Rejected, Now An Untouchable Lycan Princess

One Last Time

Samantha's pov

As I had masked my lycan’s aura, I was known as the wolf-less one so I wasn't allowed to join the regular training sessions. But after three months of being there, I saw him shift to his wolf for the first time. I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. His wolf was a majestic golden wolf, just like my lycan. That also meant his wolf had special abilities.

How wonderful.

Of course Luna was ecstatic. No wonder we were fated mates. Perhaps we were destined to do great things together. If only he would give us a chance.

For one thing, an alpha’s ego was great. He probably didn't want to take his words back. Maybe that was one reason he wouldn't take his rejection back. After that second rejection, I was afraid that he might start ignoring me again, but he didn't.

He remained the kind and considerate alpha, being diplomatic whenever he had to deal with me. He spoke with me like any other member of the pack. Perhaps he wanted to be good to me because I was his sister's best friend. He doted on her after all.

That was one reason I kept my hopes high even after being pushed away numerous times. It had become a norm for me to keep trying to earn his attention. I wanted to be worthy of his love. We were destined to be together, but perhaps I had to work hard to deserve to be in his life.

So I learnt about his likes and dislikes. I learnt how to cook and started to volunteer in the kitchen, because his mom said that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. I tried especially hard to master baking pineapple upside-down cake because that was his favourite dessert.

Nothing seemed to work… not yet, at least.

I began to volunteer at the orphanage and at the hospital. I had a lot of time on my hands and didn't want to waste it without doing something good. Soon enough I noticed that the pack members loved having me around them, regardless of their age. Yes, I was known as the wolf less one, but no one seemed to care. They liked me, and I enjoyed every minute I spent with them.

Luca continued to give a cold shoulder, nonetheless. No amount of care, love, and pineapple upside-down cakes seemed to soften his heart.

Yet, I continued to pursue him for 11 months. I asked him to accept me on every 25th, but his response was the same. At first his rejections were cold and instant, but then slowly he appeared reluctant to push me away. Regardless of the nature of his rejection, I was left with a broken heart.

On the night of the 11th rejection, I locked myself up in the room and cried. It was Luna who decided to interrupt me.

“Sam. Don't do this to yourself.”

“Luna. What should I do? I don't know anymore.”

I had to stop our conversation when I felt something nudge in my head. It was a royal mind link. Although I kept away from royal duties and the pressure from that life, I was compelled to accept official mind links from my parents.

“Samantha.”

I heard my father’s voice as soon as I allowed the link to open. I pursed my lips together to prevent myself from sobbing.

“The northern king and queen hope to fulfil the marriage alliance between you and their son, Axel. We firmly believe he is a better match for you, as he is reliable and stable.”

My mom’s voice followed his. “Sweety, we have watched you suffer repeated rejections for almost a year. We won’t intervene because we want to respect your decision. It is enough now, though. You have tried, and it’s okay to let go.”

I didn't speak, partly because I didn't want them to realise I had been crying. But gosh, it was good to hear their voice.

“We urge you to return to the kingdom and fulfil this alliance. Your mother is right, Sam. You should return home,” my father added.

I swallowed my sobs and spoke up. “I will think about it and let you know soon.”

Silence followed until my mom spoke up again. “We miss you. Please visit us soon.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks again. “I miss you too, and yes. I will visit.”

This time, my voice cracked. I had stayed away from home for so long. All for the sake of love.

Luna heaved a breath. “Maybe we should let go.”

“What?” I asked as soon as the mind link closed.

“Next month marks one year since we met. We may try again, and if he rejects us, I'll obliterate his memory, allowing you to return to the Southern Kingdom.”

The next day was normal. Or so I thought. I was helping the omegas clear the table after the pack’s breakfast when an alarm went off. Luna was on the edge. We both sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere. All the ranked wolves too seemed to have noticed it. Luca’s eyes clouded. I assumed he received news from the border patrol.

“The pack is under attack! To the borders! Now!” Luca’s commands rose over the commotion that erupted in the pack house.

Luca barked orders at the warriors while his parents rushed towards the exit. They were going to shift to their wolves and fight the attackers. Lina rushed up to me.

