey, Irene.” His deep voice resounds behind me and my heart starts to hammer wildly, just like it always does whenever I am in his presence. “Aren't you supposed to be in the ballroom?” I catch a whisk of his manly cologne and I feel like melting on the spot, slowly, I crane my neck to look at him, smiling. His forest green eyes darken as he pinned his gaze on me, my wolf, Conri , whom I just unlocked yesterday started to purr within me. ‘Mate.’ She growled intensively and when our eyes met, I know that he felt that spark too. The moon goddess answered my prayers; I am mated to my best-friend. Happiness consumed me as I stand there with a smile. He takes a step further and my heart leaps a bit. He chuckles when he’s in front of me. “Mate,” He growls, a tiny smile playing on his lips. “Mate.” I say back, still feeling that heart-pounding ecstasy. I can’t believe it, I am finally mated to him, I can’t thank the moon goddess enough, she really did answer my prayer. I stare at his face lovingly under the moonlight and I felt my pulse quickening. He leans in and cups my chin lovingly, before kissing me. I want to melt in his kiss; his firm hand grasps my waist, pulling me into his chest as he continues to kiss me, the kiss turns rough and ravenous as we both couldn't get enough of each other. I kiss him back with the same level of hunger, I claw my hands on his golden blonde hair. All I want is him, always him. He stops kissing me and I suck in a shallow breath, staring at him in confusion. “What’s wrong?” I ask, puzzled. “Do you want this, Irene? Do you want me to claim you?” He asks, his darkened greenish eyes staring at me. “I want this, more than you can ever imagine.” I loop my hand around his neck as he pulls me tighter to himself, this is all that mattered, I will tell him about my feelings tomorrow but tonight. I want this so badly. Our bodies collide together as we both couldn't get enough of each other; I lead him to my bed. He places kisses down my neck and I moan in bliss, I let his hands explore my body; I let his lips tease mine hungrily. Due to the mate spark we both were feeling at that moment, we tore each other's clothes away eagerly as though there was no going back. I really can’t wait to tell him how I feel about him tomorrow. -- The light from my bedroom window streams in my face as I groan into my pillow, gently, I peel my eyes open into the familiar space of my bedroom, memories of last night filled my mind as I blush heavily, gripping the duvet tighter. I reached out beside me but the bed was empty, an unknown feeling washes over me. Where’s Leonard? Has he left? I don’t want him to go attend to his duties yet, I still have to confess how I really feel to my mate. I am nervous and giddy to tell him about my love for him, and maybe he might even mark me today. I go to the bathroom and step under the hot shower, scrubbing my skin while I replay the memories of last night in my head. Goddess, he was so strong and agile last night, it was the first ever time I was seeing the hungry part of Leonard. When I was done, I took the hair lotion and rubbed it amid my wavy jet black hair, letting the strands fall out of place. After putting on denim pants and a white t-shirt, I went in search of Leonard. “Leo!” I call out happily, as my wolf purred. She seems really excited to see her mate again. Leo's office door is opened and I wonder if I should go in. After much debating, I twisted the knob. The smell of musk and his strong cologne greets me as I step into his office. Leo is leaning on the table talking with a woman that has strawberry blonde hair, her silky short gown hangs perfectly tight to her curves, her face plastered with make-up. She’s pretty, jealousy and uncertainty washes over me just by staring at her, but I try to hide it with a smile. “Hello.” “Hi,” She says sweetly, stretching her hand for a handshake, Leo's quiet all of a sudden and I am worried, something catches my eyes, the numerous newspapers on his desk. I walked steadily to his table as I stared at the pictures; Leonard's wearing a navy suit while smirking elegantly at the camera and the woman with the strawberry hair was in his arms, smiling pleasantly, love in her eyes as she stared up at him. The headlines read: The Alpha’s son showed up with A-list actress Charlotte Monroe in his arms at the banquet last week, rumor has it that their love has been going on for quite some time now. “What is this?” I asked roughly, unsure of what I was staring at, was this true? I turn to Leonard, my eyes burning with unknown tears. “Please tell me this isn’t true.” This can’t be true, the press likes to make up and spread false stories sometimes. The woman known as Charlotte stares at me with her long rim lashes, and then I saw the huge diamond carat ring on her middle finger. An engagement ring. My whole world crumbles just by staring at it. “Who are you?” I ask the woman, my voice coming out rough. I am anxious to know the real answer. “I am his fiancée.” She finally says and I grip the edge of the table to support my stance.