Rejected. Aria: From omega to Alpha queen

Aria’s POV “I Alpha Kael of the blood fang pack, reject you Aria Grey as my mate,” Kael proclaimed. It first sounded like a heavy bell—deep and distant, almost unreal. The weight of his words made my ears hurt. I stood frozen and my eyes wide open. I felt the earth shift, it spun me wildly… I could see people, but my vision was blurry. Misery crept into my soul as his words settled on my chest. I watched the pack, my family rose against me—they threw dirt at me as they laid courses at me. I felt the world closing in on me— it looked dark in my eyes. The women dragged me like I was nothing, and others spat on me. Their voices went silent… I heard my heartbeat instead— faster, like they wanted to jump out of my chest. The world moved in motion as I watched Kael speak to his men. “Why so ruthless,” I thought to myself. Instantly, I got the urge to approach him and ask why he humiliated me the way he did. But I got trapped by the people and stumbled to the ground. The ground welcomed me with cold and sticky mud, soaking into the white gown I had saved for this day.. I tried to crawl but my limbs were too weak. My pride was gone. I heard them say, “How do you expect an Alpha to be bonded to an omega like you, a total commoner,” they shouted. “I didn’t choose to be born an Omega. Why am I being treated like a half cast by my people, people I call blood. I regret ever being born. I regret being a member of this pack” I whispered to myself. I couldn’t control my heavy heart. Finally, I struggled and crawled my way out of the wicked crowd. I wanted to disappear and never exist. The humiliation was too much to bear. I lay weakly on the ground as I prayed to the moon goddess to take me as I couldn’t hold back my pain to myself. “Weak,” they called me. Maybe I was. It looked like my agony would never end. I remembered the day I turned 18 on the last full moon. My mates experienced their shifts on time as they shifted mostly at 16. Mine finally came at 18 and I was happy— it felt like I finally belonged. It began the night I experienced my first shift, it was a painful experience, and took place under the full moon. My skin felt like they were peeling off while new white hairs appeared. I felt the itch on my teeth —new sharp fangs appeared. My body didn't feel like mine— I felt my blood boil. My senses came alive. My head spun — they happened immediately. The moment was unforgettable. . The next morning marked the day I knew about the mate ceremony. A sacred ritual ceremony, where two wolves bond as mates— committing to each other for life. It was a moment of joy, surrounded by loved ones and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the mates lives together. The day was sunny and dry. I felt the hotness of the sun on my skin… it didn’t stop me from picking the woods and taking them to my father to break . While in the field with my Father, we saw my mum approaching. She had fruits in her basket— she was just coming back from the local market. She smiled… her cheeks round and glowing. “Hungry,” she asked, petting my hair in her palms. “Yes mother,” I replied, smiling back at her. The night was calm. The room was quiet— I dressed the wooden dining table and my mum poured hot soups into the plates. It was a good meal as we ate it with bread in silence. “The mating ceremony is coming soon, I heard among them people today,” said my mum, breaking the silence. My heart sank inside my belly. I wasn’t expecting that to happen. I’ve always dreamt of having a mate. A lover who would protect me at all costs. A mate whom I would run to when I sense danger. But I didn’t think I was prepared to know him— I was shy. “You ready?” My Dad asked, he looked me in the eyes while he scooped a spoon of soup into his mouth. His voice called me back— he noticed I was present and absent minded. “Yes,” I answered in trembled voice— not scared but nervous. After dinner, I laid upright on my wooden bed, placed my two hands on my tummy and thought about the ceremony. “I can’t wait for this day. I know I’m not ready to meet my mate but I’m so eager to know who he is. What does he look like — his eyes, body? Will he have the build of a fighter— strong enough to protect me? How handsome will he look? Will he kneel before me calling me his queen? I smiled softly — I couldn’t control my thoughts. I blushed thinking of my mate and how the ceremony would go. I’ve always longed for a lover and soon I would know who he was. I slept smiling. “Aria, you would make a good mate,” my mother said as she helped me dress. It was a white long dress, one I’ve kept for this day. It was a free lace dress. It pushed up my breasts and showed off my cleavages. My mum helped with my corset– she tied it perfectly and it gave me a perfect waistline “What a special day today, I’m finally going to have a mate,” I giggled. It was a party and people gathered. The pack looked all excited and the wind blew calmly. The city looked beautiful. The ancient walls stood tall and huge. It had scanty green weeds in between stones. It held so many secrets and memories of our ancestors —the past heroes and the present. I looked around and I realized today wasn’t just special to me — others waited for it too. In groups, I saw friends laughing and having their best times. Others were catching up after a long time. I saw faces— some looked familiar while others didn’t. People hugged, cheered and others were talking. Sweet melodies filled the air— songs were sung. Everyone had things to do. Today was all about merriment… It was marked as special. As time passed, I felt no connection. “Does this mean I have no mate?” I thought to myself. I took in a heavy breath and relaxed— believing he would show up. Suddenly I had a strange feeling— a feeling of connection. It was too deep to fight back. I knew my mate was close. I was eager to meet him. My heart beat increased. I felt my blood rush through my veins— happy to meet someone new. I knew he felt the same way as I did but didn’t know who he was until my eyes came in contact with Kael Blackthorn. My heart froze. I didn’t expect him to be my mate. Alpha Kael was a name that commanded respect and was also feared by many. As the ruthless alpha of the blood feng pack, he ruled without pity, his judgments were final and always carried out without plea. He never smiled. His presence commanded respect. He walked into the gathering. He looked bold and mighty. His long white hair made his appearance so majestic— his golden eyes drew me the most to him. I recognized his scent — smoke and lavender. I wanted to fight it but I couldn’t. I felt us connected. As an Alpha… he led the pack. I instantly wondered if it was fate that brought us together. I saw the look on his face, he knew I was his mate. It felt cold and I knew there would be a problem somewhere. I wasn’t satisfied. This was not how I wanted to meet my mate. He drew attention to himself as he pointed at me. He proclaimed I was his mate and instantly rejected me. He was cold—ruthless. I didn’t expect the rejection. I didn’t expect him to be so harsh towards me, not after the connection we felt. I laid there on the ground. Memories flooded back —the pain,the rejection, the shame. My heart bled the more. I felt my tears hot on my cheeks but I couldn’t cry out. My chest was heavy and I struggled to breathe. I lay facing the sky. I saw it closing in on me, and I prayed for death.