“Look. I know you are a badass and can kick anyone’s ass in your human form, but please, don’t come to the border. Stay here,” she said, pleading with her great brown eyes.

Both my lycan and I were tempted to reveal our identity and join the fight because it will ensure victory for the pack.

“But…” I protested, but Lina covered my mouth with her hand.

“Nope. Stay and protect the pack members from here,” she said. “Please. I need you to be safe.”

I studied her face.

“I don’t care if Luca rejected you. He is being a jerk. You are my bestie and my luna. You do realise the pack members secretly call you future luna, right?”

“They do?” Despite the situation, I smiled to myself.

“Yes, and I can’t risk your safety. Please, stay.”

I raised my hand, surrendering to her request. “Okay, okay. I’ll stay.”

They took off. The waiting game was hard. Harder than fighting a battle. All the members of the pack waited in anticipation, hoping to hear good news. Some of the little pups cried in fear, but they trusted their alpha. I had never seen this side of the war, because I usually joined the fight. They were hopeful, patient and trusting.

So we waited until finally sensed their return. The air filled with their scents, now mixed with sweat and blood. I smiled to myself. I knew they won, and perhaps some of them were injured. Although my lycan’s aura was concealed, I intended to lend a hand in healing the injured. That way, their recovery would speed up.

What I didn’t expect was to see my mate lying unconscious on the ground, blood oozing from the side of his head.

“What happened?” I couldn't help but scream after seeing him in that state. I couldn't care less if he hadn't acknowledged me as his mate. At that moment, it didn't matter that he hurt me with his rejections. All that mattered to me was that he was hurt.

Was he dead? No, he couldn't be dead. I would feel it, right?

Everyone watched as I dashed to his side and inspected his wound. I breathed a sigh of relief when I felt his pulse. He was fine. Badly injured, but alive. His wolf was probably trying to heal him, but I knew I could speed it up.

I was the golden lycan and his mate.

Without thinking twice, I placed my hand on his head and closed my eyes. Luna was careful not to reveal her aura as I channelled with our healing power. When I opened my eyes, I noticed that the bleeding had stopped.

Yes! It worked. The bleeding stopped, and that meant he would recover within days.

Lina, Helena and Isaac knelt beside me and started to inspect Luca’s body.

“Did you just heal him?” Lina whispered.

My lips parted as I glanced at her. “I am his fated mate,” I said, and she smiled. That was a good enough reason for it to be believable.

He made a complete recovery. The pack members whispered the news that I was his mate. Throughout my stay, several of them had a feeling that no one validated. Everyone knew what happened the day I cured his injury. Some of them mustered the confidence to question about our link, while some of them surreptitiously murmured among themselves.

A few omegas and warriors began to arrange scenarios in which Luca would be left alone with me. They wanted to help me get closer to their Alpha. I noticed changes in him. There were times when I thought he might accept me as his partner, but he never said so.

Everything seemed to go well, and I was hopeful he would say yes this time.

***

Twenty-fifth of December arrived. I anxiously descended the stairs, my gaze darting across the room. It was a white party and I thought everyone looked great in their adorable white clothes.

Especially my mate in his white suite.

“Hey,” Lina walked up to me and handed me a little box. I opened it.It was a silver ring with a wolf's head at its core.

“I got this for you. Give it to him,” she said.

My lips parted as I glanced at her from the ring. Slowly my lips curled into a smile. It was a beautiful ring and suited him perfectly.

“You didn’t have to,” I said.

“Oh, yes, I do. You are my bestie. Besides, you’d do the same for me,” she said.

I gave her a hug as I glanced at him. He was standing beside the table of drinks, talking with one of his generals. After taking a deep breath, I let out a half-hearted laugh.

“Here goes. I really hope this works,” I said.

The general offered a smile when he saw me and bowed his head. “Luna,” he said and excused himself.

I looked at Luca. He didn’t seem to care that he addressed me as his luna. I felt hopeful once again. Maybe… just maybe he would accept me this time.

While we exchanged pleasantries, my heart pounded. All I could think of was confessing one last time. I gave him the ring and to my relief, he accepted.

I took in a deep breath and said, feeling more than just hopeful. “Luca. I love you. I have loved you since fate paired us together, and it would be an honour to be your mate and luna. Accept me as your mate. Or reject me with grace.”