His Rejected Mate

Three

"I... I don't know what just happened," I stammered, my mind reeling from the sudden inflow of information. Zane's concern was evident as he reached out to steady me.

"Zoe, are you alright?" Zane's voice broke through the overwhelming flood of sensations.

Zane's expression reflected my confusion.

"I felt it too," he murmured, a note of wonder in his voice.

"It's like... like we imprinted on each other."

"But that's... that's impossible," I retorted, my eyes widening in disbelief.

The overwhelming emotions and the concept of imprinting left my mind in restlessness, and I struggled to comprehend the depth of the connection that had just formed between us.

"You're my mate, Zoe," Zane said in a soft voice, his eyes filled with warmth and longing.

"No, it's not possible," I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest. Zane looked confused at my reaction, and I could see the concern in his eyes. When werewolves find their mates, it's usually a joyous occasion, filled with excitement and happiness. Not all werewolves are fortunate enough to meet their fated mates, so I could only imagine how bewildered Zane was by my response.

As his earnest gaze searched my face, I felt a surge of emotions overwhelming me. I turned away from him and fled back to my room, the tears streaming down my cheeks. I didn't understand how this could be happening. Was the moon goddess toying with my emotions? The fear of rejection gripped my heart, and I couldn't bear the thought of experiencing that pain again.

I crumbled onto my bed, the sobs wracking my body as I struggled to make sense of the uneasiness inside me. The memories of Zephyr's rejection flooded back, reopening wounds that I thought had healed. How could I face the prospect of another rejection, especially from someone as kind and caring as Zane?

Before I knew it, Zane was standing in the doorway, his concerned gaze fixed on me.

"Zoe, what's wrong?"

he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine worry.

"Why are you crying? And what did you mean when you said you're not my mate?"

I looked up at him, my eyes still brimming with tears.

"You won't understand Zane but I can't be your mate, because I already have a mate"

"How is that possible?" Zane asked, stepping closer. confusion etched on his face.

"I... I was the Luna of Crimson Pack," I began, my voice shaky with emotion. "I was mated to Zephyr Crimson, and we were together for three years. But one day, he told me he didn't love me anymore. He rejected me and then... he banished me, choosing my younger sister as his new Luna."

Zane's expression softened with understanding as he listened to my words. His eyes held a mixture of sympathy and compassion.

"I'm sorry about what happened to you Zoe, that was cruel of him," he said and continued

"Did you accept the rejection?" He asked looking keenly at my face.

"Yes I did"

"Do you still love him?"

"No, I don't "

I responded honestly because the only feeling I had for Zephyr was that of hatred.

"Then you've just been given a second chance at love by the moon goddess, and ours is a stronger connection," Zane said wiping the tears that escaped my eye

"Zoe, I would never be that cruel to you," he said earnestly.

"I already loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you in the woods."

His words washed over me like a soothing balm, and I found myself drawn to the sincerity in his voice. I gazed into his eyes, searching for any hint of deceit, but all I found was pure honesty and affection.

As Zane reached out to me, I felt a surge of warmth spreading through my heart. His touch was gentle and reassuring. I snuggled in Zane's hug, feeling scared and unsure.

"But Zane," I said quietly,

"how can I know for sure? After everything I've been through, how can I trust that this isn't just another bad thing waiting to happen?"

Zane looked me straight in the eyes, his expression showing he meant every word.

"I get why you're worried, Zoe," he said softly.

"But I promise you, I will never hurt you. I'll be there for you, no matter what. Please, trust me."

His words made me feel a jumble of feelings. Could I start to believe in love again? Memories of being hurt before made me want to protect myself from more pain.

Zane gently touched my cheek, trying to comfort me.

"Zoe, I know it's tough to forget the past," he said kindly.

"But I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. I want to show you what real love is and prove that you deserve to be happy," Zane reassured me, his eyes filled with sincerity.

Tears filled my eyes as I absorbed his words. I knew Zane was being honest, but another worry consumed my mind. What would happen if he found out I was pregnant with Zephyr's child? Would he still love me? Would he cast me out of the pack and into the woods once more? My thoughts were in chaos, torn between the fear of rejection and the desire to be honest. If I hid it from Zane, my growing stomach would soon betray the secret.

"You have to tell him Zoe" Twinkle sensing my frustration said

"I can't, Twinkle, what if he chases us away?"

"He wouldn't do that, he's too kind to do that"

"How are you so sure?"

"I just have the feeling that he won't"

"I'll tell him later, maybe not today"

"Tell him now" Twinkle commanded

but the fear of his reaction held me back. I didn't want to lose the newfound warmth and acceptance I had found with Zane. I was terrified of the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Zane, sensing my continued distress, asked me what was still troubling me. His newfound connection with me allowed him to sense my feelings more deeply.

I hesitated for a moment, then the words spilled out.

"I'm pregnant."